New Sime Darby Property group MD prepares 'to chart new history' 

PETALING JAYA (April 22): Today marks the first day of Datuk Azmir Merican Azmi Merican's tenure at Sime Darby Property Bhd as group managing director. However, it is not business as usual amid the Covid-19 pandemic and the Movement Control Order (MCO) for the newly minted head of Malaysia’s largest property developer in terms of landbank.   

The former UEM Edgenta Bhd managing director and CEO told EdgeProp.my that things are different from what he would have imagined.

"[My appointment] comes at a time where most of us are required to remain at home while trying to maintain some semblance of a normal working routine. It is unfortunate that I cannot meet the Sime Darby Property family, but for now, we will get acquainted through digital platforms. Nevertheless, I am excited and looking forward to the beginning of my journey with Sime Darby Property. It is a welcome change of scene and with a great team behind me, I believe we are ready to chart a new history (for the company)," Azmir shared with EdgeProp.my via an email interview.

Starting his journey with the company at a time when the global economy is troubled and grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic, Azmir believes there is a need to reflect on past experiences of how the company has succeeded in rising above domestic and global turmoil.

"We will realign our immediate priorities, bolster our position and sustain our business standing amidst the current situation. Our future depends on our ability to be resilient and we will have to remain focused on identifying opportunities while adjusting to the new norms so that we can sustain our performance and remain competitive," he said.

"The property industry remains a key sector of the economy, with its spill-over benefits positively influencing more than 140 industries. We will continue to play a leading role in catalysing socio-economic progress despite the economic and industry headwinds coming our way," declared Azmir.

In his previous role as UEM Edgenta CEO and MD, Azmir had spearheaded UEM Edgenta's transformation as a technology-driven company in the healthcare support services, property and facility solutions, and infrastructure sectors.  

Sime Darby Property currently has 19,977 acres of remaining developable land. It has to date built 24 active developments including townships in the Asia Pacific region and the United Kingdom.   

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