Honouring outstanding developers and individuals

THE Malaysia Property Award 2023 gala dinner was a glitzy affair with the presence of renowned developers from across the nation, gathering to honour outstanding companies and individuals in the industry.

Organised by International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) Malaysian Chapter, the award ceremony featured 15 categories, with 24 awards presented including two individual awards.

PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Tengku Datuk Ab Aziz Tengku Mahmud, was awarded the “Property CEO”, while Selangor Dredging Bhd managing director Teh Lip Kim was crowned “Property Woman”.

The awards were presented by FIABCI past world president Datuk Alan Tong Kok Mau during the ceremony at One World Hotel in Petaling Jaya.

Tong (centre) flanked by Tengku Ab Aziz (on Tong’s right) and Firdaus with Teh (12th from right) and other award recipients during the Malaysia Property Award 2023 in Petaling Jaya. — CHAN TAK KONG/The Star

FIABCI Malaysian Chapter president Datuk Firdaus Musa, in his speech, said the awards not only serve as a recognition of participants’ creativity and dedication but also set new benchmarks, inspiring the real estate community to reach new heights.

“As the real estate landscape evolves, I encourage developers to embrace technological advancements, sustainable practices, and smart urban planning,” he said, emphasising the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

One of the winners of the Residential High Rise category, Eupe Corporation Bhd managing director Datuk Beh Huck Lee said the win did not mean that the company would be resting on its laurels.

With an operational focus in Kedah for almost three decades, Eupe has designed and built over 22,000 homes in Sungai Petani.

Eupe broke out of its comfort zone and entered the Klang Valley property market with the launch of its maiden Kuala Lumpur high-rise project in 2016.

On the transition from building landed properties to high-rise residential, Beh said there were many aspects to consider, but ultimately both kinds of buyers were looking for comfort, a place for family and convenience.

“The main difference lies in terms of technology, how we can do things more systematically and effectively within tight spots, the ways of putting structures together and having it constructed more efficiently.

“We liken this to building a village, instead of laterally, we build it vertically.”

Beh said the company hoped to push boundaries and understand buyers’ needs better.

Meanwhile, Sime Darby Property chief operating officer – Township Development Appollo Leong said the recognition for its Elmina Rainforest Knowledge Centre (ERKC) in the environmental category was a testament to its ongoing efforts in continuously building sustainable townships and communities.

“This is something that the company is focusing on and goes back to our ethos of value multiplier.”

He said the ERKC, a collaboration with the Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Centre, served as a hub to promote forestry research, conservation, education and recreation.

“This is not the end as we are learning from this project to be replicated in other townships.”

Meanwhile, Saw Brothers Realty Sdn Bhd executive director Mark Saw said its rejuvenation of a former colonial residence on Penang Hill was proof that it was possible to bridge the gap between heritage and modernity.

The company won in the heritage category for its Eythrope project, a 1929 bungalow which has been turned into a luxurious boutique villa.

“The project started during the Covid-19 pandemic, with a view of repositioning it from a family home to a small five-room boutique hotel.

“One of the challenges was trying to retain the soul of the building without taking too much from it,” he said.

Other notable winners for various categories were SkyWorld Development Sdn Bhd, Exsim Group, Sunway Iskandar Sdn Bhd, KLCC by Alpine Return Sdn Bhd, Johor Land Group, and PETRONAS Management Training Sdn Bhd.

Award winners include Ideal Gim Venture Sdn Bhd, Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd, IOI Properties Sdn Bhd and Kwasa Utama Sdn Bhd.