Bobby Ting 

Managing Director, Hydro-Icon Sdn Bhd

It might seem disconcerting at first to hear someone who looks as youthful as Bobby Ting speak on career highlights but it’s clear the 35-year-old has already chalked up a more than impressive CV. As Managing Director of two highly-regarded companies – Hydro-Icon, a specialist firm in the design, engineering and construction of water and wastewater treatment equipment and systems, and Elica, a new development group that is currently making headlines for its début project, The Republic in Kuching – Ting has made it clear that, although he’s the youngest in his formidable family, he is a force to be reckoned with in his own right. After all, “age is just a number,” as he rightfully points out.

Part of Sarawak’s prominent Ting family, headed by his parents Tan Sri Dato’ Paduka Dr Ting Pek Khiing and Puan Sri Datin Paduka Wong Sui Chuo, it should come as no surprise then that Bobby Ting would want to step forward and be counted, stamping his own mark in the world. And, if last year was anything to go by, it would seem his time in the sun has come. His maiden property development project, The Republic by Elica, in Kuching’s Kempas Heights, did him proud by clinching the prestigious Best Residential Property Development award at the 2014 South-East Asian Property Awards Malaysia. Having always to work extra hard in order to prove himself, such accolades prove sweet savour for Ting. “The property award was definitely a highlight for us, being our maiden luxury residential property and also the first development of its kind in Sarawak,” he says. “We were cautious when we launched it, uncertain of the economy. But we took a gamble and embarked on a high-end, luxurious and niche product, and the award reinstates that, not only our buyers but also industry observers, appreciate the planning and delivery of our product. It’s been a wonderful journey so far – plenty of hard work and planning – but we have strived as a team to get to where we are today. Construction and property development have always been my passion and the award was a great recognition for what we have done to date.”

With construction so clearly in his blood, it’s hardly surprising that Ting chose to tread the path of his father, although he admits to having nurtured other ambitions as a child. “I wanted to be a pilot,” he laughs. “I even remember looking up flight schools in Sydney while in high school there.” Reality eventually bit and Ting dutifully gave up his dreams of flying for something a little more grounded, earning his Bachelor of Business as well as his MBA from the University of Technology Sydney in quick succession. “And since I can’t fly a plane, I console myself by vicariously taking to the skies with my drone, getting aerial photographs taken of all my projects.”

The decision to return to the family fold came shortly after Ting started working. “My first job happened to be in construction as well,” he shares. “This was when I was still in Sydney. And, although working for others was a great learning process, I soon realised that all this effort would reward the business owner rather than contribute to the family business. So, it didn’t take long before I rushed to complete my MBA so I could rejoin the family. But, truth be told, I didn’t really know that I would end up in construction at first, as my father had a diverse range of businesses, including hospitality, plantations and other agricultural businesses. It was only after touching base in a few of them that I realised building and construction was where my passion lay. So, I took it on full-fledged and never looked back.”

Regardless, it takes a fair amount of gumption to join the family ‘firm’ under any circumstance. But Ting’s self-awareness and clear head for judgement helped him to weigh the pros and cons with ease. “There are advantages, of course,” he acquiesces. “You are able to fast-track into the business by querying each and every process and department from every angle… like being given a golden key to explore and learn all facets of the business. The downside is that people perceive everything is handed to you on a silver platter where, in my case, it clearly was not. I still had to prove myself and capabilities cannot be inherited, even if your family name or one’s own father influences the work. People always have this misconception that, just because it’s your family business, you’re all set!”

“My father never put any pressure on me,” he continues. “It was I who took it upon myself to deliver. Somehow, my dad has always pressured everyone around him, even my mum – but not me,” before adding, with a conspiratorial grin: “I think that being the youngest has its advantages. Somehow, he is always careful not to stress me out too much. But, in return, I feel I have big shoes to fill so I’m always trying to outdo what’s expected of me.” A sense of filial piety and gratitude can be easily detected whenever one discusses deeper issues with Ting. When asked to elaborate, he explains: “My parents put me through my studies without any questions asked. Even from the age of four, I had already elected to study in Sydney. And, in hindsight, I realised it would have been a hard decision for my parents to leave me there while continuing to work in Malaysia. That thought has somehow remained with me throughout the time I was studying abroad and I have always vowed to return home to repay them.” On the inevitable bumps that would appear, no matter how smooth the path, Ting takes a philosophical view and proffers: “It’s never easy to bring work home; more so when you live with your parents. But, when it comes to one’s family business or just business in general, one has to be able to differentiate the stress encountered as a result of work and not let it mix with family time.”

Touching on the Chinese adage that wealth seldom lasts beyond three generations, Ting brushes it off as an over-generalisation. “It is not important that wealth survives as much as life lessons learnt,” he muses wisely. “Wealth may dwindle due to economic factors and that’s a lot for future generations to overcome. But, transcending the importance of family and togetherness and following one’s dreams is far more important. If future generations can follow a genuine passion of their own, success will surely follow. Young people need to follow their passion and intuition because, if you have that, success will come. All you need is just to work hard at it. Young people want to be successful yet, these days, everyone wants fast results. But success and wealth has never come easily. You have to endure challenges, work hard, persevere and grow on them to ensure success.”

On his own plans for continuous success, Ting is pragmatic and states that “having an edge and constantly innovating is a must.” A firm believer in the importance of differentiation and standing out from the crowd, he has also strived to ensure that his teams at Elica and Hydro-Icon follow suit. “We use different construction methods, for example, which set us apart from all others in Sarawak. This bold initiative stemmed from the ultimate pursuit of delivering a higher-quality product. We always keep an eye on what others are doing as well as consistently innovate and work hard to up the ante, and adopt new and better methods that set us apart. It is integral in such a highly competitive and fast-moving industry.” In this, he acknowledges that the completion of each project is always a highlight. “Each site has its own challenges and is always different from the last one. We have learnt and built upon each task, which, for Hydro-Icon, gives us our competitive edge in water treatment plants in Sarawak.” Aside from innovation and gaining the proverbial edge, Ting also stresses the importance of having the right team to back you up. “I am extremely fortunate to have the team I do – they are the core of the business. I also think a vital key to our success is the ability to let go and not micromanage too many issues. You have to, ultimately, trust the people you work with while working with them to solve issues. And, when you can see eye to eye with your team, rest assured they will have the company’s interests at heart.” This certainly stands Ting in good stead as he welcomed the latest addition to his family, a baby boy named Kingston, born in December last year – yet another blessing for him, his wife Shen-Tel and toddler Benjamin.

Living a seemingly charmed life, it might surprise some that Ting does harbour the odd wish or two that he’d done a few things differently. Paramount of which is starting a family earlier. “Fatherhood has made me a better person and, surprisingly, an even better businessman. And who knows? I might even have had a Bobby Ting family football team by now,” he jokes. “When young and adventurous, starting a family is hardly on the top of anyone’s list. But, in a heartbeat, I would have happily rewound five years to have started my family sooner.” Clearly besotted with his boys, Ting has already mapped out the best for them, including giving them the best education and “the freedom to follow their dreams and realise their purpose of life on their own.” He reiterates that “I won’t expect them to take on my business if they don’t have an interest in it. As long as they care passionately about what they want to do, I’ll be a happy father.” He does add, with a wistful note, that “it would be a blessing if they want to join me and continue the challenge. But you never really want your kids to go through what you have.”

Drive, determination and a razor-sharp focus are all qualities Ting has honed over the years. It certainly helps, of course, that he spent much of his youth basking in the sporting limelight as Australia’s Under 17 rugby and rowing champion – an experience that has made him clearly aware of the benefits of teamwork as well as how to best contribute in a team environment. “What I’ve learnt, as a sportsman, is that no matter what you do, you must do it with righteousness – play by the rules and with integrity. If you win, do so with grace. But, should you lose, learn from your mistakes and build on it to take on the next match.”

Despite what the future may hold, Ting is clear that all he wants is “to give future generations a bit more than what I had. Even for my staff – I want them to build upon what they have experienced working with me and to build on that for their own future generations.” But for now, his ‘bigger picture’ includes continuous growth. And foremost in Ting’s Five-Year Plan includes a trio of D’s: Diversification, Development and Definition. “I want to see Hydro-Icon and Elica moving into other infrastructure projects like developing large-scaled land plots into new age suburbs as well as redefining conventional building practices using more innovative construction methods. Construction doesn’t mean Hydro-Icon doing just water treatment plants or Elica only building high-end residential condominiums. I want to see us further ourselves and build more diverse products, from infrastructure and housing to roads, while leveraging on the skill-sets learnt from our current projects so we can tackle more challenging jobs!” Tellingly, he adds: “I’d also like to see both companies expand into Peninsular Malaysia to take on larger, more established companies.” Those on the Semenanjung, time to up your game. You have been warned.