BY JACK WONG

Strong demand: A man viewing a model of an apartment complex at a property expo in Kuching. The supply of condominium units in Kuching is expected to jump by 50% in the next two years.

HIGH-RISE residential developments are sprouting up in the Sarawak state capital as more developers cash in on the good demand for apartments and condominium units amid a slow market.

The supply of condominium units is expected to jump by 50% in the next two years as some 5,000 units are currently under construction or undergoing earthworks, according to C H Williams Talhar & Wong (WTW).

Last year, more than 1,000 units were completed, and the real estate services company says the sub-segment continues to outshine other sub-segments of the residential sector.

The newly completed condominium projects are Sky Villa (576 units) along Jalan Batu Kawa, Riverine Emerald (168 units) along Jalan Petanak, D’Jewel (118 units) along Jalan Sherip Mashor, Tribeca (104 units) along Jalan Urat Mata and Uplands Serviced Suites (54 units) along Jalan Simpang Tiga.

Ongoing high-rise condominium projects include P’ Residence (276 units) along Jalan Batu Kawa, Sapphire on the Park (206 units) along Jalan Batu Lintang and The Royalle (76 units) along Jalan Stampin.

“Condominium units at these development range from 1,000 to 3,000 sq ft and can command rentals between RM1,500 and RM3,000 per month, depending on the location, furnishings and unit size.

“Prices for condominium units continue to record increases of between 10% and 15% for the year (2014), with prices as high at RM700 per sq ft for units at Sapphire and Lagenda,” WTW says in its newly released 2015 Property Market Report.

Sapphire on the Park is one of two upmarket high-rise developments by Naim Holdings Bhd. The other is The Peak condominium project in Bintulu.

The report says the condominium sector is expected to enjoy good take-up rate and an increase in prices this year.

Ongoing high-rise apartment projects listed in the report include Samarahan Greens @ Samarahan (308 units) along Jalan Mohd Musa, Ryegates III (130 units) in Jalan Airport, de LOFTS @ Emporium Kuching (120 units) on Jalan Tun Jugah, The Cube @ Dogan (94 units) in Jalan Dogan and The Echelon (82 units) at Lorong Lapangan Terbang 5.

According to WTW, take-up rates of apartments generally remain steady at between 50% and 70% within a year of launch. The more affordable units priced below RM400 per sq ft such as those in the Stutong area enjoy even higher sales with some of them snapped up within a month.

According to a developer, strata-titled condominium and apartment units are popular among the younger generation, especially professionals. They like the conveniences, security features and facilities provided.

“High-rise residential units offer a more affordable alternative to first-time house buyers. Landed properties in the city have become too expensive and are beyond the reach of many wage earners,” one of the developers tells StarBiz, which confirms the WTW report that semi-detached houses in the city prime location had breached RM1.5mil in 2014 due to the increase in land and construction costs.

He says developers find it more lucrative to build high-rise residential projects because they have a higher density and have a growing demand. He says sales will be good if they are fairly priced.

In the industrial town Bintulu, diverse sizes and concepts offered help to boost the market.

The 100-unit Peak Condominium in Bintulu Paragon offer sizes ranging from 868 to 1,592 sq ft priced between RM540 and RM668 per sq ft. The other is 80-unit Seaview Court @ Bintulu Town which offers larger units with built-up areas of 1,776 and 3,917 sq ft, priced from RM473 to RM507 per sq ft.

In Sibu in central Sarawak, WTW says several strata-titled apartment projects were launched last year. These include Waterfront Residences (104 units) at Jalan Hospital, Development @ Jalan Alan (48 units) and Salim Height Apartments at Jalan Salim.

On the landed property market, the take-up rate of new units in the primary market have slowed in the city but those in the outlying suburban areas like Matang, Batu Kawa and Jalan Muara Tuang are “more active”.

Double-storey terraced units continue to be the mainstay of the landed residential sector, followed by semi-detached houses. The consultancy expects sales to be slow, with prices moving up on a slower rate.

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BY SARBAN SINGH

The campus houses the Matrix International Pre-School, Matrix International School and Matrix Private School. It has the capacity to accommodate up to 2,500 students.

THE Matrix Global Schools (MGS) to be officially launched by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Tuesday has been modelled after the 130-year-old Ellesmere College, a prestigious British residential school.

MGS, which comprises the Matrix International Pre-School, Matrix International School and Matrix Private School, opened its doors last September in Bandar Sri Sendayan near Seremban and already has an enrolment of 426 students.

Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd (MCHB) chairman Datuk Mohamad Haslah Mohamad Amin said the MGS campus had full-fledged facilities equivalent to most universities including auditoriums, lecture theatres, music rooms, recording studios and a performing arts centre.

“Although we have an international and a private school, we shall always adhere to our ethos of one campus, one vision and one mission.

“With the East meets West and West meets East approach, we want to create a seamless brand of education between the schools,” he said.

MCHB-owned MGS, which cost RM145mil to build and sits on a 8ha piece of land, has a capacity to enrol up to 2,500 students.

The Matrix International School offers the IGCSE University of Cambridge O and A Levels programmes while the Matrix Private School will follow the national KSSR and KSSM curriculum.

Mohamad Haslah said MGS was also unique as its methodology offered a holistic approach to learning and one which empowered creativity and critical thinking while enhancing leadership skills and character.

“We have created a seamless brand of education where our national school is also the international school and vice versa,” he said, adding that almost all the teaching staff at the international school were expatriates.

Apart from having a block of 428 hostel apartments, MGS also has a multipurpose hall with a 1,000 seating capacity, indoor badminton courts, a sports complex, stadium as well as other features for outdoor games and activities such as rugby, football, wall climbing and kayaking.

Mohamad Haslah expressed confidence that the MGS would have a full enrolment by 2020.

“In fact, we are confident that we will have at least 1,000 students by the end of next year,” he said.

The target in the next five years is to have 1,000 students enrolled in the international school and 1,500 in its national private school.

He said despite having top facilities and teaching staff for a conducive teaching and learning process, MGS was also a better option as its fee structure was cheaper than that offered by others.

“Compared to international schools in Kuala Lumpur, for example, we offer double the facilities at half the price,” he said.

Haslah said to mark its official opening, MGS would also launch the Earth Pyramid Incubation Centre (EPIC), a global project for the advancement of education.

EPIC is now spearheaded by MGS and has the support of authorities from 20 nations.

The aim of the Earth Pyramid project is among others, to help educate and give people a chance to connect on a global scale.

“It is also to enable students to interact with their peers or anyone anywhere and to constructively discuss any global issue, allow a greater understanding of their cultures and to tackle challenges together,” he said.

Mohamad Haslah said an Earth Pyramid monument would be built near MGS and would become a tourist attraction upon its completion.

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BY WONG PEK MEI

A view of the third floor of the Royal Freemasons Homes – Coppin Centre in Melbourne. The project involved the conversion of what used to be an administrative space in to homes for the elderly.

AFTER successfully designing homes for the elderly in Australia, Veritas Architects Australia Pty Ltd, an arm of Malaysia-based Veritas Architects Sdn Bhd, has big visions of providing the same type of property on our shores.

They are planning to bring in retirement homes and proper aged-care homes and dispel the stigma that currently surrounds aged care in the region.

“We want to create an environment that is not like a hospital but a home for the elders to live their lives and where they will be proud to live in,” said Veritas Architects Australia principal Anton Alers.

He said the retirement market in Australia has been in existence for more than 40 years while Malaysia is just getting starting.

“There is a difference between retirement living and aged care.

“Retirement living is done by choice while aged care is something you go to when there is no choice and need to be looked after,” he said.

He said in Malaysia, they are trying educate the public for a decade that aged care can be done in residential style and not in an institutional environment.

“We want to promote a life of retirement that is active and encourages social activities rather than living in isolation and being cut off from the world,” he said.

Alers says Veritas is planning to develop retirement homes and proper aged-care homes and dispel the stigma that currently surrounds aged care in the region.

He said children here are hesitant about putting their elders in existing aged care facilities which may not give proper care and a conducive environment. He cites the practice of sharing toilets as one example of a drawback in some existing elder-care facilities.

“In Australia, there is no shame in living in retirement and aged-care homes and they are proud to live in a proper environment.

“Aging has to be handled sensitively and respectfully,” he said.

One of the projects done by the company include the Royal Freemasons Home – Coppin Centre in Melbourne which caters for wealthier residents while also providing for charitable cases as a not-for profit organisation.

The project involved the conversion of what used to be an administrative space into 18 aged-care apartments and rooms on the top floor of the Coppin Centre development.

As for Malaysia, Veritas Architects Australia is currently working with Veritas Architects Kuala Lumpur in designing a large aged-care project called the Harmony Hills Aged Care for a not-for-profit organisation on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur.

“The proposed 800-bed facility will provide both shared and single-room accommodations in a non-institutional care environment,” he said.

Alers said they are targeting those elders who need to be looked after such as those suffering dementia. “We’re currently going through the approval process now. It will be located at the south east side of Kuala Lumpur.

“We are targeting for the project to be ready by 2018,” Alers said.

The company is also planning a large retirement community north of Kuala Lumpur, called The Sanctuary, which is expected to be completed in 2018.

“This project is aimed at active retirees in their 60s and families. It is also potentially for younger people with elderly parents.

“It will feature strata-titled apartments or condominiums in a gated community.

“There will be a central clubhouse to encourage a healthy lifestyle and a small medical centre,” he said, adding that the company is in the midst of working on the details of the concept design and masterplan for the project.

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Story by SHALINI RAVINDRAN

WHAT was named after a fictional paradise has now become a rundown block of apartments in the heart of Taman Seri Cheras in Kuala Lumpur.

The 25-year-old Shangrila Apartments in Jalan Seri Cheras 6 have become an eyesore, with missing staircase railings, damaged roofs and abandoned units.

In ruins: The horrible condition of one of the abandoned units at Shangrila Apartments in Taman Seri Cheras.

“For the past 20 years, there was no JMB or management corporation to do any maintenance or repair works. Since then, the three blocks of apartments have been neglected.

“Drug addicts used to break into the unoccupied units to live there.

“They also stole the metal railings to sell as scrap metal and damaged the roofs which now leaks when it rains.

“Once the JMB was formed in February this year, we managed to remove the drug addicts with the help of the police, but the units remain derelict,” Nagappan said, adding that there were 30 such units.

The post Nothing like its name appeared first on Malaysia Premier Property and Real Estate Portal.

Amenities and facilities that offer the best of food, drink, art, culture and travel in Kuala Lumpur.

BY NURUL ASMUI MD AZMI
asmui@ocision.com

Passengers lining up to get on the KL Hop-On Hop-Off bus.

WHAT better way to understand the diverse culture and lifestyle that we have in Malaysia than perusing around a city that has mostly everything. From authentic food to heritage development, Kuala Lumpur (KL), the capital state of Malaysia, offers a great mixture of cuisine, culture, activities as well as nature.

Despite the hot and humid weather during the day, travelling in the city is very convenient with the availability of public transportation and extensive road network. The recently completed pedestrian walkway that links the KLCC area to the Bukit Bintang area also offers a better and safer pathway for pedestrians as it is not only covered, but also equipped with air conditioners.

Furthermore, with the famous Hop-On Hop-Off bus service that covers more than 40 attractions with 23 stops around KL, one will find many interesting places to visit and fascinating things to do. This service is great not only for tourists, but also the locals looking to explore what Kuala Lumpur has to offer.

Tourist attractions
Most of these tourist attractions can be easily reached via the KL Hop-On Hop-Off bus. Spending RM45 for a 24-hour adult pass, or RM79 for a 48-hour adult pass is definitely worth it as one will get to witness spectacular views and architectures while roaming on a double-decker bus.

In addition to these, there are of course many other attractions that one should visit.

The majestic view of the Petronas Twin Towers.

Petronas Twin Towers
A tour in Kuala Lumpur is only complete with a visit to the Petronas Twin Towers where one can get to the Twin Towers Skybridge and witness a spectacular view from the highest two-storey bridge in the world.

The twin 88-storey skyscrapers also offer all sorts of family entertainment, branded shopping outlets and eateries.

KL Tower
KL Tower (Menara Kuala Lumpur), along with the Petronas Twin Towers, is Malaysia’s most popular landmark. Standing tall at 421 metres, KL Tower is visible from almost anywhere in Kuala Lumpur.

One major attraction at KL Tower is the observation deck where visitors are able to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the entire city. In addition to that, there is a revolving restaurant dubbed Atmosphere 360, which is a perfect venue for visitors to dine while enjoying a scenic view.

Kuala Lumpur City Gallery
This is the most anticipated stop for art enthusiasts. Situated opposite Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square), Kuala Lumpur City Gallery is just what travellers need to wind down and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The gallery showcases a collection of photos, prints and miniatures to reveal the story and history of the city.

The most astonishing highlight of Kuala Lumpur City Gallery is the city model that features the city’s past, present and future through advance multimedia projection mapping on the model, the first of its kind in South-East Asia.

Chinatown

Based in Petaling Street, Chinatown is known by many as a bargain hunter’s paradise. This place is deeply immersed in oriental culture, heritage and history where one can find a diverse collection of things from Chinese herbs to fashion items. During the night, the main market area transforms into a vibrant night market with hundreds of stalls.

The entrance to Chinatown in Petaling Street.

Little India
With a vast selection of Indian stores and restaurants in Brickfields, this is where visitors can experience true Malaysian Indian culture. While walking to the pulsating beats of Bollywood hits, one will discover all sorts of stuff from traditional-style sarees and gorgeous bangles to finger-licking chapatis.

Central Market
Situated along Jalan Hang Kasturi, Central Market is only a few minutes away from Petaling Street. Also known as Pasar Seni, this market features an assortment of merchandise and services that includes souvenirs, handicrafts, authentic Malaysian batik prints and skilled sketch artists.

Just adjacent to the Central Market is the Kasturi Walk. It is an open-air flea market with roofing, similar to Petaling Street. There are vendors selling local snacks, fruits and an array of goods, such as T-shirts and watches.

Merdeka Square
Merdeka Square (also known as Independence Square) is a historical landmark in Kuala Lumpur. The venue was used to announce Malaysia’s Independence in 1957, and there’s a 95-metre flagpole, one of the highest in the world. The wide field in the middle of the Independence Square is usually used to hold tourism-related and national celebrations.

The welcoming gate into Little India.

Bukit Bintang
As one of the most lively areas in Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Bintang is packed with incomparable entertainment and boundless enjoyment. The area spans across three roads – Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Imbi and Jalan Sultan Ismail.

During the day, it is a shopping haven that boasts the highest concentration of shopping outlets in Kuala Lumpur. The famous Pavilion Mall-cum-the biggest shopping mall in Bukit Bintang is also a popular hotspot among the locals and tourists. Walking down the wide pedestrian walkway of Bintang Walk, one will step into an exciting rendezvous point with al fresco cafes and restaurants.

For after-hour entertainment, Changkat Bukit Bintang, located behind Jalan Bukit Bintang, is a great trendy place for pub crawling. It is the avenue where most of Kuala Lumpur’s most popular bars and restaurants can be found.

Recreational parks
Amidst the concrete jungle of Kuala Lumpur, one can still find peace and comfort from recreational parks. Among the famous parks in Kuala Lumpur are KLCC Park, Taman Tasik Titiwangsa (Titiwangsa Lake) and Perdana Botanical Garden (formerly known as Taman Tasik Perdana or Lake Gardens). KLCC Park is a 50-acre urban sanctuary with around 1,900 trees and plants from 74 different species. The main highlight of this elaborately landscaped park is the dazzling dancing water fountains at the Lake Symphony. The park also has jogging tracks, a children’s playground and an elevated bridge.

A boy standing near the water fountain in Perdana Botanical Garden.

Titiwangsa Lake offers a perfect place for one to rest and relax in a vast open space. There are also entertainment services available for rent, such as bicycles and pedal boats, and horse wagon rides near the lake.

Located in the Heritage Park of Kuala Lumpur, Perdana Botanical Garden has a history that dates back to the 1880s and still remains as a part of the green lung of the city. As a popular recreational spot, the garden houses beautiful botanical collections in a tropical rainforest ambiance.

Dining experience
Kuala Lumpur’s eateries range from budget street food to high-end luxury, and it reflects the diverse culture of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and even Western influences in Malaysia. Restaurants that offer luxury dining in Kuala Lumpur are plentiful. Some of the more luxurious restaurants are Lafite at Shangri-La Hotel, Tamarind Springs in Ampang, Cilantro on Jalan Tun Razak, Li Yen at The Ritz-Carlton and Bijan Restaurant on Jalan Ceylon. Budget eats are also aplenty around the city, such as Nasi Kandar Pelita on Jalan Telawi, Lot 10 Hutong Food Court in Lot 10 Shopping Centre, Warung Rindu off Jalan Pantai Dalam, Chat Masala Restaurant in Brickfields and Precious Old China in Central Market.

Kuala Lumpur is rapidly growing, but there is always room for improvement. Since some walking paths are not properly maintained and crossing the busy road in KL can be challenging, it would be great to have more comfortable pedestrian walkways like the one that connects Bukit Bintang to KLCC. It will also be beneficial to have arts studio for visitors who want to obtain a deeper understanding of Malaysia’s culture and arts. Art studios will not only give personal space for artists to showcase their creativity, but also allow visitors to interact with artists.

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By EDWARD RAJENDRA

1 The plan to refurbish Dewan Hamzah, a community hall opposite the Klang Municipal Council in South Klang, will cost an estimated RM5mil. 2 Artist’s impression of the Dewan Hamzah with its added two floors and new facade.

THE Klang Municipal Council (MPK) is planning a major refurbishment of Dewan Hamzah to use it as a community hall.

The post Plan to upgrade Klang hall for Rm5mil appeared first on Malaysia Premier Property and Real Estate Portal.

By EMILY K.

Thai retail giant opens its 1.6ha flagship store in Shah Alam

Sealing the deal: (From left) Naza TTDI chief strategy officer Idzham Mohd Hashim, SM Faliq, Anuchar and HomePro vice-president Teh Ah Hock at HomePro’s land lease agreement signing ceremony with Naza TTDI Sdn Bhd.

PROPERTY owners and home decor enthusiasts can look forward to a massive home retail experience with the setting up of a flagship store by a renowned company from Thailand.

Home Product Centre (M) Sdn Bhd’s (Homepro) new store will sit on a 1.6ha site in Shah Alam which has been leased from Naza TTDI for a 32 years.

Homepro managing director Anuchar Jitjaturunt said the flagship store would boast of more than 5,000 home products.

Anuchar added the collaboration with Naza TTDI would cater to the needs of home product buyers, not only for Shah Alam but also those in the Petaling and Klang districts.

“We hope to provide a one-stop shop for all homes in Malaysia by offering value for money in home improvement products and services.

“We opened our first store in IOI City Mall, Putrajaya, last year and we hope to open many more stores in future,” he said.

The strategic location of HomePro’s store, which is within Naza TTDI’s RM2.5bil TTDI Gateway development, will add value to the thriving integrated hub.

Naza TTDI deputy executive chairman and group managing director SM Faliq SM Nasimuddin said the presence of HomePro, Thailand’s leading home improvement store, marked the first international collaboration in TTDI Gateway.

“It will be an important boost to the development and is in line with TTDI Gateway’s aspiration to become an international lifestyle hub in Shah Alam,” he said at the signing ceremony of the lease.

TTDI Gateway will be developed in three phases and is targeted for completion by 2020.

It will consist of offices, serviced apartments and retail components.

TTDI Sentral was launched last year and the first phase of development, comprising business suites and retail units, had received good response.

A totally self-sustained township and business hub, it would be supported with good accessibility infrastructure with the upcoming LRT3 station.

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By EUGENE MAHALINGAM

KUALA LUMPUR: Newly listed construction outfit Ikhmas Jaya Group Bhd is confident of achieving double digit growth in net profit for its current financial year ending Dec 31, 2015.

Group managing director Datuk Ang Cheng Siong said the projection is based on existing projects it has currently, as well as potential jobs it is planning to secure.

“We’re tendering for infrastructure jobs, such as construction of roads and development of affordable houses,” he said after the company made its debut in the main market of Bursa Malaysia on Monday.

He added that this was also substantiated based on the company’s earnings in the first quarter of the year.

Ikhmas Jaya posted a 93.4% jump in net profit to RM8.49mil for the first quarter ended March 31, 2015 compared to a year earlier, thanks mainly to the contribution of a railway track project.

The engineering and construction firm said told Bursa Malaysia its revenue rose 35.9% year-on-year to RM76.34mil for the quarter.

The company staged a strong debut on Main Market of Bursa Malaysia on Monday amid  a weaker market.

It opened at 68 sen, up 11 sen from its offer price of 57 sen.

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The city skyline, once filled with generic concrete buildings, looks all set to change with glittering towers that soar majestically above the rest.

BY CAITLYN NG LI YUIN
liyuin@ocision.com

Set against a sunset backdrop, The Residences enjoys breathtaking views of the KL twin towers because of its close proximity to the KLCC Park.

GLEAMING skyscrapers tower over a vast concrete jungle landscape, glittering like stars at night. Kuala Lumpur is undoubtedly a magnet for international corporations and their professionals, along with tourists and expats. It’s no surprise that foreign investors are attracted to the excellent infrastructure, rich cultural melting pot and a competitive currency exchange rate.

Developers are thus jumping at the opportunity to provide luxurious residential properties for these corporate powerhouses and discerning expatriates, all housed within a prestigious address. There are many reasons as to what makes the address of KL an enviable and much sought-after one.

KSK Land managing director Kua.

Designer lifestyles
The allure of a building’s refined outer facade cannot be denied; the sleek streamlined curves and light bouncing off the glassy walls are enough to elicit love at first sight.

Tropicana Corp Bhd’s The Residences sets out to nurture that feeling by showcasing how glamorous nature can be. Inspired by the distinctiveness of haute couture and the bold colours of the heliconia plant, the result is an exterior and public space that makes an impressive statement of exclusivity. “With our moderately sized units priced reasonably, and a chic design appealing to the fashion-conscious, this is a place to stand out and be seen,” said Tropicana Corp Bhd’s head of sales and marketing Ung Lay Ting.

The world’s second tallest tower, KL118, adds to the overall prestige of living at Opus.

The KL skyline is further redefined by the futuristic vertical icon that is KSK Land’s 8 Conlay, a trio of compellingly charismatic towers. “Our collaboration with world-renowned partners to set a new benchmark for branded residences encompasses three main elements – liveable architecture, interior designs and personalised services,” said KSK Land managing director Joanne Kua. A landmark luxurious development is thus born: imposing, contemporary and artfully blending aesthetic beauty with positive capital yield, fit for those who seek a higher quality lifestyle.

Then there is Opus, which brings a whole new level to the love for city-living. From the reception of the designer lobby to the sophisticated car park, every international need and want is carefully tailored to, as intercontinental migration is now more common. “Our interiors have adopted some of the more universal and up-to-date design concepts as we understand how important it is to meet the global standards of discerning residents,” said Star Effort Sdn Bhd director Dave Hoong.

Star Effort Sdn Bhd director Hoong.

Excellent connectivity
Property gurus have only one mantra, and that is “Location”. It’s widely known that increasingly, more people are choosing to live in urban areas. People generally seek out properties located in high return and low risk areas, preferably within close proximity to amenities and public transportation.

Experiencing the city’s choicest retail outlets and main artery is made possible when living at 8 Conlay, which is strategically located in the heart of KL’s Golden Triangle. There is Jalan Raja Chulan and Jalan Bukit Bintang for instant access, in addition to the convenience of public transportation. The close proximity of the Raja Chulan monorail station and the proposed MRT station at Jalan Conlay all come together to provide a peace of mind.

The glittering towers of 8 Conlay soar like iconic beacons, and offers its residents a one-of-a-kind branded mixed development with luxurious fully-furnished units.

Having the world’s second tallest building as a neighbour and some of the best connectivity to transport systems is a privilege that not many can boast of. At Opus, residents are located in close proximity to the KL118 tower, which will have a MRT station within. There are even major roads nearby such as Jalan Syed Putra and Jalan Mahameru, and the monorail stops right at the doorstep, which further connects to both KLIA and KLIA2 via KL Sentral.

Considerable ease of access is enjoyed at The Residences with it being sited along the intersection of Jalan Ampang and Jalan Yap Kuan Seng. There are three major highways that connect to/from the city centre, all of which are a short drive away from the development – Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (AKLEH), Maju Expressway (MEX) and SMART Expressway. Residents will also still be able to walk to the KLCC LRT station and the Bukit Nanas monorail station.

Happiness and health
By achieving the maximum potential of the plot of land a development sits on, residents will not only be blessed with a myriad of excellent facilities, but be able to appreciate nature’s magnificence at one’s threshold.

Happiness can be found when there is a perfect balance struck between living space, recreational and common activity areas, without compromising on space planning. At Opus, the carefully thought-out facilities area brings direct advantages to the residents, with a galaxy swimming pool, floating yoga deck and rooftop fully fitted kitchen for al fresco dining, to name a few. No detail is spared when it comes to giving the best experience. From the columns, beams and hardscapes, to colours, details and softscapes, it is all about a sustainable lifestyle.

Tropicana Corp head of marketing and sales Ung.

Views of the sparkling city is always a drawing factor, so The Residences has a maximised plot ratio that allows for a 360-degree view. Residents will be able to immerse themselves in some of the facilities available, namely the tranquil saltwater sky pool, forest lounge, misty walk, aquarobics zone and gourmet loft. A new inspiration emerges from this development, where fashion is merged with artistic landscaping, creating a verdant retreat at the very top of the building.

A soothing green haven that allows residents the opportunity to escape and unwind is always a welcoming respite. 8 Conlay’s 44th floor features a unique elevated jogging track encircling a tropical forest garden, a perfect replica of Malaysia’s hilly and lush terrain that residents can enjoy within the comforts of home. Partnering with Kempinski Hotels, Europe’s oldest hotel management company, 8 Conlay is set to bring impeccable personalised services to its residents, allowing them to indulge in true five-star luxury.

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BY ARNOLD LOH

Designed for comfort: Chan (second from right) showing a model of the Sierra East apartments project to (from left) Tanjong MP Ng Wei Aik, Chow, Jagdeep and Paya Terubong assemblyman Yeoh Soon Hin after the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Chong Company gallery in Penang.

FEW developers in Penang have the right to a “badge of honour” like Chong Company Sdn Bhd does.

The developer built many of the sprawling homes around Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman which was known as Taman Ayer Rajah in the 1970s. Their selling price was from only RM30,000 to RM40,000 then. Now, they are worth at least RM3.5mil each.

The company has built over 5,000 homes on the island since 1963.

Other mature areas on the honour roll include Taman Lalulintas, Taman Jubilee, Taman Gembira and Pangsapuri Delima in Leandros Lane off Jalan Kelawei.

“Most of the homes we have built in the last 52 years were low medium-cost and affordable housing. We believe in building properties for everyday Penangites to call home,” said managing director Chan Fock Seng.

He said Chong Company went a step further by building markets, food courts and small shopping malls within walking distance to their residential projects.

“Such amenities ensured the properties matured into pleasant and respectable neighbourhoods.”

The company, Chan said, had maintained a low profile since its beginning.

“We had only showrooms at our construction sites and we mostly marketed our properties to locals.

“But we are changing our style to suit the market dynamics.”

Sited at the corner of Burmah Road and Arratoon Road now is the Chong Company Gallery.

On arrival, prospective buyers might be taken aback by the abundant parking lots available.

Of the 2,787sq m in land area, the gallery only takes up about 325sq m.

Inside is a show unit of Sierra East apartments in Bukit Jambul.

This four-bedroom show unit measures 130sq m and gives prospective owners an instant feel of the ambience they can expect.

The project is touted as a lifestyle residence.

Of the 430 residences, 30% are affordable housing units that can be bought only through the state government.

The remaining units are priced up to RM700,000.

Also promoted in the gallery are Aster homes in Taman Pantai Indah in the Jalan Pantai Jerejak area.

These three-storey link homes offer about 380sq m each.

They contain six bedrooms, five bathrooms, a car porch to hold three cars, two open terraces, a private garden and an inner courtyard for intermediate units.

From the space alone, it is clear that Chong Company built Aster homes for Penang families to grow into.

Present to grace the gallery’s opening were state Local Government Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow and state Housing Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo as well as several MPs, state assemblymen and city councillors.

The post Developer active since the 1960s unveils new projects and gallery appeared first on Malaysia Premier Property and Real Estate Portal.

An artists impression of the 18 Madge development.

KSL Holdings Bhd says the discerning individual looking for an exclusive residence in the city centre need look no further, as the last prime real estate in Kuala Lumpur’s embassy enclave is now set to offer comfort, convenience and elegance.

The company’s development, 18 Madge, is a luxury development located at one of the most prestigious addresses in Kuala Lumpur.

The low-density development offers just 50 units in eight designs.

The project’s site is surrounded by embassies and other diplomatic installations.

Just a stone’s throw away from the Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC and leading restaurants and hotels along Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Ampang, 18 Madge is well connected to the city’s most exciting destinations. There are also plenty of amenities nearby from international school, medical facilities, recreation facilities and leisure spots.

The company says the project, which is being designed around Zen principles to impart a sense of freshness and purity, will feature units from 204sq m to 14,800sq ft.

There are two 1,374sq m penthouses on the upper floor of the 10-storey block that can be divided into two separate living spaces for two families.

A sky lounge on the roof deck also offers a tranquil setting, infinity pool and wading pool, garden and a fully equipped gym and sauna.

Each standard condo unit comes with three parking bays and a comprehensive three-tiered security system including round-the-clock security guard services, CCTV surveillance and panic button and an intercom.

The project by GoodPark Development Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of award-winning property developer KSL Holdings, is designed by Veritas Architects Sdn Bhd, one of South-East Asia’s leading architecture firms renowned for its commitment to design quality and excellent service.

For details, call 03-3122 2999.

The post Home in the heart of embassy row appeared first on Malaysia Premier Property and Real Estate Portal.

JOHOR BARU: Several waterfront development areas along the coastal line of Iskandar Malaysia will be designated as international zones for housing development projects.

Mentri Besar Datuk Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the move would address fears among locals of foreigners snapping up all available properties in the economic growth region.

He said Tebrau Bay overlooking Singapore is now designated as the international zone and it would be promoted globally to attract more investors into the area.

“The state authorities will be meeting stakeholders in the first week of next month to get their input and the plans would be showcased to the public for two weeks,’’ he said.

Khaled was speaking at a groundbreaking ceremony for the multi-billion ringgit waterfront development project by Iskandar Waterfront Holdings Sdn Bhd and China-based Greenland Group on Monday.

Also present at the event were Iskandar Waterfront group executive chairman Tan Sri Lim Kang Hoo and Greenland Group executive vice-president Xu Jing.

The high-end mixed development project – Greenland Tebrau with a gross development value of RM30bil on 51.79ha site in Tebrau Bay would be developed in five phases over the next 10 years.

Khaled said although the state government had identified the locations of the zones, it still needed feedback from the stakeholders.

He said among the stakeholders were members of the Johor branch Real Estate Housing Developers Association, Iskandar Regional Development Authority, local authorities and non-governmental organisations.

“The international zones will help to increase competitiveness of the Johor property market and protect local buyers,’’ he added.

The post International zones for Iskandar housing projects appeared first on Malaysia Premier Property and Real Estate Portal.

New project: A filepic of the fenced-up area where the old Sia Boey market used to operate. The state govt has decided to turn the 1.82ha site into an Art and Heritage Square.

THE Penang government has scrapped its initial plans to build a RM500mil income-generating commercial cum residential development at the former Sia Boey Market site.

Instead, a RM100mil Penang Art and Heritage Square will be built on the 1.82ha site.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the initial plans were scrapped to give the place back to the society.

“If we had gone ahead with the original proposal, our economic value would be RM500mil but instead of generating the RM500mil, we will be spending RM100mil for the community.

“Therefore, the opportunity cost is RM600mil. However, I believe that we would be able to get back the amount or more in the long run,” he told a press conference at his office in Komtar, Penang, yesterday.

He said the square would be built on prime land in the heart of George Town which could easily cost up to RM30mil per 0.4ha.

“What we are doing is to try and bring art to Penang in a big way and use it as an economic catalyst that can drive urban regeneration.

“We are looking at participation from the private sector to reduce the RM100mil cost,” he said.

When asked on the economic projection for the state on the project, Lim said it had never been done before in Malaysia.

“Take South Bank in London for example. What used to be an abandoned area has been regenerated with the Tate Modern gallery,’ he said.

He added that the commencement date of the project would only be revealed next month.

Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua, who was also present at the press conference, said existing shops at the site would be restored.

“We will be inviting galleries from Penang, Kuala Lumpur and the region to participate in this unique art space.

“There will be an art museum, library, galleries or shops selling art, craft market, hawker centre and a huge open park where people can appreciate sculptures and enjoy morning walks,” he said.

“It is a unique opportunity and I believe that every capital city worth its salt will have a landmark that everyone would want to visit,” he added.

Art expert Valentine Willie said Penang needed such a dedicated space with the growth of George Town Festival.

“In the 30s and 50s, Penang was a cultural hub of Southeast Asia with the boom of rubber and tin.

“Many tycoons and the British had houses in Penang. It was a sophisticated city even before Singapore and we plan to re-create that here,” he said.

The post CM: Potential money-spinning plan sacrificed for heritage square project appeared first on Malaysia Premier Property and Real Estate Portal.

The sooner is the better for property investment, which is why Gen Ys should begin investing early.

 By MANGALESRI CHANDRASEKARAN

Millennials are encouraged to learn about property investment and better understand the industry prior to investing.

If you are aged between 18 and 34, then you are categorised as millennials, also known as Gen Y. At this age, it is a good time to consider investing in property.

Investing in property is certainly not as easy, and most youngsters hesitate to invest due to several uncertainties. Long-term investing is challenging and needs a huge amount of patience and knowledge, but young adults have time as an added advantage.

The key benefit of property investment is increasing financial leverage. The value of most properties increase yearly, which makes it advantageous to invest from a younger age. A person who invested in their 20s is likely to be able to maximise capital appreciation as they allow the price to appreciate for a longer duration (provided their objective is to get long-term gains), compared to the investment made by a person nearing retirement.

Moreover, an investor’s age plays a role in determining the risk a person can withstand. The younger the person is, the more risk they might be willing to take on, compared to someone who is nearing retirement as they are at a different stage in life and might look at risk-free or lower-risk investments (unless they are a seasoned property investor).

Investing in property also means adding an asset. When paid in full and managed well, the investment will remain an asset, while providing passive income monthly and capital appreciation. Kept for a longer time, this asset can also be passed on from one generation to the next.

Investing at a young age is obviously not an easy decision to make, but it is not impossible as well. With the right mindset and plan, it’s the best age to begin.

For a successful investment, young millennials should:

• Be in the know: Being tech-savvy is another advantage for Gen Ys, as there are apps, online courses, financial and educational property websites, blogs and social media, which offer valuable guidance. What matters most is getting your research done and get the right knowledge base before venturing into property investment. You should read up on books by financial and investment gurus, and attend talks and forums to get invaluable insights from property experts and investors. Learn from their mistakes and avoid the pitfalls of property investment.

• Consider a shared investment: Shared investment with a person who has the same passion or perhaps with parents or siblings is a bold move. Youngsters mostly fear the huge amount needed for their first property, which is 10% of the property value. Having a shared investment will ease the burden and make investing more appealing, while managing the risk to a certain extent.

• Buy to generate income: There are some young adults who are considering buying property for their own use, but the best investment is to rent out the property. The investor would get capital appreciation and monthly rental at the same time and it’s not necessary to fork out money each month. So it’s better to let tenants pay for your investment.

• Keep risks under control: Millennials should consider investing at a younger age, since that’s the best time to acquire a property and make the most out of their money and youth. As much as it is important to invest, it is also equally vital to keep the risks under control.  But it also depends on risk appetite, interest and financial management. For initial investments, choose an affordable property and always have a Plan B in case of emergencies. Have the “trading up” mentality, where you start with lower-priced properties and move up as you continue to invest.

• Choose the right property: To have a successful investment, it is important to choose the right property which will grow in value and attract potential tenants. You could start with smaller-sized units such as studio units and SOHOs priced below RM500,000. Of course, the location plays a major role. So it is best to evaluate the surrounding areas, the growth indicators and upcoming infrastructure, existing and future amenities, the developer (if purchasing new properties), and so on.

Join the FREE StarProperty.my Own It forum
The upcoming Own It forum is scheduled on 1st and 8th August 2015 at Tropicana Metropark Property Gallery. The core purpose of Own It is to help out young Malaysians, Gen Ys and the millennials, better understand the home buying process and start planning their journey towards owning their first home. It is a platform for them to learn about property ownership and hopefully inspire them to start planning to buy their first home.

There will be two speakers per day, and the forum will be from 2pm to 4.30pm. Register for the free forum at starproperty.my/ownitforum

The post Investing in property – a must for young adults? appeared first on Malaysia Premier Property and Real Estate Portal.

Loan deal: Chan and Maybank corporate banking MD Caroline Teoh at the agreement signing for a bridging loan facility for the Gardenhill condo project in Melbourne.

PETALING JAYA: Small-cap contractor Fajarbaru Builder Group Bhd has property projects with a gross development value (GDV) of RM728mil in Malaysia.

Besides that, its first overseas joint-venture project in Melbourne, which has a GDV of A$77mil (RM215.6mil), has seen a take-up rate of 80%.

The construction player, with a market cap of RM139.77mil, plans to launch three projects in the Klang Valley and Malacca by the end of 2016. These include a condominium project in Puchong with a GDV of RM400mil, a serviced apartment project in Sentul with a GDV of RM250mil and serviced apartments in Malacca with a GDV of RM78mil.

Its property division manager Yau Tuck Wai said it would launch the Puchong project by year-end, the Sentul project in the first quarter of 2016 and the Malacca project in the third quarter of 2016.

At the signing ceremony of a loan facility agreement with Maybank, Yau said the 136-unit luxurious condominium project at the Doncaster suburb of Melbourne would be completed by end-2016 or early-2017. The 0.6 acre was bought a year ago for RM20.61mil.

Its finance director Ooi Leng Chooi said the 51%-owned Fajarbaru-Beulah (Melbourne) Pty Ltd, that was working on the Gardenhill project in Melbourne, would contribute positively to its earnings once it was completed. For its third quarter ended March 31, close to 80% of its revenue came from construction activities.

Its current unbilled order book is RM450mil.

Fajarbaru-Beulah executive director Chan Jiaheng expects the construction of the project to start in six weeks’ time, while the whole project would take about 15 months to complete.

“We’re finalising the contractors now,” he said, adding that buyers of the high-end condos comprised a mix of foreign and local investors as well as buyers for own-stay.

Ooi declined to comment on the amount of loan taken for the Australian project, but conceded that it would inevitably impact its gearing. The firm’s total borrowings was at RM46.97mil as at March 31, while cash and cash equivalents stood at RM36.9mil.

He said the facility was in Australian dollars to mitigate currency exchange risks.

The units are priced at about A$700 per sq ft.

For the third quarter ended March 31, net profit fell 18.1% to RM782,000 compared with RM955,000 a year earlier. Revenue for the same quarter surged 93.1% to RM106.03mil from RM54.92mil a year ago.

As for its first nine months, earnings jumped 35.34% to RM3.37mil from RM2.49mil in the previous corresponding period, while revenue rose 28.3% to RM274.66mil from RM214.1mil.

The post Fajarbaru Builder plans RM728m property projects appeared first on Malaysia Premier Property and Real Estate Portal.

BY CHERYL POO

“KL update: Fossick and Lau at the press conference on KL Office Outlook market update.

KUALA LUMPUR: The fringe area of Kuala Lumpur is expected to face an office space glut by 2017, said JLL Malaysia country head Y.Y. Lau.

She said office rents are projected to decline on the back of a weakened economy and supply concerns over the next few years.

The KL fringe area covers developments such as KL Eco City, Southpoint, the Vertical Corporate Tower in Bangsar South, Aurora Tower, KLCC Lot, Nucleus @ Mutiara, Uptown and Icon City.

According to JLL Research, there is nearly 940,000 sq ft at the completed Naza Tower and Ilham Tower at KL central business district (CBD), 810,000 sq ft at Damansara City and some 350,000 sq ft in Cyberjaya and Putrajaya collectively.

As at the second quarter of 2015, there are about 2.66 million sq ft of office space in the KL general area and in CyberJaya and Putrajaya, which is estimated to near double in 2016 and reach 10.97 million sq ft by 2017.

“There would be some uncertainty during that time as the oversupply in the KL CBD would be huge in 2019,” Lau said when releasing the Kuala Lumpur Office Outlook market update.

“But people will be more realistic over time,” JLL managing director for Singapore and South-East Asia Chris Fossick said, alluding to the fact that the property bull run in 2012 was not likely to repeat itself in the near future.

“The expected future supply will put downward pressure on office performance.”

Essentially, the second quarter of 2015 saw negative take-up in office spaces due to downsizing of some oil and gas companies, Lau said.

Meanwhile, demand for the period was spurred by owner occupation.

According to the report, there will be a forecast 4 million sq ft of net lettable space available in the KL fringe by 2017, largely due to tenants’ decision for better quality buildings.

“We have seen some of that in insurance companies which have done mergers and acquisitions, and moved on to quality buildings,” Lau said.

Rents remained stable in the KL fringe, hovering at RM5.98 per sq ft in the second quarter of 2015, projected to hit RM6 in 2017.

“New expected completions would likely push up rents slightly,” Lau said.

She said large infrastructure projects being undertaken around KL were changing tenant requirements with preference to be near the light rail transit, highways and public transport as they created new hotspots and opportunities for developers and landlords.

“Meanwhile, larger floorplates are being incorporated to support the open plan ‘work smart concept’ or ‘hot desking concept’ and more collaborative work environment, catering to the Gen Y demand for new types of workspace,” Lau said.

The post KL fringe to face office space glut appeared first on Malaysia Premier Property and Real Estate Portal.

WITH increasing regularity, neighbours of new development projects will invariably protest whatever development that is being proposed.

In many cases the basis for protest is absurd and totally intolerant, like there will be loss of greenery, noise and pollution and inconvenience during construction.

In our equatorial climate any vacant land will be richly vegetated in no time and many neighbours seem to deem that such vacant land is automatically their green belt. Many lament that they have been trekking and trespassing the land for their exercise, deeming that they have their rights to continue trespassing.

Development proposals have to be designed based on development rules and regulations and if the submissions are within these rules and regulations, these have to be approved as a matter of course and recognising the rights of the landowner to develop.

The authorities should not heed the protests of those who bought their property with the knowledge that their neighbouring lands will be developed in the future.

This is especially where the township has been master-planned and all the land usage in the township has been determined. The latest protest against a TNB station to be build in Ara Damansara is a case in point where the land for TNB use had already been part and parcel of the master plan of the township.

Compact high density living is the trend to be able to reduce unproductive travelling time and the reduction of pollution and making public transport and infrastructure sustainable and viable to be build.

The reality is that as we urbanise , there will be higher density developments.

TK CHANG
Petaling Jaya

The post Letter: High density development inevitable appeared first on Malaysia Premier Property and Real Estate Portal.

Tropicana Corp ups the scale in luxury high-rise living.

BY ANGIE NG
angie@thestar.com.my

Chic and sleek architecture.

KUALA Lumpur is upscaling its status as a liveable city with a number of infrastructure projects that will improve the quality of living environment in the capital city, and proof of its growing popularity as a choiced address is seen in the growing number of property projects being built to cater to the expanding city dwellers and business travellers.

The capital city’s premier address is undoubtedly still Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) given the premium attached to its proximity to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, Malaysia’s national landmark, and to the other lifestyle conveniences.

Development projects that bear the KLCC address command a premium over those that are located further away in the other fringe areas of Kuala Lumpur. No wonder a growing list of developers are vying for a piece of the KLCC action that will further change the city’s skyline when more high-rise buildings crop up in the city in the coming years.

Given that there are quite a number of projects coming up around the KLCC area, developers have to put in extra efforts and creativity to ensure their projects have unique selling propositions, outstanding amenities, facade and features to stand out from the rest in the market.

Gourmet Loft.

Undaunted by the competition posed by the other developments that are coming up in the city, Tropicana Corp Bhd is building its most ambitious development, Tropicana The Residences at KLCC (The Residences), on a 1.28-acre plot of freehold land along Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.

This is one of the most prime locations in Kuala Lumpur at the original Millionaires Row and just two minutes’ walk to the Petronas Twin Towers. To give it an edge in the market, Tropicana’s plan is to build a unique iconic project offering chic and modernist luxury residences that will be the first of its kind in Kuala Lumpur.

Tropicana Corp has engaged the services of international architectural firm, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, well-known for its feat in designing international landmarks such as Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, and New York’s One World Trade Centre, to up the game for The Residences into another spectacular iconic landmark.

“We are confident the unique concept of our project that is inspired by The W Hotel concept will ensure The Residences stands out from the existing pool of properties in the market,” Tropicana Corp executive director of project Daniel Teh says. Teh points out that the project’s location on one of the last remaining premium freehold parcels in KLCC will up the value and add credence to The Residences prestige as an iconic landmark in the city.

Scheduled to complete in mid-2017, Teh is confident The Residences will be a frontrunner in the development of this fast growing segment of luxury and branded residences in the city centre of Kuala Lumpur.

The Residences will be anchored by the very first W Kuala Lumpur Hotel in a stunning 55-storey tower, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill that is working together with Veritas Architects Sdn Bhd in Kuala Lumpur. The internationally acclaimed and award-winning architect firm brings its expertise on tall buildings to this landmark project by Tropicana Corp.

Top view of Saltwater Sky Pool.

“Alongside its neighbour, the Petronas Twin Towers, the sleek elegant tower of The Residences with its distinctive highly detailed dark aluminium and glass finishing, will form part of the future iconic skyline of Kuala Lumpur,” Teh remarks.

When completed, The Residences will be the highest residential apartments in Kuala Lumpur, soaring higher than the soon-to-be-completed 48-storey St Regis Hotel and Residences at Sentral.

This iconic development will bring to Kuala Lumpur, the daring, witty and stylised culture of the hip W brand which captures the vibe and spirit of New York as a leading centre for music, fashion and urban culture. First launched in New York as a boutique hotel, the W has transformed into a fashion and style leader in the hotel industry and has been especially well-received in Asia where it has transformed into a popular, high energy, future-forward lifestyle brand that syncs well with the frenzied speed and intense energy of Asian cities.

The hotel has full-height double-glazed windows. Both the exterior building envelope and interior partition walls are built to the highest acoustic and thermal performance specifications, as required by the hotel operators.

Teh says The Residences also follows similarly high specifications, adding that it is rare for developers in Kuala Lumpur to provide residential developments with the high acoustic insulation, sound-proofed full-height windows as in The Residences.

Tropicana Corp head of marketing and sales Ung Lay Ting and executive director of project Daniel Teh.

“The high specifications of the curtain wall and resulting high thermal performance of the building envelope also means much better comfort levels within the apartments and lower air-conditoning bills.

“While there are several green-rated lower-rise residential developments, The Residences is one of the first super high-rise apartment towers in KL to enjoy the benefits of a very high level of green certification with its GreenRe Gold rating,” he explains.

Opulent lifestyle
Teh says The Residences offers discerning and well-travelled purchasers an opportunity to own a piece of luxury in this hot address of the KLCC. The project’s location on top of the internationally acclaimed W Kuala Lumpur gives the residences a unique five-star branding and living standard. The residents will be in the company of other like-minded hip, funky and happening community who will be able to bask in the luxury of five-star lifestyle.

The Residences that comprises 353 fully furnished service residences will occupy the 25th to 53rd floors of the 55-storey tower block. The hip and upscale W Kuala Lumpur Hotel, a luxury hotel chain owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, will have 150 rooms on the 8th to 23rd floors. The project will have a gross development value of RM800mil.

Teh says the uniquely designed residences offer four types of swanky layouts with built-up area ranging from 710 sq ft to 2,973 sq ft.

“All the units have cutting-edge designs, yet portray the warmth of local lifestyle and influences that will place them in a league of their own and make them the prized dwellings for our residents,” he says.

“The residences are unique, first of a kind funky luxury for our residents in line with our aim to redefine luxury and create another level of luxury living fit for our well-heeled buyers.

“Owning a residence in this super prime location is a reflection of luxury and prestige. The residents will also benefit from the integrated five-star hotel services,” he says.

Chill Out Deck.

Besides the unique facades and architecture design, the softscapes and amenities are just as opulent – a rooftop facility floor that offers the perfect place to chill out with unobstructed view of Kuala Lumpur’s sprawling and colourful city vista, saltwater infinity pool, a forest-themed lounge, multi-purpose area on the roof known as the Gourmet Loft and a first-of-its-kind aqua gym.

The Residences also come with concierge service where residents will be able to enjoy butler service that will arrange services that ranges from transport to laundry and dry cleaning. Residents will also be able to make bookings for flights, restaurants, spa and salon treatments. Jet-setters and those who are constantly on the move will be happy to have the convenience of optional housekeeping services and an innovative home-care programme, which includes a home monitoring system, personalised renovations and regular cleanliness inspection, at their disposal.

The Residences will be managed by Tropicana Corp, a pioneer in resort-style home concepts with a strong track record in high-end residential and commercial developments.

Teh says being at the forefront of the property industry, Tropicana Corp continues to lead the way in the lifestyle and sustainable development segment.

“The Residences has been categorised as a green building with resource and energy-efficient features in daily operations like powering lifts and other utilities,” he adds.

Teh says The Residences is expected to be a serious contender for expatriates wanting to make a wise investment in Malaysia given the increasing appreciation of capital in this sought-after address.

Forest Lounge.

Tropicana Corp head of marketing and sales Ung Lay Ting says the project was launched on March 21 across six countries – Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, China (ChengDu and Shanghai), Indonesia and Hong Kong – at private bars for specially invited guests. Most of the buyers comprise young professionals and business owners from Hong Kong and Singapore.

The main launch of The Residences was held at the chic Marini’s on 57, Malaysia’s highest rooftop bar that is located close to the Petronas Twin Towers that offers panoramic views of the Kuala Lumpur city skyline. For its unique 3D presentation at the launch, The Malaysia Book of Records awarded Tropicana Corp for the Biggest Outdoor HD Projection Mapping Screen in Malaysia.

“The Residences prides itself as the only swanky and arty luxury property in Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle ideal for jet-setters or those constantly on the move. It will be in a class of its own and the first of its kind to provide contemporary luxury living, targeting the rebellious, antipodean buyers.

“The Residences’ overall intention is to be the swankiest place in town. The target audience are the trendsetters – people who are interested in the latest, newest, hippest and coolest. It is a celebration of stylish sophistication, of upscale metropolitan living. To receive more info or for a private tour, we warmly invite you to register with us at our website www.tropicanatheresidences.com,” Ung says.

Ung says Tropicana Corp has another similar development in Penang, Tropicana 218 Macalister that will feature the first Courtyard by Marriott in Malaysia.

“We are definitely looking into exploring other markets to bring the Tropicana experience to more people around the country,” she adds.

The post Iconic 5-star Tropicana The Residences at KLCC appeared first on Malaysia Premier Property and Real Estate Portal.

BY SHERRY KOH

TODAY, the primary force that drives so many people to bankruptcy is their desire to live beyond their means. Many default on their car, housing and personal loans simply because they want to live a lavish lifestyle.

Even without being fully established in their careers, they choose to buy an expensive car when a simple entry-level car will suffice. It is the same kind of thinking that makes them go for high-end property instead of affordable ones.

Those who are just starting out should switch on their “trading up” mentality. They should think about purchasing lower-priced properties first. After all, property is a good hedge against inflation.

When the lower-priced property increases in value, capital appreciation can be used to slowly trade up to better properties.

Home ownership transformation programme
That is one of the key reasons StarProperty.my, together with Propwall.my, initiated Own It. It is a home ownership transformation programme that is designed to assist first-time homebuyers towards owning a property.

Star Media Group general manager of the property business unit Timothy Hor said, “The core purpose of Own It is to help young Malaysians, Gen Ys and the millennials, better understand the home buying process and start planning their journey towards owning their first home.

“For many of our younger generation, the lament about not being able to afford their own homes has become louder in recent years because of the escalating prices of property. And many have accepted the fact that they will be a “generation of renters”.

Hor encourages first-time home buyers to better understand the property investment journey.

“We want to help change that mindset and provide them with a platform to better understand and learn about property ownership, and hopefully inspire them to start planning to buy their first home.”

The ongoing Own It programme consists of a series of educational forums and sharing of pertinent information on property investment. The programme kick-started in May this year, when StarProperty.my managed to help several first-time homebuyers purchase their first property.

Own It is StarProperty.my’s CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiative, and the company is consistently working with developers to explore attractive starter home offerings, while providing financial and investment guidance for eligible first-time homebuyers.

Register for Own It Forum – It’s FREE!
To keep the momentum going, StarProperty.my will be starting a series of educational talks and the first one is a two-parter. It will be held on Aug 1 and Aug 8 at Tropicana Metropark’s Property Gallery, 2pm to 4.30pm.

There will be three speakers – Khalil Adis (founder of Khalil Adis Consultancy Pte Ltd), Nick and Alex (directors of an architect and interior design firm Nu Infinity) and Alexander Woo (VP Financial Education at IQI Holdings).

There will be a FlexibleLove chair worth RM1,385 to be given away each day. There will also be a special offer for developments in Tropicana Metropark. Ask the sales personnel about it.

Admission to the forum is free and light refreshments will be provided. Register at starproperty.my/ownitforum now as seats are limited.

A FlexibleLove chair worth RM1,385 to be given away for each day. Register for the free forum at starproperty.my/ownitforum

A first-time home buyer? Sign up for StarProperty.my’s Home Ownership Transformation Programme, Own It. We’d like to help you towards owning your first property. #OwnIt 

The post Property forum for first-time home buyers appeared first on Malaysia Premier Property and Real Estate Portal.

Cheque presentation: SP Setia acting president and chief executive officer Datuk Khor Chap Jen (right) presenting a mock cheque to SJAM Selangor State commander Datuk Yeo Kim Thong (left). Looking on are (from left) SJAM commander-In-chief Datuk Dr Low Bin Tick, Datuk Khor Chap Jen, Tan and SP Setia deputy general manager Koh Sooi Meng.

A TOTAL of 4,500 participants turned out for the inaugural EcoHill Rescue Run in Setia EcoHill, Semenyih recently.

The event was jointly organised by St John Ambulans Malaysia and Setia EcoHill Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of SP Setia Berhad, to raise funds for SJAM’s activities as well as its haemodialysis centre.

The run was divided into the 10km Mission Run and 5km Fun Run.

The Mission Run route took runners along the newly completed EcoHill Link, which connects the township and its surrounding communities to the Lekas highway.

The Fun Run for families saw participants exploring a section of the township’s landscape.

“Our commitment to build sustainable communities is what sets SP Setia apart.

“We continuously strive to promote a balanced lifestyle with activities such as this Rescue Run, where our neighbouring communities can also come and enjoy the vast greenery and landscaping at Setia EcoHill,” said SP Setia executive vice-president Tan Hon Lim.

All in all, more than 6,000 visitors, including the EcoHill Rescue Run participants, enjoyed various entertainment along the running routes as well as carnival booths set up behind the finish line.

“I am an avid runner and I constantly look out for exciting and fun runs such as this, especially for a good cause.

“I hope SP Setia will continue to organise more events like this,” said Raymund Sze, one of the participants.

In conjunction with the run, there’s was a special edition of the EcoHill Farmers’ Market.

EcoHill Rescue Run participants as well as other visitors to Setia EcoHill also took the opportunity to explore the township and find out more about the newly launched Grandlis Collection in the Horizon Residence precinct, which offers a series of two-storey super-link homes.

In conjunction with SP Setia’s 40th anniversary, these houses are being offered with an attractive package for a limited time only.

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