BUILT TO LAST, BUILT TO GIVE

ESTABLISHING Sunsuria Bhd in the late 80s was no easy feat for Tan Sri Datuk Ter Leong Yap. He took a calculated risk, mortgaging his house to kickstart his first commercial development.

The risks were bold – but they paid off. More than 30 years on, Ter has transformed his vision into one of Malaysia’s most prominent property empires, with landmark developments dotting the Klang Valley, and spanning as far as Australia and the UK.

Over the decades, the business has grown, branching into education, healthcare, construction, property investment, retail – even landscaping and nurseries.

This year the company reached another significant milestone with the launch of the Sunsuria Foundation.

The initiative unveiled in May is dedicated to creating lasting, long-term impact in the areas of education, community development, and environmental sustainability.

Art of giving back

“There’s a Chinese saying: in society, you make a living, but you also give back,” Ter shared, reflecting on the company’s journey. “As Sunsuria grows, so does our responsibility to the community.”

The act of giving back to the community is nothing new for Sunsuria, who have been running Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes for years.

These initiatives have spanned a wide range of efforts – from supporting relief operations during the devastating East Coast floods of 2014, to donating oxygen machines and face masks amid critical shortages during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The company has also been involved in organising community food drives, youth development programmes and the planting of over 5,000 trees in their township Sunsuria City.

“We have also supported the Orang Asli community by building homes, provided assistance to elderly care centres, and created opportunities for our colleagues to volunteer their time teaching English to refugees,” he recalled.

As these CSR efforts grew, it became clear to Ter that a more structured and sustainable platform was needed.

“That led to the establishment of the Sunsuria Foundation – to ensure that every contribution is thoughtfully channeled and every initiative leads to lasting, meaningful impact.”

Knowledge is power

Education stands as one of the three core pillars of the Sunsuria Foundation – and a cause especially close to Ter’s heart.

Through the years, Sunsuria has been supporting underprivileged students through scholarship programmes, and in Ter’s hometown of Klang, the company has also contributed to modernising nonprofit schools to provide students with better access to science and technology.

The company has also played a vital role in the development of educational institutions such as SJKC Sunsuria, Concord International College, and Xiamen University — the first overseas campus established by a Chinese public university.

Ter understands firsthand the transformative power of education in shaping lives.

Hailing from a family of teachers, he explained, gave him a deep appreciation for the role education plays — not just in academic development but in shaping values, discipline, and life opportunities.

“We see it as a key pillar because it equips individuals with the tools to improve their lives, support their families, and contribute meaningfully to society – it’s one of the most practical and lasting ways we can give back,” he confided.

The foundation’s role, he pointed out, is to complement existing efforts by providing additional support where it can make a meaningful difference, particularly for youth, who represent the future of our nation.

Ter is quick to add that it is also not just about what the youth learn, but also where they learn – highlighting the importance of nurturing, well-equipped learning environments.

“That’s why the foundation supports infrastructure and essentials – from contributing to the construction of SJKC Sunsuria, to providing school supplies to students in need,” he shared.

Bringing people together

As property developers, community has become a big part of what drives Sunsuria’s core business.

Ter shared that while community support aligns with Sunsuria’s ESG responsibilities, it’s also something that runs deeper.

“Community initiatives are how we connect our values with the people around us,” he said, adding that it creates a real sense of pride and purpose among Sunsuria employees – many of whom have been actively involved in the company’s CSR programmes.

In the past, Sunsuria used to be more reactive when it came to community work, responding to requests, especially for education and children-related needs. But with the foundation in place, Ter said, Sunsuria is moving towards a more proactive and strategic approach.

He cites developments such as Sunsuria City in Sepang – a 212-ha satellite city established in 2015 – as an example of the company’s long-term commitment to community-building.

With deep-rooted connections and a natural sense of responsibility toward the Sunsuria City community, it’s only fitting that the company focuses much of its outreach and initiatives in the surrounding areas.

However, that doesn’t limit its scope. In times of urgent need, like during the devastating Kelantan floods, Sunsuria remains ready to extend its support beyond its immediate footprint.

“The foundation’s board will guide our direction and help us stay focused, organised, and impactful in our efforts,” he added.

Ode to Earth

When Ter founded Sunsuria Bhd in 1989, his vision was always set on long-term growth. In property development, that means valuing not just profits, but the environment too – one he admitted has its inherent challenges.

“The sustainability process spans from land acquisition to material selection, construction practices, and how we integrate greenery and replanting efforts post-construction.

“Fortunately, things are much easier today,” he said, referring to the access to green-certified materials and technology.

In its mission to build more livable spaces, the company has weaved environmental elements into its projects.

Sunsuria City for instance is designed as a self-sustaining township that complies with the Green Building Initiative and features energy-efficient solutions to cut down waste and protect the ecosystem.

Ter emphasised that Sunsuria sees environmental stewardship as a responsibility that covers many important areas, including areas closely tied to their role as a developer, such as climate resilience, biodiversity, and the creation of healthier green spaces.

“Through efforts like tree planting and expanding green spaces, we aim to support healthier ecosystems, boost urban biodiversity, and create more livable, community-friendly environments,” he explained.

Ter believes Malaysia’s future lies with its next generation, and by setting up the Sunsuria Foundation, he’s built a springboard of programmes and initiatives to support them.

“If we can help inspire capable, confident individuals who go on to make a real difference – that would be the foundation’s true legacy.”