Integrating ESG to provide more high-quality, affordable residential developments
Malaysia has seen a slew of property developments spring up across the country, but some developers are going above and beyond to provide better construction, environment, and facilities. This includes DPS Resources Berhad which has been named one of the Top 10 developers under the Top-of-the-Chart (market capitalisation of below RM1bil category) in the inaugural Malaysia Developer Awards (MDA) 2022.
Founded in 2003 and listed on the Bursa Malaysia in 2004, their primary activities include property development and construction as well as furniture manufacturing and trading. With a strong focus on the real estate industry and the goal of providing quality, innovative, and affordable homes and lifestyles for homebuyers, it is not surprising that the developer has created and is still developing a wide range of amazing projects.
The location of DPS Resources' property developments has always been in Malacca. Their completed projects include the Al-Azim Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the state's history, which was officially opened by the ninth Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Furthermore, in both new and existing developments, the developer has incorporated environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies to construct projects that are not only sustainable but also affordable and have business opportunities.
Emphasising on ESG practices
Real estate developers have used ESG as a value driver for their developments to provide quality projects to homeowners. While following the ESG bandwagon, DPS Resources utilises its own methodology when implementing each attribute as they constantly evolve to meet the needs and lifestyles of its customers.
An example is the usage of onsite stormwater detention (OSD) facilities installed to prevent floods. OSD works by temporarily storing stormwater run-off and reducing the rate of stormwater flowing onto other properties or into the council's drainage system. This helps control water movement and reduce the chance of flooding downstream, especially in short, intense storms. This initiative helps protect DPS Resources' residential projects from damage caused by flooding, which can disrupt electrical supplies, damage infrastructure and destroy property.
They have also incorporated design elements such as high ceilings and numerous windows, which allow for up to 80% natural lighting. This can be beneficial for residents as utilising natural light can result in significant energy savings while also improving the aesthetics of the home and improving well-being.
Residences that are constructed to a high standard and at an affordable price are part of their developments' social aspects. They allow potential buyers to own high-quality homes at reasonable prices. The projects of DPS Resources are also located in a strategic area, being built in a commercial area that is accessible to the neighbourhood. Living in one of the projects means that a wide range of amenities is within easy reach.
Designing mixed-use properties that combine commercial, retail, and residential zones into one property is how DPS Resources ensures that a governance approach is a part of their projects. In essence, they create employment and business opportunities for those who reside there as well as those who live nearby.
Earning a deserving award
Receiving the Top-Of-The-Chart Award is a significant honour for DPS Resources. Their hard work, as well as the sacrifices they made and the challenges they overcame as a team, have paid off. It all began in the 1990s, when the group's founder, Datuk Seri Sow Chin Chuan, first ventured into the construction business by completing the Al-Azim Mosque.
The group's formal foray into property development is then led by 100% owned subsidiary Shantawood Sdn Bhd (SSB), which first entered the construction business in 2007. Between 2007 and 2019, it completed nine projects. It then formed a joint venture with DPS Realty Sdn Bhd in 2010 to develop affordable housing projects.
From 2010 to 2018, the company completed four projects, delivering 182 homes under this arrangement. Taman Krubong Jaya Phase 1 was SSB's first project, completed in 2018. Shantawood has since engaged in land banking activities, primarily in Malacca.
Their extensive experience and arduous work in the real estate sector, along with the astounding GDV, demonstrate how deserving they are of the MDA award recognition.
“Everyone who has contributed to this journey, including our employees and consumers, has our deepest gratitude. It's a pleasure to be in the presence of you all as we witness this beautiful moment. This award will serve as a major source of inspiration in the future and boost our motivation to perform at our best and achieve even greater horizons.
“This is only the beginning. Without the belief and assurance you all have in it, it wouldn't exist. With sincere gratitude, this honour serves as a reminder of our accomplishments, and we promise to uphold your trust in us. Together, we excel,” said Sow.
Moving Forward
DPS Resources has secured more than 20 projects in Melaka over ten years. As a developer, they are not only responsible for the construction of houses, but also for the creation of benefits and contributions to society. Moreover, they intend to construct more than 500 Rumah Mampu Milik units in the years 2022-2025.
Moving forward, the company has high aspirations. Their primary goal is to increase the number of high-quality homes with affordable prices so that people with lower incomes can purchase a home. They intend to begin using the Qlassic grading system for all of their projects very soon. This guarantees that each one of their clients will receive property of unquestionably high quality and satisfaction.
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