Driven by enthusiasm.(Leong Hoy Kum, Mah Sing Group Bhd.)(Brief Article)

DATUK Leong Hoy Kum is enjoying himself. The Mah Sing Group Bhd chief executive officer now has the life that he wants - one that enables him to be the master of his own time and to pursue his interests.

And to who or what does he owe this to? Though some may find it hard to believe, the answer is property development. However, he makes it clear that the path he has chosen has by no means been easy and he has paid his dues.

"I started in the plastics industry when I was 21," said Leong, now 44, who made a name in this field before his foray into property development.

It was here that he learned and appreciated the difficulties of running a large manufacturing operation with all the attendant variables that demanded his constant attention.

No doubt the years in plastic paid off when his manufacturing concern went public in 1992. The …