05/03/2026

PROPERTY THURSDAY | MAR 5, 2026

12

Malaysian economy’s strength bodes well for real estate

KUALA LUMPUR: ICW & BuildXpo differentiates itself as a content-driven, knowledge-focused platform, Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn Bhd executive chairman Richard Teo said. He said typically, most construction trade exhibitions in Malaysia lean strongly towards the commercial marketplace aspect, focusing primarily on transactions and product showcases. “ICW & BuildXpo, while supporting business opportunities, distinguishes itself as a content-driven platform. We place strong emphasis on showcasing the latest innovations and technologies, facilitating technical knowledge exchange, encouraging thought leadership discussions, and providing a launchpad for industry-wide recognition and collaboration,“ he said at the soft launch of International Construction Week (ICW) & BuildXpo 2026 recently. ICW & BuildXpo 2026 is hosted by the Works Ministry, and the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB), and managed by Qube Integrated. He said Qube is working closely with the Works Ministry, CIDB Malaysia, and industry partners in advancing this platform for the construction and built environment sector. “Over the years, ICW and BuildXpo have grown beyond being simply an exhibition or conference, they have become a pivotal hub for the industry, bringing together policymakers, innovators, businesses, and professionals to exchange ideas, explore solutions, and shape the future of construction,” he added. He said this positioning reflects what the industry increasingly needs, not just a place to trade, but a space to learn, adapt, and future-proof businesses in a rapidly evolving construction landscape. “Last year’s BuildXpo demonstrated encouraging momentum, with strong industry participation, growing international interest, and meaningful business engagements.” Teo said the response reinforced their belief that the industry values platforms that combine innovation, technical expertise, and real commercial opportunities. Looking ahead, he said, one of the most exciting developments for ICW & BuildXpo 2026 is their strategic collaboration with MMI Asia, through the co-location of Glasstech Asia & Fenestration Asia 2026, or better known as GAFA. This collaboration creates a clear win-win proposition for the industry. While ICW & BuildXpo focuses on construction technologies, machinery, materials, digital solutions and infrastructure innovation, GAFA brings specialised expertise in glass, windows, façades and building envelope technologies. “Together, both platforms complement one another, allowing trade visitors to source the latest industry trends, solutions and innovations under one roof.” ICW & BuildXpo stands out as content-led platform Ű BY HAYATUN RAZAK sunbiz@thesundaily.com

levels of about 1.4% to 1.7%. That will permit Bank Negara Malaysia to keep interest rates steady through 2026. Economic growth, stable rates, and low inflation make the ideal environment for real estate. It encourages genuine demand from owner-occupiers and businesses. He added the country’s economic growth is anchored by semicon ductors, AI-linked manufacturing, data centres, and electrical exports. Those sectors all have one thing in common: they require land – land for factory space, logistics parks, and data centres. So expect significant trading in land near fast-growing industrial zones. “Residential property will not get as powerful a boost as industrial land and facilities, but it is already benefitting from this year’s growth surprise.” He said: “One housing market segment will perform better than the others. Homes priced between RM300,000 and RM600,000 in suburban Kuala Lumpur, the Penang

mainland, and Johor will be the best performers. These are investors and owner-occupiers upgrading or forming new households.” “Retail property gets a double boost,” Ansari noted. “The Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign aims to attract 47 million tourists, while domestic consumption continues growing steadily. Both should lift sales at prime retail locations in tourist areas and major shopping districts.” In the office market, Ansari said the winners will be Grade-A, ESG compliant buildings and offices serving technology, finance, and shared services companies. “Older, poorly-located office stock will continue to struggle regardless of economic growth. For some of these buildings, the best option might be redevelopment or conversion to residential use. For all the reasons I have just discussed, real estate markets have the potential to be strong performers in 2026. And that performance will be a result of Malaysia’s economic growth surprise,” he added.

o Surprisingly strong growth and investment inflow set to boost commercial, industrial, retail and residential segments: Juwai IQI CEO

KUALA LUMPUR: Economists have been “happily shocked” by Malaysia’s strong economic growth and have had to upgrade their 2026 forecasts. Analysts at one major bank call the country Asean’s “silver medalist” for its stellar performance. Another important analyst recently called Malaysia a “rising star.” This strong economy and inbound investment will boost Malaysia’s commercial, industrial, retail, and residential real estate markets, according to comments released by Kashif Ansari, co founder and group CEO of Juwai IQI. “I think it’s fair to say some analysts have been happily shocked by the strong performance of Malaysia’s economy despite all the geopolitical and trade policy fears of 2025. Malaysia is experiencing a growth surprise that has forced analysts to upgrade their expectations,” said Ansari. It’s not just one sector driving growth, but a broadbased expansion across electronics exports, tourism, consumption, and infrastructure investment, he added. “These are healthy conditions for the property market,” he said, adding that analysts at the IMF had to raise their 2026 GDP growth forecast to 4.3% from 4%. At the same time, CIMB bank, found its earlier 4.1% projection too low and has upgraded it to 4.4%. “One reason for the upgrades is that Malaysia’s third-quarter 2025 growth numbers surprised everyone by being higher than expected. They came in at 5.2% year-on-year, higher than Bank Negara projection of 4% to 5%. When the economic growth rate for the full year is finally calculated, it will probably come in at the high end of expectations. That’s a turnaround from the first half of the year when the numbers came in low,” said Ansari. KUALA LUMPUR: Eastern & Oriental Bhd (E&O) recently introduced Seri Embun, a low-density, gated and guarded residential enclave set against a tranquil hillside overlooking City of Elmina. Conceived as part of the group’s long-term vision for master-planned communities, Seri Embun brings together quality living, seamless connectivity and sustainability-led design within a cohesive address. Now open for private viewing, the Seri Embun Gallery offers visitors an immersive preview of the lifestyle envisioned for the community. Designed to echo the development’s future clubhouse and shared spaces,

He explained that real estate investors need to understand what’s driving this growth. “Electrical and electronics exports are expanding at double-digit rates. That feeds directly into demand for industrial property. Tourism has fully recovered to 2019 levels, with Chinese visitors exceeding 20% of their pre-pandemic numbers. That’s excellent news for retail property, hospitality, and short term rentals,” said Ansari. “And the residential market benefits too, because private consumption keeps growing at around 5% year-on-year, wages are up, and unemployment has dropped to 3%.” He noted that the team at IQI believes inflation will remain at safe

Industrial and logistics assets tipped to outperform as electronics exports and AI-linked manufacturing expand. – UNSPLASH PIX

E&O rolls out Seri Embun hillside residences the gallery allows guests to experience the atmosphere, spatial flow and design language that define life at Seri Embun, from wellness oriented layouts to its nature connected setting. live, connect and thrive. At E&O, we see quality of life as something shaped not only by the home, but by the spaces, landscapes and communities that surround it,” said Eastern & Oriental Bhd managing director Kok Tuck Cheong.

for everyday living, hosting and rest. As Malaysia enters 2026, residential demand continues to be shaped by homebuyers seeking environments that support wellbeing, sustainability and long term liveability. One of E&O’s sustainability-focused townships in the Klang Valley, Seri Embun is framed by green corridors and borders a 2,700-acre forest. Sustainability initiatives are integrated throughout the development, including energy efficient design, provisions for solar energy and EV charging infrastructure to support lower emission living.

Banking & Finance introduces low density, three-storey superlink homes that balance contemporary living with enduring appeal, set within one of Klang Valley’s fastest-growing townships. “Wellness today is no longer an add-on, it is central to how people True to its tagline, “An Enclave Above the Everyday,” Seri Embun is planned for those who value space, tranquillity and meaningful connection. The development

Spanning 35.83 acres, Seri Embun comprises just 360 freehold homes, reinforcing a low-density environment that prioritises privacy and wellbeing. Each residence features five bedrooms and four bathrooms, designed to support multi-generational living and evolving family needs. With built-ups ranging from 2,982 sq ft to 3,339 sq ft, the homes offer generous space

Education News/Health & Wellness TUES

ESG

Property

WED

MON

THUR