Building their own home and for the nation

Balancing work and family life can be tricky, but when you are married to your work in more ways than one, it almost seems impossible!

In conjunction with Malaysia’s National Day on Aug 31, TheEdgeProperty.com speaks to four husband-and-wife couples who are helming well-established property development companies in the country, about the challenges they face in achieving work-life balance and what it takes to work and live together at the same time. They also provided an update of their property projects and their views on the current property market.

Each couple seems to have their own formula in maintaining a successful marriage and business. Here are some of the things they shared that not only married couples can learn from, but also anyone who has to work closely with people.

Communication

The youngest couple, Datuk Seth Yap and Datin Lea Chan of M101 Holdings Sdn Bhd, admits that disagreements do happen and discussions do get heated, especially when key decisions have to be made, be it at home or for the company. However, they say honest and open communication is key in creating mutual understanding and resolving disputes.

Focus on each other’s strengths

For Eupe Corp Bhd’s Datuk Beh Huck Lee and Datin Michelle Gan Eileen, their contrasting personalities create positive dynamics in the company. Instead of letting their different personalities get in their way, they have found that they complement each other rather well by leveraging their strengths and keeping in mind the shared vision for themselves and the company.

No work at home

It may sound difficult to do but it’s achievable, according to Kerjaya Prospek Group Bhd’s Datuk Tee Eng Ho and Datin Toh Siew Chuon. Their main priority after working hours is to spend time with their family. The couple also encourages their staff to have a good work-life balance as they believe that this can raise productivity levels.

Unconditional support

It is said that behind every successful man is a woman, and although this may sound old-fashioned and clichéd, I-Bhd’s Tan Sri Lim Kim Hong stressed that he has much to thank his wife Puan Sri Tey Siew Thuan for her unconditional support in his entrepreneurial journey that has led him into property development and the creation of i-City in Shah Alam.

An industrious couple: I-Bhd’s Tan Sri Lim Kim Hong and Puan Sri Tey Siew Thuan

When opposites attract: Eupe Corp Bhd’s Datuk Beh Huck Lee and Datin Michelle Gan Eileen

Cemented by decades of love: Kerjaya Prospek Group Bhd's Datuk Datuk Tee Eng Ho and Datin Toh Siew Chuon

Mixing business with marriage: M101 Holdings Sdn Bhd's Datuk Seth Yap and Datin Lea Chan

This story first appeared in TheEdgeProperty.com pullout on Aug 25, 2017. Download TheEdgeProperty.com pullout here for free.