A round up of events and happenings within the industry

A total of RM4.6 billion in business leads was generated at IGEM 2021. Datuk Mansor Othman, Deputy Minister of Environment and Water, addressing the media during a briefing. On his left is MGTC’s CEO, Shamsul Bahar Mohd Nor and on his right is MIDA’s CEO, Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman.

Several trade and government agencies, including the Ministry of Environment and Water (KASA), the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC), Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), recorded cumulative business leads worth RM4.6 billion through Memorandum of Understandings and Memorandum of Cooperation agreements at the 12th International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia (IGEM 2021), held virtually over six months from July to end December last year.

Themed “Redefining Sustainability”, IGEM 2021 focused on delivering sustainable economic and social well-being in a planetfriendly manner. The trade event achieved commendable results, recording over 15,000 policy makers, entrepreneurs, industry experts and other delegates, from over 50 countries, who explored the 195 booths and participated in the 144 conference sessions. IGEM 2021’s virtual booths yielded a total of 71 project leads with potential investment value of RM2.5 billion in various activities.

Speaking at a briefing held on 22 February 2022, KASA Minister Dato’ Sri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said, “KASA is very much committed to enhancing the action of addressing climate change. This effort was disclosed in the country’s statement in conjunction with the COP26 conference held in Glasgow, United Kingdom in November 2021.”

“In addition to delivering commendable results, the ventures signed at IGEM 2021 cover future-ready sectors such as hydrogen, electric vehicles and low carbon cities. These sectors strongly support the government’s sustainable economy agenda while also ensuring the creation of long-term employment opportunities for Malaysians,” he added.

In line with efforts to transition to an endemic phase in the national Covid-19 mitigation strategy, the minister also announced that the upcoming IGEM 2022 would take on a hybrid format with the virtual event held in September followed by the physical exhibition to be held from October 12 to 14.

IGEM 2022 has set targets of RM3 billion in business leads and 30,000 visitors. It will feature 300 exhibitor booths, both online and across three exhibition halls at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. IGEM 2022 will be a key focus among stakeholders in the implementation and coordination of more effective strategies on climate change in the country.

MGTC’s CEO, Shamsul Bahar Mohd Nor said, “With the success of IGEM 2021, I am confident that the upcoming IGEM will once again surface new opportunities for greater deployment of green and sustainable technologies in the regional post-Covid economic recovery, enhancing climate change mitigation and fast-tracking the roll-out of climate change adaptation technologies and strategies.”

Affordable housing and integrated township developer, Lagenda Properties Berhad has recently entered into a 10-year partnership with ESCAPE brand creators, Sim Leisure Group Ltd, an internationally renowned theme park designer and operator, and the owner of ESCAPE Penang – famed for having the longest water slide in the world.

The partnership in principle revolves around the design, construction and operation of recreational parks by Sim Leisure Group within the existing and future affordable township developments of Lagenda with the aim of elevating leisure areas with exciting and family friendly attractions.

Through this collaborative effort, Lagenda aims to optimise green spaces within its current and future townships beyond the standard park and playground set-up, instilling a sense of pride and vibrancy amongst homeowners. The developer has set aside 20,000 sq ft up to a few acres of land for recreational parks, segregated between a commercial and non-commercial elements. Emphasis will also be on utilising environmentally friendly materials and construction methods in line with Lagenda’s commitment to promote ESG elements in every township, a further add-on to the existing solar power push within the townships.

“We are constantly looking for ways to further add value to our affordable townships. Lagenda focuses on a commercial approach to development planning and delivery, but always hand in hand with community needs. Partnering with Sim Leisure Group will provide residents with fantastic theme park styled common areas with sustainability at the heart of the development.” said Dato Jimmy Doh, the Managing Director of Lagenda.

Meanwhile, Sim Choo Kheng, Founder and Chief Executive of Sim Leisure Group said, “This partnership with Lagenda is history in the making as it essentially marks the future of housing development, and its planning. I truly commend and

A revolutionary concept that marks the future of housing developments, ESCAPE Kids will incorporate elements of Adventureplay and Waterplay, bringing with it a new dimension of fun and excitement to recreation within township communities.

applaud Lagenda for being a pioneer in this area and embarking on this gamechanging journey with us.”

“Going beyond the traditional concept of neighbourhood playgrounds, the new recreational parks – ESCAPE Kids – will carry the brand’s unique identity, bringing with it a new dimension of fun and excitement to recreation within township communities. Employing our signature ‘Low Tech, High Fun’ approach, the ESCAPE Kids brand of recreational parks will redefine outdoor play in a safer, yet more exciting adventure park concept. These activities are inspired by the memories of ‘kampung-styled’ naturebased activities of yesteryear, which kids these days almost never experience with their heads increasingly buried in electronic devices. Going beyond mere play, ESCAPE Kids will also enhance the teaching of life skills, while promoting discovery and simply enjoying the great outdoors,” he added.

Tago’s latest development, ALAIA Titiwangsa promotes modern city living where community meets exclusivity, featuring various community spaces with a co-working space and private meeting rooms, which caters for work-from-home arrangements.

Daryl Chew, COO of Tago (M) Sdn Bhd.

Boutique property developer Tago (M) Sdn Bhd has launched its latest development, ALAIA Titiwangsa, in conjunction with the signing of the sale and purchase agreement (SPA) by its customers on 11 and 12 December 2021. Located at Taman Tiara Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur, the 1.6acre leasehold serviced apartment project has a gross development value (GDV) of RM273 million.

There are three available layouts - a three-bedroom at 1,012 sq ft; twobedroom at 807 sq ft; and one-bedroom at 635 sq ft. The units feature spacious bedrooms and a function room. The bathrooms are thoughtfully designed with nooks for towels and toiletries, bidets and built-in hot water system. Shared bathrooms are accessible from inside the bedrooms or living room, with master baths being fitted with a rain shower and a hand-held shower.

“We believe ALAIA meets or even exceeds those demands through the thoughtful inclusion of both communitycentric and individual places,” said Daryl Chew, Tago’s chief operating officer. He also added that 83% of the total 436 units have already been snapped up over the launch weekend.

Despite the project’s location in the middle of the city, it is nestled in a low-density residential area, tucked in its private enclave and has plenty of green space with the upgraded Titiwangsa Lake Gardens a stroll away.

ALAIA also caters to work-from-home arrangements through its accompanying co-working space with a private meeting room which offers an inspiring area to network and share ideas. Other unique social spaces come in the form of a social hub with 18 curated shop lots and a ‘Kebun’ featuring fruit trees and a spice garden and a Green Folly. The development 28 types of facilities including sky lounge and dining, karaoke rooms, sky pool, sky cinema, sky gym, EV charging stations, jogging track, kids’ playroom and pool.

The developer will be introducing a community mobile application where residents can perform tasks such as booking common facilities, registering visitors and paying their maintenance charges online. Residents only need to issue a QR code to their visitors, which will be used to access the lift lobby and the lift car to arrive at the designated floor.

Other security features available include 24-hour security, CCTV surveillance throughout the building including guardhouse and car parks, and restricted access to into lift lobbies, resident’s floor and facilities.

ALAIA has direct access onto the DutaUlu Kelang (DUKE) Highway, and a shuttle van is also available to transport residents to the nearby Titiwangsa LRT or MRT for their convenience. It is conveniently located to nearby international schools; private and government hospitals; hypermarkets and supermarkets and major banks, which are all within a 10km radius.

The development is expected to be complete by the end of 2025.

DUBAI, 29 March 2022 – The Malaysia Pavilion will be joining Expo 2020 Dubai’s five-year legacy programme and will be maintained and repurposed, Dato’ Sri Dr Adham Baba, Malaysia’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) announced on Tuesday (29 March).

The pavilion – located in Jubilee – is set to become the Malaysian Technology and Innovation Hub in the UAE and will be government-owned and operated by a private Malaysian company under Expo 2020 Dubai’s legacy programme, according to the minister.

Speaking at a press conference at the pavilion, HE Dato’ Sri Dr Adham Baba said: “The Malaysia Pavilion’s transformation into the Technology and Innovation Hub reflects our country’s ambition of becoming a globally competitive digital nation. This also reinforces our government’s commitment to contribute to the global technology development and to strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation with the UAE.”

The pavilion will operate on a public-private partnership model where both the Malaysian government and a private entity will be able to utilise the facility to host officials and dignitaries, as well as serve as a platform to promote technology-based products and services.

Malaysia’s homegrown drone service provider Aerodyne Group was selected to take over the operations at the pavilion, and will also be using it as their second global headquarters.

A committee, chaired by Datuk Zainal Abidin Abu Hassan, MOSTI’s Secretary General, oversaw the selection of the company to ensure that the candidates met the programme’s criteria of being a key player in the sectors of smart city, smart logistics, smart mobility or Industry 4.0.

The Expo 2020 Dubai five-year legacy programme is part of the UAE government’s long-term initiative of repurposing the event site as an integrated mixed-use community, known as District 2020. District 2020 will evolve from Expo 2020 Dubai as a smart and sustainable city centred on the needs of its urban community. It will provide a curated innovation-driven business ecosystem that brings together global minds and embraces technology and digital innovation to support industry growth.

Under the theme ‘Energising Sustainability’, the current pavilion represents Malaysia’s commitment and approach to sustainable development and features a rainforest canopy inspired by the country’s majestic tropical rainforests, blending cultural elements with nature and functionality to create a futuristic building.

Investors may find it easier now to buy homes with assistance from the developer’s “Tropicana Power Up” scheme.

Tropicana Corporation Berhad (“Tropicana”) announced in April a slew of incentives for home seekers with their “Tropicana Power Up” plan which may make it easier for Malaysians to own homes within the property developer’s portfolio of 17 projects in nine townships across the country.

The plan, which will last until 30 June 2022, offers incentives such as down payment assistance, free stamp duties for loan and memorandum of transfer (“MOT”) instruments, double referral rewards, and attractive bonuses on sale and purchase agreement signings.

Potential buyers will be able to use this plan to purchase both upcoming and completed residential and commercial projects in the Klang Valley, Langkawi and Johor.

“The plan is timely in view of pent-up market demand and positive macroeconomic indicators as Malaysia moves into the endemic transition phase,” says Joanne Lee, Tropicana’s managing director of marketing and sales.

“This campaign is our way of reaching out, rewarding, and growing the community. With over 5,800 satisfied customers in FY2021, we anticipate even healthier prospects in the coming year. This is based on an increased appetite among Malaysians to purchase property for investment purposes, according to industry reports such as the PropertyGuru Malaysia Consumer Sentiment Survey, as well as a more favourable operating environment with rising international purchaser interest as borders re-open.”

“We are prepared to cater to the surging market demand through our Tropicana Power Up, delivering easy entry and minimal capital outlays for our properties in support of the national housing agenda following the conclusion of the Home Ownership Campaign,” Lee adds.

Potential home buyers keen on leveraging the Tropicana Power Up plan can find out more by visiting www.tropicanacorp.com.my.

Innovative layouts, distinctive facades and customisable interiors are some of the selling points that attracted buyers.

Tropicana Corporation Berhad (“Tropicana”) announced in March that its latest two phases, Freesia Residences and Gemala Residences located at its 863-acre Tropicana Aman township recorded a 100 per cent take up rate.

“With positive response to Tropicana Aman’s initial five phases, our marketing and project teams worked closely to deliver market-driven products centred around our development DNA. Our team also adopted digital and online initiatives to enhance customer engagement,” said Jared Ethan Ang, Tropicana’s group executive director.

The new residences offer innovative layouts and distinctive facade designs, as well as Tropicana’s customisable option which allows home buyers to choose their preferred colour theme, fittings and smart home solutions. These features appeal to changing buyer needs as Malaysians re-evaluate their residential spaces after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Freesia Residences features 198 park and lake villa homes set amid the tranquil grounds of the township. Comprising doublestorey bungalows and semi-detached units, it is suitable for multigenerational families and upgraders with ample built-ups from 3,769 sq ft and land sizes from 38 ft by 90 ft.

Following the success of Freesia Residences, Gemala Residences was opened for registration, with a resounding 100 per cent take up rate during its preview event. These modern homes encompass 116 garden-linked villas with built-ups from 2,648 sq ft. Each unit includes an integrated side garden, conveying the distinction of a semi-detached facade, along with larger land sizes from 32 ft by 75 ft.

Gemala Residences offers an open plan concept between living and dining spaces, allowing home owners the flexibility of adapting them for living, working or recreational use.

In line with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, Freesia and Gemala Residences emphasise climateresponsive designs with open layouts, ample windows and openings maximising natural air flow and lighting. These, in turn, reduce cooling and electricity costs, as part of Tropicana’s sustainable development approach.

The award-winning Tropicana Aman is designed as a serene, self-sustaining township in the heart of Kota Kemuning, with commercial hubs and two international academic institutions, Tenby International School and SJKC Bukit Fraser nearby, catering to the growing needs of the community. Surrounded by nature, its 85-acre Central Park serves as a green lung, while promoting sustainable lifestyles with abundant recreational spaces, lakeside pavilions and a 7 km walking and biking trail. In addition, a fiveacre Recreational Hub offers a gym and swimming pool, among others, for active lifestyles.

Following the success of Freesia and Gemala Residences, Tropicana Aman will be rolling out its next phase of landed residences by Q4 2022. More details can be found at www.tropicanaaman.com.my.

The Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor (PKNS) or State Development Corporation of Selangor announced on 29 March 2022 the re-opening of the De Palma Hotel Eco Resort at Kuala Selangor in Malaysia. The resort which has been closed on and off during the Covid-19 pandemic, recently refurbished its guest rooms, ballroom, meeting rooms, coffee house, pool area and improved the landscaping around its spacious 14 hectare grounds.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, PKNS’ CEO, Dato’ Mahmud Abbas, said, “We are very excited to re-launch De Palma Hotel Eco Resort Kuala Selangor after weathering two challenging years. With sound strategy and business plans in place, we are re-opening De Palma’s doors to cater to both local and foreign tourists, including corporate groups and travel agents. Our aim is to immerse guests in nature and local attractions while creating a ripple effect to help reboot the livelihoods of local businesses around Kuala Selangor.”

PKNS also announced that The Blanket Hotel has been appointed as the operator of De Palma Hotel Eco Resort. The Blanket Hotel has extensive hospitality industry experience and a track record of operating six other two- to four-star hotels in Penang, Kedah and Selangor. The partnership between PKNS and The Blanket Hotel promises a one-of-a-kind hospitality experience for all potential guests. Bukit Melawati assemblywoman YB Puan Juwairiya binti Zulkifli officiated at the opening of the resort.

Located near the banks of the Selangor River, De Palma is a tranquil vacation resort, just an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur. The resort is popular among tourists who are looking for a natural getaway, good food, and rich cultural and historical attractions around the area.

De Palma is banking on the return of tourism after the pandemic and collaborating with Tourism Selangor and “Kebudayaan dan Pelancongan Daerah Kuala Selangor” to raise the state’s profile by introducing tourists to the state’s cultural and historical attractions.

There are several attractions around Kuala Selangor, including the 18th century Altingsburg Lighthouse on Melawati Hill, the Kuala Selangor Nature Park, Sky Mirror Jetty, Firefly Park and the eagle feeding activity. The range of activities would cater to both the leisure traveller and the adventure-seeker.

De Palma, established on 23 August 1997, is wholly owned by PKNS. The 62room resort provides amenities like an outdoor swimming pool, a coffee house and free parking and is located at Jalan Tanjung Keramat, 45000 Kuala Selangor.

For more information, please contact at +603-3289 7070.

Jubin BMS (1990) Sdn Bhd, a leading supplier and retailer of tiles, stone, mosaic and sanitary wares, launched its newest branch at Kota Damansara (Selangor, Malaysia) on March 30, 2022. The event was witnessed by the Kota Damansara Assemblyman Shatiri Mansor.

In conjunction with the launch, Jubin BMS was also officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records with the award of “Most Tile Designs by a Retailer.” The company’s large collection of tiles are made from various materials and used to furnish interior walls, ceilings and floors, among other places.

The new four-storey branch at Kota Damansara, spanning across 20,000 square feet of retail space, aims to offer a unique shopping experience for Malaysians.

With an innovative showroom design combined with an efficient logistics and warehouse system, the company will provide an end-to-end service that will meet customer expectations from the beginning of the selection process right up to fulfilment and product delivery.

Besides being able to find an extensive range of tiles, stones, mosaics and sanitary wares from many world-class brands, Jubin BMS has also designed its shop layout to showcase its products in a mock home display. This allows customers to touch and feel the products and imagine its application in their own home.

“Following the launch of Malaysia’s largest tiles and sanitary wares showroom in Johor last year, we have now brought our unique showroom experience to the Klang Valley in this new Kota Damansara branch. We look forward to welcoming our current and new customers for an immersive home furnishing and interior finishing experience here,” says Jubin BMS managing director Ang Kwee Peng.

“The special award that we have received from the Malaysia Book of Records is also testament to our efforts to become a trusted tiles and sanitary wares provider. We are committed to making dream homes come true and believe that this can be done by providing the widest range of market-leading products catering to different customer segments”

Jubin BMS’ Johor Bahru branch entered the Malaysia Book of Records for being the “largest tiles and sanitary wares showroom” when it was launched last year. The three-storey complex located in Tebrau has a floor area of 70,000 sq ft.

Founded in 1990, Jubin BMS is a home furnishing and interior finishing supplier and retailer in Malaysia. Carrying brands from around the world, Jubin BMS’

(L-R) Jubin BMS Executive Director Mr Lee Kok Chuan, Director Madam Yu Bee Chew, Managing Director Mr Ang Kwee Peng, Kota Damansara Assemblyman Tuan Shatiri Mansor and Malaysia Book of Records Marketing Director Mr Jwan Heah during the award presentation for “Most Tile Designs by a Retailer.”

collection includes a wide variety of tiles, natural stones, mosaics, large format porcelain slabs, sanitary wares, fittings and accessories. The company also owns in-house brands such as BMS Porcelain for tiles, Eurano for wares and accessories, as well as Marmo Grande for porcelain slabs.

Jubin BMS currently has showrooms and outlets in 14 locations spread across Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Sarawak.

But outlook for the second half of 2022 will more encouraging as developers put behind the pandemic to focus on nation building and provide housing for the people.

On March 15, 2022, REHDA Malaysia gave a virtual media briefing based on the results of the “Property Industry Survey 2H 2021 and Market Outlook 2022.” The briefing was presented by Datuk N.K. Tong, REHDA's acting president.

A total of 124 respondents consisting of REHDA members from all across Malaysia took part in the latest edition of the REHDA Property Industry Survey. Among others, the survey found an increase in sales performance in 2H 2021 compared to 1H 2021; however, a decline was reported in launched units. Respondents anticipated the first half of 2022 to be subdued, with higher optimism for 2H 2022.

Within the period under review, a total of 10,665 units were launched, which was 8 per cent lower than 1H 2021 (11,601 units). Majority of these units were residential, totalling at 10,631 units, priced between RM250,001 to RM700,000. In terms of house types, two- to three-storey terrace units proved to be the most popular at 3,165 units mostly located in Seremban, followed by apartment/condominium and serviced apartment at 2,909 units and 2,363 units respectively.

Despite the lower number of launched units, sales performance reported an 11 percentage point increase from 39 to 50 per cent (2H 2021: 5,303 units; 1H 2021: 4,540 units), with only 22 of them comprising commercial units (1H 2021: 121 commercial units). The top performers type-wise were similar to the launched units, namely two- to three-storey terrace (2,213 units) also mostly located in Seremban, apartment/condominium (961 units) and serviced apartment (804 units). First-time buyers maintained its position as the highest number of purchasers and most were buying for self-dwelling.

67 respondents (54 per cent) having unsold units reported to have 30 per cent and below of unsold residential units, mostly affecting units priced between RM250, 001 to RM500,000 and RM500,001 to RM700, 000 (39 and 18 per cent respectively). 64 per cent of respondents with unsold units cited that their unsold completed units are more than two years of age identifying loan rejection, low demand/interest and unreleased Bumiputera units as the top three reasons for unsold units.

79 per cent of respondents remarked that within the period under review, overall costs of doing business have increased up to 18 per cent, the highest over the past 5 years. Meanwhile, 96 per cent of respondents reported to be affected by the current economic scenario. The top three components affecting cash flow were material and labour costs, compliance cost as well as financing and land costs which shared the number three spot.

51 per cent of respondents planned to launch projects in 1H 2022, totalling at 24,557 units (17,969 strata residential units; 5,997 landed residential units and 591 units commercial units). Of those with planned launched, 77 per cent of them were anticipating their sales performance to be 50 per cent and below for the first half of 2022. Most states aimed to launch residential units within the RM250,001 to RM500,000 price range.

Johor, Selangor and Penang, on the other hand, will have units mostly priced between RM500,001 to RM700,000 in their 2022 offerings. The outlook for 2022 is largely neutral, but respondents are more optimistic for 2H 2022.

“While this is a voluntary survey that attracted 124 respondents from our membership base of over 1,500 and therefore will not capture the full statistics, it nonetheless serves as a useful guide and a good reflection of the sentiment in the property industry,” added Datuk N.K. Tong, Acting President of REHDA Malaysia. “While the results do reflect the challenges faced by the industry, I am encouraged by the improving sentiment and outlook in the second half of 2022, as developers put behind the pandemic of the past two years to focus on nation building and housing the population.”

An appreciation dinner was held at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur on 25 March 2022 to celebrate the exceptional achievements in the field of renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency (EE) by 34 local industry players who were awarded the National Energy Awards (NEA) 2021.

Among the winners, 25 of them represented Malaysia at the ASEAN Energy Awards (AEA) 2021 while 12 nominations won at the ASEAN level.

“Local industry players in the sustainable energy sector should continue their efforts to support the country’s energy transition agenda as well as the government's aspirations towards a carbon neutral nation,” said Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan during the event.

Takiyuddin also highlighted the important role that sustainable energy development, especially RE resources, plays in the energy transition agenda and its contribution towards supporting the country’s aspirations to remedy the climate change issue. He also stressed that the energy transition agenda is one of the topics that will dominate the narrative of world geopolitical relations as well as business and trade activities between countries.

“The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources is committed to reduce the carbon footprint by the electricity supply sector and to achieve the target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 by implementing progressive policies,” he said.

Some of the government initiatives include: the increasing adoption of RE in the country’s electricity supply mix to 31 per cent by 2025 and 40 per cent by 2035; reducing dependency on coal; strengthening grid flexibility to accommodate solar energy; and adopting energy-efficient practices by implementing the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Bill.

To realise these aspirations, the government has implemented various RE and energy efficiency programmes like the launch of the Malaysia Renewable

National Energy Awards 2021 Majlis Apresiasi was graced by YB Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur.

Energy Roadmap (MyRER) which sets the direction and guidelines for the development of the country’s RE industry until 2035; and the Green Electricity Tariff (GET) scheme to enable private companies to subscribe to green electricity supply from solar and hydro sources to meet ESG commitments.

The GET scheme has received encouraging response from the private sector with all 4,500 Gigawatt hours of green electricity on offer being fully subscribed by mid-March this year.

The government is offering an additional quota of 300 MW under the NEM NOVA programme to encourage the usage of solar energy panels on building rooftops nationwide.

Another initiative is the SAVE 3.0 scheme which provides rebates of up to RM400 to domestic electricity users who purchase energy efficient electrical appliances with a 4-star or 5-star rating by the Energy Commission.

The government also offers a conditional energy audit and energy management grant for the industrial and commercial sector amounting to RM24 million to assist business entities in conducting internal energy audits to determine the potential energy saving in their respective premises and installations.

Through the commitment and energy transition initiatives implemented, the mix of RE capacity in the country’s electricity supply has reached 23 per cent in 2021 and it is evident that Malaysia is on the right track in implementing the energy transition agenda.

The ministry is confident that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the electricity supply sector will be reduced by 45 per cent in 2025 and 60 per cent in 2035 compared with 2005. This progress is in line with the country’s commitment under the Paris Agreement to reduce the intensity of GHG emissions by 45 per cent by 2030.

NEA has provided the best platform for the sharing of best practices and implementations in the field of RE and energy efficiency in line with the country’s sustainable development aspirations and commitments.

The success of the country’s representatives at the ASEAN level is also a testament to the ability of local industries to come up with innovative ideas and solutions in optimising the supply and use of sustainable energy.

Award-winning developer SkyWorld brought members of the media on a tour of their latest completed project and launched the latest version of their innovative app called “SkyWorld Connects.”

Malaysian developer SkyWorld delivered on its promise to offer investors yet another luxurious condominium project at an affordable price point. SkyMeridien Residences has all the features that residents need in a modern living environment, including an impressive drive-way and reception lobby that feels like a five-star hotel.

Members of the media were invited to take a tour of the completed project on March 17, 2022, and treated to a sumptuous beach-themed dinner beside the impressive pool. During the event, the developer also launched the latest iteration of its SkyWorld Connects 2.0 Solution+, a mobile app created for SkyWorld’s homeowners not only to communicate with their respective condo management and security team, but also to purchase renovation materials and home electrical appliances online.

SkyMeridien Residences @ Sentul East is a twin tower leasehold service residence located in Sentul, within Kuala Lumpur city. One of the project’s selling points is its proximity (300 metres) to the Sentul Timur LRT station—just a few minutes’ walk away via a sheltered walkway.

The first block has 38 floors with 12 units per floor while the second block has 39 floors yielding a total of 780 units. Five different layouts are offered ranging from 581 sq ft to 1,318 sq ft. What’s unique about the project is that every unit has only one adjoining unit, similar to a semi-detached house.

Most of the units also feature a versatile Juliet window, a value-add feature allowing owners to use the balcony as it is or convert it to become part of the living room, making the unit feel even more spacious.

According to the developer, the idea is design the condominium to feel like a holiday resort so that residents can come home to relax and unwind, and not have to think about booking a holiday at a faraway destination.

There are more than 30 resort-inspired amenities including a landscaped garden, multi-purpose hall, childcare centre, cycling track, rock climbing wall, half-size basketball court, three-on-three futsal court, and a stretching centre. On the eighth floor, there is a hydro gym where one can exercise inside the pool, outdoor fitness station for those who does not like confine spaces, an indoor gym with weights and cardio machines, sun decks, spa jacuzzis, separate male and female sauna room, steam room, kids water maze, wave pool, Olympic-length swimming pool, BBQ pits, spice and herb garden, floating seat deck, kids playground, kids trail games, giant snake and ladder board, family tea party garden, arcade games room and yoga deck.

Within a short driving distance are established local and international schools such as La Salle Sentul, Wesley Methodist and Victoria International College. For shopping, there are options like the Sunway Putra Mall, Maju Junction Mall, Pingat Bazaar, Quill City Mall and Kompleks Sogo.

Medical and health facilities located within a three-kilometre radius are the Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Sentul Hospital, Lourdes Medical Centre, Institut Perubatan Respiratori, KPJ Tawakkal Specialist Hospital and Roopi Medical Centre.

During the launch of the project a few years ago, the starting price was just RM358,000 or around RM600 per sq ft.

The REHDA Institute’s Regional Housing Conference 2022 was recently held on March 24, 2022, at Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa, Malaysia. During the conference, there were panel discussions and talks by reputable industry players. REHDA Institute’s fifth research report called “Housing Forward—Understanding Costs and Sustainable Prices,” was also launched during the event. The report highlights some of the causes for rising property prices and high development costs and explains how these issues can be addressed.

The Malaysian government has in recent months reiterated its commitment towards the provision of affordable housing and the National Affordable Housing Council have been meeting to discuss implementing strategies towards the “One Family, One Home” motto, in achieving the target to build 500,000 affordable housing units throughout the duration of the 12th Malaysian Plan (12MP), involving Federal and State Governments as well as private sector developers.

“We welcome the renewed pledge but at the same time would like to caution that, in its enthusiasm to roll out some 500,000 affordable units by 2025, the government must not turn a blind eye to core fundamental issues hindering housing affordability that need to be considered and addressed urgently,” said Dato Jeffrey Ng Tiong Lip, REHDA Institute’s chairman in his keynote address.

“Based on data from the National Property Information Centre, as at Q3 2021, there were 7,743 units of property overhang priced RM300,000 and below, contributing to 25.5 per cent of total residential property overhang.”

“There could be various reasons for these unsold completed units but it is important that affordable units to be built in the future do not fall under the overhang category due to poor demand, lack of ecosystem, unsuitable location and so on.”

“On the supply front, high costs have always been the stumbling block and cross subsidies are not sustainable for the industry. Increased costs of land, compliance, building materials, labour and other costs, as well as a lacklustre market have all made cross subsidies punitive to private sector housing development. It is timely that the Government takes over the role of providing social housing to the nation, particularly to the B40 and M40 groups that require housing assistance through its various agencies. The private sector should be allowed to focus on market led affordable housing projects and also other open market products,” Ng said.

After the presentation, Dato Ng and Datuk N.K. Tong, REHDA Malaysia’s acting president, fielded questions from members of the media.

Since its re-launch in 2001, REHDA Institute as a training, research and education institute, has played an integral role in matters relating to the real estate and property development fraternity in Malaysia. As the real estate industry impacts at least 140 upstream and downstream industries, it plays an important role in creating jobs and contributing to the nation’s overall economy.

Sole Distributor: Midea Scott & English Electronics Sdn Bhd (194517-X)

No. 16, Jalan Chan Sow Lin, 55200 Kuala Lumpur Tel: 03-9221 1033 Fax: 03-9221 7204 / 03-9221 1434 / 03-9221 3509

• PENANG No. 35, Jalan Perniagaan Gemilang 1, Pusat Perniagaan Gemilang, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang. Tel: 04-548 3938 Fax: 04-548 9698 • JOHOR No. 25, Jalan Seri Impian 1, Taman Impian Emas, 81300 Skudai, Johor. Tel: 07-562 4898 Fax: 07-557 7898

• MALACCA No. 385-L, Taman Peringgit Jaya, 75400 Peringgit, Melaka. Tel: 06-292 1940 Fax: 06-286 7107 • KOTA BHARU PT 1436, Ground Floor, Taman Koperatif, Tanjung Chat, 15300 Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Tel/Fax: 09-743 1202 • PERAK No. 38, Persiaran Perindustrian Pengkalan 10, Kawasan Perindustrian Pengkalan, 31500 Lahat, Perak. Tel: 05-323 2529 Fax: 05-323 2529 • SABAH Lot 3, Lorong Kompleks BSA, Kompleks BSA Kolombong, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Tel: 088-421 428 Fax: 088-431 427 • PAHANG No. 258, Ground Floor, Jalan Air Putih, Taman Air Putih Mewah, 25350 Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur. Tel: 09-560 6668 Fax: 09-09-560 5050 • SARAWAK 1st Floor , Lot 8517, Stutong Commercial Centre, Jalan Stutong, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak. Tel: 082-363 167 Fax: 082-366 167