03
AUG
2016 WEDNESDAY
BUILDING LEGACIES FOR
FUTURE GENERATIONS
– IJM Land managing director Edward Chong
IJM Land nurtures communities and ensures harmonious coexistence between nature and society. > P04-05
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
A FRENCH FUSION HAVEN
IJM LAND’S DEBUNGA AT GOMBAK IMMORTALISES THE SPIRIT OF IMPRESSIONISM BEAUTY. > P02
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KING OF THE HILL STANDS TALL AT THE HEART OF THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE
8KIAPENG ADDS ALLURE TO THE SKYLINE OF KUALA LUMPUR. > P12
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BOOMING SOUTHERN KLANG VALLEY
GROWTH IN DEMOGRAPHICS, ECONOMIC ACTIVITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT SHAPES PROPERTY LANDSCAPE. > P14
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developments
02 township By LEE YAN LI
lylee@thestar.com.my
STARPROPERTY.MY WEDNESDAY 03 AUGUST 2016
THE PRESENT MATTERS
A FRENCH FUSION HAVEN
IJM Land’s DeBunga at Ukay Perdana immortalises the spirit of Impressionistic beauty.
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207 units Blessed with the unique advantage of being next to the Ampang forest reserve, the development of 207 units is within a forest-fronted valley, placing the residents right in the centre of fresh cooling breeze and tranquil nature.
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EARNING for a picturesque dwelling that rivals the breathtaking beauty of a French garden immortalised by the founder of French Impressionist painting? IJM Land’s DeBunga Residensi@Ukay Perdana, a 32.77-acre residential development, is inspired by French Monet garden at Giverny, the subject of Claude Monet’s most famous paintings that remains the most famous garden in France with 500,000 visitors every year. The influence of naturalistic beauty can be seen in DeBunga’s concept of “Garden in Home, Home in Garden”. Blessed with the unique advantage of being next to the Ampang forest reserve, the development of 207 units is within a forest-fronted valley, placing the residents right in the centre of fresh cooling breeze and tranquil nature. The green milieu is further enhanced by the exclusively crafted green landscape which consists of a 440-metre linear park intersected with Monet Garden, water park, canal stream, club house, swimming pool, play squares, sport facilities such as basketball court, bicycle lane, jogging track, tree house and more. A tribute to the power of H2O, DeBunga’s water features play a key part in providing a soothing and lively landscape that promises a sanctuary for the mind, body and soul. The water park provides a respite for the residents, while the clubhouse is partly designed to float serenely on the water body with luxury of openness overlooking the impressive Monet landscape. The pieces of broken slab stone leading to the infinity pool introduce another playful and adventurous experience. For those who prefer a more relaxing time, there is a meditation deck that sits over the canal stream with its water mirroring the majestic sky and gentle soothing sound to meet the state of tranquillity, and a water gazebo as an alternative option for residents to relax and unwind. Spending a leisurely day at the outdoor of DeBunga seems like a heavenly treat, as residents enjoy the cascading water feature positioned in
rhythm weaves that merge harmoniously with existing contour. Furthermore, residents will be able to rejuvenate in a resort-style atmosphere clubhouse with exclusive facilities such as infinity pool, gym and games room. DeBunga holds a strata title and is developed by Sierra Ukay Sdn Bhd. It has bagged a few national awards with its unique concept that blends a famous cultural icon with the local geographical advantage of the Ampang forest reserve. With 207 units of three-storey semi-detached and bungalows, DeBunga is a low density development that offers 11 exquisite designs for those looking for a home within a lush greenery. The semi-detached houses have built-up sizes starting from 3,800 sq ft while the bungalows’ built-ups start from 4,900 sq ft. Each unit comes with private lift with assurance of maximum convenience and exclusivity within the property. The SD3 comprises three-storey semi-detached units with 5+1 bedrooms. The homes are crafted with triple-volume ceiling at entrance and double-volume ceiling at family hall. At a build-up size of 4,077 sq ft, the prices of the units range from RM2.9mil to RM3.2mil. For type RB2A, the three-storey homes with 4+1 bedrooms offer a built-up area of 3,880 sq ft at a price of RM2.9 mil. Those with a bigger family can consider type RB6 with 6+1 bedrooms at a built-up size of 5,833 sq ft. The property offers lifestyle dining experience next to swimming pool with direct access to the pool deck. Besides a spacious design that allows for a four-car parking, the covered car porch is also upgradeable to a fully enclosed garage by adding a set of roller shutter. Natural lighting is the key as the triple volume space of grand entrance foyer allows the diffusion of natural light flows, while the top of the internal courtyard has an opening that permits daylight and ventilation to the powder room. Before entering the gated and guarded community, the journey to DeBunga Residence is
1 Residents can spend a leisurely day enjoying the facilities within the neighbourhood. 2 Surrounded by slopes of green, residents can take pleasure in viewing the lush greenery at the comfort of their own homes. 3 The lush boulevard of DeBunga offers maximum greenery to the residents.
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flanked by tree canopies and misty lush greenery conveying a great sense of welcome. Residents who cannot get enough of the 360-degree panoramic forest view in the midst of nature can enjoy the spectacular view at the comfort of their own homes, as some homes are equipped with private balcony. The glass balustrade allows extensive and unobstructed view to the million-dollar forest reserve. The living space is designed with maximum glazing allowing great openness to nature, with some homes offering 270-degree panoramic outdoor view as well as extensive lanai that provides a generous dose of outdoor sensory experience. DeBunga is accessible through MRR2, Duke Highway, Ampang-Kuala Lumpur elevated highway (Akleh), Jalan Ampang and Karak Highway. The surrounding education facilities include International School of Kuala Lumpur, Fairview International School KL, Fairview International School Wangsa Maju, Sayfol International School, Sri Utama International School, International Islamic School, International Islamic University Malaysia, University of Tunku Abdul Rahman, SJK (C) Chung Hwa, SMK Taman Melawati and SMK Wangsa Maju. Residents who are health conscious can take comfort in the health amenities such as Gleneagles Intan Medical Centre Kuala Lumpur, Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital, Prince Court Medical Centre, HSC Medical Center, Twin Towers Medical Centre KLCC, Institut Jantung Negara and Hospital Danau Kota.
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cover story
04corporate makks@thestar.com.my By MAK KUM SHI
Pantai Sentral Park.
BUILDING LEGACIES FOR
FUTURE GENERATIONS IJM Land nurtures communities and ensures harmonious co-existence between nature and society.
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EVELOPERS are builders of the nation. IJM Land goes beyond this by being responsible to stakeholders, communities and the environment with the intention of building legacies for future generations. According to IJM Land managing director Edward Chong, the spaces that they design and build are not limited by the structures upon which they stand, but are liberated by the purpose of what they mean. Their push towards constant revolutions in environmentally sound property development projects reflects their commitment to eco-innovation in building design and sustainable integration. Rather than an add-on, the purpose of benefiting their residents and communities is reflected in their innovation and creativity that is evident across all their developments and properties. They are guided by the principle that the perfect living space does not solely consist of architecture and surrounding landscape within its walls, but rather, it thrives on the liveability and sustainability within an ecosystem that extends to all aspects and touchpoints within the immediate community. Where commercially feasible for their developments, features that offer better air quality, reduces carbon emissions, provides lush greenery and landscaping, and investments in equipment that reduce consumption of energy and water have been incorporated. This comes in the form of township value creation, community development and support, access and connectivity provision, capacity enhancement, rain harvesting, renewable energy, waterways protection and rehabilitation, landscaping, waste recycling and others.
He added, “As a responsible developer, we aspire to go beyond architectural excellence and the bounds of conventional thinking to create sanctuaries of comfortable and holistic living environments that are mindful of the lives and lifestyles of the communities we serve.”
Nurturing communities
Value creation to buyers does not end with the completion and handing over of units with vacant possession. It continues with sensitive and continuous enhancements to neighbourhoods and townships to provide a better living experience. “It is by our nature that we foster closeknit communities in our properties. After all, homeowners are at the heart of all that we do,” he said. Their neighbourhoods and townships emphasise a healthy, conducive and safe community living environment, with amenities such as parks, recreational areas, jogging tracks and bicycle lanes within developments being focal points. Much attention has been devoted to creating user-friendly facilities and promoting green and outdoor living for communities. With housing as one of the largest commitments in the lives of most Malaysians, IJM Land is compelled to act responsibly by delivering on their promises on time and every time. “The work at IJM Land is driven by the values that we have and principles that we practise, where the customer is always at the heart of our business. “We take pride in building properties
for families, businesses and communities that resonate with them. It is a privilege for us to engage with them and an honour to gain their trust. We see our properties as destinations for our residents rather than shells, and we are here to help them on their journey. “We do this as we believe that it benefits the livelihood and well-being of our communities. Our commitment in creating a harmonious and liveable community can be seen in some of our townships like Seremban 2, S2 Heights, Bandar Rimbayu and Shah Alam 2, where we make continuous efforts to improve and maintain existing infrastructure and amenities in the townships,” he said. Chong cited Seremban 2 as a thriving community where lives and relationships blossom. This is a fully integrated and sustainable township held up by great people and cultures with strong community ties and respect for the environment. Seremban 2 was launched 21 years ago, and the developer has continued to stay invested in the neighbourhood and community. In order to help residents to build a stronger emotional connection to the township, the developer has been making subtle tweaks to the Seremban 2 township through the decades. The developer’s biggest innovation and creative solutions occur in planning, problem solving and green initiatives that benefit the community and creating opportunities for homeowners and families to celebrate the joy of life. They had introduced a number of community and environmental-friendly initiatives to serve their township. This included dedicating large parcels of land to open areas and parks that serve as the township’s green lungs, fitting eco-friendly applications and equipment into homes,
composting vegetation waste and harvesting rainwater. A wide range of essential, retail, commercial and recreational amenities has also been introduced to the township over several years. Seremban 2 has met its goal of becoming the township that would change the landscape of Seremban. It has been the catalyst in uplifting the Seremban address and has become a benchmark for future development, not only for the vicinity, but also for prime locations throughout the country. “As we have played a big hand in nurturing this for so long, for us, Seremban 2 is nothing short of a place called home. We are proud to be a part of the Seremban 2 community as it is something that we have continually worked for – to develop a close-knit family where relationships not only blossom but last as well,” he said. “In customer surveys, we discovered that buyers of the project’s initial launch had in fact returned to purchase new homes for their children. This indicates that there is a sense of belonging here within the Seremban 2 community and it comforts us that we have done something right,” he added.
Symbiosis of nature and society Built and natural environments can co-exist with one another in a harmonious manner. IJM Land leads by example with exceptional
STARPROPERTY.MY WEDNESDAY 03 AUGUST 2016
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developments such as Bandar Rimbayu, Pantai Sentral Park and The Light Waterfront. The Light Waterfront is part of a greater development plan conceived especially for the growth of Penang. Dubbed ‘The Jewel in Penang’s Crown’, The Light Waterfront Penang is an iconic and fully integrated seafront eco-friendly property development set on the shores of the eastern coastlines on Penang Island with breathtaking views of the historic Malacca Straits and Penang Bridge. Designed to complement Penang’s unique cultural identity while
Category), The Edge Notable Property Achievement Award 2015 and StarProperty.my Awards 2016 (Excellence – The Wow Award). The Light Linear and The Light Collection series are Penang’s first green homes, having been the first residential development in the state to be awarded with certifications of Green Building Index. The Light Waterfront Penang is designed to help reduce carbon trails and decelerate global climate change by adopting green measures and installing green technology items in every unit, as well as in the vicinity. The most unique feature within The Light residential development is the self-sustaining marine ecosystem in the form of the salt waterways. The waterways weaves around and interconnects the cluster of buildings, teeming with corals and fish. Besides creating awareness of a coral reef’s natural habitat, the waterways would also serve to reduce the ‘heat island’ effect and cool the surrounding area, as well as act as both a conservation and education tool for future generations. The Turtle and Marine Ecosystem Centre supports this effort, and there are collaborative efforts in the pipeline for future marine life breeding and rehabilitation programmes. This feature has earned IJM Land a place in The Malaysia Book of Records 2015 for the first marine ecosystem in a residential precinct. The development is also Penang’s first residential development to install wind turbines. Penang’s tropical climate and constant sea breezes are used as sources for wind turbines and solar panels to produce electricity for the clubhouse compound. Bandar Rimbayu is another example of a sustainable township development, inspired by nostalgia for a time when life was simple and people lived close to nature, in a safe and supportive neighbourhood. Bandar Rimbayu’s identity as a green township is expressed by sustainable use of natural resources and environmental consciousness. The entire development is lush with greenery and water features, and this has a profound effect of cooling the ambient heat of the development as a whole. The Arc is an iconic landmark in the property development landscape that serves as a social hub and sustainable centrepiece, drawing in members of the community into 10,000 sq m of elevated green deck, a football field, herb and flower garden, green walls with over 50,000 trees, a scenic creek and board walk, as well as the future Bandar Rimbayu club house. “Our dream of building Bandar Rimbayu was to create a fully integrated and connected community set amidst
“Our dream of building Bandar Rimbayu was to create a fully integrated and connected community set amidst and at home with nature. We fully appreciate that integrated and holistic living environments need first to offer convenience to the people within its ecosystem. – IJM Land managing director Edward Chong amplifying its love for the arts and stimulating eco-centric thinking and living, it fuses visionary architectural concepts with eco-friendly elements, offering a unique, nautical-themed lifestyle. This development is highly regarded internationally with accolades such as FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Awards 2015 (Silver – Master Plan Category), FIABCI Malaysia Property Awards 2014 (Winner – Master Plan
and at home with nature. We fully appreciate that integrated and holistic living environments need first to offer convenience to the people within its ecosystem,” he said. “Residents also won’t need to travel far as it will have the advantage of connecting to a full suite of services on the development itself. This will allow residents time to dedicate themselves to more important things like family, work, study and health. It helps to reduce the community’s carbon footprint as people would not need to travel far to get the services they require,” he added. Touting Pantai Sentral Park as Kuala Lumpur’s one and only urban forest city, its eco-innovation proposition of modern-day conveniences with natureinspired living has attracted keen interest from homebuyers and investors alike. Set against the stunning backdrop of a 200-acre forest in Bukit Kerinchi, the township is designed to integrate residential, commercial and recreational touchpoints with the serenity of nature. The natural landscape, green canopies and predominantly northsouth orientation of the infrastructure avoids heat gain. The development employs a rainwater harvesting system to collect rainwater for reuse in irrigation and landscaping. Homeowners can enjoy the outdoors with direct access to a number of gardens, parks, a lake on the property, hiking trails, flora education parks and natural streams. “Here at Pantai Sentral Park, one can truly step out from their doorstep and straight into the adventures of the outdoors, something no other property development in the Klang Valley can offer,” he commented.
Serving stakeholders
As a developer with a strong legacy, IJM Land is driven with the aspiration to provide a truly unique lifestyle experience for its customers, connecting them to nature and each other, balancing exclusivity and inclusivity seamlessly and nurturing a strong sense of community and family within a safe and secure environment. “At the very core, we are a servicecentric company with a culture that places great emphasis on delivering the needs of others and exceeding stakeholder expectations. This is our premier priority, key differentiator and competitive advantage. “Acting upon this in all corners of our organisation, it touches all interactions with personnel, partners, customers and the community. It is with this focus on service excellence that we create positive legacies and bring life to ordinary spaces. “With each development, we build on our reputation as the developer for the people. Within our local community, we aim to support various meaningful causes for children, youth, the less privileged, education, sports and the arts,” Chong concluded.
main feature
06region
By MAK KUM SHI makks@thestar.com.my
GOLDEN TRIANGLE’S Kuala Lumpur's leading commercial, shopping and entertainment
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HE Golden Triangle in Kuala Lumpur has seen rapid growth over several decades. Unique synergy between different economic sectors has resulted in a multiplier effect on growth within this region. With the region undergoing a regeneration, the Golden Triangle will continue to experience growth in the future. The Golden Triangle is Malaysia’s leading commercial, shopping and entertainment hub, located at the north east of Central Kuala Lumpur and roughly covering the areas north of Jalan Pudu and Jalan Changkat Thambi Dollah, west of Jalan Tun Razak and south of Jalan Ampang. It is already hosting both national and global headquarters of several multinational companies, an internationally renowned shopping destination and a vibrant entertainment hub for locals, tourists and expatriates alike.
Rapid growth over several decades
KSK Group Berhad chief executive officer and KSK Land Sdn Bhd managing director Joanne Kua shared that early development of the area was centred on Bukit Bintang. Early developments included Sungai Wang Plaza, the Hilton Hotel, the Regent Hotel, the old Equatorial Hotel, as well as the soon-to-be-demolished Concorde Hotel along Jalan Sultan Ismail. Other buildings eventually emerged, including The Weld, Lot 10, Low Yat Plaza, Shahzan Towers, Wisma Genting and Menara Promet. The rapid growth of the Golden Triangle over the past decades was mainly driven by investment, rapid urban and infrastructure development and the booming tourism sector. Kuala Lumpur is a key investment destination for businesses and investors. Given Malaysia’s secure business environment and sound infrastructure, businesses of various sizes, both regionally and globally, have chosen to operate their businesses in Kuala Lumpur. This has given a boost to real estate and commercial developments within the Golden Triangle. She cited a survey by global property consultant Knight Frank that the Kuala Lumpur central business district (CBD) and Golden Triangle remain the most attractive regions in Malaysia for commercial real estate investment for 2015. The booming tourism sector also plays an important role in the growth of the Golden Triangle. The Government has launched intensive promotion
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“More worldclass players are setting up new retail, recreational and hospitality facilities, which have expanded business, employment and investment opportunities in this area.
activities to position Malaysia as a destination of choice for both leisure and business tourism. More world-class players are setting up new retail, recreational and hospitality facilities, which have expanded business, employment and investment opportunities in this area. TRX City Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Azmar Talib shared recent years has seen a move out of the Golden Triangle by businesses migrating away from the city centre to commercial areas outside of the CBD as a way to deal with congestion. This has contributed to the growth of newer business areas like Bangsar South and Mutiara Damansara. The Golden Triangle, despite its concentration of commerce, has seen slower growth as it reaches its capacity. “Iconic developments such as Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) and Pavilion anchor the existing CBD. However, in my opinion, the Golden Triangle has yet to reach its full potential as one district. We foresee that the increase in connectivity, with the rail improvements, and subsequent reduction of congestion will change the
current face of the Golden Triangle and unlock new areas of growth,” Azmar said.
Unique synergy with growth multiplier effect
Kua viewed the growth potential of the Golden Triangle positively and believed it will have a strong multiplier effect on the growth of other economic sectors including tourism, hospitality, retail and real estate. The variety of commercial, hospitality and retail shopping malls is a potent mix for real estate growth. Along with multiple food and beverage (F&B) and fine dining outlets, as well as sound infrastructure, this has led to tremendous growth in real estate values in Kuala Lumpur Golden Triangle, as benchmark prices are set almost every other year, when new developments take shape in place of the old. With good growth amidst strong fundamentals, Malaysia’s property
prices are still considered affordable in Asia. Foreign investors’ appetite for Malaysian properties are growing. Malaysian properties offer promising rental yield between four and five percent per annum. The development of Bukit Bintang and KLCC areas as leading shopping havens have driven tourism activities. The recent growth of Islamic finance and Malaysia’s key oil and gas sector has led to strong demand for office and retail space, as well as residential highrises. The Government’s Economic Transformation Programme’s (ETP) focus in mega infrastructure and transportation projects will further strengthen the Golden Triangle as an iconic destination for ‘work, life and play’. Various entry point projects have been established by the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (PEMANDU), including the recent Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail project, development of an integrated urban rail system, as well as designating Bukit Bintang and KLCC as a vibrant shopping precinct.
STARPROPERTY.MY WEDNESDAY 03 AUGUST 2016
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RENAISSANCE hub will continue to prosper.
1 Artist’s impression of Tun Razak Exchange. 2 Aerial view of TRX’s Signature Tower that is under construction. 3 Artist’s impression of 8 Conlay. 4 Artist’s impression of Bukit Bintang City Centre’s main plaza. 5 Aerial view of artist’s impression for Bukit Bintang City Centre.
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Golden Triangle’s regeneration Azmar commented that TRX is a catalytic development for the regeneration of the Imbi area, and in extension, the Golden Triangle itself. Located at the crossing of Jalan Tun Razak and Jalan Sultan Ismail, it will serve as the new southern gateway to Kuala Lumpur and will extend the current KL CBD and the Bukit Bintang shopping belt. TRX will also host Line 1 and Line 2 of the MRT at the TRX interchange station. It is expected to be the busiest MRT station in Kuala Lumpur, due to its central location and pedestrian connectivity to Bukit Bintang that will enable it to draw high pedestrian traffic to the surrounding area. TRX can create a huge potential in expanding the existing Golden Triangle’s shopping destination by enhancing the existing Bukit Bintang shopping belt and extending it all the way into the Imbi area and the TRX retail section. Shoppers can enjoy a dedicated vibrant pedestrian walkway that seamlessly connects major shopping points within the Golden Triangle, boosting its profile as a major international destination. It is foreseen that these changes will enhance the quality of the area, transforming Imbi into the most preferred location in KL city centre. The Bukit Bintang City Centre (BBCC) is expected to contribute to the Golden Triangle’s vibrancy in the future. This 19.4-acre development, located at the crossroads of Jalan Imbi and Jalan Pudu, is master-planned by Jerde Partnership and will comprise six blocks of serviced apartments, a retail and entertainment block, four-star and fivestar hotels, branded residences, serviced residences, strata and corporate offices. BBCC is expected to appeal to the new generation of house seekers who want a convenient and comfortable lifestyle environment. It already enjoys the presence of the existing KL Monorail and light rail transit (LRT) on site, but the BBCC management has had positive discussions with Prasarana to create an upgraded transit hub to seamlessly connect the LRT together with the existing and future monorail. Bukit Bintang City Centre chief executive officer Datuk Richard Ong is excited what the future holds with BBCC. The development takes a cue from the Government’s vision to restore inner city living through regenerating the city and improving the social fabric of the urban landscape. In other parts of the world, properties in the capital city are highly coveted as they provide very conducive and liveable conditions for its inhabitants. In Malaysia, people typically work in the city but stay in the suburbs. This could be due to the prohibitive price of the existing residential supply or the lack of truly integrated offerings that can fulfil the lifestyle needs of new generation of house buyers. “We believe this is an opportune time to transform the site by creating comprehensive amenities such as modern workplaces,
sophisticated dwellings, exciting entertainment and leisure offers that are also close to nature. “City developments usually lack green features, but we have taken great pains to create a huge rooftop park on top of the mall to ensure that our dwellers can be close to nature. This rooftop park will be one of the largest green oasis in the city centre. “We believe that BBCC will become an integrated development in the true sense of the word, by virtue of the fact that it has the most comprehensive offers all under one roof,” Ong said. Kua expects the Golden Triangle to continue experiencing changes in the form of new developments, as well as the mushrooming of more high-rises in place of the old. Plans are already underway to redevelop certain parcels of land along Jalan Sultan Ismail. This includes the Concorde Hotel site, the old Equatorial Hotel and the MAS building, which has been bought by the Employees Provident Fund (EPF). The Tradewinds Square megadevelopment may see the Triangle’s tallest building, comprising a 110-storey corporate office tower, a 61-storey mixed use tower, and a shopping mall with a floor space of 1 million sq ft. Kempinski Hotels, a world-leading European luxury hotelier, has chosen to open their first hotel in Kuala Lumpur by 2020. The Kempinski Hotel Kuala Lumpur was recognised by PEMANDU as one of the Entry Point Projects (EPP) under the tourism national key economic areas (NKEA). The Kempinski Hotel Kuala Lumpur, with a committed investment value (excluding land cost) of RM360mil, is expected to provide more than 700 new job opportunities. The new MRT lines will also boost the overall development of the Golden Triangle, enhancing its appeal as a leading retail and tourist destination. In fact, land and properties in the vicinity of the MRT lines have enjoyed an increase in value. New developments in the surrounding area, including 8 Conlay, are expected to enjoy the same price appreciation spillover effects. The Golden Triangle is also benefiting from the spillover impact from rapid development around the KLCC area, notably the mushrooming of new branded residences. “KSK Land is proud to be partnering YOO and Kempinski Hotels to bring more options and vibrancy to this area through YOO8 serviced by Kempinski, the branded residence component of 8 Conlay. “We believe 8 Conlay will be an exclusive piece that property buyers and investors would like to add to their portfolio. In fact, it is very rarely you get a branded luxury residence sitting on a retail podium, on top of great location and premium services. “In summary, Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle is not a static developed area. It is transforming, in line with the nation’s transformation to make Kuala Lumpur a liveable and vibrant city,” Kua concluded.
news
STARPROPERTY.MY WEDNESDAY 03 AUGUST 2016
08iBilik
By CAITLYN NG LI YUIN liyuin@ocision.com
COME BE INSPIRED BY THE BEAUTY OF NATURE Located close to the equator, Malaysia enjoys warm weather year-round, which results in some of the richest biodiversity just waiting to be explored.
2 1 Diving fun in Sabah's Sipadan Island. 2 Boat ride along a river in Taman Negara. 3 Students on a field trip admiring the pristine sights around Putrajaya Wetland.
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T over 330,000 sq km of land mass, Malaysia gives the impression of two countries that so happen to be separated in half by the South China Sea. On one hand, the peninsula part boasts of bustling cities with steel-clad skyscrapers, well-preserved colonial architecture, expansive tea and paddy plantations, a variety of theme parks and laid-back islands. On the other hand, the Borneo part (Sabah and Sarawak) is home to pristine jungles teeming with wildlife, towering granite peaks, remote tribes and magnificent diving sites. With a strategic location and a yearround tropical climate, it should come as no surprise that Malaysia is one of the world's top holiday destinations. Nature buffs and thrill seekers are some of the people attracted to our country, having plenty of well-known and hidden natural gems to appeal to people of all ages. With the sultry and humid weather that the locals enjoy, tourists will naturally flock to the many breathtaking islands dotted around the peninsula coastline. Some of these include Redang, Perhentian, Tioman, Pangkor and Rawa. At any of these islands, one will be welcomed by the sight of powdery white beaches, crystal clear waters, and windswept palm trees. Here is where there's plenty of opportunity to dive right into the warm
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waters and snorkel or scuba dive, allowing for swimmers to delight in the exploration of underwater seascapes. The islands also make for fantastic spots to just enjoy an idyllic day, or for families to have some fun under the sun. Back on the mainland, there is also something for those with a taste for adventure. The white water rafting activity can be experienced in the country's many beautiful national parks, from the tamer Grade 1 rapids to the incredibly difficult and dangerous Grade 5 rapids. Some of the locations include Sungai Selangor and Kuala Kubu Baru in Selangor, Jeram Besu and Telom River in Pahang, as well as Kampar River and Sungkai River in Perak. These national parks also host a vast number of exotic flora and fauna. Taman Negara is one of them, the first and oldest official Protected Area in the country. It contains one of the oldest rainforests in the world (estimated to be 130 million years old), where the abundance and diversity of the rich ecosystem found here is astounding. Another example of a national park that is very popular with scientific expeditions is the Endau Rompin National Park, second after Taman Negara. This park is also home to insects, unique orchid varieties, birds, medicinal plants and trees. Mammals such as leaf monkeys,
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tapirs and elephants can be spotted too for those who choose to trek through the jungle. In order to keep the environment protected, ecotourism is only limited to certain areas of the park. There is also the Putrajaya Wetlands, a wildlife sanctuary that functions as more than just an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of the administrative capital. Filled with plenty of colourful flora and fauna, this site attracts people to birdwatching activities, as a number of species can be found here – local marshland birds, water birds and even some migratory types. Let's not forget about Malaysia Borneo, where the splendour of Sabah and Sarawak's natural beauty is unmatched by any other part in the country. In Sabah, the islands of Sipadan, Mabul and Layang could easily give other international islands a run for their money. For example, Sipadan Island was once described by Jacques Cousteau (a world-renowned oceanographer) as an 'untouched piece of art'. Needless to say, the island has also been voted by divers around the world as one of the top five. The other two islands are no less oceanic havens that offer diverse marine life for macrophotography. Of course, the crowning glory would be Mount Kinabalu, the towering granite peak that exerts a magical quality that is
both magnificent and awe-inspiring. Rising up to over 13,000 ft, Mount Kinabalu can now be ascended by both amateurs and professional mountaineers, thanks to the creation of a path that consists of a series of rungs, rails and cables. Finally, we come to Sarawak, where adventure lives on in the vast wilderness. We begin at the Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak's largest national park and also Malaysia's first World Heritage Area, having been awarded the status in 2000. This location is most famously known for three things: the world's largest natural chamber, Sarawak Chamber (capable of accommodating 40 Boeing 747 airplanes); the world's largest cave passage, Deer Cave (which can fit five cathedrals the size of St Paul's in London); and the longest cave in South-East Asia, Clearwater Cave. One other natural attraction is the Bako National Park, the oldest in the state. Well-known for its extraordinary natural scenery, its most significant feature are the coves and cliffs, where magnificent sea arches and sea stacks have been carved out from the all the wave action and strong winds. Bako is also home to some of the rarest proboscis monkeys, approximately numbering 275, which can only be found in Borneo. Apart from that, roaring waterfalls share a home with the incredible variety of plants and vegetation found at this perfect introduction point to Sarawak's forests and wildlife.
events
STARPROPERTY.MY WEDNESDAY 03 AUGUST 2016
By VIKNESH ASHLEY
forum09
vikneshashley@thestar.com.my
CONNECTING THE DOTS ON
KL PROPERTY INVESTMENT
Grasp the essence of the property industry at the upcoming StarProperty.my Forum 2016.
D
ESPITE the property market being unstable, many property buyers are still looking to purchase their very first property. Similar to homeowners in many parts of Malaysia, those living within the Klang Valley are also interested in venturing into this lucrative field. However, many may lack the required skillset to do so. Klang Valley residents strongly believe that buying their very own property is simply unthinkable but this notion can be altered with the right guidance from experienced property experts. The upcoming StarProperty.my Forum will be held on Aug 28 at the Cybertorium in Menara Star, Petaling Jaya where three prominent speakers will enlighten those keen on venturing into the Kuala Lumpur property scene. The upcoming forum will be led by VKA Wealth Planners Sdn Bhd business development director Ang Chee Yong, focusing on the Emerging Opportunities of HSR on Mixed Developments in Malaysia. This topic revolves around discussing key pointers on how the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur High-Speed Rail (HSR) is set to be the next growth game changer for these countries respectively. Ang will also shed some light on future hot spot areas for the property
industry and how the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur HSR would benefit Malaysia’s Generation X and Generation Y individually. If you are uncertain about how to secure home financing during the trying times of the current market situation, perhaps the next speaker would be of great assistance. Founder of Smart Financing, Gary Chua will be sharing pointers on what one can do to secure and finance one’s dream home despite 2016 being a particularly challenging year for the property market. This year has been challenging for the property industry due to several newly implemented bank policies that have dampened the approval rates of many hopeful property buyers to an all-time low within the first and second quarter of the year. Chua explained, “Though it isn’t easy to secure financing from banks right now, it is important for those keen on partaking in the property industry to equip themselves with this knowledge as it may very well keep one ahead of the property game regardless of now or in future.” Senior property negotiator, Abdul Aziz Ahmad, will also partake in the upcoming forum sharing pointers on finding the right property at the right place. The speaker mentioned that it is crucial when selecting such an
A GATHERING OF GREAT
MINDS
Rehda Institute to hold its annual CEO Series in mid-August.
EASY ACCESSIBILITY AND FINANCING
Date: 28th August 2016 (Sunday) l Time: 1:00pm-6:00pm Venue: Cybertorium, Menara Star
Emerging Opportunities of HSR on Mixed Development in Malaysia ANG CHEE YONG
Licensed Financial Planner
How to Secure a Home Financing in this Trying Time!
Why You Need To Stay On The Transit System
GARY CHUA
ABDUL AZIZ AHMAD
Founder, SMART financing
Founder, Hartanahguru.com Organised by:
Register nowas atproperty, starproperty.my/forum important asset such made it big when others may have regardless of its purpose as an thought about the foreclosure of their investment or even for own stay. property. Failing to recognise the suitable Make a date with these experienced property for may result in burning up speakers as well as the showcasing of one’s hard earned money. an exclusive mixed-development by Abdul Aziz will reveal how people Ekovest Bhd dubbed EkoTitiwangsa, a in Singapore and Hong Kong make luxury serviced apartment situated in their way to the top by selecting the the heart of Kuala Lumpur. right property which they would To reserve your seat, please eventually refer to as assets. register at http://starproperty.my/ He also demonstrates how people forum now as reservations are made in depression countries such as based on a first come, first serve basis Europe have not only survived, but and admission is free.
T
HE REHDA Institute CEO Series 2016 is the annual exclusive conference organised by Rehda Institute, supported by StarProperty.my as its exclusive media partner. The event will present itself as a full-day event that would take place on August 18 at Wisma REHDA in Kelana Jaya. The conference this year will focus on the Forward Economic Outlook & Global
Winning Real Estate Strategies in an Uncertain Market. Those privileged to take part in this exclusive event include key decision makers and CEOs of the Real Estate, Construction, Consultancy, Banking, and Rating Agencies in Malaysia. The target audience of the conference includes those keen on knowledge-sharing from top-notch speakers discussing the direction of the economy, banking sector, construction, real estate and property development in Malaysia in the second half of 2016. The conference will also include the presentation of case practices and different trends from other countries, which Malaysia may
Register now at starproperty.my/ forum
leverage on. Adding to that the much awaited event will also set the pathway for future residential, retail and office building sectors aside from being a platform for movers and shakers of the industry to build lasting bonds. Some of the key speakers that would partake in this exciting event include Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Lin See-Yan, former deputy governor Bank Negara Malaysia, and Sir Edward Lister, former deputy mayor. Other speakers include Esther Lai, head of sovereign ratings RAM Rating Bhd, and Matthew Holloway, precint architect TRX Lifestyle Quarter Grimshaw Architects. The lunch address speech will be delivered by Finance Minister II, Datuk Haji Johari Abdul Ghani. For more information on this grand event please log on to http://rehdainstitute.com/ ceo2016/.
developments
STARPROPERTY.MY WEDNESDAY 03 AUGUST 2016
10 township By LEE YAN LI
lylee@thestar.com.my
THE CHARMING TRANQUILLITY OF SETIA ALAM Anggun Kirana offers a modern and capacious haven for the family.
1 Anggun Kirana targets the affluent urban residents looking for a modern living environment that nonetheless retains the exquisite charm of unspoilt nature. 2 Well designed for the needs of a growing family, one can mingle with loved ones or spend private time alone within the spacious home. 3 Urban and premium are the key words in describing the concept of Auggun Kirana.
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ocated within the vibrant township of Setia Alam, the 50 exclusive freehold units of three-storey spacious link homes of Anggun Kirana are enhanced by the tranquillity of lush landscapes and serene nature that reinforces the concept of a greener lifestyle. The latest phase of residential development in Alam Nusantara, Setia Alam, Anggun Kirana consists of two phases with built-up area from 4,238 to 5,330 sq ft. The 6.05-acre development has a gross development value of approximately RM102mil. The prices range from RM1,780,500 to RM3,089,000. Developed by Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor, Anggun Kirana is a bold new development that targets the affluent residents looking for a modern living environment that nonetheless retains the exquisite charm of unspoilt nature. Emphasising on a spacious layout for the family, Anggun Kirana's three-storey homes offer six bedroom and seven bathrooms homes with a layout of 28’ x 90’. The 42 units of intermediate lots with builtup area of 4,238 sq ft are individually priced at RM1,780,500, while the corner lots at a built-up area of 4,489 sq ft come with a price tag of RM2,113,500. There are also four end lots priced at RM2,372,500 each with build-up area of 4,871 sq ft. Residents will be able to start their day fresh with natural sunlight illuminating the comfortable living space, as the design and interior arrangement prioritises natural lighting that nurtures a more intimate connection with the environment. The stunning architecture of Anggun Kirana is crafted with modern contemporary design that stresses
urban and premium sensation for the residents. For members of growing families who would like to enjoy quality time and modern lifestyle with their loved ones, Anggun Kirana presents a perfect arrangement to spend time with each other under one roof, while giving them enough space to indulge themselves in their personal activities in daily life. The capacious home, blessed with high ceiling and wide windows, allows sufficient inflow of natural light and breeze, making it a home of warmth and comfort. As the residents step outside the doorstep, they will be basking in the distinctive sensation of warmness and vitality while exploring the seamless landscaping feature within the residential that bridges the connection between the residents and nature. The outdoor is never far from one’s doorstep. The neighbouring greenery provides a relaxing respite to those looking to escape the busy hassle of modern work life, though one can still easily revel in the modern conveniences with a generous selection of leisure and entertainment delights surrounding the neighbourhood. Most urban essentials are merely a stone’s throw away. The development is situated just behind Setia City mall, while residents will be able to access other areas via NKVE-Setia Alam link and Jalan Kapar-Maru. Approximately, the development is 10km from Klang, 20km from Petaling Jaya, 23km from Subang, 25km from Puchong and 35km from Kuala Lumpur. Anggun Kirana@Alam Nusantara's current phase will cover 85% of the development and is expected to be launched this month. It holds a land encumbrance status and is set to be completed in January 2017.
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developments
12 township By LEE YAN LI
lylee@thestar.com.my
STARPROPERTY.MY WEDNESDAY 03 AUGUST 2016
THE PRESENT MATTERS
KING OF THE HILL STANDS TALL AT THE HEART OF THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE 8Kia Peng adds allure to the skyline of Kuala Lumpur.
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HE ever-rising skyscrapers in the heart of Kuala Lumpur cement its status as an international metropolitan hub that attracts local and foreign talents alike, creating a distinctive skyline that denotes the identity of the city. What better place to see the impressive spectacle than 8Kia Peng@Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), the freehold 50-storey high-rise development that stands right smack in the middle of the Zone 1 and the Golden Triangle of KLCC, a building that is able to deliver panoramic views of one of the tallest buildings in the world? Located on a higher ground at the prestigious address of Jalan Kia Peng, 8Kia Peng@KLCC, King of the Hill, which will itself soon become one of the important players of KL’s skyline, not only offers maximum view of Petronas Twin Towers and Suria KLCC, but retains the benefits of privacy with its secluded geographical feature. It is I-Bhd’s first luxury residential project targeting foreign buyers and investors with an aim to solidify KL’s reputation as a haven with global appeal, and a response to the government callto-action to promote the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme. The tower with 442 units of luxurious residences and a gross development value of RM1bil was officially launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on March 14. It has since received encouraging response from the international market, meeting the developer’s estimated
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makeup of 70% foreign buyers, while local interest is quickly picking up pace at the same time. The diverse mix of buyers from the United Kingdom, the US, Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia, Bangladeshi, Pakistan, China, Middle East and Hong Kong proves 8Kia Peng’s international appeal and promising potential as a distinguished residential development. Jalan Kia Peng is no stranger to expatriates even before I-Bhd’s ambitious project. The location houses several embassies including the Philippines and South Africa. It is also in close proximity to the Japanese embassy, as well as the Singaporean and Indonesian high commissions. Once a home to our founding father Tunku Abdul Rahman, the area is also rich with local pedigree with some popular landmarks such as Istana Hinggap Terengganu, Istana Johore and Istana Kelantan. In fact, Tengku Datuk Mustapha bin Tengku Mohamed, the Grand Chamberlain to the Yang diPertuan Agong from 1980 until 1989, cited happy memories of the area as one of the motivators that sold him the idea of investing in a unit in 8Kia Peng. The high-end residential project is built on a 1.05-acre freehold parcel and will comprise 442 residential units with 80% of the units having a direct view of KLCC. The starting price is set at RM2,300 per sq ft. With built-up sizes of 718 sq ft to 1,738 sq ft, the two-bedroom units will be fully fitted and furnished. They will be in a
ready move-in condition that saves the residents time and hassle. The design maximises comfort and convenience for the residents, who can make use of the residences as a place for own stay or as a holiday home, but will nonetheless enjoy exclusive luxury just as if they are special guests in a premier hotel. 8Kia Peng’s first residential floor at level 9 is 56m above Jalan Kia Peng, an equivalent to level 18 of the other towers nearby. Residents will be able to enjoy the view of the city as well as the 50m infinity pool on the landscaped deck. The commanding height and relatively low density of the development promise solitary exclusivity, little clutter and maximum privacy. Private lifts to certain dedicated floors will also be complemented with high-level security. Located within the Zone 1 and in the
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1 The Sky Club lounge at level 46 and 47 offers unparalleled view of the city's skyline. 2 Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak (left) and I-Bhd executive chairman Tan Sri Lim Kim Hong at the launch of 8Kia Peng@KLCC King of the Hill project. 3 The 8Kia Peng project is located a stone’s throw away from Petronas Twin Tower.
Golden Triangle of KLCC, 8Kia Peng is in close proximity to Pavilion Shopping Centre and KLCC Twin Tower. Other facilities and amenities are five-star hotels such as Mandarin Oriental and Grand Hyatt, high-end offices namely Maxis, Petronas and KL Convention Centre, as well as entertainment hubs including TREC, Troika Sky Dining and Jalan P Ramlee. Prince Court, a five-star medical centre, is also located nearby. 8Kia Peng@KLCC is easily accessible via road, MRT, LRT and monorail, aside from the overhead bridges in the surrounding area. 8Kia Peng@KLCC is in compliance with Construction Quality Assessment Standards with a completion date set in 2019. At stage 2a, the construction progress is currently on track.
area focus
STARPROPERTY.MY WEDNESDAY 03 AUGUST 2016
14 region By MAK KUM SHI
makks@thestar.com.my
BOOMING SOUTHERN KLANG VALLEY
Growth in demographics, economic activity and infrastructure development shapes property landscape. THERE is a wide range of factors that is driving growth in Southern Klang Valley, and such factors make this region an attractive place for homebuyers, investors and businesses alike to settle in. IJM Land managing director Edward Chong commented that some of Klang Valley’s southern corridor’s traction and appeal lies in its connectivity and improved accessibility, making this corridor an accessible residential address. The convenience and ease of travelling to the southern corridor of Klang Valley increases its attractiveness as a place to live and work. Property investors and buyers are also drawn to this corridor because of the availability of landed houses, the most sought after residential type and lower house prices compared to properties in prime areas in Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya and Subang Jaya. Mah Sing Group C Suites chief sales officer James Bruyns shared that Southern Klang Valley is a preferred alternative living area for many. There are many new townships mushrooming from Semenyih to Bangi and Dengkil with affordable homes priced from RM300,000 onwards. Compared to other areas such as Bukit Beruntung and Serendah, Southern Klang Valley offers more established road networks and multiple access points for ease of accessibility.
Maturing communities
SK Brothers general manager Chan Ai Cheng cited that many expressways such as the Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong (LDP) in Puchong, South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE) in Seri Kembangan, Central Link, KLPutrajaya Highway, North-South Expressway (NSE) and Maju Expressway were created to ease traffic accessibility. A LBS spokesperson commented that the area has great potential due to its close proximity to educational institutions, medical, recreational and retail facilities such as Sunway University, Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus, Columbia Asia Hospital, Hospital Putrajaya, Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, Putrajaya Botanical Garden, IOI Mall and Sunway Pyramid.
Prices of Residential Property at Southern Klang Valley District
Avg. Land Area (sq m)
Avg. Floor Area (sq m)
Price Range (2015)
Avg. Price Change (%)
Bandar Mahkota Banting
130
72
160,000 - 200,000
7.1
Bandar Seri Ehsan
130
71
138,000 - 180,000
10.0
Bandar Saujana Putra
130
70
310,000
4.9
Taman Yayasan
149
98
180,000 - 230,000
4.3
Taman Sri Putra
130
74
115,000 - 189,000
8.6
Taman Jaya Utama
121
84
190,000 - 200,000
8.3
Taman Banting Baru
111
68
150,000 - 170,000
9.6
Taman Pahlawan
111
64
170,000
Stable
Single-Storey Terrace
Taman Perwira
121
74
190,000 - 210,000
ND
Chong commented that the continued population growth of the Klang Valley is driven by the large young Malaysian population that could unlock a potential source of domestic demand and growth. With the continued maturity of the developments located within the Klang Valley Southern Corridor, the demand and popularity of the developments within this corridor will only improve. The implementation of the high-speed rail link to Singapore may provide a further impetus to the development of this corridor. Bruyns commented that there are many major industrial hubs, multinational corporations and educational hubs surrounding the Southern Klang Valley that create job opportunities. With the increase in population and convenient accessibility, there is more demand on properties in the area. Property prices have escalated over the years. A linked home has risen in price from RM200,000 in 2011 to RM700,000 onwards currently.
Taman Dato Hormat
130
80
170,000 - 227,000
ND
Bandar Sungai Emas
130
81
220,000
4.8
Desa Pinggiran Putra
112
67
277,000 - 295,000
3.4
Kota Warisan
111
63
245,000 - 253,000
Stable
Taman Desa Vista
130
72
150,000 - 210,000
Stable
Taman Muhibbah (Sepang)
126
79
150,000 - 266,000
ND
Taman Ria 2 (Pekan Sungai Pelek)
133
88
170,000 - 196,000
ND
Taman Sri Bayu
130
69
138,000 - 148,000
4.4
Bandar Saujana Putra
112
110
300,000 - 445,000
Stable
Bandar Seri Ehsan
130
123
205,000 - 250,000
4.8
Taman Rimbayu
153
188
620,000 - 685,000
ND
Taman Seri Jarum
100
95
250,000 - 280,000
6.0
Taman Dato Hormat
130
145
295,000 - 380,000
6.3
Alam Sari Bangi
153
157
580,000 - 700,000
Stable
Bandar Bukit Mahkota Bangi
111
119
350,000 - 370,000
7.5
Transformation beneficiaries
Bandar Rincing
110
104
260,000 - 262,000
-3.0
Bandar Sunway Semenyih
145
143
420,000 - 460,000
5.5
Bandar Teknologi
119
117
334,000 - 420,000
Stable
Kajang Prima
221
130
465,000 - 490,000
7.3
Semenyih Parklands
121
151
380,000 - 435,000
3.7
Taman Semenyih Mewah
143
155
445,000 - 510,000
6.3
Chan commented that in the real estate sector, the sole motivation for developers to go into and explore the southern part of the Klang Valley is because they could increase their land banks for future developments at cheaper prices. “These land banks are located in areas where there will be plenty of amenities and infrastructure growth that will materialise in a few months to a few years’ time. One good example is the Sungai Buloh to Kajang MRT line that will be operational soon. These factors will transform Southern Klang Valley into a strategic location for businesses to boom,” Chan added. With Mah Sing’s 428-acre Southville City @KL South is located on the main stream of Klang Valley’s southern corridor, Bruyns said that its strategic location and high visibility along the North-South Expressway, businesses and the commercial component of the development will be positively impacted. Bruyns said, “The convenient accessibility and economic growth will further bring in
Double-Storey Terrace
Source: Ministry of Finance’s Valuation and Property Services Department’s Property Market Report 2015
more interested buyers and investors, which will then increase the market demand. The development is targeted to be the main attraction of Southern Klang Valley with Mah Sing Group as one of the major property players in the area.” LBS’s spokesperson commented that the development of their flagship township, Bandar Saujana Putra (BSP), features quality properties that caters to purchasers from different income levels. The development also provides a full range of facilities including schools, shops, a police station and parks, with a hypermarket and hospital in the pipeline. This makes BSP a self-contained township that offers a safe and relaxing environment to live in. Chong shared that Seremban 2 is
strategically located 1km from the Seremban toll plaza and 4km from Seremban town. Accessibility to the township is facilitated by North-South Expressway, Elite and Lekas highways, connecting Seremban 2 to locations such as Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Putrajaya and Cyberjaya. A stop in Seremban for the KLSingapore high-speed rail will further enhance its appeal. Similarly, with a lot of development projects and expressways such as Kesas, LKSA, Elite, SKVE and WCE linking Bandar Rimbayu to neighbourhoods such as Petaling Jaya, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, Puchong, Shah Alam and Klang, the development is poised to become the next vibrant township in the vicinity.
news
STARPROPERTY.MY WEDNESDAY 03 AUGUST 2016
Propwall 15
By NURUL ASMUI MD AZMI asmui@ocision.com
DISCOVER THE NEW FEATURE
Quick Reads: The newest feature on Propwall.my created to grow its avenue.
P
ROPWALL.MY is well known as one of the ideal property platforms for agents and consumers to buy and sell properties more effectively. Witnessing how the digital world has grown, and the increase in the average amount of time people spend reading online, propwall.my decided to take a step forward by providing reading materials to its users. Besides the comprehensive and detailed property reviews, propwall.my has recently introduced ‘Quick Reads’ feature, which is a column that offer concise and efficient write-ups. The reading materials under Quick Reads will cover a diverse mix of listicles (listy articles) and articles that are based on real estate and property, as well as home and living and newsy bits. Quick Reads is generated for various readers including first-time homebuyers, homeowners, investors, upgraders, property agents and general readers. Some of the examples of listicles on propwall.my are “6 top reasons to hire agents”, “5 clever ways to decorate outdoor space”, and “5 best ideas that increase home value”. The idea of Quick Reads come about as propwall.my notices the positive outcome for simplified articles online, and the importance of providing clear and direct articles so that people will find interest to come back for more.
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The top 5 sites 2
There are numerous content sites that are competing with each other to offer the simplest, yet fun reading to the readers online. That said, here are some of the top five websites that has garner a lot of interest for the past years:
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4 5
Buzzfeed - Founded by Jonah Peretti, Buzzfeed was launched in 2006, and has becoming one of the fastestgrowing site on the internet. It has produces a diverse range of contents from celebrity gossip, picture stories, humorous lists to top breaking news. It is the global network for news and entertainment. Besides a collection of viral hits, Buzzfeed also has funny videos and quizzes that popular amongst the youngsters.
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Elite Daily - Elite Daily is an American online news
platform was founded in 2012 by David Arabov, Jonathan Francis and Gerard Adams. Their aim is to put fun in news coverage while creating a highly engaging and socially driven content platform. With the slogan, “The Voice of Generation Y”, Elite Daily has established one of the largest, fastest growing community of millennial voices on the web, making it a millennials’ preferred platform. It covers various topics on today’s hot issues and trending topics.
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Thought Catalog - Launched in February 2010, Thought Catalog is an online magazine founded by Chris Lavergne. As of July 2016, the publishing platform has 67,726 articles and 328 books. It is a website dedicated to everyone’s stories and ideas. The contributors that write to Thought Catalog strive to make their writing creative, smart and also fun, making it the perfect platform for emerging and seasons writers to
How we are similar Quick Reads is comparable to these website as it follows the same format in keeping everything concise in order to provide bite-sized reads and fun for their readers. Although the articles are light and easy to ready, Quick Reads writers ensure that all information provided will help the public to gain more knowledge.
voice out their thoughts.
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Huffington Post – Huffington Post is founded by Arianna Huffington, Kenneth Lerer, Andrew Breitbart and Jonah Peretti. Launched in 2005, the site published all sorts of news, blogs, as well as original content. The contents on Huffington Post composed of news and stories across entertainment, politics, business, technology, popular media, lifestyle, comedy, healthy living, culture and also local US news.
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Cracked.com – Known as the descended from Cracked Magazine, cracked.com is a humour website founded in 2005 by Jack O’Brien. The site is currently owned by E. W. Scripps. Cracked.com consists of not only hilarious articles, but also videos that are mostly based on comedy covering all sorts of topics including video games, television and science.
Each write-up in Quick Reads will only take approximately five minutes to read. Hence the name, Quick Reads. Propwall.my aims to be one of the best local websites in the country to produce and provide valuable, relevant and consistent content. So stay tuned with us as we continue to work towards emulating their success and expect better things to come from us.
events
STARPROPERTY.MY WEDNESDAY 03 AUGUST 2016
16 fairs
PROPERTY MEETS THE PUBLIC S
TARPROPERTY.MY organises a variety of property fairs to constantly keep the public familiarised with the property industry. BY: Viknesh Ashley Clarence During current troubled economic times, many Malaysian’s are uncertain about the property market and seem to be confused when gaining hands-on experience on the property field. This is especially so when Malaysians meet industry experts, gaining first-hand experiences when buying from property developers, studying the newest offerings of the market and gaining insights on the future of
the property market. This is where the StarProperty. my fair events are relevant to buyers and investors. StarProperty.my Fair 2016, supported by premium partners Ekovest Berhad and IJM Land, is a public outreach event that showcases real estate products and services. A typical day at a Starproperty.my fair would feature events such as educational talks as well as leisure events. Some of the previous educational talks that have been shared by prominent speakers in the property industry include market trends in Malaysia, property market outlook, and advice for first-time home buyers on purchasing their first property, as well as more popular topics involving Transit Oriented Developments (TOD), train lines and their proximity to upcoming developments. Visitors will be greeted with
insights about the property industry as well as fun-filled activities that can be experienced by family members as well as friends. This includes free tree giveaway and robotics competitions. Visitors can expect to find a wide range of property developments as well. The upcoming fair events in the near future include three fairs that would take place in different parts of Kuala Lumpur on different dates. The upcoming StarProperty.my fairs would be held at Nu Sentral, Publika Mall, IOI City Mall, The Curve and KLCC from Aug 15 to 21, Sep 29 to Oct 2, Oct 12 to 16, Oct 27 to 30 and Nov 18 to 20 respectively. For more detailed information on these fairs, visit http://fair. starproperty.my/. For booth enquiries, please contact us at +603 7967 1388 (ext: 1140/ 1105) or email: support@starproperty.my.
developments
STARPROPERTY.MY WEDNESDAY 03 AUGUST 2016
18 high-rise editor@starproperty.my
LUXURIOUS LIVING NOW AFFORDABLE AT BANDAR SAUJANA PUTRA Equipped with almost every imaginable lifestyle convenience and facility, residents will be proud to call BSP21 their home.
SERVICED RESIDENCE
Artist’s Impression of BSP21.
B
SP21 is located at the heart of Bandar Saujana Putra, a burgeoning and award-winning self-contained township developed by LBS Bina Group Bhd (LBS). With launch prices starting from RM450 per sq ft for the serviced residence, urbanliving lifestyle is now within one’s reach. The property, which comprises 10 towers of 18 and 27 storeys, will have 2,602 units of serviced residence and 28 units of shops sprawled across 21 acres of land.
Unparalleled connectivity
Launched in 2003, Bandar Saujana Putra’s easy accessibility to at least five major expressways, namely the North-South Expressway Central Link (ELITE) South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE), Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS), DamansaraPuchong Expressway (LDP) and Maju Expressway (MEX), is unrivalled by any other development of such calibre.
This makes BSP21 easily accessible to Puchong, Subang Jaya, USJ, Sunway, Kota Kemuning, Putra Heights, Shah Alam, Petaling Jaya, Serdang, Bukit Jelutong, Cyberjaya, Putrajaya and KLIA. It is also conveniently located near to shopping malls, hypermarkets, 24hour convenience stores, the upcoming MAHSA University and medical facility, as well as primary and secondary schools. Buyers can choose from nine different unit layouts comprising one to four bedrooms, ranging from 610 sq ft to 1,711 sq ft. Each unit is designed with practicality and premium family living in mind as attested by the integrated openplan kitchen, dining and living space concept, with ceramic tile flooring gracing the main areas. Singles and couples without children will find the 610 sq ft Type A2 with its one bedroom and one bathroom layout appealing, while the four-bedroom Type A1 (1,558 sq ft), Type B (1,427 sq ft), Type B2 (1,257 sq ft) and Type D (1,359 sq ft) are suitable for bigger families or even several generations living under one
roof. There is also ample parking with a minimum of two car park bays for 2 to 4 room service residences.
A distinctive blend of convenience and community
The swanky serviced residence surrounds its occupants with almost every conceivable luxurious indulgence allocated on eight acres of the property. Among the 70 types of lifestyle facilities offered are five swimming pools, a 2.7km jogging and cycling track, outdoor gymnasiums, playgrounds, sports courts, aqua reflexology pool, steam and sauna rooms, as well as yoga, tai chi and aerobics decks at every rooftop, making it convenient for residents to pop out for some sunshine, exercise and fresh air. Those with a penchant for adventure can go for a bout of rock climbing and rollerblading at the appointed parks, while more sedate residents can meander
at the gorgeously landscaped maze garden, devour the latest paperback novel at the cloistered reading nooks and cafe, or decompress in the meditation room. Children can play to their hearts’ content on the spiral slides within a two-level tree house pavilion, castle playground, kids putt golf range and kids futsal court. A kindergarten and childcare centre are also available for working parents. Also, there is every reason to host parties, gatherings and events that will be the talk of town at the 66,000 sq ft fourstorey clubhouse. With these thoughtful amenities built in such close proximity, BSP21 residents can enjoy the creature comforts that urban living has to offer without having to leave the compound. The RM1.4bil gross development value (GDV) project, which won the 2015-2016 Asia Pacific Property Awards Development (APPA) under the “Highly Commended Apartment Malaysia” for its impressive range of facilities, is slated for completion in December 2018.
“The swanky serviced residence surrounds its occupants with almost every conceivable luxurious indulgence allocated on eight acres of the property.