In collaboration with PASSIONS, VOICE OF ASIA is proud to present timeless articles from the archives, reproduced digitally for your reading pleasure. Originally published in PASSIONS Volume 54 in 2013, we present this story on Othman Omar, the then-General Manager of PKNS and how he led the company to greater success.
Since joining PKNS in 2009, Othman Omar has helped lead Selangor State Development Corp. or Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor (PKNS) to even greater heights, and it is perhaps his greatest accomplishment in a career that has been many years of managerial milestones in the making. Calm, assured and with a positive outlook that can conquer all, Othman has led by example, helping to create a stronger foundation upon which the property developer can continue to build its success, taking the company into a new age.
“There is no such thing as self-made success. Even the most successful, independent person had a support network that could be relied on.”
So just what does it take to become a manager with stellar leadership acumen, and the skill to inspire those in their charge? According to Othman, a key component is the ability to be inspired, acquiring an energy and outlook that can influence others. “Your character is determined by the experiences you have, the people you encounter, and the books you read. As a person you have to be like a sponge, soaking up advice and learning from every single individual you meet in life. Books are a priceless asset, opening your mind to ideas and concepts that, after acquiring, make you feel like you were previously looking at a cloudy version of the world. Reading is akin to putting on a pair of glasses and gaining a clear perspective.”
It is this fresh outlook and ability to set the bar of achievement ever-higher that has been a crucial aspect during his successful tenure at PKNS – a company which already had a solid reputation when he joined, but has surged to another level through his perseverance and determination for excellence. “A manager told me very early on in my career that you have to make an impact from day one. If you are going to make a change, you have to make it a significant one, and you cannot be bound by a fear of failure. I think maybe people looked at me when I first started and asked, ‘Why is he trying to rock the boat and change things?’. But even a successful company can become complacent with success, and to lead you have to be confident that the results will prove that you were right to initiate that change.”
Indeed PKNS has made great strides and backed by stakeholders, the public and the board, Othman has repaid the trust. The company is an influential cog in the real estate sector, the economy of the State of Selangor and Malaysia, mastering both low-cost, affordable housing and the high-end market – generating profits that are put back into the business to the betterment of its existing and future projects.
Despite the plaudits, Othman – a person of principle and strong faith– remains grounded,humble and mindful that he did not prevail on the journey alone. “God has blessed me throughout my life, through my achievements but more so through the people I have been surrounded by. There is no such thing as self-made success. Even the most successful, independent person had a support network that could be relied on, colleagues or family members to guide them and influence their path through life. It is a team effort,” he admitted.
It is these people – and also those who he has come to know vicariously, such as world leaders, leading entrepreneurs, or self-help gurus – that very much shaped Othman’s managerial style and his personality. However his strength is also one that comes from within, a self-ignited enthusiasm and motivation. “You are the one who decides what mood you are going to be in, how determined you are to succeed and how persistently you will pursue excellence. Continued success can be draining, and relentlessly sap your energy. The truly great people find a way to replenish that energy, to find a second wind, keep sailing in the right direction, and have a positive effect on those around them,” he enthuses.
Though he counts a BrandLaureate – given for his transformational leadership ability – among his greatest personal achievements, Othman Omar is driven by the will to make a difference. in the corporate sphere especially, he is a man who inspires all who seek his counsel, leading with aplomb and delivering on his promises – a man whose actions speak louder than awards.
Branding PKNS, Selangor, and Malaysia
Othman Omar, General Manager of Selangor State Development Corporation, or Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor (PKNS), further affirmed his status as one of Malaysia’s top corporate leaders when he was selected as the recipient of the 2013 BrandLaureate Transformational Corporate Leader Brand Icon Leadership Award in October.
With two decades under his belt as a leader in the property, infrastructure and engineering sectors, General Manager Othman has played a pivotal role in the growth of PKNS as a brand. His implementation of strategic and innovative policies has strengthened the company’s position as both an industry leader and icon.
PKNS was initially focused on low-cost developments, and was associated with social housing and low-cost houses. Under the direction of Othman Omar, the developer expanded to become one that caters to all segments – from the high-end to lower income to the commercial, including shops and factories – and it quickly became synonymous with both social entrepreneurism and excellent-quality products and services.
The award reflects not only Othman Omar’s tenacity and strength to overcome challenges in a dynamic industry, but also the success of PKNS in its developments, which are well-received, whether they are top-range or affordable housing projects.
Othman’s indomitable spirit, sterling leadership and innovative ideas have contributed to the sustainability of PKNS, an organisation that positively affects Selangor’s economy in specific terms, and the nation’s in general, by providing business and employment opportunities for its citizens.
PASSIONS congratulates General Manager Othman Omar, as well as PKNS, for their continued success and their contribution to raising the bar for quality in the industry.
“We believe in benchmarking ourselves and our developments against standards and quality ratings, and we want to ensure that our projects incorporate the latest practices of eco-sustainability architecture.”
