Lim (fourth from left) received the ‘Prominent Player Award’ from the CIDB for his contributions to the Malaysian construction industry.
A visionary leader driving LSH Capital to achieve impactful and sustainable growth
EVERYONE envisions a purpose for their future and for Tan Sri Lim Keng Cheng, it was to become a builder who prioritises safety, affordability and sustainability in every project.
As the chairman of Lim Seong Hai Capital Bhd, Lim finds personal satisfaction in seeing these core values fulfilled across his construction ventures, striving to be known as the “people’s contractor.”
With over four decades of experience in the construction industry, he has successfully completed projects worth more than RM20bil, each guided by a deep commitment to improving lives through responsible building.
Personal achievement
Lim was accorded the “Prominent Player Award” by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) for his significant contributions to the Malaysian construction industry.
CIDB honoured industry players who prioritise quality, safety, health, productivity and sustainability in their operations.
CIDB acknowledged the remarkable achievements of 70 industry players and celebrated their projects through the prestigious Malaysian Construction Industry Excellence Awards (MCIEA) 2024.
The MCIEA is the most significant recognition he has received in the past five years. He attributed the award to his late father, a 1966 JKR Class D contractor, expressing his commitment to carrying forward his legacy.
“I want to honour my late father. He taught me the importance of being a responsible contractor. As a contractor, you have the capacity to do a lot of things and make a meaningful impact.”
Lim (second left), through LSH, has donated RM3mil over three years to Chong Hwa Independent High School, Chong Hwa KL Foundation. The ceremony was witnessed by Transport Minister Anthony Loke (centre).
He explained that their present capacity as the G7 construction contractor allows the contract limit to be unlimited, encouraging expansion plans for the company.“We must measure ourselves in terms of manpower, machinery and money. You must know where your capacity can reach.”
His advice to the younger generation is to approach construction with dedication and a proper foundation of knowledge.
“There are no shortcuts in this industry,” he emphasised. “You must work hard and take it step by step – there’s no such thing as a quick win.
“Always put in the effort, but remember to think twice before making any decision. Don’t rely on hearsay; ensure everything is planned and executed with care and precision.”
New strategic perspective
The company has introduced the BEST Collaboration Framework, where they work with project owners, landowners or developers to help them achieve value enhancement in the projects.
For instance, he shared that they have submitted the proposal to the government for the rejuvenation of KL Tower, including building new commercial areas and parking facilities, upon receiving an agreement-in-principle from Malaysia’s PPP Unit to jointly manage KL Tower’s operations and maintenance for 20 years with Service Master (M) Sdn Bhd.
The company has an outstanding order book of about RM1.6bil, consisting of residential buildings and infrastructure projects.
They are currently managing seven infrastructure and building projects worth RM2.7bil for their clients.
They have also signed a strategic collaboration with Permodalan Negeri Selangor Bhd and IJM Corporation Bhd, focusing on transforming road transportation infrastructure in Selangor.Lim said that they are in the midst of transferring the company’s listing from the LEAP market to the ACE market of Bursa Malaysia. The listing will involve a public offering of up to 191 million shares.
“We intend to raise close to RM116mil to finance our existing projects,” he added.
Key milestones
“Construction is about creating safe spaces that protect lives and serve communities,” he explained.
His passion for safety stems from a childhood incident that left a lasting impression. “I was just 10 years old when I fell on a construction site while helping my father carry bricks. That moment made me realise the importance of a clean and organised worksite,” he recalled.
For Lim, the cornerstone of success in construction lies in a commitment to human lives.
“Quick decisions on-site don’t just save time – they save lives,” he stressed, advocating for careful planning to eliminate unnecessary risks.
“There should never be any compromise on the safety of people’s lives,” affirmed Lim, who studied until his Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) at SMK Tinggi Setapak, Kuala Lumpur and started his career in 1982. Lim also believed that homeownership should be attainable for all.
LSH 33, completed 33 days ahead of schedule is a testament to Lim’s ingenuity in material optimisation and value creation.
“By optimising costs without cutting corners, we can provide affordable housing and make a real difference in people’s lives,” he emphasised.
Citing the Laman Seri Harmoni 33 (LSH33) mixed commercial and condominium development in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, Lim shared that their first collaboration project has played a significant role in the company’s milestones. LSH33, completed 33 days ahead of schedule is a testament to Lim’s ingenuity in material optimisation and value creation.
The project, with a gross development value (GDV) of RM347.2mil, was completed in June this year, with vacant possession obtained in October, accompanied by strata titles.
It offered 600 affordable homes for civil servants, first-time homebuyers and another 300 condo units for other buyers and 32 office shop lots.
“I told my consultant and staff that every unit should be treated as if it’s your house,” he said during the interview held at Wisma Lim Seong Hai in Kuala Lumpur.On sustainability in construction, Lim said that it is about making decisions today that benefit both the environment and future projects.
He emphasised the importance of investing in reusable materials, such as aluminium formwork, which can be cleaned and reused across multiple developments.
“For example, the mould used for the LSH 33 was later repurposed for Taman Segar (LSH Segar condominium project in Cheras), demonstrating how strategic planning reduces waste and creates long-term value,” he shared.
This project, with a GDV of RM395.9mil, has a full take-up rate for its 440 affordable housing units priced at RM300,000.
This project, which also offers 435 condo units with sizes ranging from 1,000sq ft to 3,000sq ft (priced between RM540,000 and RM2.5mil), has a take-up rate of 86.7% and is estimated to be completed in Q3 2026.
Unlike traditional timber formwork that is discarded after a few uses, aluminium ensures efficiency and minimises environmental impact.
“It’s about thinking ahead, reducing waste and making sustainable choices,” he highlighted.
Beyond projects, Lim is passionate about knowledge transfer. “Construction isn’t just about completing buildings; it’s about educating and training the younger generation to ensure continued success,” he said.
He advocates proper industry training to instil responsibility, optimise costs and prioritise people’s needs.
Among others, Lim was involved in various phases of the infrastructure works at Felda Sahabat in Sabah in 1989.
He also ensured the timely completion of several design and build projects, such as Universiti Malaysia Sabah in Sabah, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn in Johor and Labuan Financial Park.Lim, who is also Ekovest Bhd’s director, has played a significant role in the success of the construction and operations of the Duke Expressway (Phase 1) and (Phase 2).
He was also instrumental in securing the concession agreement for the Setiawangsa-Pantai Expressway (SPE) in 2016.
Citing his experience in the success of public-private partnership (PPP) projects, he said he aims to ensure connectivity to facilitate smooth journeys for road users, adding that the Duke highway can accommodate up to 400,000 cars daily.
Lim has also greatly contributed in driving the “River of Life” and “Kolam Biru” projects in Kuala Lumpur, which aimed to transform the Klang and Gombak rivers into vibrant and liveable waterfronts. Lim was also involved in the Iskandar Coastal highway project and the beautification of Titiwangsa Lake.
Corporate social responsibility
Lim is deeply passionate about corporate social responsibility (CSR), particularly in advancing education and creating opportunities for future generations.
While financial constraints prevented him from pursuing higher education, he is committed to supporting educational initiatives to benefit others as part of his CSR efforts.
He shared that LSH has donated RM3mil over three years to Chong Hwa Independent High School, CHKL Foundation; contributed to the construction of same high school’s new extracurricular centre; upgraded a school field and purchased a school van for a religious school.
Moving forward
Lim said they would explore more areas to make more cities vibrant in the country, adding that they have presence in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Johor and looking forward to venturing into Kedah and Penang soon.
“I am interested in any development projects, as I have models for landowners, asset owners to collaborate with.
“We are very flexible and will make sure we enhance the value for them.”
He explained that he would also venture abroad if their capacity expanded as part of their diversification of their business portfolio.
“For now, I want to use my expertise in Malaysia, as I think we can do more here for the progress of the nation.”
