"The answers of many 'first' are at the drawing board. Go back as many times as you must."
Jacky Yap, CEO , Sri Pengkalan Binaan
Don’t Give Up
This curiosity and persistence continued throughout school and university. For his Master’s in Engineering at the University of Warwick, Jacky worked on research that led to the never-before-discovered lump-element loaded meta material structure with properties that increased antenna performance and efficiency. “It wasn’t easy,” confessed Jacky. “But I have a ‘never give up attitude.’”
The research was published in various publications of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). This publication features novel and impactful cutting-edge discoveries that advance technology for humanity's benefit. The research also caught the attention of the UK’s Ministry of Defence.
Intrigue and Insistence
Fast forward to today, intrigue and insistence continue to inspire Jacky. Those who work with him know too well that a sure-fire way to set this "Insistent Innovator" off is to tell him that something "cannot be done". “Innovation is the answer to a society’s pain points. It is the key to a future where everyone gets equal access to a life they deserve.”
My Firsts
These innovations have disrupted the property landscape, set off trends, raise industry standards and fulfilled SPB's aspirations of “Building Dreams, Improving Lives”.
2009-2011
First 1.5-storey terrace house development in Melaka.
- A new category of homes for homebuyers looking to upgrade from a single-storey terrace but could not afford a double-storey terrace.
- Despite scepticism, Jacky persisted and launched the first 1.5-storey terrace house development in Alor Gajah, Melaka.
- Developed for Eco Kasia Heights, the homes were sold at the price point of a single-storey terrace home.
- The design became the hottest trend in Melaka, even by other developers till today
2009-2011
First MOSAIC layout development in Malaysia.
- Jacky empathised with homebuyers who wanted a home in a secure neighbourhood with access to parks and open spaces at their doorstep.
- Homebuyer ‘wish lists’ motivate Jacky to innovate solutions that meet and exceed homebuyer expectations.
- This led him to introduce the first MOSAIC layout development in Malaysia.
- At no added investment, Eco Kasa Heights homeowners enjoy a safe neighbourhood with direct access to parks. But Jacky didn't stop there. He helped form the Residents' Committee and supported their community projects.
- This became a goal for all SPB developments, to help communities sustainably enjoy their investment for decades to come.
2012
First in a green township in Melaka
- Launched SPB's Taman Nuri Township, the first green township in Melaka.
- Featuring lush landscapes adorned with walkways and water features, residents enjoy a healthy lifestyle within a gated and guarded community.
2012
Melaka’s first Courtyard Cluster Home
- Launched Melaka’s first Courtyard Cluster Home (Taman Nuri).
- A class above the rest, the homes are clustered in fours, ideal for large families who want to stay close to each other.
- Each family enjoys the privacy of their own home and has access to the communal centre courtyard for social gatherings.
2015-2016
Launched Melaka’s first cluster townhouse
- Launched Melaka’s first cluster townhouse for Eco Kasa Heights.
- Priced at the price point of a single-storey terrace home or townhouse, homeowners enjoy an extra ten feet of land at its side, a sky garden and a car porch wide enough for two cars to park side by side, features uncommon for this home type.
2015-2016
Launched Melaka’s first zero-lot homes
- Launched Melaka’s first zero-lot homes for Taman Nuri.
- Designed with all the features of a bungalow, complete with a sky garden, the homes were sold at the price point of a semi-D.
2019
Villament design type for equitable affordable housing. A first in Malaysia
- Launched Villament, a new building type which combines the luxurious ambience of villa living with a secure and modern apartment lifestyle. A first in Malaysia; a patent has been filed for its design specifications.
- The design is cost-effective and enabled by the SPB DNA, leveraging the latest Industrialised Building System (IBS) technology. It can be mass-produced rapidly with high quality to bridge the supply gap for low-income households.
2019
First property developer in Melaka to launch the Pre-Certificate of Completion and Compliance (Pre-CCC) Inspection quality transformation programme
- SPB is the
first property developer in Melaka to launch the Pre-Certificate of Completion and Compliance (Pre-CCC) Inspection quality transformation programme to give homebuyers a defect-free house at the time of key collection.
2019
Launched the first Retirement Home for Retired Monks in Malaysia.
- Launched the first Retirement Home for Retired Monks in Malaysia, an SPB joint venture with NGO Qi Yuan.
- Jacky has always aspired to build a model that awakens the good in people. His innovation of a people-to-people model became a reality when Qi Yuan envisioned the same.
- Today, the SPB-Qi Yuan joint venture is redefining works of charity and charting a cause that is growing and thriving sustainably.
2020
First cluster bungalow in Malaysia, of which a patent has been filed
- The 186-acre SPB@Kluang township features Jacky’s innovation of the first cluster bungalow in Malaysia, of which a patent has been filed for its design specifications.
- The design enables the advantages of a bungalow complete with a private garden but priced at a terrace home price point.
- Residents can gain access to a 35-acre central park via a linear park network without crossing busy roads.
