Rehda Institute is dedicated to building a robust regional network for research, education and training, said Ng.
Rehda Institute hosts biannual study trips to foster global collaborations and knowledge sharing
By Joseph Wong
When Rehda Institute was first established, its core mission was to develop the real estate industry in Malaysia through training, research and education, with the aim of improving industry standards, promoting best practices and contributing to the overall development of the nation.
“As a think tank focused on housing, the Rehda Institute is dedicated to building a robust regional network for research, education and training. Our core initiatives unite influential stakeholders from the real estate and property development sectors, not just in Malaysia, but across the broader Asia-Pacific region,” said its chairman Datuk Jeffrey Ng.
As a service provider in human resource and talent development, the institute also analyses current and pressing real estate industry issues that affect the rakyat and the nation, he said.
Hence, in a landmark initiative fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange, the Rehda Institute recently organised the Asia Real Estate Leaders (AREL) study trip to Melbourne, Australia, where delegates visited numerous developments to learn and strengthen ties among industry experts.
“Melbourne was chosen as our study trip destination due to it being ranked as the world’s second most liveable city in 2024 by The Economist Intelligence Unit. Melbourne’s dedication to balancing historical preservation with modern innovation and sustainability makes it an inspiring destination for study and exploration. This unique blend of preservation and progress ensures that Melbourne remains a dynamic and relevant global hub in 2025.
“The city excels in urban renewal initiatives, where older, dilapidated structures are often replaced with cutting-edge infrastructure designed to enhance liveability and environmental sustainability. Aligned with the Malaysian government’s key priorities, such as Rehda Institute has invested significant effort over the past few months to collaborate with both Malaysian government stakeholders and our counterparts in Melbourne to make this trip a success. This ensures that our delegation connects with the right individuals and explores the most relevant sites,” said Ng.
Forging stronger international ties
A housing dialogue was also held in collaboration with Monash University, bringing together prominent Malaysian delegates—including senior housing officials, real estate professionals, industry leaders and stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.
Since the reopening of borders in 2022, Rehda Institute has led several study tours to connect with housing advocacy groups and research think tanks in cities such as Bangkok, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City and now, Melbourne, said Ng.
“In Malaysia, developers are required to provide price-controlled housing, a unique mandate that distinguishes us globally. It’s therefore invaluable for us to observe how Australia approaches social, affordable housing and open market housing,” he said.
A visit to the Community Housing Victoria site in Prahran showcased an innovative urban redevelopment model that integrates social housing through rental schemes while maintaining public ownership.
“This model has been recommended in several of Rehda Institute’s Affordable Housing Reports previously. Moreover, we have heard how social housing and affordable housing are mixed within the same project whilst in some projects, they are separated. We would like to know which model is advisable and if there are variations depending on the localised nature of the development in terms of demographics,” he said.
The Malaysian delegation visiting the Bangs Street redevelopment.
The delegation was led by Ng, along with esteemed trustees Tan Sri Eddy Chen, Datuk Ng Seing Liong and Datuk Seri Michael Yam. Officiating the dialogue was Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, who also joined the study tour with senior officers from the ministry. They were accompanied by Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association (Rehda) president Datuk Ho Hon Sang, immediate past president Datuk NK Tong and Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Shareda) president Datuk Chua Soon Peng. Together, they facilitated meaningful dialogue and strengthened ties between industry professionals from Malaysia and Melbourne.
The housing dialogue, held at the Melbourne Marriott Hotel, attracted 180 delegates, including Victoria’s Small Business, Employment, Veterans and Youth Minister Natalie Suleyman.
Renowned for her advocacy on housing supply issues, Suleyman emphasised the importance of cross-sector collaboration in delivering affordable and sustainable housing solutions. She highlighted Victoria’s strategic plan to build 800,000 homes over the next decade, noting that housing development must be supported by critical infrastructure, such as the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, to ensure seamless connectivity between homes, jobs, education and public transport.
She also spoke of the long-standing relationship between Victoria and Malaysia, which began in 1966 when only 2,434 Malaysian-born residents lived in the state. Today, more than 62,000 Malaysians reside in Victoria, underscoring enduring ties in trade, education and urban development.
In addressing shared challenges such as housing shortages and climate change, she stressed the need for strategic planning and targeted investment. Victoria’s A$9.8bil (RM27.59bil) commitment to housing and homelessness services, along with initiatives like the Victorian Homebuyers Fund and First Homebuyers Grant, were presented as key steps in improving access to homeownership.
The recent housing dialogue and study tour in Melbourne marked a pivotal opportunity for Malaysian real estate leaders to engage with Australian experts on critical topics such as mixed-use development, social and affordable housing, senior living and sustainable urban planning. “Our Melbourne visit is a key opportunity to engage with leading Australian experts in areas such as mixed-use developments, retirement villages, sustainable development, social housing and urban townships. The lessons we gather here will sharpen our strategies and expand our networks, offering invaluable market intelligence and feasibility insights,” said Ng.
Urban renewal and redevelopment laws
A central theme of the visit was urban renewal, where Melbourne’s transformation of underutilised spaces into vibrant communities offered actionable insights. Delegates visited Fishermans Bend—a 1,186-acre former industrial estate now being redeveloped into a thriving township adjacent to the Melbourne CBD by Gamuda Australia. The project served as a case study in long-term planning, legal reform and sustainable infrastructure investment. Other redevelopment projects like Melbourne Square by OSK Property and The Sapphire by The Gardens by SP Setia highlighted the global reputation of Malaysian developers and their role in delivering world-class, high-density living environments abroad.
Strata management reform
Melbourne’s mature strata framework sparked critical discussions on potential reforms to Malaysia’s Strata Management Act 2013. Delegates explored ways to improve governance, streamline dispute resolution mechanisms and enhance long-term property maintenance, particularly in high-rise developments. These insights are increasingly relevant as Malaysia experiences rapid urbanisation and densification in key city centres.
Social and affordable housing
Affordable housing remains a shared challenge between Malaysia and Australia. In Melbourne, delegates explored how government policies and public-private partnerships help address rising housing costs. A visit to the Bangs Street redevelopment in Prahran showcased how 434 new residences—228 for social housing and 206 for market rentals—can be integrated to serve a broader demographic, including Malaysia’s M40 and B40 income groups. These models offered practical frameworks for equitable housing solutions adaptable to the Malaysian context.
Senior living and aged care
With ageing populations on the rise in both countries, the study tour also examined Melbourne’s forward-looking approach to senior living. Visits to communities such as St Clare by Villa Maria Catholic Homes, Morgan Glen Iris and Pavilions Blackburn Lake revealed how purpose-built facilities can combine independent living, healthcare and lifestyle services to support older residents with dignity and quality of life. These models offer potential blueprints for Malaysia’s own aged care strategy.
Academic and expert engagement
The programme featured a keynote address by Professor Diego Ramirez from Monash University, who underscored the need for visionary housing policies in light of global issues such as climate change, urban sustainability and population growth. His address set a compelling tone for cross-regional learning and collaboration.
Forging long-term partnerships
This housing dialogue went beyond technical exchange—it laid the foundation for lasting collaboration between Malaysia and Australia in real estate innovation and policy development. The insights gained will play a critical role in shaping inclusive, resilient and future-ready housing strategies that benefit citizens in both countries.
“Looking ahead, Rehda Institute will continue to organise strategic study tours to enhance our learning and expand our regional networks. Potential future destinations include Sydney, Taiwan, China and Korea, depending on demand from our industry. There was also a suggestion to visit Vienna due to a great affordable housing project. These exchanges are essential as we align with international best practices, particularly in areas such as affordable housing and senior living developments,” said Ng.
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