In 1979, Dato’ Seri Khor pivoted to the property sector, founding the esteemed Hunza Properties Group, which became a significant industry player in Penang. His guidance propelled the company into international markets, showcasing Penang’s global real estate offerings while cultivating a diverse property development, real estate investment, and construction portfolio.
In 2000, he successfully listed Hunza Properties Berhad on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad, becoming the first property development company to do so after the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. Dato’ Seri Khor wields significant influence over its 30 subsidiaries, and his robust foundation has galvanised Hunza to flourish and redefine Malaysia’s property landscape for generations.
Hunza has completed over 18,000 properties and will lead its immediate growth trajectory with the RM10 billion Penang International Commercial City (PICC) integrated development. PICC accommodates a lifestyle mall, an international hotel, a global business services hub, a medical centre, and premium residences. The group’s extensive land bank in Bertam further strengthens its financial foundation and supports its commitment to long term sustainability.
Hunza is also the developer and owner of the renowned Gurney Paragon Mall, an iconic retail destination in Penang that received the Best Retail Development commendation at the 2018 Asia Pacific Property Awards. St. Jo’s, a cultural landmark previously known as St. Joseph’s Novitiate, forms Gurney Paragon’s hallmark attraction. The edifice is one of George Town’s singular heritage structures. Raised in 1916, the chapel functioned as both a novitiate and a pedagogical training institution until 1988.
Following Hunza’s acquisition, the locale was incorporated into the Gurney Paragon development, harmoniously amalgamating with the shopping mall, opulent residences, and an office tower.
As a diligent developer, Hunza undertook an unrelenting commitment to rejuvenate St. Jo’s, a heritage gem, restoring its historical significance to its illustrious past. The comprehensive restoration encompassed the integration of avant-garde engineering techniques, particularly the exceptional and distinctive underpinning method, which enabled the establishment of two underground levels for vehicular parking beneath the principal structure.
This marvellous achievement earned St.Jo’s a prestigious spot among the recipients of the FIABCI World Prix D’Excellence Awards 2014, winning the World Silver Award in the Heritage (Restoration/ Conservation) category.
Beyond the corporate scene, Dato’ Seri Khor actively engages with other industrial and commercial organisations. From 2006 to 2010, he led the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) Penang Chapter and continues as its adviser, demonstrating his dedication to the realty industry. He served as president of the Penang Xiamen Friendship Association from 2018 to 2022, enhancing international relations, and since 2019, has presided over the Penang Premium Business Enterprise Association(PPBEA), promoting business excellence.
His substantial contributions earned him accolades, including the Property Man of the Year award from FIABCI Malaysia in 2014 and the World Chinese Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.
Despite his busy schedule, Dato’ Seri Khor remains a dedicated philanthropist. He is closely connected to his simple origins and prioritises community support through a genuine commitment to social responsibility initiatives. He has assisted over 1,200 squatters in securing permanent housing through cash compensation or low cost housing units, with a staggering commitment of over RM100 million.
It doesn’t stop there. Along with his 82nd birthday, Dato’ Seri Khor started an eponymous charity fund – Khor Teng Tong & Hunza Charity Berhad – to support underprivileged and needy communities in Penang and Kerian. To Dato’ Seri Khor, it is essential to remember and appreciate
your roots
