27/09/2025

BIZ & FINANCE SATURDAY | SEPT 27, 2025

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Langkawi emerging as premier wedding destination in SE Asia

Ű BY JOHN GILBERT sunbiz@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: UOB Kay Hian has reiterated its “overweight” call on Malaysia’s property sector, with optimism largely anchored in Johor. The bank-backed research firm noted that Johor state continues to shine as developers accelerate plans for new projects around the future Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, aiming to roll out key launches by late 2025 – ahead of the RTS Link’s targeted commencement by end 2026 and the expected award of the e-ART project by the end of next year. Citing the National Property Information Centre, UOB Kay Hian noted that Johor’s serviced apartment overhang has eased to 15,999 units in the second quarter of 2025, reflecting a decline of 4.7% quarter-on-quarter and 4.3% year-on-year. However, the research firm notes that more than 10,000 new serviced apartment units are in the pipeline based on its own findings, raising concerns about a potential oversupply in the market even as demand shows early signs of re-covery. UOB Kay Hian also noted that KUALA LUMPUR: The wedding destination market in Malaysia and Southeast Asia is experiencing strong growth, driven by the region’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and world-class hospitality. Malaysia stands out with its diverse offerings, from pristine beaches to lush rainforests, posi tioning it as a preferred choice for couples seeking distinctive cele brations. Across Southeast Asia, com petitive pricing, excellent con nectivity and a wide range of luxury resorts tailored for weddings have strengthened the region’s appeal as an alternative to traditional Western venues. Rising demand from both regional and international travellers continues to create significant opportunities for resorts and wedding service providers. For Malaysia, Langkawi continues to shine as one of the premier wedding destinations in Southeast Asia, attracting couples from around the world seeking an idyllic and memorable setting for their special day. Temple Tree Resort Langkawi manager Irene Vairo ( pic ) said the premier heritage resort has witnessed a steady growth in hosting weddings, with an increase of 10% to 15% over the past two years. “This segment remains a key focus for our business, driven by the allure of Langkawi’s natural beauty and serene environment, which resonate deeply with wedding parties looking for exclusivity and charm. “As a result, we are already securing bookings for weddings in 2026, underscoring the strong demand and trust in our resort as an ideal wedding destination,” Vairo told SunBiz . She said Temple Tree Resort’s international clientele reflects the diversity and global appeal of Langkawi. “Predominantly, guests come

o Island’s beauty and serenity resonate with couples seeking idyllic and memorable setting for their special day : Temple Tree Resort manager

also actively engaged in strategic partnerships to boost tourist arrivals and enhance brand visibility ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. “We are collaborating with Els Golf Club Teluk Datai to offer exclusive packages that promote Langkawi as a premier destination for golfers. Additionally, we maintain ongoing partnerships with several travel agencies and a Russian online travel agency (OTA) to strengthen our presence in the Russian market. “We also look forward to expanding collaborations with local government agencies to further support and grow tourism on the island,” Vairo said. As a boutique heritage property, Temple Tree Resort Langkawi maintains its authentic charm by focusing on a simple yet effective website, while also leveraging OTAs to expand reach in target markets and using social media to boost visibility and inspire potential guests with captivating photos and unique promotions, in line with Langkawi’s smart tourism goals. Further, Vairo said, Temple Tree Resort Langkawi has embraced digital platforms by focusing on a well-designed website that preserves its boutique heritage charm while leveraging OTAs to reach target markets and using social media to boost brand visibility with inspiring This pricing dynamic has driven a sharp uplift in Johor Bahru City’s average transaction price, which rose to RM709 per square foot in the first half of 2025 – a robust 20.4% increase according to data from JLL, a global real estate services company. Meanwhile, UOB Kay Hian said the market response for landed residential properties in Johor has been notably strong, underscoring sustained demand beyond the high rise segment. Overall, UOB Kay Hian stated that the domestic property sector has continued to outperform in the second half of 2025, rising 6.7% to date, primarily driven by the strong performances of Sunway and Eco World. Sector valuations now stand at 0.9 times forward price-to-book, positioning them about half a standard deviation above the historical mean. The firm continues to favour Sunway, Eco World, and Mah Sing as its top picks, underpinned by their strong project pipelines and strategic positioning in key growth corridors.

from the United Kingdom, Australia, the Netherlands and France, each bringing their unique cultural touch to our weddings and resort ex periences. “Notably, we have observed a rise in Spanish travellers this year, alongside more expatriates from Singapore choosing Langkawi as their holiday retreat. “Conversely, our Chinese market has shown a shift towards more seasonal travel patterns, indicating evolving preferences and travel behaviours that we continue to monitor closely to adapt our offerings.” Vairo said what truly sets Temple Tree Resort apart in this competitive market is the flexibility the heritage resort offers to wedding parties. “Clients have the exclusive option to fully buy out the entire resort, ensuring complete privacy and customisation for their celebration. For those seeking a more relaxed arrangement, the resort also acco mmodates non-exclusive bookings, catering to a wider range of pre ferences and budgets. “This unique blend of exclusivity and versatility positions Temple Tree Resort Langkawi not only as a leader in destination weddings but also as a strategic player in the broader luxury travel and event markets,” Vairo said. Temple Tree Resort Langkawi is resilient demand continues to under pin the serviced apartment market surrounding the upcoming RTS stations, supported by strong buyer interest and encouraging take-up rates. “According to industry channel checks, this trend has been parti cularly favourable for developers such as Mah Sing Group Bhd and Sunway Bhd, both of which are well positioned to benefit from the heightened appeal of projects with direct RTS connectivity,“ UOB Kay Hian said in a report. The firm said new launches situated within walking distance of RTS stations are commanding premium prices, ranging between RM1,000 and RM1,500 per square foot, with notable developments including Gen Rise, Causewayz Square, and UOA Development’s upcoming project. In contrast, projects located beyond a 3km radius generally achieve more moderate pricing of RM800 to RM1,000 per square foot, as seen with M Grand Minori and The Asteriaz @ Kebun Teh.

accommodate the rising tourist arrivals. These new suites will offer a more upscale and luxurious experience while still preserving key heritage elements, helping the resort differentiate itself as Langkawi prepares for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

visuals and unique promotions, all aligned with Langkawi’s smart tourism goals. Looking towards 2026 and beyond, Vairo said Temple Tree Langkawi’s priorities for growth include expanding its room inventory by adding five new suites, bringing the total to 26 rooms by May 2026, to

Johor anchors positive outlook for M’sian property market: UOB Kay Hian

Swiss investments into Malaysia increase after signing of Meepa

KUALA LUMPUR: The inflow of investments from Switzerland into Malaysia has increased following the signing of the Efta-Malaysia Economic Partnership Agreement (Meepa), according to Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. Meepa is a free trade agreement (FTA) signed on June 23 between the European Free Trade Association (Efta) member states – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – and Malaysia. Speaking to reporters after the fourth Asean Economic Ministers (AEM) Troika open-ended meeting with Switzerland here yesterday, Tengku Zafrul said the move reflects the confidence of the Efta member states and the private sector that the FTA will facilitate business. He added that Malaysia had a bilateral meeting yesterday with Switzerland, which represented the Efta countries. Earlier in the meeting, Investment, Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Liew Chin Tong said Asean regards Switzerland as a constructive and reliable partner in advancing shared

economic interests. He said Asean-Switzerland trade reached US$28.33 billion (RM119.5 billion) in 2024, underscoring strong regional demand for Swiss products and technologies in high-value sectors. “While recent investment flows reflect portfolio realignments, Switzerland remains an important source of high-quality, innovation driven investment, offering clear opportunities in advanced manu facturing, life sciences, green tech nologies and financial services,” he said during the meeting. Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs Helene Budliger Artieda said Switzerland is proud of the progress achieved with Asean, including the FTAs concluded with Singapore, the Philippines and Indonesia, as well as bilateral investment treaties with Cambodia and Laos. She highlighted recent milestones such as the conclusion of the FTA with Malaysia, the signing of a trade agreement with Thailand at the World Economic Forum in Davos, and a digital economy agreement with Singapore. – Bernama