Chai Keng Wai, a native of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, leads Agile Real Estate Development Sdn Bhd, also known as Agile International (Agile Int.). This overseas office represents Agile Property (雅居乐), one of China’s largest and most successful property developers. Despite being in Malaysia for only six years, Agile Int. has already secured its position among the top ten real estate developers in the high-end property segment, thanks to strategic expansion and a dedicated team.
Innovation in Real Estate
Agile Int. is known for pioneering innovation in the real estate industry, introducing new trends and cutting-edge technologies to the market. The company has integrated Virtual Reality (VR) into project management, allowing both local and international homeowners to monitor project progress remotely. Additionally, Agile Int. launched the A-Life app, which provides homebuyers with seamless access to purchase-related information and lifestyle services, making it one of the first in the industry to do so.
Leadership and Vision
Chai Keng Wai holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, which he considers the foundation of his career. While his education provided industry knowledge, his leadership, communication, and management skills were honed through years of experience.
As a visionary leader, Chai believes in inspiring his team rather than just managing them. He emphasizes empathy, honesty, integrity, passion, and accountability as essential leadership qualities. A strong advocate of mentorship, he sees leadership as a skill that can be developed, with the right mentor shaping employees’ values and refining their abilities.
Inspiration and Global Perspective
Chai draws inspiration from Mr. Chen Zhuolin, Chairman and President of Agile Group Holdings Limited. He credits Mr. Chen’s philosophy—“benefitting from society, giving back to society”—as a guiding principle in his approach to clients, business partners, and employees.
Overseeing Agile Int.’s overseas businesses, Chai embraces globalization with an open mind, respecting the diverse cultures and market dynamics of Vietnam, Cambodia, and the United States. He believes that understanding and adapting to local cultures is key to successful international expansion.
Overcoming Challenges in Localization
One of Chai’s biggest challenges is navigating the “localization” process while leading a Chinese company’s expansion into foreign markets. Varying work cultures and business expansion speeds require him to bridge gaps through mutual respect and understanding. Managing a culturally diverse workforce has shaped his leadership style, enhancing his ability to communicate, coach, and motivate teams to meet corporate objectives set by Agile Group’s headquarters in China.
Defining Leadership Success
For Chai, true leadership is measured by an individual’s ability to unify an organization and its people toward common goals. Effective leadership, he believes, requires strong communication, sound judgment, and unwavering integrity. He also emphasizes the role of positive leadership in empowering people to believe in themselves and achieve success.
Commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility
Agile Group is deeply committed to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), with initiatives ranging from education scholarships and infrastructure development to disaster relief, poverty alleviation, and sustainability advocacy. Staying true to its mission of giving back to society, Agile Group continues to drive efforts that create long-term value for communities.
