What sets Sunrise Berhad apart from other developers is its ability to sell all of its luxury condominium units easily due to the good demand for them. Also defying the norm, the location of its condominium is not necessarily strategic. Take for example, its projects in Mont’ Kiara Astana and The Andaman Datai Resort in Langkawi which are situated in secluded places. Yet, buyers have been satisfied with a guaranteed annual return of eight to 15 percent on their investment.

According to Yam, the traditional rationale of location being the driving force behind the value of a property is no longer the only price determiner. There is no doubt that location is still an important consideration but in order for a good project to work, a good developer is just as important or else the possibility for success is slim. Most abandoned projects are the result of the wrong combination of having good locations but on the other hand, the developers involved are of dubious reputation. He believes that a good property must have the five “Ws” – Where, Who, Which, What and Wow – but not necessarily in that order. The Andaman, despite having a location that is far from modern amenities, was a success as far as sale is concerned. But to understand the reason for this, one will have to go there and take a look at it. The effect will be “wow” , the discovery of a new niche, concept, a style unknown before.

What is the driving force behind the success of Sunrise Berhad? Yam believes strongly in teamwork and by making every staff an owner of the company. The employees are part of the company shareholders and to Yam, being so they will be more motivated and dedicated to their work. And of course, Yam also takes the initiative to reward good performers through a semi-annual appraisal.

Since taking over the helm of Sunrise Berhad in 1997, Yam has managed to establish the company as one of Malaysia’s prominent developers. He has also expanded the company horizons to South Africa, London (the United Kingdom), Dhaka (Bangladesh) and Sydney (Australia). Presently, the company is contemplating of venturing into China’s property market.