Kota Kinabalu: Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2026 champion Gelvia Vanessa Jenny has been appointed as the official brand ambassador of The Hill @ Damai, a landmark integrated commercial development jointly undertaken by Qhazanah Sabah Berhad and Bina Indah Development.
The signing ceremony, held at The Hill @ Damai Sales Gallery on Tuesday evening, was witnessed by Deputy Chief Minister and Sabah Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Works Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Senator Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Datuk Thomas Logijin, Kota Kinabalu City Hall Director General Datuk Lifred Wong, and Maybank Sabah and Labuan Regional Director Amylyn Blantocas Tiamson.
The event marked one of Gelvia’s first major appointments following her victory at this year’s Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan pageant, while also highlighting one of Sabah’s most anticipated commercial developments.
Located in the Damai-Luyang precinct behind Queen Elizabeth Hospital II and KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital, The Hill @ Damai is being developed as an integrated commercial destination combining a healthcare ecosystem with a modern lifestyle and business hub.
With an estimated gross development value exceeding RM1 billion, the project is expected to become one of Sabah’s most significant integrated developments, combining healthcare, business, lifestyle and community spaces under a single vision aimed at reflecting the aspirations of a rapidly evolving Sabah.
During the event, both Deputy Chief Ministers expressed strong support for the project, describing it as a bold and innovative development capable of reshaping Kota Kinabalu’s commercial landscape.
Masidi said the project stood out for its distinctive architectural approach and willingness to move beyond conventional development thinking.
“What impressed me about this project is that it takes a different approach. When you have a 13-acre site, the easiest option is usually to maximise the utilisation of the land and keep the design simple. Most developers choose that route because it is straightforward and less risky. However, The Hill @ Damai has chosen a different path,” he said.
He added that the development reflected investment in creativity and design excellence rather than purely commercial considerations.
“I believe they have engaged very good designers and architects who see things differently. The whole idea is that, in the final product, you get value for your money. A building is a building, but what makes a difference is the extra thought, creativity and effort that goes into it.”
He also noted that many developments in Kota Kinabalu tend to prioritise practicality over originality.
“We have developments everywhere — housing and commercial projects. Unfortunately, many people choose the easy way out. They simply put up a building and that is it. They are not willing to take the risk of designing something that stands on its own,” he said.
Masidi reiterated the Sabah Government’s support for the project, noting that it involves Qhazanah Sabah Berhad, the state’s strategic investment arm.
“The State Government will definitely support this project. It is a Qhazanah project, and we believe it has the potential to make a meaningful contribution to Kota Kinabalu’s future development,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Joachim described the project as a potential “game changer” for Kota Kinabalu, citing its emphasis on walkability, public spaces and community-focused planning.
“I want to congratulate the project team. I am very happy because we now have such a development coming to the Damai area. In my view, this project has the potential to become a game changer for the whole of Kota Kinabalu. It will create a new centre of activity for the city,” he said.
He highlighted the project’s pedestrian-friendly concept, which differs from typical car-dominated commercial areas.
“What stands out to me is the emphasis on walkways and pedestrian spaces. The concept creates an area where people can walk, gather and enjoy themselves in a comfortable and safe environment.”
He said such experiences are currently limited to occasional events such as the Gaya Street Sunday Market and selected night markets.
“What we need is a vibrant destination that is alive throughout the week — a place where people can come, spend time and enjoy themselves. This project introduces that concept and I believe it is something our city needs.”
When asked about government support, he said: “Of course, we fully support it. As a minister serving the people of Kota Kinabalu and Sabah, I fully support projects that improve the vibrancy, attractiveness and liveability of our city.”
Bina Indah Development Executive Director Kenyo Chu said the collaboration with Gelvia aligns with the project’s theme, “The Pulse of Sabah”.
“Unduk Ngadau represents one of Sabah’s most respected cultural institutions. It celebrates our heritage, our people and our identity. Those values resonate strongly with what we are trying to achieve through The Hill @ Damai,” he said.
He noted that no major commercial shop-office development has been introduced in the area for almost two decades despite strong population and purchasing power.
“We see this project as creating a new economic artery for the area. Damai already possesses strong fundamentals, but there is an opportunity to create a destination that brings together healthcare, business, lifestyle and community activity in a way that has not been done before.”
A key feature of the project is more than 1,800 parking bays, exceeding the 1,300 required under planning guidelines, with dedicated parking on every level and surrounding road improvements to enhance accessibility.
The project is expected to begin construction soon and be completed by 2030. Upon completion, it is projected to generate more than 1,000 professional and skilled jobs.
The event also saw Maybank confirm approval of financing facilities for the development.
“Maybank has approved a bridging loan facility for The Hill @ Damai and we are proud to support Sabah’s first integrated medical and modern lifestyle commercial hub,” said Maybank Sabah and Labuan Regional Director Amylyn Blantocas Tiamson.
She added that financing support will also be extended to eligible purchasers.
According to the developer, more than 40 per cent of units have already been reserved ahead of the public launch.
