Net Worth: $1.82 Billion
Age: 84
DOB: 10 December 1939
Birthplace: Rantau, Malaysia
Born in Malaysia, Maha Sinnathamby is a successful Australian-based property developer and businessman who has been awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia Medal.
He is best known for being the driving force behind Australia’s biggest master-planned community – Queensland’s Greater Springfield Development.
As well as his AO, Sinnathamby’s business, the Springfield City Group, was incorporated into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame for its exemplary entrepreneurship and overall strategic vision in creating Springfield as the first privately constructed city in Australia.
Early Life and Education
Maha Sinnathamby was born in Malaysia, though has a strong Sri Lankan heritage and was brought up as a Hindu.
He spent the majority of his childhood in Rantau, Negeri Sembilan, a small agricultural village where he live on a rubber estate that was owned by the British. His father was employed at the plantation however he was captured during the Japanese occupation and became a prisoner of war in July 1944. He was eventually released in September 1945 shortly after the war was officially declared over.
Maha later moved to Australia where he undertook at course at the University of New South Wales in civil engineering. Not long after his graduation, he took up work in South East Asia as a design and civil engineer for a number of years. However, he later moved back to Australia where he would reside permanently.
Early Career
In 1971 Maha started a property and real estate business in Perth. Around a decade later he relocated to Queensland where he continued to grow the business through the acquisition of various commercial projects and residential subdivisions in the state.
Greater Springfield Development
The turning point in Sinnathamby’s career came in the 1990s when he became the driving force
behind the development of the Greater Springfield area, a master-planned community located southwest of Brisbane, Australia. This ambitious project aimed to create a vibrant, sustainable city from scratch, and Sinnathamby envisioned it as a hub for education, innovation, and economic growth.
In 1992, along with his business partner Bob Sharpless, Sinnathamby purchased a 2,860-hectare (approximately 7,067-acre) land in Ipswich, located southwest of Brisbane for $7.9 million. He then lobbied for essential education and transportation infrastructure to be built in the area, which required the passing of a rezoning bill. On 24th January 1997, the Queensland Parliament unanimously voted in favour of the legislation.
The Greater Springfield area was planned as Australia’s largest master-planned community and the world’s 10th largest, focusing on three interconnected pillars: health, education, and information technology.
Education City is the educational hub of Greater Springfield, located in Springfield Central, containing a University of Southern Queensland campus, ten public and private schools, student accommodation, and a technical college. It is presently home to approximately 14,000 students.
Health City is a 52-hectare (128.5-acre) health precinct that is currently under construction, offering Springfield residents and the wider region access to a range of professional health services. At present, it houses the Mater Private Hospital, and Aveo Group has been appointed as the exclusive developer for 2,500 new senior housing units and other health integrated facilities.
Idea City is Greater Springfield’s hub of Information Technology, featuring Australia’s most prominent Polaris Data Centre and has a dedicated focus on research for commercialising innovation in partnership with government and business.
Currently, public and private stakeholders have invested more than $15 billion in the project. In 2013, a$1.2 billion major twin-track rail line and transit hub was created, connecting Greater Springfield to the wider South East Queensland area.
Greater Springfield’s current population is approximately 35,000, with a predicted growth to 105,000 by 2030. The Greater Springfield masterplan additionally sets aside 30% of the land holding for green, open space.
Leadership Style
Sinnathamby’s leadership style is often characterised by a hands-on approach and dedication to community engagement.
Over the years he has emphasised the importance of collaboration between the private sector, government and the community to create a thriving and inclusive city.
However, his vision extends beyond mere urban development. It also notably encompasses a holistic approach to community well-being.
Awards and Honours
The success of the Greater Springfield project has brought international recognition to Maha Sinnathamby. His achievements have been acknowledged through various awards and honours,
cementing his reputation as a visionary entrepreneur.
In 2010, International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) named the Greater Springfield project as the world’s best master-planned community. He has also previously taken out the title of Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst and Young.
Additionally, he was also appointed as a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia during the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his outstanding service to the construction sector and overall community.
In July 2023, the University of Queensland presented Maha with an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his continuous community contributions.
Philanthropy
Sinnathamby is known for his charitable nature, reputedly donated more than A$200 million of funds and land for vital social infrastructure.
Within the Greater Springfield region, he has also introduced a scholarship program to help people improve their access to education. Additionally, he mentors a small group of young professionals to assist them in achieving their potential and personal excellence.
Personal Life
Maha has been married to his wife Yoga since 1968. They have three daughters and a son, all of whom are adults now.
In his spare time, Maha enjoys playing golf. He often plays a round at the Brookwater course in Queensland, which was designed by Greg Norman.
Summary
Maha Sinnathamby’s life and business career represent a remarkable journey from modest beginnings in Malaysia to the realisation of a groundbreaking urban development project in Australia.
Overall, his vision, resilience and commitment to sustainable and inclusive community development have left an enduring legacy in Australia. It should serve as an inspiration for future generations of entrepreneurs.