Star Media Group (SMG) group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt (front, tenth left), chief business officer Lydia Wang (front, sixth left) and chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng (front, seventh right) posing for a group shot with Chief Executive Of The Year Savills (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd group managing director and head Datuk Paul Khong (front, eight right), alongside the winners of All-Stars Awards (Agency and Negotiators) and Millionaire Masters Awards at the StarProperty Awards 2024 Realtor Edition gala dinner at M Resort Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

Honouring excellence and shaping the future of real estate

The StarProperty Awards 2024 Realtor Edition (SREA 2024) marked its triumphant return for the seventh year, hosting yet another elegant celebration. Organised by StarProperty, the ceremony shone a spotlight on Malaysia’s most accomplished real estate professionals, recognising their exceptional achievements, unwavering dedication and significant contributions to the nation’s property sector.

Held at M Resort and Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, this year’s event reached new heights, boasting its large turnout and number of trophies that were awarded to deserving recipients. Hundreds of agents, negotiators and industry luminaries came together under one roof to honour excellence, foster innovation and celebrate the remarkable strides made within the real estate landscape.

In his inspiring opening remarks, Star Media Group (SMG) group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt applauded the resilience of Malaysia’s property market. He emphasised the critical role that real estate professionals have played in its impressive rebound. Despite facing formidable economic challenges and the disruptions caused by the global pandemic, Malaysia’s property market has demonstrated remarkable recovery and continues to thrive—a testament to the industry’s adaptability and strength.

"2023 marked a remarkable year, recording the highest number of properties sold since 2013—399,008 units," Chan shared. Transaction values reached a record RM196.83 billion, even surpassing the previous high of RM162 billion set in 2014. This upward trend has continued into 2024, with the first quarter alone seeing 104,297 properties transacted, totaling RM56.53 billion in value.

Chan credited the industry’s recovery to the dedication and professionalism of property agents and negotiators. "These professionals serve as trusted advisors, bridging the aspirations of homeowners, property developers, and investors—all while upholding ethical standards and industry best practices," he said. 

Real estate agents and negotiators, he noted, are much more than transactional facilitators; they provide clients with essential market insights and strategic guidance, helping people make informed decisions about property investments, lifestyle choices, and opportunities for growth.

As today’s property buyers and investors grow more informed and discerning, they place a premium on accurate, up-to-date information. The rise of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed the property market, offering agents and negotiators new tools to serve clients better. 

Chan emphasised that this evolution brings even greater responsibility to the industry’s professionals, who must stay informed, educated, and adaptable to meet the changing needs of their clients. By integrating digital tools and ongoing professional development, agents can maintain high standards of service and trust while promoting ethical practices.

For Chan, the StarProperty Awards offer not only a platform to celebrate achievements but also to underscore the value these real estate professionals bring to the wider economy. He elaborated, “Beyond individual transactions, property agents and negotiators are essential drivers in the broader economy, cutting across various sectors and fostering sustainable growth.” This commitment to excellence supports not just clients and investors but also contributes to balanced economic growth. By providing critical market analysis, conducting in-depth research, and offering precise valuations, agents and negotiators make property ownership accessible and rewarding, particularly for first-time buyers.

Recognising achievements 

To reflect the evolving needs of the industry, StarProperty introduced two new award categories this year: the Valuation Excellence Award and the Real Estate Negotiator of the Year Award (Auction Properties). These new awards aim to recognise the specialised skills required in valuation and auction services, underscoring the program’s commitment to inclusivity and industry diversity.

With 25 categories and 36 sub-categories, this year’s awards program received an encouraging number of entries from agencies and individuals across Malaysia. Each entry underwent a rigorous evaluation by an esteemed panel of judges, all of whom are leaders in Malaysia’s real estate industry or experts in complementary fields. 

"Each entry has been carefully assessed based on performance, innovation, and exceptional achievements,” Chan said, extending his gratitude to the judges for their dedication to maintaining the high standards of the awards.

Among the most anticipated awards were those honouring individual excellence, such as the All-Stars Award, Thriving Award, and Rising Star Award. These categories highlight the achievements of agents and negotiators at various stages of their careers, from remarkable newcomers to top-performing veterans. 

Additionally, awards such as the Most Exceptional Leader, Deal of the Year, and Key Personality Award celebrated unique contributions in areas like leadership, negotiation, and personality.

Agency-level awards were also a significant part of the evening, with categories like the Best Technology Award and Best Digital Marketing Award recognising organisations that leverage technology to enhance client services and engagement. Chan commended the innovative strategies of these agencies, which are leading the way in adapting to technological changes in the industry.

In an era of rapid information exchange and evolving consumer expectations, the dedication and professionalism of real estate agents and negotiators cannot be overstated. Chan emphasised that these individuals are integral to the strength and sustainability of the property market. “Their expertise not only alleviates the stress of buying or investing in property but also turns these moments into memorable milestones,” he shared. The dedication to their craft, ongoing education, and commitment to ethical standards make agents invaluable to their clients and the industry.

A night to celebrate 

The StarProperty Awards Realtor Edition 2024 was a night of celebration, camaraderie, and inspiration. As the honorees took the stage to receive their awards, their stories of hard work, perseverance, and vision served as an inspiration for those in attendance. For Chan and SMG, the evening was about more than just awarding trophies; it was an opportunity to showcase the strength, diversity, and resilience of Malaysia’s real estate industry. 

"This evening is yours," Chan announced to the winners, “We’re thrilled to celebrate your achievements and look forward to sharing your stories—stories we know will inspire others to join the ranks of excellence that define the StarProperty Awards Realtors Edition.”

The night concluded with a sense of optimism for the future. While 2024 came with its challenges, it also marked a year of significant progress and growth. Chan expressed confidence that 2025 would bring new opportunities for the industry, as the economy continues to recover and real estate professionals adapt to new trends.

As guests departed, they left with not only a sense of accomplishment but also a renewed commitment to excellence in their profession. The StarProperty Awards Realtor Edition 2024 underscored the value that real estate agents and negotiators bring to Malaysia’s property sector and the broader economy, positioning them as essential contributors to a thriving, dynamic industry.

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