14/05/2026

PROPERTY THURSDAY | MAY 14, 2026

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AI set to transform M’sian real estate

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia could be on the cusp of a technological leap that would transform its economy and property market, according to the new 423-page “AI Index 2026 Annual Report” by Stanford University. Juwai IQI co-founder and group CEO Kashif Ansari said, “By almost every measure of public readiness, trust, and enthusiasm, the Stanford AI report shows Malaysia ranks among the top countries in the world. That helps explain the RM152.9 billion of information and communication investments Malaysia attracted last year.” Globally, he noted, the IMF says AI now accounts for about one of every four ringgit in global GDP growth. “Malaysian-based businesses are rapidly adopting AI, which is helping drive a new wave of growth in real estate. It’s the biggest job creator in the information and communication sub-sector by far. AI created more than 12,600 roles last year, while global business services, the second biggest job creator, delivered only 9,000,” he said. Nearly 80% of Malaysians say AI will profoundly change their lives in the next three to five years, explained Ansari, adding that most think it will change things for the better,

o Rapid adoption of artificial intelligence helping to drive new wave of growth: Juwai IQI

“In that case, data centre land purchases in 2025 would have equated to about 4% of the total value of all property transactions. And remember, these land purchases are just one way in which artificial intelligence is driving growth for the economy and for property.” “Every billion ringgit of AI-related investment has ripple effects in the larger property market, and Malaysia is attracting hundreds of billions of ringgit of investment. It means we need more industrial facilities, commercial office space, logistics, and residential housing and retail space in surrounding areas,” said Ansari. Beyond data centres, he added, the growth of a high-skilled, AI-literate workforce creates demand for quality residential property and these workers have good incomes and want to buy homes and raise families. “Malaysia’s enthusiasm for artificial intelligence is not just helping individuals be more productive. It’s also driving the economy and the property market, and its impact will only increase in the years ahead,” he said. manufacturers to find solutions that balance environmental ambition with social and economic realities,” said Lynette Siow, CEO of Saint-Gobain Malaysia and Singapore. While everyday Malaysians express a strong demand for sustainable buildings, the findings also reveal clear gaps in understanding, with only 29% saying they are closely familiar with what it entails. The top three most selected definitions of sustainable construction among nine proposed answers are as follows: construction with the ability to withstand natural and climatic hazards such as extreme temperatures and heavy rains (35%); evolutive construction capable of adapting to new uses (34%); and construction that promotes the well-being and health of occupants (32%). Naturally, awareness and understanding of sustainable construction amongst local stakeholders remains high (87%), although the study uncovered a glaring 13% that said they have never even heard of the concept. Against the backdrop of strong public support for sustainable construction, this presents an opportunity to accelerate a shift in Malaysia’s built environment by deepening stakeholder and public awareness, and transforming existing citizen support into action. This is further reinforced by the findings among 15 proposed answers, with over one third of citizens (37%) and stakeholders (41%) identifying that raising public awareness is key to accelerating the development of sustainable construction. Furthermore, 40% of citizens and 45% of stakeholders think that driving stronger awareness and collaboration among stakeholders is important in driving change. Siow said, “In Malaysia, sustainable construction is increasingly understood through the lens of everyday impact. Guided by our purpose of ‘Making the World a Better Home’, we are committed to supporting the industry in the country and around the world, by enabling smarter material choices, fostering collective responsibility, and delivering solutions that build not only greener buildings, but stronger, more resilient communities for generations to come.”

government to properly regulate AI. We have the third-highest level of trust, according to Stanford, behind only Singapore and Indonesia. 73% of Malaysians trust their government in this. That sort of public trust generates policy stability and makes it easier for companies to invest.” The government has earned this trust by being extraordinarily proactive and transparent, he said, adding that there is the digital economy blueprint, the data centre investment drive, the chip manufacturing, and the engagement with global technology companies. “The government is spreading the benefits. Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just for tech companies. The government is also helping small farmers to earn more with custom AI tools.” IQI estimates data centre developers are investing RM9.5 billion annually into land alone,” said Ansari. “That’s based on the thumbnail guide that land accounts for about 10% of data centre construction costs. KUALA LUMPUR: The 2026 Sustainable Construction Barometer published by Saint Gobain’s Sustainable Construction Observatory, reveals a striking paradox in Malaysia’s built environment sector: public expectation and appetite for sustainable construction are running ahead of the industry. Malaysia was included for the first time in the qualitative international study that captures the perceptions of 30,000 citizens and 4,800 construction-sector stakeholders (including local government representatives and built environment professionals, students and association members) across 30 countries. Public desire for sustainable construction in Malaysia is strong, with 7 in 10 (71%) calling it a priority – surpassing the global average of 63%. In contrast, this interest is not mirrored among Malaysian industry stakeholders, with only 55% sharing the same view, trailing not only local citizen sentiments but also their global counterparts (65%). While just over half of stakeholders say sustainable construction should be prioritised, 63% envision it creating equal or more value than traditional construction, in terms of economic profitability and overall environmental, social, and heritage benefits. Despite the gaps, both Malaysian stakeholders and citizens agree on what could help close this divide – raising awareness and strengthening cross-sector collaboration between all parties, citizens and stakeholders alike, are seen as key accelerators in driving sustainable construction in the country. Based on the findings, architects and building engineers are viewed as the most important stakeholders in driving advances. “In Malaysia’s rapidly urbanising landscape – climate resilience, quality housing, and inclusive growth are becoming increasingly interconnected – making sustainability a rising priority for its citizens. Public expectations can become a transforming force to encourage clearer policies, reinforce the need for stronger alignment and increase collaboration across the ecosystem. Strengthening awareness and shared understanding will be key to translating intent into action – spurring developers, contractors, policymakers, financiers, and

because about 76% say they are excited about AI. Nearly two thirds of Malaysians (70%) believe that products and services using AI have more benefits than drawbacks, compared to only 59% of people globally, the data shows, said Ansari. He added, “Malaysians are world leaders in using AI at work. Nine out of 10 Malaysians already do so compared to just 43% of Chinese and 46% of Americans do so. And it’s not just in the office that Malaysians are talking with their AI chatbots.” 90% Malaysian university students also use AI, up from fewer than half in 2023, according to Stanford. “The next generation of Malaysia’s workforce is growing up with AI tools, and will be able use them in ways their elders haven’t yet discovered. Perhaps that is why about 54% of Malaysians are positive about how AI might make their own, individual jobs better.” Ansari continued, “Malaysia is also unusual in the share of people who trust their

Most Malaysians support sustainable construction: Study

Kandasamy (5th from right) receiving the mock key to her Temasya Prisma apartment from Zaini Yusoff during the presentation ceremony. Also present were her family members and Setia officials.

Setia campaign grand prize winner takes home RM532,000 apartment

SHAH ALAM: Dreams turned into reality for the grand prize winner of “Setia Mad About Homes 2025” campaign, who walked away with a key to a brand new Temasya Prisma serviced apartment with a selling price of RM532,000. At the prize-giving ceremony held recently at the Temasya Glenmarie Welcome Centre, winner Kahmini Kandasamy was presented with a mock house key to her future home in Temasya Prisma by S P Setia Bhd president and CEO Datuk Zaini Yusoff. Kahmini who purchased a home in the Setia Mayuri township in Semenyih as part of the “Setia Mad About Homes” campaign said, “I never expected to win, and I’m still in disbelief. This is a dream come true. This apartment is a gift, and I will keep it as an investment in the future. I’m incredibly grateful and excited to start this new

chapter of homeownership.” Zaini said, “At Setia, we view homeownership as a long-term enabler of financial resilience, lifestyle well-being and community development, rather than a single transaction.” He added the campaign, which ran from May 9, 2025 to Sept 30, 2025, underscores their commitment to delivering thoughtful developments while making homeownership more attainable, rewarding and relevant to today’s aspirations. The campaign attracted participants from 717 units representing a combined sales value of RM916.5 million. Temasya Prisma is part of Temasya Glenmarie township, known for its modern lifestyle offerings, strategic location, and well-integrated community amenities.

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