text by Halim Surin
Dato Bobby Ting, Managing Director of Elica
In the fast-paced world of property development, where the race is often towards the highest returns and the quickest completions, Dato Bobby Ting, the Managing Director of Elica, stands as a beacon of a more thoughtful and holistic approach. As the visionary behind Elica, Dato Bobby has redefined what it means to develop properties, not just as investments but as vibrant, sustainable communities that enhance the quality of life for their residents.
His journey, deeply rooted in personal experience and driven by a passion for innovation, offers a compelling narrative on how thoughtful property development can profoundly impact how we live.
Flying in from his home in Sydney, Australia, the Sarawak-born figure’s unique streak was apparent when he stepped into the studio alone for our interview. “I grew up in a family with an incredible thirst for business and a work ethic like no other,” Dato Bobby said. “My late father laid the foundation for who I am today.”
Famous—among other things—for his incredible feat of completing the Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort in just 100 days in 1991, Dato Bobby said that his father Tan Sri Ting Pek Khiing instilled in him the importance of showing up, the power of being on time, the gift of listening well, the art of execution, and the skill of negotiation.
A Foundation Built On Family Values
Growing up in a family where business was “a way of life,” Dato Bobby was exposed to the world of entrepreneurship and construction from an early age. His father was instrumental in shaping his perspective on work, life, and the intricate balance between the two.
“My father’s dedication was unmatched,” Dato Bobby recalls. “He would go to work at 4 a.m., ensuring every detail was perfect. His passion for his work and his commitment to the community around him shaped my approach to business and life.”
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Being Tan Sri Ting’s son does not mean that Dato Bobby gets everything handed to him on a platter. Instead, he recounted the many jobs he had growing up, from telecommunications, carwashes, construction sites, retail fashion, and even F&B. “Looking back, I always had a job, always made connections, eager to understand how people ran their businesses,” he said. Bubbling with his own ideas of how to move things forward, however, had led to frictions between the father and son, with the elder Ting reluctant to let go of his well- oiled method of getting things done and experimenting with new ideas from his son, who lacks experience in the business.
The weight of his father’s name and the shadow it cast made Dato Bobby question if he could ever establish his own identity in an industry predetermined for him because of his surname. “Would the son of Tan Sri Ting Pek Khiing ever make it on his own?” he asked.
The Birth of Elica: A New Vision For Property Development
Stepping away from the family business was not an easy decision for Dato Bobby, but it was a necessary one to achieve his vision of creating something that was not only physically substantial but also meaningful— something that would stand as a testament to the positive impact that thoughtful development can have on people’s lives.
Dato Bobby Ting, Managing Director of Elica
“Construction is about building communities,” he explains. “When you create a space, you’re not just putting up walls; you’re laying the foundation for a community to grow.”
This philosophy became the cornerstone of Elica’s approach to property development, and his first project under the Elica banner, ‘The Republic’ was a bold statement of intent that is not just another residential project but an introduction of luxury living to Kuching, a city that had yet to see such high-end offerings. “More importantly, it was designed with the people who would live there in mind,” Dato Bobby said.
“We wanted to create a space where people would love to live, where they would feel a sense of community and belonging.” – Dato Bobby Ting, Managing Director of Elica.
Every aspect of The Republic by Elica was meticulously planned, from the spacious unit layouts to the high-end finishes, to challenge the market’s expectations and set new standards for quality and innovation.
The emphasis on innovative design and architectural excellence has put Elica ahead of the competition, and it has several awards to its credit. “Our properties don’t just look good; they’re also highly functional and efficient,” Dato Bobby proudly said.
Sustainability at the core
Dato Bobby Ting, Managing Director of Elica
Unlike many other property developers, Elica is unique because they also manage the properties they develop, something Dato Bobby is particularly proud of despite the added layer of complexity the dual responsibility brought. “I understand why some developers avoid being involved in management—it’s hard to deal with the complexities of human relationships,” he said. Unlike fixing a blocked pipe, managing neighbourly conflicts requires deep emotional strategising, which Dato Bobby is not afraid to explore with his team to solve their tenants’ “multitude of expectations.”
For him, every challenge is a learning experience that will only raise the benchmark for his following projects. After his father’s passing in 2020, after 79 years of a well-lived life, Dato Bobby is lucky to have the guidance of several esteemed mentors in shaping his professional journey, including Datuk Danel Abong, who previously worked closely with the late Tan Sri Ting.
“He has a unique understanding of my challenges and helped me break them down into more approachable and solvable issues,” he said. In addition to the usual challenges in construction, Dato Bobby said that Elica’s main challenge lies in its commitment to creating properties that are not only vibrant and marketable but also truly resonate with what our buyers want and need.
Upton by Elica
Significant time and resources were spent on market research, understanding trends, and listening to feedback from potential buyers to deliver to their expectations, knowing that purchasing a home is one of the most significant investments they will make.
“It often represents their lifetime savings, and we take that responsibility very seriously. Our mission is to ensure that this investment is something they can be proud of and that their experience with Elica is positive and fulfilling,” he said. This is why sustainability is a key element of Dato Bobby’s approach, a guiding philosophy that shapes every decision, from the initial design concepts to the final construction processes. “We want our developments to stand the test of time, not just in terms of physical structure but in their ability to support vibrant, healthy communities,” he said.
Creating Lasting Impact
Upton by Elica
This commitment to the community extends beyond Elica’s residential projects. Dato Bobby’s involvement with the Kuching Community Social Support Centre is a prime example of how property development can contribute to the broader social good. “At Elica’s expense, we renovated four shop lots, transforming them into a centre now managed by an NGO in partnership with the Ministry of Welfare Sarawak,” he said.
The centre serves as a hub for NGOs and government agencies to support the underprivileged, providing everything from food and counselling services to a space for community events. Since its opening in December 2023, the centre has become a vital resource for the community, hosting over 250 events and serving thousands of people in need.
For Dato Bobby, this project represents the culmination of his belief that property development should have a positive impact on society—a belief that is at the heart of everything Elica does. “We’re always looking for ways to innovate and add value,” Dato Bobby says. “Whether it’s through new types of developments or by expanding into new sectors, our goal remains the same: to create spaces that enhance the quality of life for everyone who lives or works there.”
For Dato Bobby, the most rewarding aspect of his work is seeing the tangible impact that thoughtful development can have on people’s lives. Elica’s projects are designed with the end user in mind, ensuring that every detail, from design to management, contributes to a positive living experience.
Dato Bobby Ting, Managing Director of Elica
To him, what makes a property elegant is the symphony of design, workmanship, and the people at the centre of it all. “Our buyers are drawn to our developments because of the community that comes with them. The people who live in our properties are the identity of Elica,” he said.
By constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in property development, he and his team are not just building for the present; they’re laying the groundwork for a future where communities can thrive sustainably and harmoniously.
“We are about to embark on this diversified mixed development in Kuching,” Dato Bobby said. The project will see Elica enter the hospitality sector and launch senior wellness projects, creating spaces that cater to society’s evolving needs.
“These projects present opportunities for Elica to still be in the property development industry but diversify its portfolio.”
A vision for better living
Dato Bobby Ting’s journey from a young boy on construction sites to the head of a forward- thinking property development company is a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and a deep commitment to the community.
Dato Bobby Ting, Managing Director of Elica
Through Elica, Dato Bobby is not just building properties; he’s building the foundations for better living, where thoughtful design and sustainability come together to create spaces that enrich lives and foster thriving communities.
His approach serves as a blueprint for how property development, when done with care and foresight, can improve the quality of life for all. In a world where the demands on our living spaces constantly evolve, Dato Bobby Ting’s Elica is a shining example of what’s possible when you build with purpose, passion, and a commitment to the greater good.
