Quality, innovation and sustainability take centre stage at StarProperty.my Awards 2018
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Exceptional developments went through a gruelling selection process before being crowned the best-in-class in the country for the StarProperty.my Awards 2018.
They were scrutinised by a panel of judges made up of prolific stakeholders and leaders in different segments of the property industry ranging from architecture to construction.
(From left) Osman, Ezumi, Lau, Towle, Foo, Shamir, and Lim are part of the panel judges for this year's StarProperty.my Awards 2018.
“The award is an attestation of their commitment to development. It can also be seen as a form of branding for the winners; it moves them one notch above their peers. I am happy that most developers have observed sustainability,” said Royal Institution of Surveyors (RISM) president Datuk Lau Wai Seang.
Association of Valuers, Property Managers, Estate Agents, Property Consultants in the Private Sector (PEPS) president Foo Gee Jen said that to succeed, project developers and their developments need to be distinctly different.
Besides quality products, developers have to ensure sustainable and investment value to their buyers, he added.
Foo noticed an emerging trend this year whereby more projects were produced with an affordable concept which is in line with the needs of the masses.
Foo and PEPS vice-president Michael Kong commended the efforts of those developers who have responded to the Government’s initiative to develop more affordable housing for the people.
Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia (ILAM) president Dr Osman Mohd Tahir said: “Projects should include green infrastructure. Green innovation and green technology should be integrated; at the same time, it is important to have green management practices in all developments to ensure their sustainability.
“Looking at the developers and their projects, we determine what they can offer regarding uniqueness in the development and also in terms of creating a quality environment,” he said.
Innovation is a much sought-after aspect in this year’s StarProperty.my Awards, according to crime prevention specialist Shameer Rajadurai. He said the initiative to improve on technologies and approach to construction is one of the differentiating factors that separate the contenders.
ILAM honorary treasurer Abdul Aziz said innovation is important because it not only attracts potential buyers but can be used as an example for future reference.
“Innovation has not only become the attraction for the property, but it can lead to the improvement of construction technology and methodology for future projects,” he said.
Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) president Ezumi Harzani Ismail said innovation has not only become the attraction for the property itself, but the knowledge acquired from innovation will benefit future developments.
StarProperty Sdn Bhd assistant general manager Ernest Towle said that for this year, the judges were looking at developments that not only catered to present needs but also to the needs of those who will be living and using the buildings in the future.
“We were looking at developers who are unique in their design, innovative in implementation and creative in making their project user-friendly,” he said.
Looking forward, Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA) president Eric Lim foresees that the trend of creating more transport-oriented developments (TODs) will continue to increase.
With the changing lifestyles of young adults, more of these developments which are located near a public transport area will be sought after in the near future, he said.
“Things are moving very fast. More developers are constructing TOD projects for people who rely on public transport like the MRT and LRT to move around quickly,” said Lim.
