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VOICES OF SUNWAY VOICES OF SUNWAY

N E L SON YONG IN FAN TI NO FE RNAN DES U T HAYA SOOR I AN
SUNWAY DESIGN DIRECTOR SUNWAY RESIDENT ARTIST AND SCULPTOR SUNWAY LANDSCAPE ADVISOR

Setting the bar in design Sculpting for change Cultivating a greener future

From the colourful canopies of Sunway Lagoon to Towering mild-steel sculptures of people and Sunway’s landscape advisor Uthaya Soorian’s love
the iconic lion sphinx guarding the entrance of animals located at Sunway’s properties have turned for plants is evident.
Sunway Pyramid – these designs speak volumes of many heads with their eye-catching designs.
Sunway’s modern and timeless appeal as a brand In 2015, the assistant general manager of Tajul
over generations. ‘Destiny’ at Sunway University epitomises the Green spent four and a half days relocating a single
importance of education in writing one’s destiny, 100-year-old cotton tree at Sunway Lenang
For Sunway’s design director Nelson Yong, while the message of resilience in overcoming Heights in Sunway City Iskandar Puteri Johor.
inspiration comes from “anything, any time, adversity shines forth from ‘Victor’, the sculpture
anyone, and anywhere – so long as one has the of a burnt lion, at Sunway Velocity. 'Ibu' at “We could have shortened the 27-metre-high tree
heart and passion for the things one loves to do”. Sunway Medical Centre is an ode to maternal love, to make transportation easier, but I refused to
while 'One' – a herd of seven bison outside Sunway compromise on the size because of its history and
In designing Sunway Pyramid, Yong looked to the Lagoon – represents unity and interdependence. importance to the local people,” said Soorian, who
Pyramids of Giza, as he re ected on the theme of spent three months priming the tree for
timelessness. Sunway’s resident artist and sculptor Infantino the move.
Victor Fernandes hopes that his creations will be
For the new Sunway Resort , Yong was inspired by remembered beyond their aesthetics – that they Since joining Tajul Green – the main supplier of
the Royal Albert Hall in the UK and incorporated will inspire people to be a force of good in this world. Sunway’s greenery – in 1989, Soorian has played a
rich modern Middle Eastern interior architecture pivotal role in Sunway’s greening e orts. To date,
in black and gold to symbolise authority and Inspired by the hardships people have endured more than 50,000 trees have been planted within
achievement. because of the pandemic, Infantino was moved to Sunway’s townships across Malaysia, positively
create his current piece for Sunway Pyramid – to contributing to the Group’s goal of achieving net
Whether incorporating vibrant colours in instil hope. zero carbon emissions by 2050.
buildings in the ‘80s or designing a thematic mall,
many of Yong’s projects for Sunway were the “ e intention of this piece is to make the observer “My life achievement would be to plant 100,000
industry’s rsts. believe that we as human beings, are bigger than all trees in my lifetime,” said the 62-year-old, who
our problems put together. rough this, I hope to personally handplanted 90% of the 30,000 trees
Beyond creating a visual impact, Yong strives to inspire hope, strength and courage,” he said. around Sunway City Kuala Lumpur.
a ect clients psychologically and experientially anks to the trust and empowerment of Sunway’s
through his designs. For instance, Sunway Medical roughout eight years of working together, top management, Soorian’s landscaping career has
Centre was designed with a leisurely feel to evoke Sunway has given Infantino limitless creative ourished through the years.
relaxation and positivity to aid patients’ recovery. liberty, enabling him to push himself to greater
heights with every new sculpture. “(Sunway’s founder) Tan Sri (Dr. Je rey Cheah)

Creative talents flourish Working in Sunway has provided Yong with an “Sunway has always understood my work process, himself is very keen on the landscape. Along with the
other leaders of Sunway Property, he gives feedback
extensive exposure to apply di erent designs and
with the trust, support and themes, elevating all aspects of his career as a and more importantly my psyche as an artist. ey and builds me up. Without top management's
support, no business can succeed,” said the
understand that producing art takes time, needs
designer and architect, he said.
empowerment of Sunway “ e trust, opportunities and support given by space, budget, and ample freedom,” he said. assistant general manager.
Sunway’s senior management allow me to be fully He is grateful to Sunway’s founder and chairman Set to be a certi ed arborist by July 2022, Soorian
engaged in my own creative ways to deliver my Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Je rey Cheah for his respect said deepening his knowledge will enable him to
work. It is rare to nd such supportive senior towards the arts. “Being at the top, he could give back and contribute more to Sunway and our
management that invests in unique and timeless impose his will and desires on what my work or the nation as a whole.
designs as a brand,” he said. message to be portrayed. Instead, he respects the
artist in me and in letting me be, in turn, allows me “ ey have always given me the freedom to voice
to respect my creative source and its process,” out, trusted my opinion and appreciated my
he said. contributions. For as long as the company needs
me, I will continue to serve,” he said.
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