Tiaran Profile – Catherine Diong

How many Tiarans realise that Tiara Damansara is the very first condominium built in Petaling Jaya? It was only after the successful launch of Tiara that other developers rushed in to cash in on condo-living, with University Towers, Prima 16, and now, too many to mention as high-rise living mushroomed all over Petaling Jaya.

One of the oldest residents here, Catherine Diong, imparted this to me. She moved in a year after the condo was completed in l992, thirteen years ago, with her husband, Ding Chin Kwong and their three children. Because the concept of a full-fledged condominium was new in 1989, when it was opened for booking, all units were sold out. Work started then and it was completed two years later.

The couple chose to purchase a unit here since, as Catherine stated, "It was a very classic condo, low rise, and with low density. It had a lovely ambience, mature trees, colourful plants and flowers, a pool and full condo facilities. In those days, it was not common to have a swimming pool, tennis court, sauna, gymnasium and squash courts, so we decided to buy an apartment in Tiara and enjoy the facilities."

She mentioned that back then, there many foreign expatriates renting units here, "because Tiara was so green, so full of lovely trees, so quiet, and one did not have to move out of the grounds to swim, play tennis, squash, have a sauna, hold a BBQ, and enjoy a well equipped canteen. Those wanting a walk or jog could also do so in the safety of the grounds."

Back then, the scenery was very different as compared to the present. Mature trees stood all around. Jalan 17/1 was a dead end road at Astana, and Phileo Damansara and other buildings did not exist. "It was wonderful owning a beautiful property next to nature, so lush and green, cool, peaceful and quiet. It was not surprising at all that the expatriates enjoyed renting units here."

But this was not meant to last. The Management run by the developer was undedicated and lacking in management skills. The once beautiful condo was allowed to run down. Repairs that needed doing were not maintained. The sun and rain played havoc with the paintwork. Soon, Tiara looked dilapidated. The expatriates packed their bags and left for newer condos and as a result, the canteen lost business and closed down.

Thus, some owners took the initiative and urged other owners to get their strata titles enabling the owners to take over the management of Tiara from the developer. Hence the Tiara Damansara Management

Council was born about 5 years ago. Catherine is happy with the Management Council. Slowly but steadily, new life was breathed into the condo, with the repainting of the entire building transforming it to its former pristine look.

Catherine is full of praise for the Management Council that took over from the Management run by the developer. "Tiarans started noticing the improvements not only in its physical appearance but the rules and regulations Tiarans had to observe, to enable the place to be better run", she added.

Prices have started increasing again, and Tiara is now a popular property, with many waiting to purchase units here, so she understands from real estate agents living here.

How does she take to her moniker as Grandmother of the United Nations? She smiled broadly. "I love my ‘chu-chu’ here and often go to the children's playground to meet them. I have 'grandchildren' of many nationalities, among them Malay, Chinese, Indian, Sudanese, Filipinos, Mongolians, Chinese and Indian nationals. I enjoy playing with them."

Born in Penang, Catherine married at 27, but has "no grandchildren of my own as yet. But my ‘UN chu chu’ make me very happy," she added.

A civil servant in the Ministry of Education till she retired, she now spends her time traveling abroad visiting her businessman son in Holland, and younger daughter Chae Li when she was a student in the UK. Chae Li, a lawyer, now works at the UN Refugee Centre in Kuala Lumpur. Husband Chin Kwong (who worked in PKNS before his retirement) prefers hiring a car and seeing the sights by themselves when they are abroad. Or they may book a tour after they fly into a country.

Except for China, Catherine and Chin Kwong have been around the world. "But I would like to visit China one of these days," she said.

As for hobbies, Catherine enjoys reading. It is a must for her to read the newspaper every day, and she also enjoys a magazine or the Readers Digest. Now that elder daughter, Chae Lian is a producer and entertainment promoter, bringing in international shows to Kuala Lumpur, she attends plays and other forms of entertainment as well.

Today, Catherine is a contented woman. She need not worry about her grown children, and she lives in a "nice place which is home, Tiara."