HERALD by Henry Butcher Malaysia
JAN 2015
HENRY BUTCHER JUST GOT MERRIER LIVE THE ART
GET A TOUCH OF NEW YORK
JUST A STEP AWAY TO ZEN WAY
BANGKOK BACK IN BUSINESS
IT ’S ALL ABOUT PRECISE WORK. Henry Butcher is among Malaysia’s most established real estate company with an extensive network of 25 offices throughout Malaysia. Accommodating various type of consultancy services covering valuation, estate agency, investment advisory, project marketing, international marketing and the list goes on. Henry Butcher also pioneered auction of Malaysian artworks since 2008, indeed we’ve come a long way but the journey isn’t over yet - there’s still more to come. We look forward to do better each day and this copy of the Herald certainly heralds another new beginning for us in 2015.
Perseverance takes us far.
Our main vision is to make Henry Butcher a significant contributor to the needs of our clients. Being professional means being accurate and acquiring good local knowledge of the property market where our clients wish to invest. This is essential as we can avoid costly mistakes from occurring. As such, to be effective, one must be able to feel the pulse and rhythm of the market. In 2015, we are foreseeing more interesting and challenging events in the market in the areas of GST, RPGT, financial market policies, interest rates, political stability, etc. These factors will affect our decisions and, we, therefore need to always equip ourselves with good knowledge to upkeep ourselves with the ever changing circumstances. Now, the question is, how do we do that? We are fortunate in that sense because we are able to support one another in terms of acquiring, achieving and sharing of essential information from other offices throughout Malaysia and leveraging on the wide coverage we have is truly a great extensive exponent for us. Aside from that, we wish to strengthen ourselves as a team. We believe having a family friendly work environment is the key to a healthy culture. The key to communication is therefore extremely important. We need to make sure we’re sensible in ensuring our staff members are happy in their work environment, in which responsibilities must be shared through the top– down management approach. When the staff are happy, they are motivated and when they are, it inspires the team as a whole to continuously drive towards a better work performance. Whenever values are built strongly from the core, there will be integrity. What are you still staring at? Time to get your eyes set on these interesting reads for our January issue of the Herald encompassing our “Happy” video, our projects of the Liberty Tower at i-City, Irama Wangsa by Beneton Property, a story on Bangkok and our recent Art Auction held in November 2014. Stay tuned for more exciting news in our next February issue! Have a great 2015 ahead!
Long Tian Chek Director
2 / HERALD JAN 2015
HENRY BUTCHER JUST GOT MERRIER
Henry Butcher is made up of a little million things and continues to incite each and every staff member to be part of this big happy family. Happy vibes definitely draw more of positive energy to cultivate, grow, learn and share among one another. Inspired by Pharrell William’s happy song, Henry Butcher conceived the idea to feature their happy property people. The idea was to highlight the warm happiness throughout the company – to convey a free friendly working environment. The video was made to celebrate every staff member there is, from the site workers, to cleaners, to art auction team and including the directors, senior managers and the rest of the team members at Henry Butcher’s HQ.
“Happiness is only real when shared” Scan through the QR code and get your vitamin of happiness, today. While stocks lasts.
3 / HERALD JAN 2015
GET A TOUCH OF NEW YORK Say hello to your New York-themed and inspired for this outrageous high-rise tower located within the hub of i-City. Presenting the iconic Liberty Tower, jointly developed by Central Pattana, Thailand’s largest developer of retail properties and i-Berhad - capturing not only the hearts of people but also generated an overwhelming response at a recent property fair organised at the project itself before its official launch. One of the unique iconic aspects is that it will be a new eco township with green walls and skins boosted by natural ventilation. Interestingly, Liberty Tower has drawn a strong interest due its prime location neighbouring the RM580 million in GDV and 1.5 million sq ft Central Plaza Mall. The astounding response to i-City’s Liberty Tower was an exhilarating surprise when the first early bird arrived at 4am in the morning. 70% of the units have since been booked and a total of 350 units snapped up. Aspects of the entertainment and tourism attractions at i-City are the project’s inherent contributors to build the image of an integrated city - the Leisure Park at i-City, shopping mall, three hotels, performing arts and convention centre as well as the riverfront development. Further, there are over one million LEDs at the City of Digital Lights display at the outdoor park which was first unveiled in December 2009. Alongside Liberty Tower are also i-Soho and i-Suite, all of which are located around the No. 1 technology city in i-City. “With comprehensive infrastructure in place including high broadband for the working population and residents, i-City will be an established knowledge industry and also a CISCO world conference site for smart and connected communities,” said Monica Ong, director of I-Berhad. Echoed by its deputy chairman, Datuk Eu Hong Chew, emphasised that connectivity and new public infrastructure were key fundamentals to i-City’s triumph, hence its investment in facilitating direct access to the development. From its exclusive marketing agent, chief operating officer of Henry Butcher Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Tang Chee Meng, opined that they would like to drive on the momentum of strong interest in Shah Alam’s western hallway and introduce a brand new freehold residential property opportunity to investors as well as those looking for a new home inspired by the chic New York City lifestyle.
Developer: i-City Properties Sdn Bhd Land Area: 12 acres Agent: Henry Butcher Real Estate Built-up: 466-769 sq ft Property Type: Serviced Apartment Listing Price: From RM 360,000 Tenure: Freehold Project completion: 2018
the Western Corridor of Klang Valley: Is Shah Alam sustainable in the long run?” of which Tang was part of the expert panel. He contended that the Western Corridor is a vast potential for Shah Alam’s growing population as of its area of sustainability and it’s current and future infrastructure. At the forum, lawyer Chris Tan, founder of Chur Associates, advocated that Gen-Y should begin thinking about purchasing or investing in lower priced properties first. He cited property as a good ring fence against inflation and hence enables them to leverage on capital appreciation when the property prices increase. The dream shared by I-Berhad executive chairman Tan Sri Lim Kim Hong is to transform Shah Alam into an international capital city via i-City’s ambitious plans of developments and tourist attractions. Response to Liberty Tower is proof that the i-City blueprint is a sustainable dream in the making, one that not only stops at Liberty, but liberating the imagination of New York and more to this exciting corridor of Shah Alam.
“The best has yet to come, stay tuned! ”
A timely occurrence, a forum was held by Star Property Malaysia called “Property investment opportunities in 4 / HERALD JAN 2015
JUST A STEP AWAY TO ZEN WAY Imagine waking up to morning lights and droplets of dews stilled by the fresh scent of Mother Nature. Embracing nature and built around a hill slope with its unique integrated concept surrounding greenery, Irama Wangsa, an exclusive piece of real estate located in Wangsa Maju is listed as one of Klang Valley’s hidden paragon.
HIGHLIGHTS
Irama Wangsa is a condominium development valued at RM400 million in GDV by Benéton Properties known primarily for upmarket properties such as Stonor Park in KLCC and Rhombus Bangsar. Admirably weaving the best of both urban and nature’s essences in its design - this luxurious freehold condominium offers abundant green surroundings bringing you and your loved ones closer to nature.
• Low density • Gated community with multi-tiered security • 10,000 sq ft clubhouse with modern facilities • Olympic-sized swimming pool • 5 acres greenery & private scenic hill park with 500m green trail/ jogging path • Multiple award-winning international developer
“Being closer to nature is the key to happiness”
Benéton Properties chief executive officer Chan Kin Meng said, “The private hill park will be a special feature which is our gift to the residents and their families. The development’s resort theme will also embody the feeling of living at a tropical getaway.” Interestingly, standing out from the rest – a project that denotes appreciation for the earth and the greenery environment. Aside from that, located in Wangsa Maju’s green enclave, Irama Wangsa is a nine-acre (3.64ha) sanctuary of which five acres (2.02ha) of the development will be dedicated to lush greenery. There are a total of seven different types of layouts to accommodate different individual preferences for home buyers to choose from. The built-up sizes are inclusive of Towers A and B ranging from 991 to 1,400 sq ft and Tower C at 1,206 to 1,637 sq ft. Prices are from RM535,000 or between RM500 to RM600 per sq ft. Surrounding the development is an overabundance of amenities including shopping malls such as Wangsa Walk, Festival City mall, the Aeon Big hypermarket and a long list of F&B (food and beverage) outlets. Highly reputable international schools such as ISKL and Fairview International School are also situated within a short distance to provide the best education for the little ones. Easily accessible via Jalan Jelatek, the MRR2 and the DUKE Highway, to date, Phase I’s Tower B have been selling like hot cakes and has almost completely sold off due to a strong interest towards the urban and modern greenery concept. Only 15 minutes away from KLCC, travelling into the heart of Kuala Lumpur will be a breeze making this a golden investment opportunity for those who enjoy the perks of living in the city while being close to nature.
6 / HERALD JAN 2015
BANGKOK
BACK IN BUSINESS Opportunities are never meant for the ‘wait-and-see’ type. Thus, instead of waiting, perhaps you should think of getting ahead of the game, investing in real estate in the ‘Land of A Thousand Smiles’ may be a shrewd move you could take. Political and social unrest certainly do no favours for the real estate market in Bangkok. But being Mr. Brightside, it’s likely that it will remain largely resilient. For those who still have concerns about the aftermath of the political takeover, here’s the good news - Bangkok is very much back in business and is ready to undergo its biggest urban overhaul in years. There already are a hundred thousand pieces on why you should invest in Bangkok. Major, for one, Bangkok plays an increasingly vital role in the South East Asian market. No one can promise fortunes, but if you check the facts, real estate prices in Bangkok’s city centre have more than doubled since 2005, from 50,000 baht/sqm to approximately 110,000-120,000 baht/sqm for an expatriate standard condominium in central Sukhumvit between Asoke - Thonglor. Whoever’s been to the Thai capital knows that one visit isn’t enough. Whilst stumbling on memory cards of holiday images might give you simultaneous joy, planning another trip to Bangkok sounds pretty much like the right thing to do. This is how addictive the city is.
“Serving as an exceptional tourist attraction is almost Bangkok’s raison d'etre.” Serving as an exceptional tourist attraction is almost Bangkok’s raison d’etre. Known for its high-low shopping, vibrant nightlife, busy airport (sixth busiest airport in Asia), hospitality, tranquil temples, incredible skyline
and street gastronomy, Bangkok has made it to one of the top places to travel in the world, and now, one of the top places to invest. In a Board of Investment (BOI) survey of foreign investor confidence, 98% investors of 600 companies interviewed remained strongly confident in Thailand, citing the country’s good infrastructure, easy access to funding and appropriate labour wage as the prime factors. The recent Thai Plus One policy proposed by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is also set to boost foreign direct investments. Under the policy, foreigners who invest in Thailand will be offered the chance to invest in a neighbouring country with the support of Thai government. As the only Southeast Asian country to have never been colonised, Thailand certainly has its charm. To begin with, Bangkok has a population of more than eight million, or close to 13% of the country’s population. This provides a good economy base as The Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) predicts Thailand’s GDP will grow 4.1% in 2015, moving in the range of 3.6% to 4.6%, with government investment in infrastructure and the ever growing tourism numbers being the main contributors to the growth. Bangkok, indeed, is a megacity showing no sign of slowing down. The issue of foreign ownership has always been one of the main concerns for investors. Not anymore. By demonstrating possession of a non-immigrant visa granted by a Thai embassy or consulate and proof of at least 10 million baht worth of investment, foreign owners will be granted a renewable one-year stay under a one-year visa. This time around, however, foreign owners of condominium 8 / HERALD JAN 2015
2005
50,000 baht/sqm
2014
120,000 baht/sqm Bangkok city centre
>8
98%
million population units seeking to obtain a one-year visa are advised to engage an immigration lawyer to get an opinion regarding their eligibility for the extended stay. While the sharing or the peer-to-peer economy is still young in South East Asia, a Nielsen consumer report released end of May suggested that consumers in the region are opening up to the idea. Successful global brands like Uber and Airbnb are eyeing Thailand as a lucrative market. Airbnb’s CMO Amy Curtis-McIntyre for example is of the opinion that the biggest opportunity for the company out there is in intra-Asia travel to countries like Thailand. The staggering number of foreigners who came to Bangkok (and never want to leave again) continues to contribute significantly to the rental market.
investors of 600 companies interviewed remained strongly confident in Thailand (BOI)
It might seem absurd for an article on ‘why invest in Bangkok’ is screaming to convince you on the endless possibilities of this urban city that never sleeps. But undeniably, these evidences are solid as rock. Because, why not? We are talking about investing in an exciting future and the good news is it’s simply unbeatable.
Anticipate a line up of exciting Bangkok projects for sale at Henry Butcher Malaysia. For more information, log on to www.henrybutcher.com.my, call +60179807103 or visit the Henry Butcher HQ.
YOU ARE WHERE YOU LIVE HENRY BUTCHER REAL ESTATE SDN BHD
HENRY BUTCHER REAL ESTATE SDN BHD
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HENRY BUTCHER REAL ESTATE SDN BHD (236461-w )
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9 / HERALD JAN 2015
LIVE THE ART As the curtain fell on a Sunday evening, Henry Butcher’s Malaysian & Southeast Asian Art Auction in Kuala Lumpur tallied an exceptional RM2.98 million. Whilst the culture of bidding is still novel in the country, new and seasoned collectors as well as foreign art enthusiasts buoyed the art auction held at Sime Darby Convention Centre on 9 November 2014. The great thing about art auctions is that you see the good, the bad, the things that make you go, “Why is this RM100,000 and that RM8,000?” Hence when Dzulkifli Buyong’s Tiga Kucing (Three Cats) went under the hammer at RM78,400, a photographer showed me a picture and jokingly asked, “How much do you think I can make with my cat’s portrait?” The pricing of art will forever remain a mystery to the outside world.
93% by lot was achieved
50%
soared beyond higher estimates
Across the pond the art world is aflutter over the late Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal, whose incredibly scarce masterpiece “Berenang” dating back to 1965 achieved a staggering RM179,200. In the contemporary segment, Chong Siew Ying’s visually stimulating “L’été” stood among the most sought after pieces. It was a celebrated portrait depicting a youthful female, encircled by beautiful florals. There was a frenzied bidding war between a prolific collector in the room and a telephone bidder, where the former eventually claimed victory at RM89,000, smashing its estimated value of between RM28,000 and RM40,000. The celebration of this installment of the auction witnessed collections from the US, UK, Australia and closer to home in Vietnam, The Philippines and Thailand. Unconventional art pieces of the Malay traditional dagger also made their presence felt as they were sold at 386% and 273% averagely above estimates respectively. The promising figures is a testimony to the depth of interest in Southeast Asian art, thanks to the growing number of collectors and along with the increased acceptance of art as an investment. Further, with the introduction of the live online bidding system by Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers, this very auction received bids from eleven other countries, they include Thailand, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, United Arab Emirates, Australia, the Netherlands, France, United States of America and Canada. While the numbers look good, at the end of the day however, it is a matter of how you feel about the masterpiece because nobody in this world can tell you how you feel about art, not even Monet.
The next Art Auction will be held in April 2015 and Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers now welcome all consignments. For more information, log on to www.hbart.com.my, email info@hbart.com.my or call +603 2691 3089 or +603 6206 2282.
10 / HERALD JAN 2015
HEADQUARTER Henry Butcher Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. No. 25 Jalan Yap Ah Shak Off Jalan Dang Wangi 50300 Kuala Lumpur T• (03) 2694 2212 F• (03) 2694 5543 E• hbmalaysia@henrybutcher.com.my W• www.henrybutcher.com.my SELANGOR Subang Jaya 36-1, 2 & 3, Jalan SS15/4D 47500 Subang Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan T• (03) 5631 5555 F• (03) 5632 7155 E• selangor@henrybutcher.com.my Ampang Lot B3-3, Jalan Selaman 1 Dataran Palma, Jalan Ampang 68000 Ampang, Selangor Darul Ehsan T• (03) 4270 2072 F• (03) 4270 2082 E• hbjurunilai@yahoo.com Petaling Jaya No. 167A, Jalan SS 2/24 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor D.E, Malaysia. T• (03) 7873 3888 F• (03) 7873 7288 E• hbpetalingjaya@gmail.com NEGERI SEMBILAN Seremban Henry Butcher Malaysia (NS) Sdn. Bhd No. 11, Ground Floor Jalan Tunku Hassan 70000 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan T• (06) 761 8681 F• (06) 761 8687 E• hbns@henrybutcher.com.my KEDAH Alor Setar No. 169, Kompleks Alor Setar Lebuhraya Darulaman 05100 Alor Setar Kedah Darul Aman T• (04) 731 5525 / 5405 F• (04) 731 5699 E• hb_kedah@yahoo.com.my Kulim No. 67-F, Jalan Raya 09000 Kulim Kedah Darul Aman T• (04) 491 2999 F• (04) 491 2311 E• hbmkulim@gmail.com PENANG Island No. 142-M Jalan Burma 10050 Penang T• (04) 229 8999 F• (04) 229 8666 E• hbpenang@hbmpg.com
Butterworth No. 2708 Chain Ferry Road Kimsar Garden 13700 Butterworth, Penang T• (04) 397 5888 F• (04) 398 8777 E• hbmperai@henrybutcher.net JOHOR Johor Baru No. 52 & 52A-B, Jalan Padi 1 Bandar Baru UDA 81200 Johor Baru, Johor Darul Takzim T• (07) 236 8060 F• (07) 235 3060 / 236 3060 E• henrybutcherjohor@gmail.com Kluang No. 18 (Tingkat 1) Jalan Haji Manan 86000 Kluang, Johor Darul Takzim Email: henrybutcherkluang@yahoo.com Website Address: www.henrybutcher.com.my T• (07) 775 1500 F• (07) 775 1501 Muar No. 134, 1st Floor Jalan Meriam 84000 Muar Johor Darul Takzim T• (06) 955 5968 F• (06) 955 5967 E• hbmuar@gmail.com Pontian No. 18-2, Jalan Delima 7 Pusat Perdagangan Pontian 82000 Pontian, Johor. T• (07) 686 3060 / 688 3060 F• (07) 688 2060 E• hbpontian@yahoo.com PAHANG Kuantan No. 11A, 1st Floor (Chinatown) Jalan Putra Square 3, Putra Square 25200 Kuantan Pahang Darul Makmur T• (09) 512 4111 F• (09) 512 4555 E• hbmkn55s@yahoo.com
PERAK Ipoh Greentown Business Centre 30450 Ipoh, Perak T• (05) 253 9933 / 253 3933 F• (05) 254 9933 F• hbmperak@gmail.com KELANTAN Kota Bahru Lot PT 265, Tingkat 2, Wisma Nik Kob Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra 15200 Kota Bahru Kelantan Darul Naim T• (09) 747 4001 / 747 5002 F• (09) 747 5003 E• hbmkel@yahoo.com SABAH Kota Kinabalu Suite 326, 3rd Floor Wisma Sabah 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah T• (088) 255 000 / 257 000 F• (088) 257 333 E• hbsabah@gmail.com Sandakan Lot 15, 1st Floor, Block A3 Utama Place (Phase 2 & 5) 90000 Sandakan, Sabah T• (089) 223 833 F• (089) 223 822 E• hbmskn@gmail.com Tawau TB 314, 1st Floor, Block 37 Fajar Commercial Complex 91000 Tawau, Sabah T• (089) 779 380 F• (089) 779 381 E• hbsabah@gmail.com SARAWAK
MALACCA
Kuching L4 14 & 15, DUBS Commercial/Office Centre Lot 376, Section 54 KLTD Jalan Petanak 93100 Kuching, Sarawak T• (082) 231 037 / 2 F• (082) 231 036 E• hbswak@gmail.com
Melaka No. 324 A&B, Jalan Melaka Raya 1 Taman Melaka Raya 75000 Melaka T• (06) 281 2188 F• (06) 281 2189 E• hbmalacca@yahoo.com
Miri Lot 1189, 1st Floor Miri Waterfront 98000 Miri, Sarawak T• (085) 442 800 / 98 F• (085) 429 699 E• hbmalmiri@henrybutcher.com.my
TERENGGANU
INTERNATIONAL
Kuala Terengganu Lot 3959, Tingkat 2 & 3 Jalan Batas Baru 20300 Terengganu Darul Iman T• (09) 620 3838 F• (09) 620 3828 E• hbmtrg@gmail.com
Cambodia No. 144, Tchecoslovaquie Blvd (169), corner of St. 134, Delano Business Center, 3rd Floor, Sangkat Veal Vong, Khan 7 Makara, 12253 Phnom Penh T• (023) 723 212 F• (023) 723 213 E• hbccambodia@gmail.com W• www.hbccambodia.com
HERALD JAN 2015