Datuk Tony Ling, CEO of IJM Land.
At a time when the property landscape is grappling with limited land availability and shifting lifestyle expectations, IJM Land finds itself in an enviable position—58 acres of prime, centrally located land adjacent to the Bukit Kerinchi Forest Reserve in the Klang Valley. This rare asset forms the foundation of Pantai Sentral Park (PSP)—a visionary township reflecting a transformative approach to urban development.
Rather than treating PSP as just another development, CEO Datuk Tony Ling and his team have reimagined the site as a living ecosystem—where urban vibrancy meets natural serenity. Under his leadership, IJM Land is moving beyond bricks and mortar to create spaces centred on community, wellness, and long-term value.
PSP embodies this shift: a master-planned township where city and forest, lifestyle and sustainability, converge seamlessly. For Ling, mixed-use developments are essential for future-proofing IJM Land. He believes they offer greater resilience by diversifying income streams and fostering complete living environments.
“They bring together work, life, and leisure into a singular, walkable experience,” he tells The Peak. From the outset, it was clear PSP was never intended to be conventional. Drawing on biophilic design principles, the township embraces its natural surroundings—integrating green corridors, forest trails, and shaded walkways into daily life. The forest—a natural green asset—is not a boundary but a defining feature woven into the community’s very fabric.
A NEW URBAN VISION
A glance at PSP’s master plan reveals a development meticulously crafted to harmonise people with nature, offering residents a lifestyle that is both grounded and forward-thinking. Ling is instrumental in this strategic shift, which was inspired by the evolving expectations of modern urban dwellers—particularly in the post- pandemic era.
“I believe people no longer want just a home; they want a place that offers connection, purpose, and balance,” he asserts. With his background in integrated developments, the move felt intuitive. PSP is the first realisation of this new direction—a township reimagined as a living ecosystem, where residential, commercial, and lifestyle elements come together and coexist organically.
Having taken the reins as CEO of IJM Land after a seamless transition from his role as COO, Ling hit the ground running. The initial months, he explains, were focused on stabilising operations and reassessing strategies, with an eye on transformation. “It’s deeply fulfilling to step into a role that allows me to bring my previous experiences and ideas to life,” he shares.
Pantai Sentral Park gallery.
“This is a unique opportunity to steer a well-established brand into its next chapter— one rooted in innovation, sustainability, and community-first development.” That said, transformations of this scale are commonly met with resistance and scepticism. But Ling approached the shift strategically and with confidence.
“Any change in direction comes with questions,” he acknowledges. “But by backing our vision with research along with extensive studies on lifestyle shifts and buyer behaviour, we built a future- focused, evidence-based case.” That clarity helped unify teams and stakeholders. The move from traditional horizontal townships to integrated urban precincts is not merely a bold statement but rather a logical evolution empowered by data and market realities.
MIXED-USE RESILIENCE
The Ribbon of Life connects the development through a network of pathways. Photo: IJM Land.
A standout example is Enlace, the vibrant heart of Pantai Sentral Park. Integrating residential, retail, wellness, and workspace components into one cohesive district, the development nurtures urban self-sufficiency and healthier lifestyles. True to its name, Enlace connects living, working, wellness, and leisure in one integrated space.
Enlace Suites offers modern residences with flexible layouts and tranquil forest views. Enlace Shoppes provides a curated mix of retail and dining options that evolve with the community. Enlace Co. introduces a new kind of office space: adaptive, collaborative, and designed for modern professionals.
This is complemented by Enlace Retreat, a wellness sanctuary prioritising health and well-being. Key urban features enhance the daily experience of PSP’s residents. Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi at Pantai Sentral Park, extends the adjacent 252-acre forest reserve into the heart of the township, blending structured green areas with natural landscapes for recreation and quiet reflection. “It’s a township where nature isn’t a backdrop, but a part of everyday life,” Ling says.
The Grand Entry Gateway is also a key feature. More than a secure entrance—it’s a welcoming architectural statement that defines the community’s identity. There’s also the Ribbon of Life—a walkable linked bridge connecting residential zones, commercial hubs, and a nearby upcoming MRT station. A 2.68-kilometre tree-lined jogging and cycling path traverses the development promoting healthy, car-lite lifestyles, further underscoring PSP’s commitment to sustainability and mobility.
“The pandemic has profoundly reshaped what people want from their homes and communities,” he notes. Today, more than ever, flexibility, wellness, and accessibility are paramount. “People want to work near home, live near greenery, and have conveniences close by,” says Ling.
“PSP’s master plan—integrating residences, workspaces, retail, and recreation, all connected by the Ribbon of Life—directly responds to this new normal. It’s a model of living that is sustainable, adaptable, and resilient.”
SUSTAINABILITY FOCUSED
What truly sets PSP apart is its immersive sense of place. The grand entryway, lined with Shore Eugenia trees known for their striking orange trunks, creates an immediate sense of welcome and identity. Throughout the township, thoughtful landscaping and architecture encourage exploration and connection.
Parks and forest pathways don’t just complement the urban environment—they anchor it, turning daily routines into restorative experiences. PSP is being developed in phases over the next 15 years, with full completion targeted by 2040.
Enlace, the township’s central hub, is scheduled for completion by 2035, with Enlace Suites 1, the first residential phase, ready by 2029.Each phase is aligned with infrastructure milestones— including the MRT and surrounding transport upgrades—ensuring that PSP evolves in tandem with the needs of its future residents.
“We invest in data, technology, and—most importantly—insight. It’s about having the courage to reimagine what townships can be, while staying rooted in what people truly need.”
For Ling, Pantai Sentral Park is far more than a project—it represents IJM Land’s evolving identity and long-term vision. His leadership signifies not only a change in how developments are built, but in how people experience modern urban living. This ethos, he shares, is central to IJM Land’s sustainability drive.
“It’s not just a goal, it’s a responsibility. It’s no longer optional, it’s essential,” he insists. As such, sustainability is integrated into every layer of development from master planning to materials. At PSP, this commitment is exemplified through AI-enabled Smart Control systems that optimise energy use, enhance security, and streamline maintenance.
In addition, the township incorporates Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles to foster safer public spaces. Walkways, access points, and communal areas are designed with natural surveillance in mind. “We’re building not just for today, but for generations to come,” says Ling.
BUILDING TOWARDS THE FUTURE
Co-working spaces within Enlace Suites for urban professionals. Photo: IJM Land.
While PSP is the flagship of IJM Land’s new philosophy, the CEO is looking to replicate its principles elsewhere. One notable initiative is the planned transformation of Holiday Villa Subang into a fully integrated wellness resort.
Located near Subang Jaya Medical Centre, the development will focus on preventive care and include services such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), postnatal recovery, and rehabilitation. “Moving forward, wellness won’t just be an added feature—it will be part of our core offering,” he says. This vision is timely and forward-thinking, addressing the needs of both an ageing population and a health-conscious generation.
In a rapidly evolving property market, Ling believes IJM Land’s edge lies in its ability to listen, learn, and lead. “We invest in data, technology, and—most importantly—insight,” he explains. “It’s about having the courage to reimagine what townships can be, while staying rooted in what people truly need.”
Under Datuk Tony Ling’s stewardship, IJM Land is redefining what it means to build communities— creating sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready urban environments. With developments like PSP, the company is proving that real estate can be both human-centred and environmentally conscious. They’re not just building homes, but thriving spaces where people truly belong.
Photography: Lily Allissa
Art Direction: Amos Yip & Khairani Ramli
