Moving forward with the changing times
It was a night of glitz and glamour as the StarProperty Real Estate Developer Awards 2022 returned for the seventh consecutive year to recognise and honour the best property developers and their remarkable achievements.
Held at the Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur, the seventh installation of the awards saw a total of 30 categories with 110 project entries, the most to date.
Here is what many of the participating property developers have to say about the challenges of the industry and how they contribute to its growth during the gala dinner.
Gamuda Land project director Lam Sew Chew
Gamuda Land
Project director Lam Sew Chee
“For Gamuda Land, our sustainability targets are outlined under the Gamuda Green Plan, which sets clear and quantifiable targets for all Gamudians. In this way, we are clear of the action plans required to reduce emissions, promote carbon sequestration through tree planting and emphasis on sustainability through renewable energy across our townships and communities towards a greener, brighter future.”
Lagenda Properties group managing director Datuk Doh Jee Ming
Lagenda Properties
Group managing director Datuk Doh Jee Ming
“The last two years have taught us to be more flexible and creative to adapt to an ever-evolving business environment. We had to shift our marketing strategies online, work-from-home and improvise with limited resources while being vigilant with our staff’s health and safety. Despite the challenges, we delivered a new record profit last year while navigating the pandemic has bolstered our confidence in doing even better in the future.”
OSK Property property development chief executive officer Ong Ghee Bin
OSK Property
Property Development chief executive officer Ong Ghee Bin
“We firmly believe in delivering high-quality products and providing excellent service for our customers. This is further strengthened by our Prop-Con initiative, the direct collaboration and synergistic partnership that we have initiated in 2017 between the Property and Construction arm of OSK Property. This collaboration allows us to complete and deliver projects ahead of schedule, while maintaining our commitment to deliver high-quality projects with Qlassic scores of 75% and above for landed and 80% and above for high-rise projects. ”
Sri Pengkalan Binaan director Datuk Jacky Yap
Sri Pengkalan Binaan
Director Datuk Jacky Yap Jyh Haur
“It is in our DNA to always strive to deliver the best we can, through really understanding shifting customer needs, innovating on our home designs and delivering the highest possible quality and Qlassic scores for all our homes. In fact, we are working towards achieving zero defect in all our SPB homes, and am glad to say so far, about 90% of SPB homes are zero defect upon handing over of keys, and the remaining 10% with minimal defects.”
Guocoland group managing director Tan Wee Bee
GuocoLand
Group managing director Tan Wee Bee
“Sustainability is our key focus in the coming years as ESG (environmental, social and governance) now becomes an important business consideration in GuocoLand. Therefore, the construction of more sustainable buildings, either by means of eco-friendly building materials or smart technological heating or ventilation, is important to ensure lower energy consumption and carbon footprint. We are continuously investing in renewable energy in our developments which not only help mitigate carbon emissions but also benefit our customers and stakeholders.”
LBS Bina group corporate communication, media and digital department assistant general manager Amal Abdul Aziz
LBS Bina Group
Corporate communication, media and digital department assistant general manager Amal Abdul Aziz
“LBS will continue to focus on developing affordable developments and townships, a strong segment in a subdued market sentiment. We look forward to the launch of five remaining Rumah Selangorku Idaman MBI projects this year and 2023. LBS makes a grand return with the LBS Fabulous Extra 2022-23 campaign, this time around with RM1.5 million worth of lucky draw prizes to be won. We’re optimistic that we’re on track to achieve a whole year sales target of RM1.6 billion.”
Paramount Property chief executive officer Chee Siew Pin
Paramount Property
Chief executive officer Chee Siew Pin
“We are seeing some changes in consumer behaviours and buying preferences. Now people want more space, appreciate more time with family, and don’t mind staying a bit further but staying connected. Internet connection is important. As the People’s Developer, we understand the needs of people. Therefore, we have carved out more spaces and gathering points for the community.”
Sunway Property property development division central region senior executive director Chong Sau Min
Sunway Property
Property development division central region senior executive director Chong Sau Min
“Sunway Property has a unique build-own-operate business model and Sunway City Kuala Lumpur is a living lab where we can test innovations and replicate them. We have a clear mission to leverage our unique business model, the synergies between our 13 business units, and our close to half a century of expertise as Master Community Developer to game-change growth for our communities.”
IJM Land chief executive officer Datuk Wong Tuck Wai
IJM Land
Chief executive officer Datuk Wong Tuck Wai
“Emerging from the pandemic, it is not an option but to focus on what really matters, not least sustainability in our industry or value creation in every project we embark on. It is imperative we stay attuned to market demands and exceed customers’ expectations. Undeniably, life in the new normal comes with new challenges and it is mission critical for us to embrace these challenges as opportunities to drive innovation and growth. We need to dial up even more our collective efforts but with our capacity and capabilities coupled with our agility, we have every confidence we can make a difference.”
Mah Sing group property subsidiaries chief executive officer Yeoh Chee Beng
Mah Sing Group
Property subsidiaries chief executive officer Yeoh Chee Beng
“In recent years, there is strong pent-up demand for affordable homes and Mah Sing has been supporting the government initiative to provide affordable housing. Our sales target for 2022 comprises 60% properties below RM500,000 and 94% properties below RM700,000. In Mah Sing, we park our affordable products under the M Series, and they all share the same key criteria. They must be in prime locations with easy access to amenities, connections, and ready infrastructures.”
Platinum Victory executive director Gan Yee Hin
Platinum Victory
Executive director Gan Yee Hin
“All we do is withhold our beliefs in our vision statement in providing properties that are attainable and within the affordability reach in general in hope that the place will be where the magical moment is created. We will continue to be at our very best to provide an improved living quality for the purchasers who put their trust in us.”
Tropicana Corporation group executive director Jared Ang
Tropicana Corporation
Group executive director Jared Ang
“At Tropicana, we remain committed to our key strategic priorities. We will continue to leverage on our brand name and roll out strategic marketing campaigns. We are accelerating our digital journey including enhancing our T360 app as well as our e-strategies to improve operational efficiency. We will also continue to unlock our landbank at the right locations and right price points as well as enter into more Smart Partnerships with the right partners.”
IOI properties chief executive officer Datuk Voon Tin Yow
IOI Properties
Chief executive officer Datuk Voon Tin Yow
“The two years of Covid-19 restrictions have proven to be very challenging to the property industry and we are grateful that despite all the weakness, the group was able to deliver strong sales of RM2.3 billion with 2,509 units during the most challenging time. This was achievable through our committed team as well as trusted support from our customers. The second half of 2022 and 2023 will be an exciting time for us as we open our doors to the IOI City Mall phase 2 in IOI Resort City, Putrajaya. With the additional 1 million sq ft of NLA (net leasable area), we are on track to become the biggest mall in Malaysia.”
Matrix Concepts Holdings group managing director Ho Kong Soon
Matrix Concepts Holdings
Group managing director Ho Kong Soon
“We at Matrix Concepts have never backed down from any challenges and we see opportunities during crises. Our vision to build a community which is integrated, multi-racial and living in harmony in a township that is self-sustaining, keeps us on track as we move forward. In short – a civilised diverse society living in a thriving desired address where equal socio-economic opportunities abound. Moving forward, it will take a lot more as we continue to improve and advance in this digital era with the changing lifestyles and certain living norm expectations.”
Posh Homes chief executive officer Datuk Francis Liew
Posh Homes
Chief executive officer Datuk Francis Liew
“(We are) making changes to suit the new lifestyle level of the community. It all started with our internal team. How to portray ourselves or represent our brand. The way we deal with the third party and the direction of our mission and vision of the company. A clear direction for our team and brand is very important.”
UDA Holdings president and chief executive officer Mohd Salem Kallany
UDA Holdings
President and chief executive officer Mohd Salem Kallany
“Winning well-known and prestigious industry awards such as the StarProperty Awards serve as a testament to the strength of the company’s products in meeting the aspirations of homeowners, property buyers and communities. Not only can it improve brand awareness and promote sales but participating and winning can give a seal of approval to the company or its projects and enhance trust among potential home buyers and investors. It can also help with relationships with suppliers and financial institutions.”
MCT Properties chief executive officer Teh Heng Chong
MCT Properties
Chief executive officer Teh Heng Chong
“After 2 years of the pandemic, we are learning to adapt to a new world. We were able to exercise resilience as a group as we went through a transformation journey. Amidst the pandemic, we revised our business model and operating structure, strengthened our team, enhanced our systems and improved our working environment as we prepare for the new growth cycle.”
Sime Darby Property group managing director Datuk Azmir Merican
Sime Darby Property
Group managing director Datuk Azmir Merican
“Over the last five decades, our brand has become synonymous with phrases such as community builder and sustainability creator. Therefore, our aim remains – to continue delivering value as a strategic master developer with innovative new ideas to build homes of tomorrow and impact the real estate industry for many more years to come.”
UEM Sunrise chief executive officer Sufian Abdullah
UEM Sunrise
Chief executive officer Sufian Abdullah
“From now until 2023, improvements in key areas of our strategic turnaround plan will be critical in realising our aspiration and building a resilient future. We’ve embarked on our three-pronged Triage-Sustain-Stabilise strategy. This strategy is to stabilise the company, restore investor confidence and be profitable.”
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