Issuu 81 - Aug 2016 by Property Hunter Magazine

EAST MALAYSIA’S LEADING PROPERTY PORTAL, MAGAZINE & EXPO

HOT TOPIC

TO OWN OR NOT TO OWN Late Night Jam Session At KK Jazz Fest | INTERVIEW: Dato’ Sri Siaw Swee Hin : The Dynamo Effect DRIVE: BMW: The Future Of Luxury SUV | REIMAGINING THE CITY : Adaptive Reuse Old Warehouses How Much Will Australian Property Grow In The Next 40 Years? | ALILA² : A New Level Of Exclusive Living

ISSUE 81 RM9.50 (Inc GST)

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CONTENTS PRoPERTY SHOWCASE | 14

LIKAS BOULEVARD: AN ICONIC WATERFRONT PROJECT IN LIKAS

PRoPERTY SHOWCASE | 18

ALILA² : A New Level Of Exclusive Living

PRoPERTY SHOWCASE | 26

PERTH CBD PROJECT TO LAUNCH IN KOTA KINABALU & KUCHING WITH FREE LOAN, EDUCATION & MIGRATION CONSULTATIONS

PRoPERTY SHOWCASE | 30

PLAZA SHELL : An Assembly Of The Elite

FEATURED EVENT | 38

LATE NIGHT JAM SESSION AT KK JAZZ FEST

FEATURED EVENT | 42

MAH SING GROUP CELEBRATES ROOF TOPPING UP CEREMONY FOR SUTERA AVENUE

INTERVIEW | 44

DATO’ SRI SIAW SWEE HIN : The Dynamo Effect

HOT TOPIC | 52

REIMAGINING THE CITY : Adaptive Reuse Old Warehouses

FEATURED EVENT | 58

BORNEO’S FIRST INVESTMENT STRATEGIC OUTLOOK FORUM 2016

HOT TOPIC | 62

TO OWN OR NOT TO OWN

INTERVIEW | 70

ENOCH KHOO, A CLASS ACT

HOT TOPIC | 78

THE PAN BORNEO HIGHWAY CONNECTION Making A Strong Connection

LIFESTYLE | 88

DRIVE BMW: The Future Of Luxury SUV IMPRESSIONS Quality City Life Through Design GADGET & WATCH The Competitive Edge Of Technology

hot topic | 96 COFFEE TALK | 102

HOW MUCH WILL AUSTRALIAN PROPERTY GROW IN THE NEXT 40 YEARS? • •

More Home Loan Applications In May 2016. Has Recovery Started? Positives For Malaysia, Stock Market And Ringgit

Editor’s Note: In the feature, Property Market Outlook and Hotspots in Kuching of the July issue, Mr. Colin Wong’s name was incorrectly written as Mr. Colin Chong. In the feature, Cyberjaya: A Globally Connected City of the Future, credit photos were overlooked and were supposed to be credited to David Liu. We sincerely apologise for the mistakes.

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PROPERTY SHOWCASE

An Iconic Waterfront Project in Likas Behold the Likas Boulevardâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a new monument of top-of-the-world waterfront living. Offering exquisitely designed residences that are embellished with state-of- the-art amenities, the Likas Boulevard also offers a tempting selection of brands in a lifestyle mall, as well as a world-class marina club that creates an atmosphere of true sophistication and unprecedented luxury.

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PROPERTY SHOWCASE

he Likas Bay Marina &

extends beyond the visible to become

All units of the Likas Boulevard Residence

Clubhouse offers you the

an exclusive lifestyle template. This

are fully-furnished, adding a unique,

world’s top 10 islands right

monument will not only define the

modern and elegant touch to your

at your doorstep. With its

skyline of the city, but also redefine the

personal space. Discover your style

picturesque waterfront

lives of those who choose to live in it.

and a home you dream of at the Likas

location and grand exclusivity, the Likas Boulevard Marina offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Likas Boulevard will also have office buildings—the Likas Boulevard Office, which offers a fine balance and collaboration between business and leisure. The Likas Boulevard Office will be occupied by the Sabah Energy Corporation Sdn Bhd (SESB) as the

One of the best amenities at the Likas Boulevard Residence is its splendidly lavish infinity pool that offers you an uninterrupted bird’s-eye view of the entire Likas Bay, right at the comfort of your own abode. The one-of-a-kind Sky Garden, gives you the privilege of escaping into a hidden world of elegant tranquillity. From the Sky Garden, all

landlord.

of Likas Bay is spread before you—a

The Likas Boulevard Lifestyle Mall

horizon. The viewing deck in the Sky

gives a scintillating variety of wellness

Garden offers you an incomparable

and beauty, fine dining and chic

360-degree view of Likas Bay and KK City.

entertainment offerings. Lively and

A sophisticated and versatile venue, you

entertaining, the Likas Boulevard

can dine al fresco, sunbathe or entertain

Lifestyle Mall resonates with the pulsing

your guests in a relaxed setting at the Sky

excitement of a distinctively unique

Garden. Life at the top has never looked

lifestyle experience. Envisaged to be a

better.

popular point of interest for residents and visitors alike, the Likas Boulevard Lifestyle Mall offers a mesmerizing experience of the best things in life. Located at the heart of Kota Kinabalu city, the Likas Boulevard Lifestyle mall offers the perfect reason to indulge in fashion, food and urban leisure. Experience the excitement of this benchmark-setting mall and let the endless appeal of Malaysia’s premier shopping destination awaken your senses the moment you step-in through its doorstep. The Likas Boulevard Residence offers you a magnificent waterfront living experience. Here is where simple things and surroundings set the stage for your everyday life in the calm cooling breeze, invigorating morning sunrays, and colourful neighbourhood creatures. Our approach embraces a transdisciplinary ethos – bringing together exquisite design, lifestyle technology and environmental artistry to create outstanding buildings of significance and monumental scale. The bespoke waterfront lifestyle of Likas Residences

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sparkling sea of lights set upon a limitless

Boulevard Residence.

Why Choose Likas Boulevard? In addition to its unique design philosophy, Likas Boulevard offers state-of-the-art home features that incorporates modern technology, practicality and safety features for a piece of mind.

: : Safety Likas Boulevard is equipped with multi-tiered, 24-hour security, with a high-tech IR-enabled CCTV, a video intercom system and vehicle & visitor access control system. The property also provides security escort service. The homes are also designed to withstand earthquakes —safeguarded with 12 per cent PGA, which is equivalent to a magnitude of 7.0. Likas Boulevard is also the first fullyautomated smart home in Borneo.

deflection. Other features include light-

: : Strategic Location

coloured building material to maximize

Likas Boulevard homeowners will enjoy

daylight deflection and optimized ceiling

the privilege of living at one of the most

devices and smart home system.

height for best indoor ventilation sans

strategic addresses in Kota Kinabalu.

fan or air conditioning. All the units are

Likas is located within close proximity to

: : Eco-sustainability

also painted with low-volatile organic

the town centre, with some of the best

With lush surrounding landscape, Likas

compounds (VOC) finishing paints for

performing schools situated around it—

Boulevard is the epitome of green living

maximum indoor air quality.

making it a great place to start a family.

: : Comfort and Convenience at Your

Your Likas Boulevard home will also

Fingertips

offer a breath-taking view of the South

Being an owner of a Likas Boulevard

China Sea from the Likas Bay day in,

and your bank account.

home gives you access to on demand

day out. With its prime location, Likas

housekeeping service, laundry service,

Boulevard also makes a great property

For your ultimate comfort, the homes

hotel and airline bookings, as well as

investment—offering excellent capital

are also equipped with double-skin

transfer arrangements and chauffeur

appreciation and minimal risk.

facade for maximum thermal and heat

services.

It offers fibre optics infrastructure with high-speed internet access, and connectivity enabling high-tech security

at its best. Equipped with a rainwater harvesting system and solar-powered water heater, your home will ensure sustainability for both the environment

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PROPERTY SHOWCASE

ENJOY BREATHTAKING SEA VIEWS ON THE HILLS A New Level of Exclusive Living Rising majestically from the embrace of gentle green hills and overlooking the sparkling seas, ALILAÂ² promises a rare blend of nature, contemporary designs, spectacular views and many more, all in one prestigious address.

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PROPERTY SHOWCASE

When contemporary design and wide open spaces meet undulating green hills and the tranquility of the Malacca Straits, what you get is ALILA² - an alluring haven perched majestically above Tanjung Bungah. This stunning property is sheltered and embraced by nature, away from the hustle and bustle of Georgetown, Penang. Designed for those who appreciate being surrounded by the beauty of nature, ALILA² delivers breathtaking views, enchanting landscaped gardens, all the luxuries and amenities one would expect from modern, resort-inspired homes.

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AMIDST HILLS, SEA AND SKY, LIES ALILA².

ALILA² is at an optimum

While the gentle hills

height and fronts the

enveloping ALILA²

sheltered straits, hence

symbolise the Black Turtle,

embracing all the elements

which protects the entire

of good Feng Shui according

environment. Thoughtful

to Master Khoo Buck Chew.

planning and positioning of

The symbolic presence and

ALILA² further harness the

prominence of the Green

benefits of the topographic

Dragon to its left and the

and geodetic features of

White Tiger to its right appear

the terrain. This auspicious

to be matured and strong.

landform and lush greenery

Their bodies curving graciously

will bring abundant good

toward each other at the

fortune and great comfort

back of the property, forming

to the residents for many

a shape that emulates an

generations. In short, the

emperor’s throne.

location of ALILA² befits the location of a palace.

PERCHED HIGH ABOVE TO BRING YOU ABUNDANT LUCK AND PROSPERITY

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PROPERTY SHOWCASE

When it comes to amenities,

Lobby

ALILA² has everything one

Waiting Lounge

needs to enjoy the luxuries

Reading Area & Room

of life, along with all the

Meeting Room

offerings to help you lead a

Multipurpose Hall

healthy lifestyle.

Sky Gourmet Unit Multimedia Room Games Room 1 & 2 Indoor Play Area Mini Theatre

JUST A STONE’S THROW FROM YOUR DOOR, UNRIVALLED FACILITIES.

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Wifi Lounge Utility Room Surau Gymnasium Aqua Gym

Swimming Pool

Tennis Court

Wading Pool

Outdoor Pavilion

Pool Lobby

Outdoor Jacuzzi

Steam Bath

Outdoor Cocoon Seat

Water Massage Room

Terrace Garden

Massage Room

& Feature Walkway

Changing Rooms

Visitor Car Park

Yoga Deck

Car Park Podium

Fitness Deck

Management Office

Indoor Jacuzzi

Guard House

Outdoor Play Area

24-hour Security

Bbq Area

Smart-Card Access

Open Deck

Video Intercom

Children Playground Half Basketball Court

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PROPERTY SHOWCASE

DESIGNED TO BE ESPECIALLY KIND TO NATURE.

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ALILA² is more than just

human health and the

A specially designed

contemporary design,

environment. Some of

rainwater collection

unrivalled facilities,

the ways it has achieved

system has also been

breathtaking landscape

this is by using specially

installed to collect and

and captivating views. It is

selected glass, which

store rainwater, which

conscious and supportive

allows daylight into units,

will then be used for

of the environment too.

but blocks out heat, hence

landscaping purposes.

This development is

ensuring a reduction in

In addition, the fire

designed to meet the

air-conditioning usage. It

protection system has an

stringent standards of

also uses T5 light fittings,

innovative recycle system

the Green Building Index

further enhanced by

for recycling test water

(GBI). ALILA² focuses on

timers and photosensitive

to further reduce water

increasing the efficiency

switches, all of which

requirements.

of resource use - namely

save electricity. Water

in the intelligent use

and sanitary fittings are

of energy, water and

certified water efficient,

materials, while reducing

hence reducing the

building impact on

buildings’ water usage by more than 50%.

And to further reduce environmental impact, 47% of the property is covered in trees and gardens. Making it not only pleasing to the eye, but humane to the Mother Earth as well.

ENJOY THE TRANQUILITY. BUT NEVER MISS OUT ON THE WORLD. What truly sets ALILA² apart

Sales Person Contact Number

from others is its enviable location. It rests high above the hustle and bustle of

Samantha Chuah 012.482.2567

Penang, yet it is close enough to all that makes this island

Jacky Chan 012.552.2978

tick.

Connie Lee 012.525.4455

lapping up the waves of Batu

In just minutes you will be Ferringhi.You are also a short distance from international

Michelle Lim 012.521.7489

schools, medical facilities, retail outlets and dining choices, all of which Penang is

Email : alila2@hunzagroup.com Website : www.alila.com.my

renowned for.

HUNZA A REPUTABLE NAME WITH AN OUTSTANDING TRACK RECORD. Close to 40 years, Hunza has

in our logo — with the

built its reputation through

Pantone Green 343 colour,

numerous developments,

where we give prominence  to

comprising condominiums,

the land and its abundant

gated communities,

natural resources. Allia

townships and commercial

Horizon for instance has seen

lots, all of which amount to

a capital appreciation of 15%

over 10,000 property units.

per annum and currently commands a rental range of

With each new development,

RM2,500 – RM3,500. ALILA

Hunza continues to create

has also been awarded

masterpieces. The latest is of

the Malaysia Landscape

course ALILA² — designed

Architecture Award 2009 for

& engineered with Green

landscape design & planning.

Building Index, in a lush tropical setting, embraced by

And this drawing power will

nature, exemplifying all that

be intensified with ALILA².

Hunza holds dear, as reflected

for enquiries call 04-2280888/04- 8909888 or email alila2@hunzagroup.com | www.alila.com.my DEVELOPER NILAI ARIF SDN BHD (252890-U) A SUBSIDIARY OF HUNZA PROPERTIES BERHAD SALES GALLERY 163D-2- 17A, HUNZA TOWER, JALAN KELAWEI, 10250 PENANG, TEL +604 2280888 FAX +604 2269551 DEVELOPER LICENSE 14007-1/05- 2017/0447(L) VALIDITY PERIOD 26/05/2015 — 25/05/2017 ADVERTISING & SALES PERMIT NO 14007-1/052017/0447(P) LAND TENURE FREEHOLD LAND ENCUMBRANCES ALLIANCE BANK MALAYSIA BERHAD APPROVING AUTHORITY MAJLIS PERBANDARAN PULAU PINANG APPROVAL REF MPPP/OSCPB(6285)/13(LB) MIN PRICE RM2,067,420 MAX PRICE RM5,830,496 TOTAL UNIT 270 UNITS EXPECTED DATE OF COMPLETION DECEMBER 2018 DISCOUNT FOR BUMIPUTERA 5%. ALL DRAWINGS AND ILLUSTRATIONS CONTAINED HEREIN ARE ARTIST IMPRESSIONS AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. WHILST EVERY CARE IS TAKEN IN PROVIDING THIS INFORMATION, THE OWNER, DEVELOPER AND MANAGERS CANNOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY VARIATIONS OR INACCURACIES.

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PROPERTY SHOWCASE

PERTH CBD PROJECT TO LAUNCH IN KOTA KINABALU & KUCHING WITH FREE LOAN, EDUCATION & MIGRATION CONSULTATIONS Set to change the face of Perthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Central Business District (CBD), there has been a strong response towards the NV Apartment. With the recent increase to 7% in stamp duty in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, Perth remains as the best location for investment seeing as their stamp duty has remained at 2% since 2008. The Australian Dollar has also weakened against the Malaysian Ringgit recently, making it easier for avid investors and/or homebuyers to purchase properties. By Property Hunter

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PERTH,

PROPERTY SHOWCASE

development, dubbed as NV Apartments.

Each residential unit will be fixed

Koh is listed as Singapore’s 17th richest

with fully integrated appliances,

man, with a net worth of USD$1.17

high quality ceramic tiles, designer

billion as listed in Forbes. Over the last

plumbing fixtures, self-closing cabinetry

couple of years, Koh has spent at least

drawers, reconstituted stone bench

Western Australian’s capital city’s mining

$150 million amassing sites in locations

tops, engineered timber flooring and

industry gave the state a flourishing

like Tasmania and Melbourne, where he

2.65metre high ceilings.

name for itself. Western Australia houses

is building a 68-storey Beyonce-inspired

the largest oil refinery in Australia,

tower that will consist of 660 apartment

adopting petrol and diesel production

units and a 160-room hotel.

also be present at the event, providing

NV Apartments by Fragrance Group is a

loans from a Malaysian bank to finance

mixed use building located in the heart

their purchase on an Australian property.

of Perth’s CBD and capitalizes on its

Maybank will be offering a loan of up

exclusive inner city location, making a

to 75% with no repayment or interest

positive contribution to the city and its

during the construction period, a similar

skyline. The development will consist of

notion to DIBS. A secure loan approval

401 residential units over 29 levels with 2

before completion, currency fluctuation

levels of basement parking and 4 levels of

protection and repayment in Malaysia

above ground parking decks. Five office

Ringgit will also be provided by the

suites have been incorporated within

bank for those who use their services to

the residential tower on Level 3 and 4,

purchase property in Perth.

plants and iron ore, aluminium and nickel processing plants. The state is the world’s largest Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) exporter and world’s largest producer of Bauxite and Aluminium. It is also the world’s third largest iron ore producer. Not to mention that 75% of Australia’s gold are found in Western Australia. To date, the agriculture industry still remains strong and rich, producing $6.7 billion of goods. The industry also sees 55% of Australia’s Beef Exports and 48% of Australia’s wheat (rice) production from Western Australia. Singaporean budget hotelier turned property entrepreneur, James Koh Wee Meng, has ventured into the Australian market and has continued expanding in Australia, paying $17 million for a plot in Perth with views of the Swan River where he plans to construct a mixed-use

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adjacent to the car parking decks and are

Representatives from Maybank will consultations to the public on obtaining

accessed by way of a dedicated lift.

Samantha Rudolph and Susan Teah

Residential amenities will include ground

be giving free education consultancy

level entry foyer with a restaurant and

to families who wish to further their

café. The swimming pool, gym and roof

children’s education in Perth’s renowned

garden are on Level 5 whilst the outdoor

universities ie; Curtin University,

cinema, residential lounges and other

University of Western Australia, Edith

amenities are on Level 30.

Cowen University and Murdoch

representative from IEC Group, will

University.

Clara Lo, East Malaysian Director of Australian Migration Agents will also be present, giving free consultation and advice on Australian business migration, skilled migration, family migration, employer nomination and visa assessment. This exclusive event will see itself in two locations:

Kota Kinabalu Date:

13th and 14th of August

Time:

10am - 6pm

Vanue: Magellan Sutera Harbour Resort, Level 1, Meeting Room 6 Contact: Ms Fiona +6010 944 1681

Kuching Date:

20th and 21st August

Time:

10am - 6pm

Vanue: Pullman Hotel Kuching, Lobby Level, Olympia Room 1 Contact: Ms Lily +6016 343 6666

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PROPERTY SHOWCASE

Plaza Shell: An Assembly of the Elite KK City’s most iconic building, Plaza Shell, which was officially opened by Sabah’s Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman in November 2015 will be home to more multinational corporations and retail outlets in 2016! The first Grade A office and Green Building in Sabah is more than just an office tower. With 24-hour security and top-of-the-range finishes, this purpose-built office tower radiates a corporate style and a league of its own. It also offers select retail components, ample spaces for conference and meeting facilities to cater for Kota Kinabalu’s elite. By Property Hunter

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PROPERTY SHOWCASE

Plaza Shell

Prestigious Tenants Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad, the owner and developer of Plaza Shell has all its divisions under one roof including property, automotive, credit, quarry and building materials, and fertilizer trading. This office tower serves as Hap Sengâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s regional headquarters for East Malaysia, creating a seamless group synergy, working together as one business unit. The successful Sabah conglomerate also has a growing presence in Peninsular Malaysia with property developments and investments in Klang Valley; quarries in Johor, Pahang and Sabah. AmBankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prominent location at the front side of the building Hap Seng and AmBank Directorate at Plaza Shell

is undergoing renovation and is expected to be in full operation by September 2016. This banking hall would feature the first ever new design for AmBank in Malaysia to match the confidence and tenacity that Plaza Shell radiates. AmBank customers are expected to have a dedicated drop off point to smoothen their banking needs. This office tower also houses Honda Malaysia Regional Office and Training Facilities, as well as Shell offices.

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Retail Therapy Carefully selected retail conveniences as well as food and beverage outlets are located on the Ground to Level 2 for the public and the office. Among them are Pregio Cafe, Ratatouille, Sugar Bun, Gateau House, Orange Convenience Store and Bread Market Patisserie. These F&B outlets are expected to attract not only the employees working at Plaza Shell, but also from surrounding areas. For lifestyle, Plaza Shell offers its flagship Mercedes Benz Showroom, beauty salons, MML Gallery, HS Clinic, Move

Mercedes Showroom

Welz Physiotherapy and Le Meridien Laundrette. Signature Kitchen, Malaysiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier kitchen cabinet and wardrobe expert will also open a 5,000 sqft gallery at Level 1, its flagship showroom in East Malaysia.

Pregio

Property gallery

Signature Kitchen

Hap Seng Credit

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Multifaceted Events Facilities The ground floor lobby offers a fantastic space for day or night events. The property division of Hap Seng, Hap Seng Properties Development Sdn Bhd utilized the Ground Floor to hold their Kingfisher Inanam Grand Launching in March, and transformed the place into a super hip venue by playing with the lightings, set up and acoustics. The Ground Floor was also used during the Grand Opening of Plaza Shell in November last year. The conference facility on the Level 13

offers a top of the range PA System,

goers or participants need not worry

lighting to cater for all conferencing

about parking as Plaza Shell has 542 car

needs. The 5,138 sq ft of space can

parking bays, and 110 motocycle parking

be set up into a banquet hall with a

bays over four floors of secure basement

maximum of 30 tables; or arranged

carpark at a reasonable rate.

into classroom, theatre, conference or u-shaped settings. This area can also be divided into smaller spaces for smaller

Whether it is searching for the perfect kitchen for your family or meeting a

meetings.

client over a cup of coffee, Plaza Shell

An outdoor Sky Pavillion is available

corporate needs.

is truly a one-stop gem for lifestyle and

on the top floor, for breaks during the meeting or outdoor cocktail area for evening events as it showcases a beautiful sunset and unbeatable views of KK City, Gaya and Sapi Islands. Event

Grand opening of Plaza Shell

Banquet setting at 13th floor

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Artist impression of classroom set up

KK city view from Level 13 Plaza Shell

Launching of Mercedes Benz E-Class Avant-garde

Kingfisher Inanam Grand Launching

Plaza Shell offers Grade A retail and office space open for lease. For more information, please call Hap Seng Realty (KK I) Sdn Bhd at

+6088-355999 Join the elite tenants of Plaza Shell

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PROPERTY NEWS

PROPERTY, INVESTMENT & BANKING NEWS KEEP TRACK OF THE TRENDS IN PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE

Sabah

SB IN

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International

Sarawak BK

West Malaysia

Banking & Investment

Haute Couture at Pantai Sentral Park

A celebration of fashion and style of the special kind was held at the ICE Gallery at IJM Land’s Pantai Sentral Park on Sunday, June 26. More than 150 guests were invited to take a look at the latest fashion trends created by iconic Malaysian designers Fairuz Ramdan of FAIRUZ RAMDAN BESPOKE, Fern Chua of FERN and Xavier Mah and Alfred Hor of XALF. As a special highlight celebrity stylist and fashion critic Zaihani Zain also made an appearance and gave a talk about her personal insight into the fashion industry.

everybody finds something they love

After everyone became acquainted

about PSP. With PSP En Vogue, we want

with their surroundings, the latest

to provide our guests with an exclusive

developments at Pantai Sentral Park and

look into the luxurious world of fashion

got to meet the participating creators of

and design and have them experience

the exhibited fashion pieces it was time

the values of Pantai Sentral Park at first

for former Media Prima fashion advisor

hand. And just like a fashion designer

and style icon Zaihani Zain to take the

pays a lot of attention to details like

stage to share with the audience her

stitching, the right fabric or the perfect

vision of fashion and give them one

colour combination, every aspect

or another style tip in her talk Are You

of Pantai Sentral Park was carefully

FASHION Enough? “The most important

designed to be ecologically sustainable,

advice that I can give you is that you

community friendly and economically

can’t create style. If you pay attention to

efficient”.

trends and details, you will know what

All the designers attended PSP En Vogue in person to present their creations directly to the guests and bestow their personal touch to the gallery. Fairuz Ramdan, member of the Malaysian Official Designers’ Association (MODA) and

Rightfully labelled PSP En Vogue, the

is fashionable and what is not”, she mentioned during her talk. “Even with a small budget you can come up with a beautiful outfit. It is not about how expensive something is, but how well you combine the pieces and how you use accessories to add the final touches to your attire.”

founder of FAIRUZ RAMDAN

Once finished, KL’s One and Only

BESPOKE, used the

Urban Forest City Pantai Sentral Park

opportunity to present FR

will comprise 13 phases divided into

Blue Label to the audience.

commercial and residential areas that

Fern Chua, winner of

will spread over an area of about 58

Fashion Pitch 2013 by

acres. The township’s concept of green

MyCreative Ventures and

and sustainable living is expressed

founder of FERN, a young and dynamic

through convenient amenities such as

fashion label that reintroduces the

Green Connectors & Boulevards that

aesthetic elegance of Malay Batik to

work as meeting hubs for the residents,

the open-minded fashion-conscious,

a Linear Forest Walk that invites to

brought her SS16 collection The Sound

further explore the surrounding

of The Sea to the gallery. Xavier Mah and

forest area, or a pedestrian friendly

Alfred Hor, founder of bespoke luxury

architecture that reduces an excessive

footwear label XALF which combines

and polluting use of cars. The township’s

classic vintage aesthetics of the past

first two residential phases Inwood

with the bohemian New York style and

& Secoya which are currently under

celebrations.

meticulous craftsmanship, showcased

construction are already highly sought

a cross-section of high heels from the

after and all those interested should not

Grace Foo, Sales and Marketing Manager

brand’s past.

wait much longer to pay the ICE Gallery

event showcased a wide range of intriguing creations from bespoke high heels and summery light dresses for women to stylish and elegant polo shirts for men. Not only could all those interested get some outfit inspiration, everyone who could not withstand their desire was also able to buy their favourite pieces directly on site for example for the upcoming Hari Raya

at IJM Land, elaborates further on the idea for this event: “Our new township Pantai Sentral Park in the heart of the New Golden Triangle connecting Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya is a premium development project that emphasises on quality living and the good feeling of enjoying all the exciting things that live has to offer. No matter what this good life means for you, we do our best to cover every angle so that

The ICE Gallery, IJM Land’s Centre of

a visit.

Excellence and property gallery at Pantai Sentral Park, set the perfect stage for a fashion and design event like this thanks to its well thought out interior design seamlessly combining dynamically flowing elements in order to create a feeling of organic nature within the two interlocking cubes.

Whether classic or modern, the showrooms at the ICE Gallery provide inspiration for the interior design of the residential phases Inwood and Secoya www.PropertyHunter.com.my

FEATURED EVENT

LATE NIGHT JAM SESSION AT KK JAZZ FEST ONE OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED EVENTS OF THE YEAR If the first night of the Kota Kinabalu Jazz Festival (KKJF) was enthralling, the second night was nothing short of scintillating. This year KKJF reached a full decade of putting KK in the jazz and music event map! It certainly raised the bar for the next event, but what unfolded exceeded all expectations. By Property Hunter

Motown legend , Bobby Taylor ended the night

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The committee that made it all happen

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun

Celebrity emcee, Daphne iKing

Patrons at the KKJF 2016 www.PropertyHunter.com.my

FEATURED EVENT

Shanghai Jazz Reprise with their powerful voices

Juzzie Smith, Australia’s one man band

ith approximately 3,000

of Bobby’s songs and entertainment.

Tourism Board, Mega Boogie Sound and

people in attendance over

Bobby also took the opportunity to

Lighting as well as Sutera Harbour. Also

both nights, the tenth

introduce two of his students during

present on the first night of the festival

edition of this dazzling

the show, one of them being 10-year

was Tourism, Culture and Environment

event might just be the best one ever.

old Elizabeth Stewart, dubbed as the

Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi

The event is jointly organised by Rotary

next young Michael Jackson. Elizabeth’s

Manjun.

Club of Kota Kinabalu together with

angelic voice singing to MJ’s Ben and

Performing Arts Kota Kinabalu Sabah.

“Girl” In The Mirror brought the crowd

The event took place at the covered

together to sing along with her.

tennis court of the Sutera Harbour

The KK Jazz Festival featured 50 per cent

Marina & Country Club on 22nd and

of local talents, said well-known musician

23rd July. The first night of the festival

Roger Wang. He added that KK Jazz

saw outstanding performances by local

Festival has become a platform for local

talents, namely, Jonathan Tse, Appy Tots,

musicians to showcase their craft and

Gee Mojina & Elixir, Momain Blues, RTM

talents.

Combo and Borneo Big Band as well as

10 year old Elizabeth wowing the audience

Peninsula talent, WVC.

“We are proud that it has made a difference in the music scene in KK and

Note from the Organising

The KKJF patrons were serenaded by

that we are building something,” he said.

Chairman of KK Jazz Festival,

boozy original beats from Juzzie Smith, an Australian one man band. During one of his 3 sets, Juzzie spontaneously composed an original piece entitled “Kota Kinabalu”. Other performers on the second night saw Jazz Crash, Alton Wong, 4B’s, Shanghai Jazz Reprise and Juwita Suwito. The event culminated with the performance everyone had been anticipating, by none other than the celebrated Motown legend, Bobby Taylor. The crowd chanted wanting more

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The organising chairperson of the event, Jack Ong who also represented the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu said funds raised during the event would go towards helping rural folk fight blindness in Sabah.

Jack Ong and committee members: We are saddened to announce the sudden demise of our committee member Mike Alford recently. Mike, who originated from the jazz city of New Orleans,

He said they had a pioneer project where

was a very enthusiastic and

they hoped to raise awareness about

dedicated member of the KK Jazz

eye cataracts among the locals and that

Festival committee. He was our

so far, they had helped three people at a

treasurer and proposed several

rural village in Penampang.

initiatives for the festival over the

KKJF is sponsored by Sime Darby, Sabah

years. He will be sadly missed.

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FEATURED EVENT

Mah Sing Group Celebrates Roof Topping Up Ceremony for Sutera Avenue Mah Sing organized a roof topping up ceremony, Sutera Rooftop Jazz Night, to symbolize the completion of development structure and preview the sky bar concept of Sutera Avenue (Kota Kinabalu) on Friday, 1st July. The event was graced by Yang Berbahagia Datuk Yeo Boon Hai, Major of Kota Kinabalu, James Bruyns, Chief Sales Officer C Suites of Mah Sing and William Ow, Chief Operation Officer of Mah Sing. The residential and retail component of Sutera Avenue are scheduled to be completed by Q1 2017.

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itting comfortably on a

Avenue Retail. It is a first-of-its-kind

The Residences was meticulously

4.26 acre piece of land,

street mall with a 50ft wide pedestrian

planned to ensure the high standards

Sutera Avenue is an

boulevard on the ground floor coupled

of quality and customer satisfaction are

integrated development

with wide frontage units served by

met. It features a multi-tiered security

with an estimated gross

escalator access to each floor. With a

with 24 hour surveillance, access cards

built up area starting from 2,616sqft, this

to car parks, CCTV at the lift lobby, access

development is suitable for boutique

cards to the lifts and secured reception

shops, gourmet restaurants and relaxing

lobby.

development of RM502million. Located just across Sutera Harbour Resort, the development is surrounded by established neighbourhood

retail experience.

The facilities such as the infinity pool,

completed with scenic views of emerald

The proposed overhead pedestrian link

sky garden, playground and gym

green fairways and turquoise blue

bridge is still in the planning stage and

are situated at the rooftop and will

waters. Standing out with its sleek and

shall commence work once approval

give a new experience of relaxation

contemporary architecture, Sutera

is granted from the authorities. It shall

and convenience to the residents,

Avenue is poised to be an exceptionally

be constructed independently across

complimented with a breathtaking view

captivating landmark in Kota Kinabalu.

the Coastal Highway from the Sutera

of the city’s skyline.

“Sutera Avenue sits right by the main road, with easy accessibility. With Imago

Avenue site to the completed Riverson development to further enhance the

As the official developer sponsor for this

connectivity of the development.

year’s Kota Kinabalu Jazz Festival, the

and the ongoing cleaning efforts of the

Sutera Avenue – A Convenient

live jazz performances from talented

Sembulan river, this development is set

Residential Feature

musicians which will be performing

Shopping Mall, the Riverson offices

to boost KK City’s image”, said Datuk Yeo.

The Residences consists of 3 towers,

“We are pleased to share that the

offering 320 residential units. The

commercial components of the

serviced apartment offers convenience

development, Lifestyle Shop-Offices is

to residents to get their daily necessities,

fully sold and the Festive Avenue Retail

leisure and entertainment.

has a 75% take up rate. Sutera Avenue’s inherent features as an integrated development and its strategic location will see Sutera Avenue as an effective property for a retail yield or capital appreciation”, added James Bruyns.

event adopted a jazz theme and featured

during the festival.

As Mah Sing’s first residential project in Kota Kinabalu, The Residences has a built up area of 726sqft to 1,220sqft with 3 types of layout.

Sutera Avenue – A Vibrant Commercial Centre The commercial component of Sutera Avenue consists of Lifestyle Shop-Offices, Festive Avenue Retail shops and The Residences, a serviced apartment. The Lifestyle Shop-Office is a 10-storey building with a total of 18 blocks (180 units) and a built up area ranging from 16,149sqft to 37,285sqft. The structural work of the development is completed with a 100% take up rate. The Lifestyle Shop-Offices also features a sky bar concept on the rooftop of the building. Boasting a magnificent view of the city, the sky bar will be an immediate attraction to the locals and tourists alike. The other commercial component of Sutera Avenue is a 2-storey Festive

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INTERVIEW

THE DYNAMO EFFECT For Dato’ Sri Siaw Swee Hin, JP, otherwise known as “Dato’ Sri Alex”, his experience abroad for almost two decades has taught him many things – one of them, courage. This visionary man with sharp instincts to match has recently made another bold step in life – to come back to Malaysia, take over a dying company, rebuild it from the ground up and swim with the big sharks in the local property industry. One morning in June, we had the chance to get an exclusive interview with the Dato’ Sri over some coffee and the serene views of the blue ocean at the Marina Yacht Club. By Property Hunter Photos by Radzie Rahman

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INTERVIEW

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It was 7 a.m., on a Saturday. With the coziness of our beds still lingering in mind, an anxiousness started to seep in as we await for Dato’ Sri Alex to arrive for the interview. After previously digging up some information on him, we couldn’t help but feel a little bit nervous -- this interview was going to be daunting. A hot cappuccino later, Dato’ Sri arrives, along with his entourage. Dressed ever so casually in jeans, a blue shirt and a pair of strikingly orange sneakers, we all scurry to anxiously greet him. All of a sudden, the warmest smile forms on his face. “I’m sorry we arrived later than planned!” he mused. And in that instant, the nerves quickly disappeared... Good morning, Dato’ Sri. Can you tell

when taking on these projects?

to incorporate more ‘software’ in the

us, what made you decide to come

At the early stages, I only played a small

form of value maintenance, sustainable

back to Malaysia after all these

part, mainly as a silent partner. Today,

development and emphasis on good

years?

I have decided to be more hands-on,

management.

When I was younger, I had plenty of time

being the Managing Director and the

to travel. These days, as my children are

Group Chief Executive Officer of Naim

In order to stay relevant, you need

getting older, I feel that I ought to spend

Indah Corporation Berhad [Nicorp 4464].

to be more self-aware. And now, you’ve taken your business digital.

more time with them. My wife once reminded me that if I don’t spend more

So what was your first order of

How do you keep yourself current?

time with my children now, they won’t

business as soon as you became the

We still have a lot to learn from foreign

need me when they grow older. So, that

CEO of the company?

countries that are moving forward that

hit home hard and I then made a point

Apart from handling property

are ahead of us, such as China. Today,

to establish my businesses sooner so

development projects, we also handle

we have a special team that is dedicated

that I will have more family time in the

project management for other

to understanding more about the digital

years to come.

companies. As for now, we have two

world and obtain more info in order to

main projects, namely Gateway Klang in

move us ahead.

Can you share with us briefly,

West Malaysia and the Likas Boulevard

everything you’ve done in the 18

project in Kota Kinabalu.

Let’s get back to the project you mentioned, Gateway Klang, which is

years you were abroad? In the earlier stage, I had spent several

Was it always your plan to transition

a RM1.2 billion development, aims at

years building businesses in Vietnam,

the company into construction

propelling Klang into the next golden

Myanmar and Cambodia. Most of these

and real estate or was it an

commercial hub and the future CBD

businesses were in the manufacturing

unpremeditated decision to save the

of Klang. And this makes sense,

industry but I was also already involved

company?

considering it is the largest port in

in property development. However,

We spotted plenty of opportunities

the country and is one of the top

back then, my function in my property

in the property development sector.

ten busiest in the world. Why do you

businesses was more as a sleeping

Furthermore, the Malaysian Government

think this hasn’t happened sooner?

partner rather than an active leader.

is very supportive, providing schemes

At first, we were also surprised, because,

such as the Malaysia My Second Home

major cities like Sydney, Shanghai and

What were the challenges you faced

(MM2H) and more. We also feel that

Shenzhen all began from being port

in the business since coming back?

through property development, we have

cities. The surrounding areas nearby

I have had to stabilize my lifestyle a

the opportunity to bring in more foreign

the ports in these cities are also usually

lot more since coming back. However,

investors into the country.

more developed, compared to our Port Klang. However, we have observed that

Malaysia offers plenty of opportunities when it comes to property development.

You mentioned somewhere

the population of Klang has continued

Actually price-wise, the properties in

previously that nowadays, whoever

to increase year after year. Even the

Malaysia are far more affordable and

owns a piece of land can become a

youngsters who emigrated for a time

reasonable compared to other countries

developer and that the increase in

would always return to Klang to settle

of South East Asia, such as Myanmar,

competition has hurt the industry’s

down. When we encountered the

Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.

profit margins. What then, is your

opportunity to obtain a piece of land

view in differentiating yourself from

there, we decided that it was a good

In the past, you chose to do business

the competition and to stay ahead?

opportunity for development, as Klang

in third world countries, and as soon

To me, it’s really about putting more

is still very much an ‘old town’ that is

as you arrived back to Malaysia,

effort into the project that we work

getting increasingly crowded each day.

took over -- which was back then

on. Usually, property developers

Gateway Klang has been touted as the

-- a troubled company, Naim Indah

only concentrate on delivering the

next big landmark in Malaysia, and so we

Corporation Berhad [Nicorp 4464].

hardware in completing the construction

look forward to its completion in 2018.

What’s usually your thought process

process. However, I feel that we have www.PropertyHunter.com.my

INTERVIEW

You seem to have a crystal ball when it comes to

Lastly, do you think your time abroad has given you

predicting the market. Another on of yours is Likas

a leg-up? What sort of advantages or opportunities

Boulevard, the 30-storey commercial development

has it prepared you for doing business in Malaysia?

youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re building thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s close to the Convention Centre

I feel that once you have stepped out of the country, you

and will be your first project here in Sabah. What is

will realize that the world is actually a big place. I have

your plan for Sabah and what visions do you foresee

definitely benefited from all my time abroad, especially

on East Malaysia?

from all the networks I have built overseas.

I feel that for KK, once you have experienced it, you will never want to leave. Here, you have natural wonders, rich natural resources, as well as great tourist attractions. More and more Koreans and Europeans are coming to KK to reside. In fact, investors who bought properties have got all their properties rented out with little difficulty. It is difficult to find vacant units in KK, especially those with good values.

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NEWS

Twin Tower Development to Boost Perth Skyline

A Singaporean developer has won

facade of the old Hertz building will be

planning approval for Perth’s fourth

retained and restored.

tallest building - a 52-storey development that will be one of the biggest residential

The project has been approved by

towers in the central business district.

the City of Perth’s local development assessment panel. The site was bought by the Fragrance Group for $30 million in 2014 — one of three major Perth property investments made by the company over the past two 1

The $200 million plan for the corner of Milligan and Murray streets involves two towers - the 52-storey residential building with 359 apartments and a 37-level hotel with 406 rooms, as reported in The West Australian news. More than 150 of the apartments in the 179m residential tower will have one bedroom and one bathroom. The hotel rooms will range from 22sqm to 28sqm. Several buildings will be demolished to

years. The company, founded by James Koh, one of Singapore’s richest men, also has plans for a 41-storey mixed use tower on the former St Andrews Church site in St Georges Terrace. It has also recently purchased properties Perth’s tallest building is the 249m-high

In its planning application, the

Central Park, followed by Brookfield Place

proponents (represented by TPG

materials and finishes to produce “a

Villa, parts of Hostel Milligan and the

striking, contemporary façade”.

young entrepreneurs nonchalantly get together and talk. Their topics varies every session but nonetheless relates to personal stories, economy, finance, worldviews, entrepreneurship, property to name a few.

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The tallest residential building is Equus

would incorporate a diverse range of

JTL Empire Held 4th Soiree for Young Entrepreneurs

house. It is usually a casual event where

building (214m).

twin towers would be a “high-quality,

But the two-storey heritage-listed Pearl

business entrepreneurs in small coffee

(244m) and the former Bankwest Tower

Town Planning) said the Milligan Street architecturally designed” building that

It was incepted with merely 15 young

in Melbourne and Hobart.

make way for the development.

JTL organized their 4th event at Hard Rock Café in Oceanus on Thursday (July 21) night, encouraging people to share their dreams and goals in life. Young and aspiring entrepreneurs turned up to listen and share their stories. Alan Wong was one of the speakers to share his thoughts and avenue of success.

“The development has been carefully designed so as to showcase the site’s unique heritage value and ... provides activation of the public realm through the provision of active ground floor commercial tenancies and glazed lobby spaces fronting both Murray and Milligan streets,” they said.

(111m) in Hay Street but there are several other taller projects at various stages of planning

Hard Rock Café hosted the event and 5 lucky winners walked away with something memorable from the event. JTL empire sharing session is now hosted fortnightly (usually on Wednesday) by the team and the venue will be posted in JTL 3

Empire Facebook page.

JTL Empire founded by Jeff Lu in June 2016, is a social networking group which provides a healthy platform for people in Sabah especially the youth to congregate to learn, establish friendship, and explore potential business opportunities, and foremost to understand the power of networking. On the Samalaju Industrial

Park, Tiong said there is an urgent need for a well-planned road network to ensure better mobility for the investors, workers and general public.

1. 2. 3. 4.

The Hostel Milligan development What Perth’s skyline would look like with the new twin towers Talks in Hard Rock Cafe (L-R): Andrew Goh, Jeff Lu, Datuk Seri Panglima Raymond Tan and Dato Tan Kar Leong

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HOT TOPIC

Reimagining the City

ADAPTIVE REUSE OLD WAREHOUSES A great city is when it celebrates its culture, welcomes new people, protects its natural resources, and creatively adapts to the ever changing demands of its inhabitants. Throughout history, citizens have moved to cities in search for a better life. The city is a dream place. Aristotle called it, â&#x20AC;&#x153;An engine serving for improving livesâ&#x20AC;?.

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he compact nature of a

Buildings are not only about energy and

The Tate Modern in London is a dramatic

city means resources can

carbon, but it’s also a living testimony.

and beautiful reuse of the Bankside

be used efficiently, and

People travel across the world to see

Power Station, designed by Herzog

with good design and

certain buildings. Like nature, buildings

and deMeuron architects. It is now the

management, makes living

are our resources – an artificial resource,

world’s most visited museum.

more sustainable. On other hand, if the

if you will – something that supports

city is not designed or managed properly,

us in our day to day lives. We work in

problems like traffic congestion, blight,

buildings, we spend a lot of time in them

pollution such as higher greenhouse gas

and we live in them as well. They’re built

emissions and large carbon footprints

to serve a function and the needs of the

occur.

people inhabiting them. The question is, as time goes by and our needs change, how can a building still serve its purpose?

The building sector offers the greatest potential for reducing greenhouses gas emissions by 2030.

A scientific intergovernmental body under the auspices of the United Nations called the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, found that buildings contribute to 40% of carbon dioxide emissions and 40% of solid waste in the world. The same study also revealed that amongst all the major sectors such as transport, industry and agriculture, the building sector offers the greatest potential for reducing greenhouses gas emissions by 2030.

And in a city where time moves fast and development is rapid, if something is no

Malaysia’s first fully-integrated arts centre, KLPAC or also known as the Kuala Lumpur Performance Art Centre was created from a disused railway warehouse. In fact, the space was reused in collaboration between two NGOs and a major developer – The Actors Studio Malaysia, Yayasan Budi Penyayang and YTL Corporation (under its development

longer relevant, it’s obsolete.

arm YTL Land & Development), which

Switzerland-born architect Bernard

area where the building resides. It is

Tschumi says, “Architecture only survives

now an arts and culture icon with award-

where it negates the form that society

winning architectural design and is also

expects of it. Where it negates itself by

considered a historical landmark in Kuala

transgressing the limits that history has

Lumpur.

set for it”.

was the main developer of the Sentul

Like trees, buildings grow. They come

A practical term used when we reuse

to adapt and keep stories. They hold

buildings is ‘adaptive-reuse’. For an

memories and represent a certain time.

urban planner, it is a big subject in

The late, world renowned conservationist

building preservation amongst others

architect, Sir Bernard Feilden taught us

like building restoration. A professor in

that historical buildings are ones that

the University of Maryland’s School of

give us a sense of wonder and makes

Architecture, Planning and Preservation,

us want to know more about the people

Dr. B.D Wortham-Galvin said, “Adaptive

and the culture that produced it. Just

reuse is really just keeping our resources

as we collect items, watches, pens,

in use as our needs change in terms

clothing, which portrays our identity to

of social needs. It’s also technological

the world, the same can be said and

needs”.

applied to our buildings. Not only do

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HOT TOPIC

Conservationist architect, Sir Bernard Feilden taught us that Historical buildings are ones that give us a sense of wonder and makes us want to know more about the people and the culture. these interventions give us comfort and

tourism started pouring in as a source

portray our culture as a society, but they

of revenue. However, before it was shut

have often become tourist attractions,

down and evacuated recently, part of it

and have helped generate more income

was actually an arts and design centre.

to the city and its people.

There, they hosted art exhibitions,

Looking around our beloved Kota Kinabalu city, the old warehouses at Jalan Pelabuhan have high potential to be readapted and given new life. Having

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performances, art classes and festivals, amongst other activities. Unfortunately, it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t last long enough for us to see its full potential.

been there for almost half a century,

Art has a very unique way of enlivening

the building deserves to be celebrated.

space. In Kota Kinabalu, the old

It carries the history of Kota Kinabalu

warehouses can serve as a perfect

Port and the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy before

location to create an art village to

support the growing art scene. A centre

in some creative activities. This would

arts and cultural space in Paris is a great

where the people can have an art

be a perfect addition to the state

case study for this kind of project. The

gallery, performance theatre, museum,

government’s “Green City Project” plan.

space was an industrial building built in

artists’ studios, quality restaurants and

Be reminded, that a city that preserves

the 1930s. It was given new life in 1975

coffee shops. The assembly area is big

what’s left of its old life is also a sign of

by Frédéric Mitterrand, former French

and located next to the Kota Kinabalu

a modern and developed city. Just like

Minister of Culture and Communication

Convention Centre (KKCC), which make

the many developed cities in Europe

and turned into an art-house cinema

it a strategic point. Imagine the whole

which have still kept and reused their

which became a magical and iconic

stretch bustling with activities, and

historical buildings. This shows that a

place to go to for an entire generation.

a place where people can socialize

progressive and developed city isn’t

The current president of L’Entrepot,

productively. Its close proximity to

necessarily only about building new

Philippe Brizon, who bought over the

Tanjung Lipat Bay will also make it

shiny things.

space in 2002 said that they envisioned

easy for people to walk or cycle to catch an exhibition or to participate

A place called L’Entrepot, a well-known

the place to be “A cultural biosphere that blended style and audiences www.PropertyHunter.com.my

HOT TOPIC

The old warehouses at Jalan Pelabuhan have high potential to be readapted and given new life.

Photo source www.timeout.com

and that decompartmentalised the

the busiest areas in Singapore, with

preserves nature and its local resources

world of business, associations and

stunning restaurants and a thriving

and celebrates its past.

individuals”.

nightlife.

Another example is the famous Clarke

There are so many things to love about

city, but it’s certainly growing. Our

Quay in Singapore. The historical value

the city. The complexity, the diversity,

leading conservationist architect from

of Clarke Quay was taken into serious

the drama and the different scenes

Penang, Laurence Loh, stated that,

consideration, and the old buildings

offer us a colourful and enriching

“When a physical legacy is razed to the

were restored and readapted. Now,

experience. Living in one, we are all

ground, there is no second chance”.

although the area still maintains its

stewards, responsible in making it

Therefore, keeping and restoring what’s

old structures and is surrounded by

phenomenal. Let’s imagine living in an

left from our past is critical, so that we

other modern skyscrapers, it is one of

exciting KK City that is sustainable, that

can tell our own story to the world.

Kota Kinabalu may not be an ancient

Arkitrek is a sustainable design firm established in Kota Kinabalu in 2008. They have been involved in various luxury eco-tourism resorts as well as nature education spaces and community development. They are best known for their design collaboration at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Sandakan.

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FEATURED EVENT

BORNEO’S FIRST INVESTMENT STRATEGIC OUTLOOK FORUM 2016 Sabah’s property market remains energetic and vibrant, with some 1,200 participants turning up for the Borneo Investment Strategic Outlook Forum 2016 on Saturday, June 11th. By Property Hunter

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PROPERTY EVENT FEATURED SHOWCASE

Keen investors showed their interests by snapping up residential and commercial units offered in the Likas Boulevard project. Speaking to reporters at the GE Properties Sdn Bhd’s business forum GE Properties Group Managing Director KK Tham said that the response to the Likas Boulevard project reflects just how vibrant the property market in Sabah is. “A lot of people say that the property market is slow but the response to the Likas Boulevard project is proving otherwise,” he said, adding that out of the 480 residential units offered, 180 had been booked. Likas Boulevard, is RM1.3 billion innovative mixed-development project located at the famous and most coveted Likas Bay. The project is expected to complete within four years and the 30 storey tall Likas Boulevard offers residential, shopping, private marina, offices and an international hotel. Tham added that offering the right product at the price that would ensure a good investment return for the buyer were among reasons why the market in Sabah is still dynamic. 1

On the Likas Boulevard development, Tham said they had incorporated the latest design with seismic requirements and the mall would be a Lifestyle Mall that would cater to the daily needs of the residents and people living in the surrounding area. The first of its kind in Sabahs, the mall would also offer local products, food and beverage outlets, recreational outlets and health and wellness outlets among others. Also present at the press conference on Saturday, June 11th, were GE Properties Sdn Bhd’s Project Director Tai Hock Teong and Marketing Representative Ong Chin Yean.

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1. 2. 3. 4.

Welcoming speech by Organising Chairman, Datoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Sri Alex Siaw Swee Hin, JP Guest of Honor giving his opening speech Mr Victor Lim giving his talk Distinguished guests at the forum

7 5. 6. 7.

A small token of appreciation for all the invited speakers Datoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Sri Alex Siaw Swee Hin presenting a momento to VIP Sr. Wong Chaw Kok giving his talk

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HOT TOPIC

TO OWN OR NOT TO OWN? With rapid development in Malaysia and the ever increasing population, much land area has been cleared for commercial and residential projects. This has led to dearth of land which resulted in the upsurge of high-rise residential buildings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; apartments and condos. Though high-rise living has become quite popular in recent years, some still prefer to live in landed properties such as terrace houses, semi-detached and bungalows. In fact, each property, condo or landed, has its own benefits and shortcomings. By Property Hunter Photos by All4one Productions

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DISCOVERING OPPORTUNITY IN UNCERTAINTY The keyword here is “opportunity” and a buyer will still need to assess whether an area represented good value, whether they are buying at the right price and if they are buying for the right reasons. Prospective buyers have an edge in a down market when property sales are slow and there is a glut of homes for sale. Amid faltering demand, buyers get the opportunity to pick up a house on the cheap. But this doesn’t mean that they are guaranteed to make money from the properties they buy. (Source: http://www.mr-stingy. com/good-time-buy-property-malaysia/) The demand for landed property has increased in the last few years but with the limited access to land areas, one might find that the transaction for condo/apartment is higher as it appears to be more affordable and there are sufficient supplies of condo. However, with the subdued land space, the capital gain will be higher.

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HOT TOPIC

LANDED VS CONDO – WHICH IS BETTER? Let’s say you have RM800,000 to make a property investment, which would be better? A landed property or a condominium? While there are many who would probably choose the condo due to demand and availability, let’s devise the pros and cons of a landed property versus a condo. For RM800,000 you’re probably looking at a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, and at least 1,100 sq. ft. condo in a good residential area, at most, with no additional space for a garden. However, a landed residence costing RM800,000 in a good residential area will probably get you a 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, approximately 1,900 sq. ft. and sufficient land outside for a garden and a backyard.

Resale Value In terms of resale value, a landed residence almost

Terraced houses are separated by walls, while the

always appreciates. In the years to come, when the

semi-detached houses and bungalows have more

land becomes scarcer, the property (house and land)

space between each house. Thus, residents are less

will appreciate more than high-rise condos. Although

likely to hear noises from their neighbours which is

some condos in certain strategic areas may appreciate

a common complaint for condo units due to close

twice in value, the resale value will most definitely

proximity living. With more space and privacy, landed

be lower. For a condo, maintenance is the shared

property is generally a better choice for big families or

responsibility of all its residents. Hence, if a large

families with children.

number of residents do not pay their maintenance fees, the condo may become rundown over the years.

Facilities

For these two reasons, landed properties generally

Condo and high-rise residences may lose out in space

have a better resale value compared to condos.

compared to landed properties but it compensates with common facilities within the condo compound

Maintenance Fee Many condos are built with common areas such as garden and other facilities which need to be maintained. The monthly maintenance fee is charged to residents on a monthly basis (the fee usually ranges from RM0.20 per sq. ft. to RM0.35 per sq. ft.). Some may find it a little unfair to pay the high cost of maintenance when they

which is accessible to residents

Conclusion In terms of long-term value, maintenance, facilities and equipment, and safety, a condo is definitely ideal, but if you’re looking for privacy and more space for the same amount of investment then a landed property is the better option.

hardly use the facilities. Since

only. However, residents of landed properties will need to travel to different locations to access different facilities unless you have a bungalow with all the built-in facilities. Safety and Security One of the top reasons mentioned for choosing high-rise over landed properties is the safety and security of the property, as most

owners of landed properties maintain their own house

of the high-rise properties are gated and guarded.

and land, they need not worry about paying monthly

Nonetheless, many residential areas also feature their

maintenance fees.

own security system, such as house alarms and CCTVs. Having a dog around the compound can also be

Privacy and Space

beneficial when it comes to security. Pets are generally

Landed properties often come with a small plot of

not allowed in condos.

land which you are free to use as you please. It can be turned into a beautiful garden, a recreational area for your kids or an extra parking lot.

(Sources from: http://www.propertycity.com.my/condominium-vs-landed-residencebetter, https://blog.propertyguru.com.my/7034/condo-vs-landed-pros-cons.html)

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HOW TO BUY A PROPERTY IN MALAYSIA Buying a property can be a formidable experience, be it for first-timers or even for second-timers. Amid market and political volatility, it is understandable why many are cautious about the property market, but for some, this could actually be the right time to buy. Because in reality, the best time to buy could just be when demand is tanking and nobody else is buying.

Any time is a good time to buy property, and any time is a bad time if you don’t assess the risks and neglect proper planning” – Atyat Ishak, author of The Strategic Property Investor & founder of the Strategic Investor Program No. 1: Figure out your budget

you can get it at a good price. Other relevant questions

Most financial experts recommend that you allocate

include whether the property is freehold/leasehold,

no more than one-third of your total income to pay off

what the maintenance fees are (if any), how many car

your home loan. Typically, banks will grant 90% of the

parking bays are there, what rental the property can

required amount for your first property, providing that

fetch, whether it is a residential or commercial property,

the installments come up to no more than one-third of

etc. Don’t forget to also look out for defects such as

your income (net of other installments). With a good

structural cracks or leaking roof from missing roof tiles,

credit record, the installment may even come up to half

so on and so forth.

of your net income. No. 4: Research the price and site No. 2: Engage in a real estate agent

You’re getting the exciting tremors of finding a property

Tell them your requirements such as preferred

you like. Time to make an offer without giving away

locations, home type, unit size, loan tenure, land tenure

your excitement! It is advisable to visit other properties

and estimated budget.

before choosing one. Be prudent and visit the property you’re interested in and speak to the neighbours. Find

No. 3: View the property

out if there has been any house transacted along the

What is it going to be? Condominium, apartment,

street or nearby, and for what price. Try to speak to

terrace house, semi-detached house or bungalow?

the owners of the transacted house. This is also a good

Regardless of which type of property you choose, it is

time to get the word on the ground on neighbourhood

always best to know what you are getting yourself into

security, nasty neighbours, upcoming developments,

and it is always wise to check the neighbourhood (and

etc.

neighbours). Once you spot something that catches your interest, call the agent; he or she will set up for a

No. 5: Get your loan and engage a lawyer

viewing. A good question to ask the agent is how long

Get an idea of how much you can borrow. Research the

he or she has been marketing the property. If it has just

current packages and go for one that best suits your

come available on the market, there is a good chance

repayment profile. Visit your selected bank and apply www.PropertyHunter.com.my

for a housing loan. The interest that

No. 7: Sign the Sales and Purchase

buyer, will still have to pay for the

banks charge will be determined by

Agreement (SPA)

agreement. The bank may ask you

the Base Rate (BR) set by Bank Negara

The LO or OP usually spells out a period

to take out an insurance policy, to

Malaysia (BNM). The current BR rate

during which you must sign the SPA,

make sure the loan is paid should any

varies for every bank but the after offer

which is usually between one to two

unfortunate circumstance occur.

is approximately 4.2 – 4.7%. There are

weeks. However, the grace period may

several other steps to take before you

vary so long as both parties agree to the

A Memorandum of Transfer (MoT) is to

can crack out the champagne or caviar,

terms and conditions.

be signed together with the SPA as the

but the first one has to be getting a

SPA states the terms and conditions of

lawyer to draft and sign the sales and

During this time, your lawyer will do the

the sale; for example payment terms,

purchase agreement (SPA) and loan

relevant title searches, draft out the SPA,

vacant possession, etc.). The MoT serves

agreement.

get both sides (seller and buyer) to agree

as an instrument of transfer which is

on the various clauses, and stamp a few

submitted to the authorities. Typically,

copies of the SPA for them to be signed.

the MoT is signed, but not dated until

No. 6: Sign the Letter of Offer (LO) or Offer to Purchase (OP) form

later, by both parties at the same time

Once you have reached a fixed price,

You will be required to make the balance

or shortly after signing the SPA before

you will be required to sign the Letter

of 8% as down payment upon signing

the payment of balance purchase is

of Offer or Offer to Purchase form. An

the SPA. If your cash is overseas, in fixed

made. The memorandum is then kept in

earnest deposit of 2% is then paid to the

deposit or in EPF, transferring these

escrow by the purchaser’s lawyers until

agent in escrow, before the entire 10%

funds might take some time.

it is ready to be submitted to the land

down payment is paid upon signing the SPA.

office for registration of the transfer. It is also important to thoroughly pore

Once the relevant documents are

over that all spellings of names and NRIC

submitted successfully, the purchaser’s

The LO would include the following

numbers are correct prior to signing the

lawyer will give the go ahead for balance

details: legal names of vendor and buyer,

document(s).

payment to be paid to the seller.

upon, amount of deposit, any items such

No. 8: Sign the loan agreement and

During this time, there may be certain

as fittings included in the sale and date

other documents

things that need to be fulfilled before

before which the sale and purchase

Your lawyer will also draft out the loan

the balance 90% is paid, for example

agreement must be signed.

agreement to be signed by both you

obtaining court orders for the vendor

and your chosen bank. Even though the

to sell the property.

legal address of property, price agreed

Most LO or OP states that the 2%

terms of the loan agreement

cannot be returned to the buyer even

are in favour of the

if the valuation comes out lower than

bank, you as

the purchase price, or if you change

the

your mind because the 2% serves as a commitment to the offer made to purchase the property.

Nota bene: It is possible to negotiate for your 2% to be returned to you if the valuation comes out lower than the purchase price, or if you are not able to obtain a home loan or if either party cannot come to agreement on any clause of the SPA. This way, this creates a back door for you if the seller/ seller’s lawyer/your own lawyer become particularly sticky about the various terms of the SPA. 66

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No. 9: Payment of balance purchase

is usually three months’ from the date

electricity bills, phone bills, water bills

price by cash or loan

of SPA. If not, you may have to pay late

and sewage bills showing all outstanding

Pay your lawyer the Memorandum of

payment charges.

bills paid up to the handover date. Don’t

Transfer (also known as stamp duty),

accept the keys otherwise as the seller

and other charges such as registration

Once the title has been put in your

then pays late delivery charges until all

fees, search fees, service tax and other

name, get your lawyer to give you a copy

bills are settled.

expenses.

of the title in your name.

Unless you are paying the balance

No. 10: Delivery of Vacant Possession

crack out the champagne or caviar,

purchase price by cash, there is usually

and keys

congratulations!

at this point an exchange-of-hostages

Lawyers on both sides will usually set

dance involving your bank, the seller’s

a completion or closing day, when all

bank (if the seller still owes his/her

payments have been made, and within

(Sources from: http://www.starproperty.my/index.php/

bank a mortgage amount), the title, the

the deadline set out in the SPA. Once the

articles/investment/starproperty-mys-guide-on-how-to-

redemption statement, undertaking

balance of the purchase price has been

letters, release of the redemption sum,

paid, the vendor must deliver vacant

discharge of charge, payments and

possession of the property, together

caveats. Your lawyer will also ensure

with keys, within the number of days

that the vendor pays off all assessment

stipulated in the SPA.

Once that is out of the way, you can

buy-a-property-in-malaysia, http://www.iproperty.com.my/ resources/how-to-buy-house-in-malaysia.aspx)

fees and quit rents before all payment is transferred to the vendor’s lawyer.

Upon handover, make sure you get statements or receipts

Even though your lawyer should handle

from the agent/owner

it for you, you may have to keep tabs

for all the utilities,

on this so that everything is paid up

for example

within the date stated in the SPA, which

BEST LOCATION FOR LANDED PROPERTY Damai, Likas and Luyang are some of the top choices when it comes to purchasing landed properties. With these suburbs just a stone’s throw away from each other, it is also close to conveniences such as hospitals, schools (primary and secondary), places of worships, convenient stores and food and beverage outlets. As the years go by, the land value for these prime locations will only appreciate further.

**Figures above are accurate at the time of publication

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NEWS

Housing Developers Facing 20percent Decline in Sales

Housing developers in Sabah are

Sabah Housing and Real Estate

experiencing between 10%-20% decline

Developers Association (Shareda) under

in sales of completed units as a result of

the leadership of its president Datuk

the stringent requirements imposed by

Francis Goh, has initiated measures to

Bank Negara on housing loan applicants,

curtail the problem confronting both

as reported in Borneo Post.

developers and clients.

They fear the present strict bank policy

If loan applicants do not qualify for 80%

requirements resulting in rejection of

housing loans, she said then maybe the

housing loan applications will eventually

financing institutions should consider

delay the implementation of expansion

providing between 50%-60% loan facility

prorogrammes as well as scheduled new

instead of immediately rejecting the

housing projects in the future.

applications. By doing so, Susan said 1

Despite the difficulty, local developers are still in high spirits to help the state government further develop Sabah in terms of providing quality houses for the public.

Kuching Real Estate Heats Up

would appreciate if Bank Negara will consider relaxing the policy a bit by compromising with the developers and purchasers,” said former Shareda president Datuk Susan Wong.

applicants will still have the chance to buy their dream houses by sourcing out

“We understand the position of Bank Negara for implementing the stringent loan policy. However, we

other available sources.

Kuching, the capital of Sarawak,

According to WTW

has in recent times garnered more

Sarawak, 2-storey

attention for its continuous rise in its

terraced houses

real estate market, especially in the

continue to be the

residential segment, as reported in

favourite in the landed

TheEdgeProperty.com.my.

residential sector. “However, we have seen

Residential property transaction

non-landed properties

volumes in Sarawak witnessed a growth

gaining popularity in

of 2.7% on a y-o-y basis with 5,519

recent years,” said Kang.

units in 1H2015, according to Rahim & Co. Kuching contributed 42% of the transactions with 2,323 units in 1H2015. New landmarks and mixed developments have sprouted up in the city, such as Moneta De Borneo and Metrocity Square that have added to residential supply in the city. Its growing work force has also contributed to the rise of the city’s property market. “The income earning age group makes up more than 40% of the Kuching population, owing to the relatively young population. This has pushed up demand from working couples and young families to come into the market,” said C H Williams WTW (Sarawak branch) director Robert Kang Sung Ting.

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“It is important to note that there is a growing upper-middle class in Kuching. This group of buyers and investors are more affluent and becoming more concerned of sleek designs, conveniences and security. Hence, there is an increased interest in apartments and condominiums in Kuching.”

properties that can be kept for medium to long term would be best as Kuching is not a fast-moving market. The market is generally stable and relatively less speculative and has been increasing rather steadily with notable accelerated growth in the last five years. Any properties in prime locations with good earning potentials in Kuching would fare better,” concluded Kang.

One of the challenges in Kuching lies in its demand. “Demand is heavily dependent on the domestic or local population which is comparatively small especially on a person per sq km and which does not create buying demand,” he added. Nonetheless, the future of Kuching remains promising. “Investing in

1. 2.

Property outlook KK City Kuching property market heats up

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INTERVIEW

Think Big, Start Small, Grow Deep

Enoch Khoo, a Class Act He has made a name for himself these days, as a highly, soughtafter property negotiator in East and Peninsular Malaysia. In 2010, he moved to KL not knowing anyone, leaving behind a cushy career in Sabah, to start a new one. With a suitcase full of passion and big dreams, within six years since he left, he has now taken the real estate industry of Malaysia by the horns. Given the moniker, “the Sabah boy” since his early start in real estate, who exactly is Enoch Khoo, this guy from Sabah? Property Hunter’s Editor, Iza Abidin finds out. By Property Hunter Photos by SUCHEN SK Venue at Sabah Art Gallery

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INTERVIEW

I was already at the Sabah Art Gallery making

Prior to the interview and photoshoot, we had both

preparations for this interview with the photographer

agreed to portray him as this casual, laidback person

and my assistant. We were running around, looking

– which, he totally is. Some might think he’s a bit

for perfect spots to shoot. All of a sudden, Enoch

unapproachable at first. But once you actually get to

Khoo rocks up the stairs clad in jeans and a suit

know him and peel off the layers, Enoch is actually

jacket. Having known Enoch personally before this

one of the nicest, sincerest people around. Hence,

interview, I quickly dismissed the jacket. “Take off the

why I asked him to remove the jacket.

jacket,” I said. “You look too formal.”

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Enoch shares a lighthearted moment with Iza

“This year, I have structured some deals which will bring in over RM50 million worth of investments back into properties in Kota Kinabalu. The market is vibrant, the opportunity is there,” Born in Sandakan to a family of educationists and academics, Enoch grew up believing he wasn’t as smart as the rest in his family. While his siblings were head prefects in school, the closest he got to becoming something was as the head librarian in school. Still, he laughed it off as he looked back on it fondly. “Both my siblings managed to secure scholarships from the state to study abroad. But I, too, managed to obtain a scholarship from ‘FAMA’. The ‘father-mother scholarship,” he joked. At first, his parents were not so convinced that Enoch was going to do well, let alone graduate. But after some persuading, they sent him

As a graduation gift, his mother gave him the book, “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” which he believes changed his life. The book planted the seed in which motivated him to start investing in properties sixteen years ago. Enoch started his career with Nestle, selling Maggi, Nescafe and Milo to all the small sundry shops around Sabah. His second job, sees him as the Asian Regional Manager for an Italian company in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, at the tender age of 26. When he purchased his first property at 21, he said that it was just to make some extra cash. But

upon turning 29, after having such a fruitful career, he made the bold decision to give it all up and move to Kuala Lumpur to try his hand in real estate. Despite having no friends nor connections in KL, and thinking that he had enough knowledge about the market through his property investments here in Sabah, he decided to join the real estate industry in KL as a negotiator. Enoch quickly moved up the ladder through utter spirit and determination. “Too many people suffer from ‘analysis paralysis. I made sure I wasn’t going to be like that,” he said.

anyway. And graduated, he did.

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INTERVIEW

I, then asked him what he thought about today’s younger

Enoch’s next step is to be a venture capitalist and to invest

generation of aspiring ‘wantrepreneurs’. He said that

in strategic start-ups and help grow them. With his lifestyle

today’s youths are mostly in a rush to be entrepreneurs

and temperament, being a venture capitalist could very

as young as possible, without putting in the hard work

well be suited for him. “Growing brands and managing

first. He believes that working first allowed him to make

teams are some of the things that that I have been doing

the necessary mistakes and to learn from them in order

since I was 23.”

to prepare him to start his own business. He continued, “Becoming an entrepreneur has no timeline. Yes, we might

His definition of success

miss out on certain opportunities, but I am confident

Living by the motto, “Think Big, Start Small, Grow Deep”,

that there will always be the next one as long as you are

Enoch states that property investment is a journey; many

prepared for it.”

start well, but not many end well. He also stresses that one should play their cards right and to not rush into

Enoch now runs his own agency, Property Hub, a 4-time

buying or over leveraging – after all, property investment

award-winning MIEA agency with offices in Mont Kiara,

is a long term commitment. “Think about it,” he said. “If

KLCC and Kota Kinabalu. The agency currently has a

you have one property for which you live in and two other

team of about 150 talents. Enoch hopes to setup two

properties as investments that are giving you passive

more branches and possibly one in Perth. “I’ll have that

income, you can count yourself in the top 5% in the

golden triangle [KK to KL to Perth] if all goes well,” he said.

country already.”

Besides the agency, he also runs an advertising arm which specializes in bringing Peninsular developers to launch

“Do not be affected by those pompous individuals who

their projects in East Malaysia.

like to flaunt their wealth in which they claim comes from property investment,” he warns.

Over the years, he’s been on radio, has conducted trainings, appeared as a guest on Singapore’s Investor

Having met so many top tycoons in Malaysia, Enoch shares

Central television programme, has spoken in conferences

that the ultra-high-net-worth individuals are usually the

in Singapore, Vietnam, Perth, Sabah and Sarawak, and

humble ones that don’t flaunt their wealth. But with some

has even published his first book, “Cock & Bull of the Real

common sense, one can usually sense who has substance

Estate Industry”, launched last year.

and who has only form.

“I was lucky. I have met some really good people that

Enoch agrees that success is a subjective matter to

helped open the doors for me. I am just blessed to be

different people. “Iza, some people believe that if you drive

surrounded by all these people and I think that it’s the law

an expensive car, you have already made it. Personally, my

of attraction at work as well.”

definition of success is to have and build a great family.” Enoch’s answer surprises me. Up until this moment, I had

Having successfully closed over RM200 million worth of

always thought that marriage, let alone kids, would be the

investments from East Malaysia to Peninsular and Perth,

last thing on his mind. Heck, there was even some stirrings

Enoch believes that now is the right time to invest back

of Enoch being the eligible bachelor.

into Sabah. “This year, I have structured some deals which will bring in over RM50 million worth of investments back

He says that this comes from his personal observation of

into properties in Kota Kinabalu. The market is vibrant, the

knowing some of the successful tycoons he mentioned

opportunity is there,” he shared.

earlier, for whom have very strong family values. “I believe that being successful in both business and family at the

Since he started, he’s always been a firm believer in having

same time is the biggest challenge to overcome. I’d like

the courage to say “no” to most opportunities presented,

to be a very good husband and father to my future wife

so that his “yes” to certain opportunities will be much

and kids, because I believe that family is the foundation of

more focused. He says that he is very selective with his

everything. And if I have achieved that, then only I believe

ventures because he doesn’t want to be the “Jack of all

that I’ve made it.”

trades, master of none”. Having said that, real estate will always be the main platform in his business and all future

The Sabah Art Gallery is a state art gallery which was established in 1984.

potential ventures he embarks on, as long as he believes

It was placed under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Environment

that it adds value or has a competitive edge.

Sabah and under the administration of the Sabah Cultural Board. Visit their Facebook page for current shows and exhibitions. https://www.facebook.com/www.sabahartgallery.com.my

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“the ultrahigh-net-worth individuals are usually the humble ones that don’t flaunt their wealth. “

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NEWS

GEM Residences Singapore Shines Bright

Delivering innovation and style in Toa

Club services along with top class facilities

Payoh, Gamuda Land’s first development

have set new benchmarks for other

in Singapore sees strong pick-up from

lifestyle-oriented developments in the

One of the most innovative features of

discerning homeowners and investors.

market.

GEM Residences is the recognition of

Over the last few years the coffee culture

Ir Chow Chee Wah, Managing Director

of families. As such, there are facilities

has changed dramatically, and the

of Gamuda Land shared, “There are a

even for the ‘other family members’ in the

black delicacy has shifted from being a

lot of choices in the market these days.

form of a residents-only pet pool and pet

standardised daily morning stimulant to

Developments need to be more creative

exercise area. Even those who have no

becoming more and more a semi-luxury

than ever to capture the attention of

pets but love animals will rejoice at this

drink. That was reason enough for IJM

potential buyers. In Gamuda Land,

offering.

LAND to invite more than 150 guests to

we ensure that residents of all our

the Good Coffee Day at the ICE Gallery at

developments have an enhanced quality

To further support quality community

Pantai Sentral Park for a special screening

of life by providing not only world-class

living, GEM Residences offers a clubhouse

of the documentary The Coffee Man.

homes but facilities that encourage a

with a gourmet kitchen, gymnasium, 50m

well-balanced lifestyle in a community-

lap pool, salt water Jacuzzi, kids’ pool and

oriented environment. These are further

playground, 8 outdoor cooking areas

supported by customized services

with charcoal barbeque and teppanyaki

that offer extra convenience for our

hotplate equipment as well as a variety of

residents. The same practice is reflected

community edible gardens.

also offered exclusively for residents.

the importance of pets to the well-being

Jointly developed by Gamuda Land, Evia Real Estate and Maxdin Pte Ltd., GEM Residences continues to prove that a great location, an innovative design concept, well-researched pricing and focus on quality services will always be a winning formula – receiving excellent response from the market. Situated in the heart of Toa Payoh, GEM Residences is a high-rise condominium with 578 luxurious units spread over two tower blocks. It offers a mix of one-to five-bedroom units and two penthouses, with sizes ranging from 452 sq ft to 2,045 sq ft.

services add a touch of exclusivity to the development. As evident in the positive uptake despite challenging market conditions, value-added services can make a difference”. Whether it’s an everyday need or a special affair, the 24-hour Concierge Service at GEM Residences makes things easier and better so that residents can enjoy the finer things in life. Available

Over 55% of the units in GEM Residences have been sold since its public launch on May 28, 2016. Priced at an average of S$1,426 psf, satisfied owners felt that these condominium units were truly a smart buy in the mature location of Toa Payoh where there was a pentup demand for private residential developments. Being at the centre of Toa Payoh within easy access to 2 MRT stations, residents at GEM Residences are not only surrounded by hawker centres, eateries, shopping places and other conveniences but are also seamlessly connected to other parts of Singapore. Going Above and Beyond GEM Residences is one-of-its kind in Singapore. The provision of truly unique

in GEM Residences where the special

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every day, 24 hours a day, the concierge team is on hand to help secure the services of a private chef for those special occasions, procure party and event management services, make restaurant reservations, arrange for laundry pick up & delivery and more. An on-site pay-as-you-go car rental service allows residents to zip around without the hassle of owning their own car. In addition to on-demand food

As if all these are not enough, each purchaser of GEM Residences is also entitled to a whole year of free golf at the prestigious award-winning Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club in Iskandar Puteri, Johor Bahru, Malaysia. With its multiple variations in unit layouts and sizes – one-to five-bedroom units and two penthouses, with prices starting from S$578,000 - GEM Residences astutely caters to a wide range of demographics from single adults, newlyweds, young families to even retirees. Embracing innovation in all of its forms, GEM Residences is a prized asset with great prospects for those who have made their foray to becoming owners. It is also a shining example of Gamuda Land’s commitment to deliver high quality, innovative products to enhance the lives of different communities.

and grocery deliveries, housekeeping service and home spa treatments, GEM Residences also ensures that its residents’ well-being is taken care of. An in-house medical care service offering free weekly consultations, will surely be appreciated by especially the more mature residents. For the more active,

free yoga, dance and swimming classes as well as cooking demonstrations are

Public launch of GEM Residences

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HOT TOPIC

The Pan Borneo Highway MAKING A STRONG CONNECTION

The Pan Borneo Highway, also known as the Trans Borneo Highway, is a network of roads on Borneo island that connects the states of Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysia with Brunei Darussalam and eventually, Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. The highway is a joint venture project between the Malaysian and Bruneian governments, the project commenced in 1963, following the formation of the Malaysian Federation consisting of Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore. By Property Hunter

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HOT TOPIC

he official route for the

The entire project is expected to be

is expected to play a major role to

highway begins in Miri, and

completed in 2025.

open up the economic corridors and

continuing north towards

opportunities in its surrounding areas.

Brunei, Limbang and Lawas

The Pan Borneo Highway is said to cost

in Sarawak, into Sabah via

a total of RM29 billion (RM13 billion

As of May 16th 2016, the land clearing

Sindumin and onto Sipitang, Beaufort,

for the Sabah stretch and RM16 billion

of the ‘Right of Way’ for the 33

Papar, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Lahad

for the Sarawak stretch), including

kilometre-long Telok Melano–Sematan

Datu and Tawau. The highway ends

RM2.8 billion for the cost incurred in

stretch is said to be 70 per cent

in Serudong, on the Sabah/North

land acquisition. With the completion

complete. According to Lebuhraya

Kalimantan border. The highway also

of the Pan Borneo Highway beyond

Borneo Utara (LBU), the Project

extends southwards from Miri towards

2021, prices and occupancy of the east

Delivery Partner for the Pan Borneo

Bintulu, Sibu and Kuching, ending at

Malaysian commercial and industrial

Highway Sarawak, the entire stretch is

Sematan on the West Kalimantan /

properties nearby the export hub

expected to be cleared by end of June

Sarawak border.

ports are expected to appreciate and

2016, enabling cut-and-fill activities,

improve. This is due to the boost in

which is the next stage of construction

business demands and mobility access.

works to commence.

kilometres for the Malaysian section.

The Communications and

The Telok Melano—Sematan (TMS)

The section that connects Sarawak,

Multimedia Ministry also plans to

stretch is the only package in the 746

Sabah and Brunei is the Lawas–

draw a comprehensive plan to build

kilometre stretch of the Pan Borneo

Temburong (Brunei) stretch, which was

telecommunication towers to ease

Highway Sarawak from Telok Melano

completed in 1997. By 2002, about

connectivity along the Pan Borneo

to Miri to be constructed anew. All the

998 kilometres have been completed,

Highway. This is in order to propel

other packages entail development

with the Tenom-Sipitang section being

the economic activities in the region.

or upgrading of the existing R3 JKR

completed in 2006. The final section of

The Pan Borneo Highway is touted

standard two-lane single carriageway

the highway, which is the Kalabakan-

to be the transportation backbone of

into an R5 JKR standard four-lane dual

Sapulut stretch has begun in 2008.

the states of Sabah and Sarawak and

carriageway.

The entire length of the highway is expected to be 2,239 kilometres; 2,083

Bintulu

Sibu

Sarikei

Kuching

Sri Aman

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Kota Kinabalu Sandakan

Lahad Datu

Tawau

Brunei

Miri

THE Pan Borneo

Highway SABAH - BRUNEI -

SARAWAK

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HOT TOPIC

“

The Pan Borneo Highway is said to cost a total of RM29 billion, including RM2.8 billion for the cost incurred in land acquisition.

Slightly different from the other stretches,

Government to involve local talents,

bus service and the highway will improve

the TMS stretch will comprise an R5 JKR

contractors, companies and resources

accessibility in the state capital.

standard two-lane single carriageway to

towards building up local expertise in

provide connectivity to Telok Melano and

highway construction.

Tanjung Datu National Park whilst trying

As of July 19th, some 16 more companies were said to have vied for works

to minimise disruption of the surrounding

In Sabah, the first phase of the Pan

packages under the Pan Borneo Highway

Samunsam wildlife sanctuary.

Borneo Highway would see the

project. Some of the prominent bidders

construction of an over 11.7 kilometre

are joint-venture companies whose

The contractor of the Pan Borneo

stretch from Donggongon in Penampang.

partners comprise of one Peninsular

Highway in Sarawak is Lebuhraya

The stretch would be part of a 706

Malaysia-based firm and an East Malaysia

Borneo Utara Sdn. Bhd. (LBU), who is

kilometre upgrading of existing single-

player. Eight major works packages worth

the Project Delivery Partner (PDP) for

lane trunk roads to a dual carriageway

up to RM10 billion had been finalised

the Pan Borneo Highway Sarawak. A

highway. In the future, the highway

and would be awarded.

home-grown Sarawak company based

would also see the construction of a new

in Kuching, Sarawak, LBU consists

coastal highway from Tuaran to Sabah’s

The recipients of the contracts are

of a team of qualified Bumiputera

northernmost district of Kudat. At the

said to be predominantly Sarawak-

personnel with construction as well as

same time, the Lahad Datu Bypass is also

based companies, some of whom have

project development and management

currently undergoing a design process.

partnered with Peninsular Malaysia

experience. LBU is supported by a Board

contractors during the bidding process.

of Directors with highway construction

According to the Prime Minister, Datuk

The bids for the upcoming packages

specialist expertise crucial for the

Seri Najib Razak, the Pan Borneo

had been submitted before the May

delivery of the Highway according to time

Highway’s impact will bring Sabah

30 deadline, which was imposed by

and budget specifications.

to the next level of socio economic

Lebuhraya Borneo Utara Sdn Bhd.

development. He added that the highway It has been a long journey for LBU

will also be a game-changer for Sabah as

For the next round of contracts, set to

to develop and propose a suitable

its impact on the state will be long term

be given out for the RM16 billion Pan

and workable project concept to the

and continuous.

Borneo Highway project, more Sarawak

Government of Malaysia for the Pan

construction firms will be recipients of

Borneo Highway. Apart from delivering

Together with Kota Kinabalu’s upcoming

the contracts. Among the Sarawak firms

the best value, LBU is committed to the

bus rapid transit, the development the

that had participated in the tenders are

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HOT TOPIC

“

Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd, Hock Seng Lee Bhd (HSL), Zecon Bhd, Shin Yang Shipping Corp Bhd and Naim Cendera Sdn Bhd.

The Pan Borneo Highway project involves the construction and upgrading of 779 kilometres of single carriageway roads to dual carriageway.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE FUTURE Much like how the new MRT project in the Klang Valley will benefit and tremendously improve Kuala Lumpur’s transportation system, whilst linking developing areas with the eastern half of the city centre, the Pan Borneo Highway will radically improve accessibility to and from rural areas with the major towns and cities in Borneo for business and tourism. Current travel routes in the interiors of Sabah and Sarawak are still largely

capital, are already excited at the

“We remain excited for the construction

dependent on river transportation with

prospect that tourism will bring for their

sector with the prospect of more job

limited rural air services. With this highway,

small businesses.

flows in the coming months,” it said,

bridges will be built as it will eliminate the

adding that small-to-mid cap companies

hassle of long boats and ferries used by

The Prime Minester, Najib Razak also

could respond actively to news flows

locals for the longest time. This highway

said that highway will open up many far

relating to major projects such as the

will be a beacon of hope to the many

flung areas and native customary lands

Pan Borneo, the share prices of larger

people who live here, who have been

that have been abandoned. With better

players may be more subdued due to

waiting for a world-class infrastructure of

road infrastructure, the movement of

built-in expectations,” he added.

interconnected highway systems.

people and goods will increase and spur

Movement for Malaysians between

economic activities, whilst also bolstering

On the 11th Malaysia Plan, the

trade with neigbouring Brunei.

construction sector is expected to

states in the peninsular via the North-

contribute 5.5 per cent growth to the

South Expressway (PLUS Highway) are

The Pan Borneo Highway project involves

gross domestic product. This sector will

already easy and efficient, allowing them

the construction and upgrading of 779

be expected to create 1.2 million jobs and

to go for holidays, visit relatives and

kilometres of single carriageway roads

spin off opportunities for more than 120

conduct businesses with quick transport

to dual carriageway. Subsequently, the

small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

of goods.

project would also involve the construction

In the future, the Construction Industry

and upgrading of 115 bridges, as well as

Transformation Programme (CITP) is

three rest and service areas.

expected to transform the industry into

With this accessibility, it will definitely help speed up economic development.

one of the most productive, safe, high-

Facilities such as integrated rest and

According to Works Minister, Datuk

quality, competitive and professional

service centres will also be in place,

Seri Fadillah Yusof, the job flows in the

industries in the global front.

offering a boost to domestic and

second quarter had been fairly slow with

international tourism and these new

only RM5.9 billion in contracts dished out

In the future, there are plans to

rest and recreation stops will surely

compared with RM30.8 billion in the first

expand the Pan Borneo Highway to the

bring income opportunities for the rural

quarter of 2016.

Indonesian South of Borneo. However,

people. Towns along the highway such

no dates have been set on when this

as Serian, about 65 km out of Sarawak’s

project will commence.

Sources: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Tender for remaining eight packages of the Pan Borneo Highway will be announced by the end of the month; New Straits Times Online (20 May 2016) Pan Borneo Highway - link of a thousand opportunities; New Straits Times Online (27 April 2016) After election win, renewed commitment to Pan Borneo Highway; Channel News Asia (15 May 2016) Pan Borneo Highway Sarawak More Pan Borneo jobs, S’wak firms poised to win RM10bil contracts; The Star Online (19 July 2016) Govt to bear RM2.8b cost of Pan Borneo Highway land acquisition; The Edge Property MY (27 May 2016) Connecting Sarawak and Sabah to Open Opportunities; Energy of Sarawak (28 May 2015) www.PropertyHunter.com.my

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NEWS

Many Penampang Tourism Products Not Promoted

ground was gazetted in 2000 following the discovery. There were several other pots found on site but due to size constraints at the community museum at Kampung Pogunon, they were sent to the State 1

There are many attractions in Penampang that can become yet another tourism product for Sabah but did not receive attention due to the lack of promotional activities, as reported in Borneo Post. One of such attractions is the community museum at Kampung Pogunon, an old burial ground dating back to the Qing dynasty. This is based on the large potteries containing skeletons which were unearthed while constructing a school at the site. Three large pots and the skeletal remains are now being showcased at the small museum at the village. The person in charge of the museum, James Dingon, explained that the museum was built in 2004 while the burial

famous for the wars that happened between people from the village and the neighbouring village, he said. A certain sword owned by a late Bobohizan is also the centre of attraction at the museum.

Museum for safekeeping.

The custodian of the antique sword,

“We hope to increase the size of this

Cecelia Kondokol, 83, said many people

museum so that we can relocate the

were killed with the sword.

other pots here,” he said.

The people killed included the Japanese

Aside from showcasing the pots, the

during the Japanese occupation.

museum at Kampung Pogunon also provides historical information concerning

Visitors at the museum were told that

earlier Chinese communities who had

countless skulls were found at the site

come to Sabah, then North Borneo.

andthese were burnt by the villagers.

James said the Chinese buried their dead

“In the past, rituals had to be carried out

at the old burial ground and that stones

to appease the sword,” Cecelia added.

from the river were taken to indicate the gender and age of the persons being

Other attractions worth visiting are the

buried.

weekly market or tamu that falls on Thursdays and Fridays in Donggongon,

“Stones with rough edges were used

and the ‘Tapikung’ or Chinese temple is

for males while those that were round

within close vicinity to the tamu ground.

belonged to females. Smaller tomb stones were used for the young,” he explained.

Aside from the ancient burial ground, Kampung Pogunon is also

The St Michael’s Church, also in Penampang, is also over a century old and is the oldest in Sabah’s West Coast.

Rent Control May Drive Down Heritage and Pre-War Properties Values

Real estate experts cautioned against

“However, [rent control] will definitely

location and property status. This new

reintroducing rent control on heritage

soften the prices of (heritage) properties,

act may set back the development of the

and pre-war properties in Penang, as

so buyers who are looking for rental

heritage area, and eventually impact the

it may drive up the cost of maintaining

returns may take a step back, but current

local tourism industry.

these properties, lowering their values

occupiers who are paying low rents may

and impacting tourism as a result, as

be happy,” he said.

The move by the Penang government is not necessary now as any restrictions

reported in TheEdgeProperty.com.my.

will have an impact on future foreign Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng

investors looking at Penang in general,

said earlier that the state government is

not just at the heritage area, said PPC

considering the reintroduction of rent

International Penang Sdn Bhd executive

control to curb rising rents of heritage

properties.

director Mark Saw.

These properties could fetch more than

“We had stagnation from the previous

The state government’s plan is to enable

five times their previous rents after some

rent control act, with properties being

existing occupiers of heritage properties

sprucing up, the daily reported.

neglected by landlords as a result of low

to afford to stay in these buildings, PA

rental returns and the only people who

International Property Consultants

The selling price of heritage properties

benefitted were the tenants who sub-let

(Penang) Sdn Bhd executive director

in Penang stood at RM500 to RM600

the properties to make money,” he said.

Michael Loo tells TheEdgeProperty.com.

psf previously, but prices have gone up to RM2,000 to 2,500 psf, subject to the

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1. 2.

Donggongon, Penampang Heritage and Pre-War properties in Penang

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DRIVE

X5 xDrive40e

The Future of Luxury SUV THE PREMIUM AUTOMAKER’S NEWEST LOCALLY ASSEMBLED PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE IN THE COUNTRY BMW Group Malaysia has introduced their new BMW Efficient Dynamics eDrive technology to Malaysia. The new BMW X5 xDrive40e assembled in Malaysia is the 11th model to join the portfolio of locally-assembled vehicles at BMW Group Malaysia’s Assembly Facilities at the Kulim Hi-Tech Park, introducing new local content, assembly and testing equipment at the facility.

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DRIVE

Design: powerful and expressive The most noticeable feature is the charging connection for the high-voltage battery. Blue light effects appear at the start of the charging process to indicate the flow of energy. The exhaust system on the X5 xDrive40e meanwhile, has a twintailpipe design with trapezoidal tips. Further accentuating the dynamic character of the X5 xDrive40e is the M Sport Aerodynamic Package featured as a standard. In distinction to the Adaptive LED headlights, it also features LED fog lights. Its body is dressed with BMW Individual Exterior Line Aluminium satinised and is equipped with 19-inch M Double-spoke light alloy wheels with mixed tyres.

COMFORT, SPORT and ECO PRO. When switched to MAX eDrive, the driver will travel in all-electric mode, in which the vehicle is powered solely by electric motor. This mode is designed for comfortable driving with zero local emissions without the engine being activated. Another mode, SAVE Battery, allows the driver to save or build-up the high-voltage battery’s energy reserved for a later point in time. Each mode has an effect of altering the throttle mapping, the steering characteristics, the responses of the 8-speed Steptronic transmission, and the characteristics of Adaptive M suspension with its sport suspension setting, specifically tuned Dynamic Damper Control and air suspension equipped as standard on the new SAV.

Intelligent on-road companions The X5 xDrive40e comes a standard with a black-panel instrument cluster which has hybrid-specific functions added to its array of readouts. The high-voltage battery’s state of charge is visualised in the form of a battery symbol below the gear display. A wealth of innovative BMW ConnectedDrive features furthermore helps to plan journeys. The Navigation System Professional gives drivers the option of calculating a hybridspecific ECO PRO route to an entered destination.

Drivetrain: BMW TwinPower Turbo and BMW eDrive technologies The intelligent hybrid powertrain control and permanent all-wheel drive together, makes for an utterly effortless performance and supreme efficiency out on the road. It has a drive system comprising of a two-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and a synchronous electric motor integrated in the 8-speed

employed and the engine’s load points are deliberately raised at higher speeds to ensure there are sufficient power reserves for completing the urban sections in all-electric mode. There is a range of options on offer including the Driving Assistant system which features Lane Departure Warning, City & Pedestrian Collision Warning, Park Distance Control (PDC) in the front and rear with visual and Surround View including

Steptronic transmission.

a rear view camera. As for BMW ConnectedDrive Services,

The X5 xDrive40e is fitted with a 2.0-litre combustion engine,

TeleServices, Concierge Services and eDrive Services.

which has already won the coveted title of “International Engine of the Year” three times, and features a TwinScroll turbocharger, High Precision Injection, Valvetronic variable valve timing and variable camshaft control on both intake and exhaust sides. The power stemming from the two drive units is transformed into effortless forward motion courtesy of the 8-speed Steptronic transmission and the BMW xDrive permanent all-wheel- drive system. As it is linked up to Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), the xDrive system is furthermore capable of acting in advance to counter vehicle understeer or oversteer. The vehicle set-up and powertrain control can be configured as desired with the Driving Experience Control switch and eDrive button which activates the vehicle set-up modes

On longer journeys, the Brake Energy Regeneration can be

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the new BMW comes with Intelligent Emergency Call, BMW

Charging options from BMW 360° ELECTRIC The plug-in hybrid design of the X5 xDrive40e provides the ideal basis for extensive use of the electric drive system for highly efficient mobility. When charged by a conventional domestic power socket, the high-voltage battery can be fully recharged from flat in around 3 hours 50 minutes. Under the umbrella of BMW 360° ELECTRIC, customers are offered the ChargeNow service, comprising of a ChargeNow card that grants straightforward access to partner charging stations, ChargEV, offered through BMW Group Malaysia’s partnership with Malaysian Green Technology Corporation (GreenTech Malaysia). The ChargEV stations are already operational in 19 strategic locations throughout Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Kedah, Melaka, and Johor. The retail price (on the road, without insurance, with BMW Group Malaysia’s latest 5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty, Free Scheduled Service Program and BMW Tyre Warranty Programme) is:

The New BMW X5 xDrive40e

- RM 582,000.00

Government Approved Hybrid incentive Retail price without insurance

- RM 388,000.00

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IMPRESSIONS

QUALITY CITY LIFE THROUGH DESIGN The urban plan for the Îlot central (Phase II), steered by the Société de développement Angus (SDA), concerns the last vacant lot of the area still available, and is part of an initiative to revitalize the site through an innovative development scheme. The SDA wishes to create a genuine living environment likely to attract and retain businesses. To this end, the plan proposes a denser, innovative built environment, an affordable on-site residential component, and the creation of quality public spaces.

Technopôle Angus

Job creation and mix of uses

Commitment to sustainable development

In order to create a living environment that is socially,

This future green neighbourhood promises to have

ecologically and economically “responsible” for the benefit

a minimal ecological footprint. On many levels, it

of future businesses, tenants, employers and the Ville de

will constitute a veritable laboratory for responsible

Montréal alike, the urban plan revolves around job creation

development. One of the project’s most innovative features

and a mix of uses. Consequently, the SDA proposes an

will be the site-wide integration of an energy transfer

attractive site that is adapted to the needs of businesses,

loop that will recover unused heat from all possible

which include quality spaces, affordable nearby housing,

sources, including geothermal wells, for the purpose of

and access to a large labour pool. The Technopôle seeks to

redistributing it where it is needed at any particular time.

establish itself as the benchmark of a new quality of life for

The SDA will also incorporate efficient measures for the

Montrealers, where one’s workplace and home are a short

management of water and waste. Businesses, especially

walk apart and where pedestrians are prioritized. The area,

those involved in the social economy, urban agriculture or

which is currently partially isolated, will open out onto the

green construction, will find in the Technopôle Angus an

surrounding neighbourhood by offering local services and

innovative and stimulating work environment.

entertainment options, which for the time being are rather limited.

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About Provencher_Roy

About the Société de développement Angus

Provencher_Roy, a leader in urban architecture in Canada,

The Société de développement Angus is a social enterprise

is a multidisciplinary firm providing services in architecture,

founded in 1995 following the closure of the Angus Shops

urban design, urban planning, interior design, industrial

in Montreal’s Rosemont neighbourhood. To bring jobs and

design and sustainable development. The firm employs

vitality back to this vast site, the SDA, in close collaboration

over 200 professionals involved in all aspects of the built

with the local community, provided the impetus and

environment, in Canada and abroad. To date, the firm’s

momentum for a unifying, mobilizing project: Technopôle

work has been recognized with more than 80 architectural

Angus. The SDA’s mission is to undertake urban renewal

awards and distinctions in

projects that embody the principles of sustainable

Québec, the rest of Canada,

development and that generate substantial spinoffs for the

and abroad. In 2015,

local community.

Provencher_Roy was the recipient of the Architectural Firm award handed out by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC).

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GADGET & WATCH

THE COMPETITIVE EDGE OF TECHNOLOGY The great growling engine of change; the science of today is the technology of tomorrow.

WATCH

BREGUET TYPE XXI CHRONOGRAPH Premium-priced and excellent in style and mechanics, the Breguet Type XXI is one of the sexiest ways of demonstrating that you are a watch nerd. Breguet managed to finally have the perfect larger pilot-watch. It used to be a timepiece too dressy for its vocation. With its sportier look and a few vintage elements, it now has some consistency. The retro-style slate grey dial is framed by a 42mm stainless steel case with a bidirectional rotating bezel and, of course, the signature fluted case band. Thanks to its screw-locked crown, the watch is water-resistant to 100 meters (330 feet). One of the best parts of the Breguet Type XXI is the movement - which is a bit more than your standard triple register chronograph. Like a true aviator watch, the rotating bezel on the case moves bi-directionally. www.timeandwatches.com

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THE WORLD’S FIRST 3D PRINTING PEN The 3Doodler is a standard 3D printer that has been transformed into a pen, with the possibilities limited only by your imagination. Compact and easy to use, the 3Doodler extrudes heated plastic that cools almost instantly into a solid, stable structure. In a lot of ways, the 3Doodler works like a sophisticated hot-glue gun: A heating element melts plastic, and it is extruded out through a nozzle. The pen, known as the 3Doodler Start, is designed for kids ages 8 and older. The rechargeable battery and 16 different colors of filaments make the pen ideal for not just recreational use but also classroom use. Whether hobbyist or professional, the 3Doodler is the most versatile 3D printing pen yet. From fine art, to DIY, maker projects, creating scale models or decorative items, the possibilities are limitless! Now let your imagination run wild.

www.the3doodler.com

A SMARTER ACTIVITY TRACKER FOR YOU Jawbone has again turned to Swiss designer Yves Béhar for the design of the UP3 – the same chap who came up with the flexible fit of the UP24. Unlike its predecessor though, the UP3 is a one-size fits all affair that looks more ‘jewellery’ than ‘gadget’. Despite having to wear the UP3 tight in order to get the most accurate sensor readings, it never really caused any irritation. Jawbone claims that after you’ve completed a specific workout, the Jawbone UP app will be able to recognise and log a wide range of sports; including running, cross-training, tennis, hiking and even dance and Zumba – all step based you’ll notice. For nonstep based sports you can manually log an activity after, or start the stopwatch mode during it.

www.wareable.com

NETATMO PRESENCE – SURVEILLANCE CAMERA LG’s innovative Modular Type design gives the LG G5 the ability to transform into a digital camera, Hi-Fi player and more, all while keeping its traditional removable battery in a full metal uni-body design for the first time ever. The G5’s 135-degree wide angle lens lets you choose between standard or wide angle lenses to get more in the shot. Secondly, the Always-on Display makes notifications just a glance away with the time, date and more available anytime without waking the G5. Encased in a sleek metal aluminum body and Slide-out Battery to easily swap out a depleted battery for a fully charged one in seconds, the LG G5 surpasses the visual experience of its predecessor. www.lgnewsroom.com

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HOT TOPIC

How Much Will Australian Properties Grow in the next 40 years? Wondering how much Australian property prices will grow in the next 40 years? A good yardstick is to examine how much Australian property prices have grown in the past 40 years. This will give you a glimpse into the future as to where prices may go. Words by Yaron Gal

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worth $521,400 today, which

ustralian

property prices have historically doubled every 10 years over the past 100 years. This has made Australian property investing a prime vehicle for growing wealth for many Australians. That’s why the amount of time you spend in the market, is the safest way to invest in property. Too

Sydney – $36,800 Canberra – $35,100 Melbourne – $32,900

is still a 15.8 times increase. Definitely not as much, but still a great investment. For comparison, here’s

Adelaide – $29,800

what the median price of

Hobart – $31,575

city is today:

Perth – $33,000 Brisbane – $26,275

many people try to ‘time the market’ rather than take

Of course, it is important to

a long term approach to

note that the average annual

investing.

wage in Australia at that time was $6,000 per year. So the

That’s why the earlier

average Australian worker

you can start investing

in Sydney would still have to

in property, the better

work 6 years to buy a house.

off you will be in the long

properties in each capital

Sydney – $881,800 Melbourne – $640,000 Perth – $521,400 Canberra – $628,800 Brisbane – $505,000 Adelaide – $450,000 Hobart – $360,500

run. Someone who starts

Keep in mind, the average

investing in their 20s will

family back in those days

Projecting the growth rate of

build massive equity and

was a single income family.

each city forward another 40

wealth by the time they are

For the most part, only dad

years at the same growth

in their 40s.

worked. But today most families have dual incomes.

following median prices:

This is simply the magic of compounding.

rate, you will get the

Secondly, bank interest rates back then were at 10%,

Sydney – $21,129,653

It’s why Einstein said,

double what current interest

“Compounding is the eighth

rates are in Australia.

Melbourne – $12,449,848

But assuming your father

Perth – $8,238,120

wonder of the world”. Imagine back in 1976, your

had the foresight to buy a

father decided to buy you a

property in Sydney at the

property when he sent you

time, today, that property

to Australia to study.

would be worth a whopping $881,000! That’s a 24 times

These are the average prices

increase in property prices.

he would have paid to get you a house to live in while

If Sydney wasn’t the place,

you studied in Australia.

and you ended up in Perth, that property would still be

Canberra – $12,522,230 Brisbane – $9,705,994 Adelaide – $6,975,302 Hobart – $4,115,922

There’s a few conclusions that can be drawn here: 1) Growth rates in various cities are not equal. That’s why it’s important to find out where are the ‘growth spots’ from an expert who knows the market. Your typical real estate agent is probably not going to give you the unbiased professional advice that you need. 2) Past growth is no guarantee of future performance, but it is a strong indicator nevertheless. 3) People 40 years ago would have thought property prices were expensive back then. Those who had the financial acumen to let compounding do its work are laughing to the bank today. Will you have the foresight and the acumen today to invest for the future?

For all Property Hunter readers, I have prepared a free special report that tells you the ‘Growth Hotspots’ we’ve identified over months of research. If you’d like a free copy of this special report, drop me an email on yaron@ investinproperties.com, I’ll forward you a copy. Yaron Gal began purchasing investment properties while working full time and bought 4 investment properties within less than a year. He now works as a property strategist and helps individuals identify high growth properties for wealth creation. For more free information about investing in Australia, visit www.investinproperties.com.au

www.PropertyHunter.com.my

NEWS

Ringgit to Decline Against US Dollar

Affin Hwang Investment Bank Vice-

higher against the US dollar driven by

against the British pound to 5.6806/6961

President/Head of Retail Research, Datuk

optimism on Britain staying in EU but the

from 5.8550/8652 previously and rose

Dr Nazri Khan Adam Khan, said the

sentiment quickly faded on Friday after

against the euro to 4.5450/5573 from

correction was a knee-jerk reaction and

vote to exit the economic bloc took the

4.6112/6196 previously.

was out of regulatory control as it also

lead during vote counting. However, it fell against the yen to

happened in other emerging economies.

“Nevertheless, the situation provides an opportunity to buy cheap. But what is more important is that investors’ psychology and hopefully there is no panic selling,” he told Bernama. For the holiday-shortened week justended, the ringgit was traded mostly

The market was closed on Wednesday for

3.9668/9777 from the previous week’s

the Nuzul Al-Quran holiday. On a Friday-

3.9277/9350

to-Friday basis, the local unit was higher at 4.0850/0950 against the US dollar from 4.0970/0030 in the previous week. It also ended higher against other currencies except for the yen. The ringgit was up against the Singapore dollar to 3.0148/0246 from 1

last week’s 3.0332/0397, appreciated

Setia Sky Seputeh Condo Launch in September

Property developer S P Setia Bhd is set

maximum of five car park bays. Each unit

swimming pool, sauna, tea lounge, sky

to launch its latest luxury condominium

will also have a private lift.

lounge and sky gymnasium. There will

project in Taman Seputeh, Kuala

also be furnishing packages for residents

Lumpur this September, as reported in

“This project is targeted at upgraders

which include kitchen cabinets, electrical

TheEdgeProperty.com.my.

and owner-occupiers who are currently

appliances such as a fridge and washer,

staying in the surrounding Taman

water heater system, air-conditioning

Seputeh and Bangsar areas.

system and intercom system. Meanwhile,

S P Setia divisional general manager of niche development Paul Soh told

the maintenance fee is expected to be

TheEdgeProperty.com that Setia Sky

“We have many older couples who are

Seputeh will consist of two blocks

staying in Bangsar whose children have

housing 290 luxury condo units.

gone to study overseas and are looking

According to Soh, the houses will be sold

for a smaller home. Having lived in a

under the Setia 10:90 programme, where

big house previously, Setia Sky Seputeh

buyers only need to pay a deposit of 10%,

would be ideal for them because of the

with the remainder payable when the

bigger built-ups. It is similar to living in a

property is completed.

around 50 to 60 sen psf.

semi-dee or bungalow in the sky,” said Soh.

“We will be setting aside a number of units for early birds who will get a 2%

The project sits on a 4.8-acre freehold site and has an estimated gross

He added that the residents will be able

discount. On top of that, if a loan gets

to enjoy excellent connectivity with plenty

approved within two months, we will give

of amenities nearby.

the buyer an additional 2% rebate when the project is completed,” he said.

development value of RM900 million.

“The area intersects several major highways such as the Federal highway,

On whether the soft market will impact

The indicative price per unit is estimated

the New Pantai Expressway, the KL–

sales, Soh said he is optimistic as the

to be at an average of RM1,300 psf.

Seremban highway and the SPRINT

development is aimed at genuine

Unit built-ups range from 2,300 sq ft to

highway. It is 7km to the KL city centre,

homebuyers rather than investors.

3,000 sq ft and will come in six types —

1km to Mid Valley City and 3km to KL

3-bedroom units at 2,339, 2,346 or 2,354

Sentral. From the condo, residents can

“We are looking for homebuyers who will

sq ft; 4-bedroom units at 2,652 or 2,867

take a walk to Mid Valley just about 500m

actually stay there. Also, this is a niche

sq ft; and 5-bedroom units at 2,998 sq ft.

away which makes it convenient for them

project with facilities that developments

to get their daily needs,” he said.

in the area may not have,” said Soh.

Residents will also get a minimum of three car park bays while owners of

Among the proposed facilities at Setia

the bigger units will be given up to a

Sky Seputeh include a beach podium,

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1. 2.

Public launch of GEM Residences Model house of Setia Sky Condo

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NEWS

Singapore Bank Suspends Loans after Brexit

A top Singapore bank said it has

customers are cautious with their

suspended loans to anyone wanting

London property investments.

to buy property in London, citing

We are monitoring the market

uncertainty from Britain’s vote to quit

environment closely and will assess

the EU and dealing a blow to investors

regularly to determine when we

looking to make the most of the weak

will re-instate our London property

pound, as reported in TheEdgeProperty.

loan offering”, it added.

com.my. UOB has the biggest share of loans

United Overseas Bank (UOB), one of the

for the London property market

city-state’s three homegrown lenders,

among Singapore’s three banks, an

investors, especially those from Asia, are

said it was monitoring the market closely

industry source said.

already poised for a buying spree.

Financial markets were plunged into

But Donald Han, managing director of

turmoil following last week’s Brexit vote

Chesterton Singapore, a consultancy

“We will temporarily stop receiving foreign property loan applications for London properties,” it said in a statement.

and while they have enjoyed a recovery

specialising in UK property, said banks

over the past few days, analysts warn

are just exercising caution given the

there could be repercussions well

uncertainties.

“As the aftermath of the UK referendum

Market-watchers said property prices

most resilient in the world because even

in Britain are expected to plummet as

during the global financial crisis it only

the pound takes a beating, and foreign

dipped by 10% to 15%,” he told AFP.

to determine when the loans would resume.

is still unfolding and given the uncertainties, we need to ensure our

beyond Britain and Europe.

Problem of Homelessness Under Control

“London property prices are some of the

The problem of homeless Malaysians in

Jainab pointed out that appreciate and

Bahrin Abd Karim, together with officials

Sabah is under control, said Community

loving oneself in the society is necessary to

from the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK)

Development and Consumer Affairs

avoid problems in life.

and the State Social Welfare Department,

Minister Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid, as reported in Borneo Post.

distributed food to the homeless in the However, she said, this might not be the

city.

values among the homeless people due to However, Jainab called for cooperation

their lack of awareness on self-care.

from all quarters, including the public, to help the government address the problem.

“The ministry is preparing a working paper on how to deal with those who do not possess identification documents and street children to be submitted to Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan (who is chairman of the Technical Management Committee to study the recommendation of the Royal Commission of inquiry on illegal immigrants in Sabah),” she after the “sahur” (pre-dawn meal during Ramadan) with the homeless at Desa Bina Diri near here yesterday.

Also present was Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai, who said that there

“Many of the homeless people choose

were about 30 homeless people in the

to live the life they are living because of

city, apart from 16 people who were given

personal or family problems, and there are

shelter at Desa Bina Diri where they were

some with mental problems.

given courses and training.

“My hope is for the society to help address the issue, not only to help the homeless to lead a comfortable and meaningful life, but also to avoid them (homeless) from hurting other people because of their

problems,” she said. At the event, the Kota Kinabalu Umno Youth movement, led by chief Mohd 1. 2.

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UOB Bank Homelessness in Sabah under control

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www.kopiandproperty.com By Charles Tan

102

www.PropertyHunter.com.my

More home loan applications in May 2016. Has recovery started?

Positives for Malaysia, stock market and Ringgit

Many cash-rich investors are

on the latest Consumer

The following is some

are some of the companies

always on the lookout for

Sentiment Index (CSI) by

positive news reported in

which has seen major

good deals. Whereas, first-

the Malaysian Institute

a local media recently. For

inflows. They include Malayan

time home buyers need more

of Economic Research

the first 6 months of 2016,

Banking Bhd, CIMB Group

enticement. Perhaps, May

(MIER), Q1’2016 Consumer

the total outflows by foreign

Holdings Bhd, Bumi Armada

2016 is a significant month, if

Sentiment Index (CSI) has

investors only amounted

Bhd and Top Glove Corp

the trend continues. Reported

recovered to 72.9 from its all-

to RM48.6 million in total.

Bhd. Regardless of what

in TheSundaily, there is an

time low of 63.8 in Q4’2015.

This is considered extremely

the analysts and the foreign

increase for the first time in

This number is however still

healthy. In 2015, there was

investors are doing, always

16 months for “Applied Loan

below the threshold level of

a total of RM19.5 billion net

note that Warren Buffet has

for Purchase of Property”.

confidence. MIDF concluded

outflows while in 2014, it

this to say, “A good business

The data is from Bank Negara

by saying, “We believe that the

was RM6.5 billion. One fund

would soon be reflected

Malaysia. It’s up just 2% year-

data suggests some return

manager was reported to say

in its share price.” In other

on- year or 5% month-on-

of interest among property

that if investors are looking

words, stay focused on good

month. Still a small number

buyers but buyers are likely to

for yield, they would naturally

companies with strong

but potentially a significant

remain price sensitive.”

return to emerging markets.

business fundamentals.

Malaysia is one investment

change. MIDF Research

destination which is assured.

Stocks were not the only

provided more insights.

It’s good to note that buyers

When compared with 2015, it

are still buying and that

said that the cumulative five

buyers are also price sensitive

Another bank-backed

on an uptrend too, despite

months of 2016 is still lower

these days. Sanity is returning

research house pointed

falling right after the Brexit

by 6% when compared to the

to the market. With this mind-

out that for the first five

referendum. Today (11

first 5 months of 2015.

set, I think the Malaysian

months this year, foreign

July), the Ringgit closed at

positive. Ringgit has been

property market will be safer

investors had steadily been

RM3.993 versus US$. (Yes,

In terms of transaction

compared to the crazy hike

holding about 22 percent

BELOW RM4 mark). It’s also

numbers -- which are falling,

in property prices between

of total shareholdings on

a huge relief financially for

the least damage would be

2009 – 2012 periods. I was

Bursa Malaysia. He also

those with kids in Britain.

for houses below RM500,000.

having lunch with a colleague

said that should there be

It’s now RM5.13 per Pound,

For these affordable

the other day. He has a small

any surprise upside in new

substantially lower than right

properties, the transaction

condo unit which he had

economic data, some major

before the Brexit results.

value has declined 11 percent

renovated. He said it should

inflows may be coming back

Foreign investors bought

on a year-on- year basis.

be easy to rent it out but if he

for popular Malaysian blue

local bonds ahead of BNM’s

For properties between

wants to sell, he would need

chips. He prefers utilities and

monetary policy meeting

RM500,000 – RM1 million,

to agree to a lower selling

real estate investment trusts

later this week. The five year

total transactions value is

price from what he was

because of more predictable

yield is now at 3.243 percent,

down 23 percent while for the

expecting before. I think most

revenue-base and good

the lowest since June 2013.

properties worth RM1 million

owners right now are going

dividend prospects.

Do note that for yield, lower

and above, it declined 20

through the same dilemma

For those who bought unit

is better. It means that

percent. Do note though that

as him. Even rental rates are

trusts, do note that as per

investors are more confident

total transaction in terms of

softer these days. Well, as

MIDF market data, local

with the country and are not

units is still over 80,000 units.

they say, “Buy when low, sell

funds have purchased at

buying because of extremely

In other words, people are

when high.” Hope we know

least RM3.97 billion worth

high yield which may also

definitely still buying. Based

which is which.

of shares in each of the

indicate the riskiness of such

past seven weeks. As per

bonds.

the research house, these www.PropertyHunter.com.my

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NEWS

Mayor Vows 1.3km Development Won’t Deny Public Access to Sunset Beach Public access to the Tanjung Aru beach famed for its sunset vistas will remain even after a multibillion development and upgrading project there is completed, city Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai promised on Tuesday (June 28), as reported in The Malay Mail. The mayor, who said he grew up in the area and was invested in its community’s value, said he would personally ensure that the public would continue to have access to a major stretch of the beach as well as the historic Prince Philip Park in the vicinity.

“I personally assure that 1.3km of beach will still be maintained for the public. I also want my children and future generations to be able to enjoy it. I will have failed in my duty as a mayor if I

didn’t take the people’s views into consideration. I have done a lot of homework into waterfront cities and I want to ensure that we will be able to develop Tanjung Aru in a green way,” said Yeoh.

Construction for the project is divided

The project, which involves major

September 2018 and the Aru Gateway

into four phases, with the first phase beginning in the first quarter of 2017 at the main area of Prince Philip wharf and park, following by the second phase in September 2017 of the resorts and residential area, the golf course in mixed commercial development in

reclamation, relocation of schools

March 2019.

and residents, will encompass eight “character zones” and feature the beach area with public facilities, the Prince Philip park and wharf, a water canal, water theme park, dedicated cycling lanes, electric bus lines, golf course, marina, and several mixed development sites including seven hotels with 1,800 rooms, 22 residential developments with more than 4,000 units.

Brexit Will Not Significantly Affect Malaysia-EU Trade

Malaysia-Europe trade will not be

Dzulkifli said the impact from Brexit

especially for real estate investors,” he

significantly affected if Britain choses to

would have to be looked at over a period

said.

exit the European Union as the country

of time. Dzulkifli said if the referendum results

is not Malaysia’s main trading partner in the union, said Malaysia External Trade

The issue would have some impact on

in Britain leaving the union, Malaysia

Development Corporation (MATRADE)

the movement of the pound sterling and

may establish a separate free trade

Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dzulkifli

it may have a positive or negative impact

agreement alongside the Malaysia-EU

Mahmud, as reported in The Malay Mail

on Malaysia.

FTA.

If the pound sterling were to depreciate,

If Britain exits the EU, the country would

He said Britain was the third largest

it would reduce cost for parents who

then impose taxes for imports coming

destination for Malaysian exports

have children studying in England but it

into the union and this would make

in Europe after the Netherland and

may affect the revenue of Malaysian real

Britain uncompetitive.

Germany.

estate companies.

“For now, I don’t see any significant impact but if Britain really leaves the European Union, there is the possibility of other elements surfacing that might influence bilateral trade between Malaysia-Britain,” he told reporters after breaking fast with ambassadors from Islamic countries on Tuesday.

“It’s difficult to anticipate what the impact

be announced on Friday, two-way trade

will be. Britain still has its own attractions

between Malaysia and Britain would

Online.

However, whatever the decision that will

remain intact. In 2015, Malaysia’s trade with EU stood grew 3.1 per cent to RM148.52 billion. Exports to EU rose 8.4 per cent or RM6.09 billion to RM78.92 billion, with exports to the United Kingdom expanding 17.6 per cent 2

1. 2.

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Artist’s impression of the Tanjung Aru Eco Development Bank of England

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