Top 10 of Asia recently sat down with Stephanie Chong, the dynamic founder of Dr.RENOV and Sugilite Enterprise Sdn Bhd. Known affectionately as the “Mulan” of the construction industry, Chong has spent over 26 years carving a niche in a male-dominated field, driven by a mission to elevate building quality standards and ensure peace of mind for property owners across the nation.
Chong’s journey is one of resilience and evolution. Her career in the built environment began decades ago, leading to the founding of Senwell Innovative Decoration in 2009. However, she recognised a critical gap in the market: while many could build and renovate, few offered the comprehensive quality assurance needed to protect homeowners from defects. This insight led to the establishment of Sugilite Enterprise Sdn Bhd in 2014, and eventually, the launch of its flagship brand, Dr.RENOV, in 2019.
“My mentor once told me that true professionalism isn’t just about completing a task; it’s about possessing deep knowledge and monitoring every angle”
“My mentor once told me that true professionalism isn’t just about completing a task; it’s about possessing deep knowledge and monitoring every angle”, Chong shares. “That advice inspired me to move beyond renovation into inspection and consultancy. Early on, clients started calling me ‘Doctor Home’, which naturally evolved into the Dr.RENOV brand identity we have today.”
Dr.RENOV has since become a premier name in defect inspection, rectification, and maintenance. Unlike conventional contractors, the firm adopts a “medical” approach to buildings, offering thorough “health screenings” for properties. From identifying water leakages and structural cracks to assessing electrical safety, Dr.RENOV’s methodical inspections prevent minor defects from becoming costly nightmares.
“We aim to create a culture of accountability,” says Chong. “Whether it is a new property handover or a lived-in home, our goal is to provide a clear, unbiased diagnosis so owners can negotiate rectifications or conduct maintenance with confidence.”
Beyond commercial success, Chong is deeply committed to social responsibility and knowledge sharing. Dr.RENOV actively conducts workshops to educate the public on identifying building defects. A standout initiative in this area is the firm’s collaboration with Montfort Boys Town in Shah Alam.
“With the right knowledge and the right partners, we can build a safer, higher-quality future for everyone.”
In April 2024, Chong and her team organised a “Building Inspection and Risk Management” course for the students at Montfort. The programme combined theoretical knowledge with practical demonstrations, equipping underprivileged youths with valuable vocational skills.
“Seeing the enthusiasm in the students was incredibly rewarding,” Chong recalls. “By sharing our expertise with institutions like Montfort, we aren’t just teaching skills; we are nurturing the next generation of professionals who will carry the torch for quality and safety in our industry.”
The company’s unwavering commitment to quality was recently celebrated on the international stage. In December 2025, Dr.RENOV was honoured with a Top 10 Award at the prestigious Top Asia Corporate Ball. This accolade serves as a testament to the brand’s growing influence and trust within the region.
Looking ahead, Chong envisions a comprehensive education platform that covers the entire spectrum of property care, from theory to practice. “We want to make ‘building health’ a common concept for every Malaysian,” she concludes. “With the right knowledge and the right partners, we can build a safer, higher-quality future for everyone.”