EAST MALAYSIA’S LEADING PROPERTY PORTAL, MAGAZINE & EXPO
HOT TOPIC PROPERTY MARKET OUTLOOK & HOTSPOTS IN KUCHING
MELAKA: Old Charm With A Modern Twist | INTERVIEW: Recipe For Success DRIVE: Mazda Celebrates Its One-Millionth Mazda MX-5 | The Best Islamic Home Loans In Malaysia Gamuda Land’s Luxury Residential Property In Melbourne | Collaboration For A New Milestone In Dubai
EXCLUSIVE REPORT CYBERJAYA A CITY OF ENDLESS POTENTIAL
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Editor Iza Abidin CONTENTS
Writer Rebecca Michelle ADVERTORIAL | 10 MELAKA: OLD CHARM WITH A MODERN TWIST
Creative & Design PROPERTY NEWS | 22 PROPERTY, INVESTMENT & BANKING NEWS Stephenson Foo Pua Yu Bee FeaturED EVENT | 24 IJM LAND UNVEILS WINNER OF ILDA 2016 Property Hunter is published by: Online & IT Maxx Media (S) Sdn Bhd (1043783-T) GAMUDA LAND’S LUXURY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY IN Caleb Tseu Lot 4, 1st & 2nd Floor, Block A, Heritage Plaza, PRoPERTY SHOWCASE | 28 Clifton Chin Jalan Lintas, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, mELBOURNE Sabah, Malaysia Finance & Operation PRoPERTY SHOWCASE | 32 DUBAI : COLLABORATION FOR A NEW MILESTONE IN DUBAI Elson Kho Office Hours: 9:00am – 6:00pm (Monday – Friday) HOT TOPIC | 36 PROPERTY MARKET OUTLOOK AND HOTSPOTS IN KUCHING Marketing & Branding E: [email protected] Magdelene Muh T: +6088 719 787 PRoPERTY SHOWCASE | 40 8 CONLAY: THE NEW FACE OF LUXURY F: +6088 728 387 Marketing Events Debbie Eva Denis Printing HOT TOPIC | 50 THE BEST ISLAMIC HOME LOANS IN MALAYSIA Percetakan Kolombong Ria Sdn Bhd Circulation & Subscription Lot 3A & 5, Mile 5 1/2, Tuaran Road, Neutron INTERVIEW | 54 RECIPE FOR SUCCESS Albee Chung Park, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia T: +60 88-426 691 EXCLUSIVE REPORT | 54 CYBERJAYA : A CITY OF ENDLESS POTENTIAL Administration & Accounts • Cyberjaya: A Globally Connected City Of The Future Jerace Lee Available monthly at leading • Tamarind Square - Where Cyberjaya Connects Azizan Azim Bin Awg Ali bookstores and newsstands in Sabah • Eclipse Residence @ Pan’gaea - The Oasis Of Cyberjaya - Where & Sarawak Work, Play And Thrive Are Met In One Place Advertising Enquiries • 10 Reasons Why Cyberjaya Is A Good Place To Invest Poh Khay Inn • Everise Supermarket • Cyberjaya As A Whole (Manager, Media Planning) • Lintas Superstore T: +6013 865 6898 • City Grocer E: [email protected] • Pick N Pay LIFESTYLE | 70 DRIVE • WH Smith One In A Million : Mazda Celebrates Its One-Millionth Mazda MX-5 Alby Idang • SMART Bookshop (Senior Executive, Media Planning) • City Gourmet FURNISH T: +6013 865 2898 • Tong Hing Supermarket How To Style Your Home Like The Swedes E: [email protected] • Eastern Book Store • CNM Book Store GADGET & WATCH Events Enquiries • Ling’s Fresh Vegefruits All Singing, All Dancing Bleeding Edge Victor Yong • Quong Ming Book (Manager, Events) • Sun Tai Chung T: +6013 835 1898 hot topic | 78 INVESTING IN AUSTRALIA : WHICH MAJOR CITY SHOULD YOU BE E: [email protected] INVESTING IN?
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MELAKA: OLD CHARM WITH A MODERN TWIST
Over 600 years of history has seen Melaka transform from what was once a fishing settlement, has now prospered into a major international trading port along the Straits of Melaka. The historic city of Melaka has stood witness to the glory days of the Malay Sultanate and later the occupation by Portuguese forces in 1511, followed by Dutch rule in 1641 before the British finally took over in 1824. Melaka is historically important, because not only was the declaration of independence proclaimed in Melaka when Malaya gained its independence from the British, but Melaka was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 7th July, 2008. Being the cultural melting pot that it is, one can experience the old charm of its streets and colourful architecture, as well as enjoy a wide range of cuisines which will make you truly spoilt for choice.
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to Malaysia’s west coast, particularly apart from having a collection of Malay Melaka Sultanate Palace HERITAGE TRAIL Melaka. traditional wear, musical instruments Melaka’s heritage trail is the main attraction with its fascinating history and assimilation of different cultures and antique furniture. St. Francis Xavier Church resulting in some unique architectural delights. Porta De Santiago @A’ Famosa Fort
Stadhuys Christ Church Hereen Street & Jonker Street
The Melaka Sultanate Palace is a life- sized replica of Sultan Mansur Shah’s Located at Jalan Laksamana, this palace, built based on ancient records church was built in 1856, in honour of Christ Church is an 18th-century found in the Malay Annals. The Melaka St. Francis Xavier, a prominent 16th- Anglican Church in the city. It is the Heeren Street was for the “gentlemen” Sultanate Palace is unique, as it offers century Catholic missionary. This twin- Porta de Santiago is the sole surviving The Stadhuys, which means ‘Town oldest functioning Protestant church in or “masters” in the upper crust of a rare glimpse of an ancient Malay spired neo-gothic structure was built gateway into A’ Famosa (the Famous Hall’ in Dutch, was built by the Dutch Malaysia and is within the jurisdiction society. Jonker Street, on the other kingdom which once flourished in on the site of an old Portuguese church One), a huge fortress built in 1511 out occupants in 1650 as the office of the of the Lower Central Archdeaconry of hand, was named after a place for Melaka. An interesting fact about Sultan by a French priest, Father Farvé and of dismantled mosques and tombs, Dutch Governor and Deputy Governor. the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia. “young noblemen”. Jonker Street was Mansur Shah’s seven-tiered palace is the church’s finishing touches were commissioned by the Portuguese using Situated at Laksamana Road, besides Originally painted white, the church and once renowned for its antique shops. that it was built entirely without nails and completed in 1859 by Father Allard, slave labour. It was once part of a crucial the Christ Church, it is regarded as the neighbouring Stadthuys building However over the years, it has turned supported with carved, wooden pillars with the present-day presbytery built structure used by the Portuguese to the oldest remaining Dutch historical was painted red in 1911 and this into a clothing and crafts outlet and and featured a copper and zinc roof. in 1874. The church was believed to maintain its colonial foothold in the Far building in the Orient and is now distinctive colour scheme has remained lined with restaurants and lifestyle be modelled after the Cathedral of St. East. The Fort is now among the oldest Portugese Square home to the History and Ethnography the hallmark of Malacca’s Dutch-era cafés. The best part of Jonker Street is Peter in Southern France, Montpellier. surviving European architectural remains Museum. This massive red building buildings since. the night market on Fridays, Saturdays, To date, St Francis Xavier Church still in South-East Asia. displays all the features of Dutch and Sundays that sells everything serves its function as a Catholic church, colonial architecture which include from tasty treats to cheap keepsakes. with regular mass services being held St. Paul’s Hill substantial solid doors and louvered Meanwhile, Heeren Street may not be from time to time. Having been around windows. as hectic as Jonker Street where the for more than a century, the church’s tourists throng to, but Heeren Street structure now leans slightly to the left. offers a more historic, old-world charm and provides amazing sights and Kampung Morten stories. The Portuguese Settlement is home to Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum the Kristang community in Ujong Pasir. This small community of around 1,000 people are descendants from early Atop St. Paul’s Hill sits the St. Paul’s Portuguese settlers. Originally known as Church which was built in 1520 by Saint John’s village, it grew to become a Portuguese trader named Duarte one of Melaka’s main tourist attractions, Coelho. Formally named as ‘Nosa improving the standard of living of Kampung Morten is located about a Senhora’ which means Our Lady of its villagers. Today, the settlement 15-minute walk north of the historic the Hill, it was a major chapel for the which is sometimes called Mini Lisbon, city centre. The village is named after Portuguese. After the Dutch took over, The ‘Straits Chinese’, also called ‘Baba comprises a few streets with names a British land commissioner, J. F. they renamed the chapel St Paul’s Nyonya’, are Chinese of noble descent like D’Alberquerque, Sequeira, Eredia, Morten, during the British Malaya. The Church and worshipped there for over a who have adopted and merged the D’Aranjo and Texeira. At its heart is the area has since evolved to become a century, until they had finished building Malay culture with theirs upon settling Portuguese Square (Medan Portugis), tourist attraction since it was declared Christ Church at the bottom of the hill, in Melaka. This has been a gradual which comprises a courtyard with a a heritage village under Malacca’s after which they abandoned St Paul’s. process lasting over 400 years since the number of seafood restaurants, a couple Preservation and Conservation After stints as a lighthouse and as a great Chinese explorer Admiral Cheng of bars and a small museum. Enactment in 1989. Villa Sentosa found gunpowder storeroom, St Paul’s fell into Ho first brought Chinese traders to within Kampung Morten is popularly decay and has never been restored. Melaka. Over the centuries, the Baba known as ‘The Living Museum”. Villa Nyonyas have developed a distinct Sentosa exhibits a unique interior design and fascinating culture that is unique
12 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 13 ADVERTORIAL Nyonya Kuih especially on a hot day. This is a Wantan Mee MELAKA FOOD GUIDE traditional dessert made of shaved ice, coconut milk, green starched noodles Food lovers will definitely be delighted with what Melaka has to offer. Food is one of the biggest highlights of with pandan flavoring and palm sugar. Other ingredients such as red beans, the city, with an array of cuisines, all thanks to its diverse culture. Well-known for the delectable Peranakan glutinous rice, grass jelly, creamed corn, cuisine, there are plenty of other dishes not to missed. might also be included.
Where: Aunty Koh’s Cendol @Jln Batang Chicken Rice Ball Nyonya Laksa Satay Celup Tiga, Jonker 88, The Kappan HouseWhere: Aunty Koh’s Cendol @Jln Batang Tiga, Nyonya Kuih – kuih is a term for Malay Jonker 88, The Kappan House cakes – are bite-sized desserts that are colourful, usually taken as a snack. The Coconut Shake Nyonya kuih comes in different shapes, colours, textures and designs. Some are steamed or boiled, some baked or fried but most are sweet and savoury. This dish is prepared with noodles garnished with leafy vegetables Melaka’s signature dish has got to be Another popular must-try is the satay Where: Baba Charlie’s Nyonya Cakes, and sliced pork while the broth and the chicken rice ball. The rice is boiled This dish has many variations but either celup. This is a dish where an assortment Bibik Ong @Ujong Pasir, Yummy Garden dumplings are served in a separate bowl. in chicken soup with other seasonings. way, every Malaysian laksa is highly of raw and semi-cooked seafood, meat Food Court Melaka’s wantan noodle is distinguished When cooked, it is rolled into a ball that appreciated and cherished by both locals (including raw meat) and vegetables on by the noodles’ pale appearance and Asam Pedas Fish The best way to beat the heat in Melaka’s gives its unique look and texture. The and tourists. The laksa is pungent, rich skewers are dunked into a hot boiling readily served with chilli sauce. rice balls are fragrant and savoury and and well flavoured from its spices, chilies pot of satay gravy. sweltering weather is to have a cup the chicken tender. and its broth, which is usually prepared of coconut shake. It is a concoction of Where: Jalan Bunga Raya, Jalan Bukit using chicken and prawns. Where: Capitol Satay, McQuek’s Satay coconut water, its flesh, ice cube and Cina, Tua Kor Wantan Mee Where: Chung Wah Coffee Shop, Huang Celup, Ban Lee Siang vanilla ice cream blended together in Chang Chicken Rice Restaurant, Ee Ji Ban Where: Juat Lye Melaka, Nancy’s Kitchen, a mixer. The cool, sweet and creamy Mille Crêpe (halal) Yung Lai Siang, 486 Baba Low aftertaste will leave you feeling refreshed.
Where: Klebang Coconut Shake, Batu Berendam Coconut Shake The main ingredients of this dish comprise of fish/seafood, okra, eggplant, Tandoori Chicken long green bean and tomato. This dish is cooked in asam (tamarind) juice with chili and different spices. This is another signature dish of the state. These mille crepes are as synonymous to Melaka as Nyonya food itself. Mille Where: Asam Pedas Pasar Borong crêpe is a French cake made of many Taman Merdeka, Amy Heritage Nyonya crêpe layers. The word mille means “a Cruisine, Asam Pedas Claypot Kota thousand”, implying the many layers of Laksamana crêpe. The crepes are thin and crisp at Tandoori chicken is a popular Indian dish the sides, and the texture light, creamy Melaka Cendol consisting of roasted chicken prepared and moist. with yogurt and spices. The name comes
from the type of cylindrical clay oven, Where: Nadeje (Plaza Mahkota, Jaya 99 tandoor, in which the dish is traditionally & Mahkota Parade) prepared. The naan, a leavened, oven- baked flatbread, compliments the flavour from the tandoori.
Where: Pak Putra Tandoori & Naan Restaurant, Restaurant D’Tandoori Ice Cendol is a simple dessert that is House very popular among locals and tourists,
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Melaka’s rich culture and history have made it a popular choice among travellers in Malaysia. There are SUNDAY Mods Café so many places to explore and flavours to sample in this UNESCO world heritage site. The best time to visit Morning Melaka is during the weekend and this itinerary weaves together the highlights of Melaka in a single weekend. Kick-off Sunday morning by heading to Jalan Hang Lekir (off Jonker Street) for the Sunday Morning Flea Market. This is a great place for antique lovers and collectors to find antiques and crafts. Start by making performances, stunt shows and FRIDAY old treasures and haggle for a bargain or two. Open every your way from the south end of the other daredevil acts. You will also Sunday morning until 12 noon, you can find a variety of Evening market near the bridge and work find a courtyard with sculptures of antiques, collectibles, ornaments, old coins and currency, Address: 14, Jalan Tokong, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia Start your Melaka exploration by your way up, past local snacks, drinks animals and the statue of famous posters, paintings, vinyl records, religious relics and old Opening Hours: 10AM - 6PM surrounding yourself in the colours of all kinds, trinkets and everything local bodybuilding champ, Dr. Gan magazines. and chaos of Jonker Walk Night Market. else that you would normally see in a Boon Leong who is also an advocate Kaya Kaya Café Opens only during the weekends, night market. If you’re lucky enough, of turning Jonker Street into a highly To do next is café-hopping. There are plenty of lifestyle cafés this street turned night market offers you might even stumble upon street touristic area. in Melaka that provides good food, and great ambience. an endless range of food, souvenirs, Check out these coffee havens for that dose of caffeine and sweet treats: SATURDAY Heritage Museum. Tours of this lavish Museum. The museum itself is a replica townhouse will take you back in time to of the ‘Flora De La Mar’, a Portuguese Morning the glory days of Melaka’s Peranakan ship that sank off the coast of the Start the morning by renting a bicycle population. Straits of Melaka. The museum exhibits Address: 32, Jalan Tukang Emas, Melaka, 75200 Melaka, and leisurely cycle up towards the an abundance of model ships from Malaysia Dutch Square. The Dutch Square is Afternoon different time periods, ancient currency Opening Hours: 8AM - 6PM the city’s main highlight, surrounded and everything you need to know If the afternoon weather gets to Teddy Bear Café by vibrant terracotta-red hued about the trading history in Melaka. you, then head over to the nearest The Daily Fix Café buildings notably Christ Church and shopping malls, Dataran Pahlawan Address: 55, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia The Stadhuys as well as a central Evening and Mahkota Parade to cool off while Opening Hours: 10AM - 5:30PM ornate marble fountain. You will also doing a round of shopping. Otherwise, Before heading out for another round be greeted by colourful, kitschy, music- head over to Jonker Street for the best of window-shopping at Jonker Street, blaring trishaws, all lined-up and ready eateries. Look out for Jonker 88 to grab a taxi to the Portuguese Square to take tourists on a tour around the enjoy aromatic laksas or a refreshing for an authentic Portuguese cuisine. city. Cycle past the bridge and make bowl of cendol. Head back past the Also known as ‘Mini Lisbon’, this square Address: Lot F3-021, F3-022, Level 3, Terminal Pahlawan, a stop at a local eatery, Chung Wah Dutch Square and off towards Porta is located in a small settlement, home Bandar Hilir, Jalan Merdeka, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia Chicken Rice Ball for a hearty breakfast. de Santiago (A’ Famosa). This iconic to Melaka’s Eurasian community, Opening Hours: 10AM - 10PM This famous kopitiam (local coffee landmark was once part of a grand descended from marriages that took Calanthe Art Café Spend the rest of the afternoon reflecting on the whole shop) is notorious for the long queue fortress built by the Portuguese during place between colonial Portuguese Address: Jalan Hang Kasturi, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia trip in Melaka while taking a leisurely stroll along the of hungry tourists but if you wait their occupation of Melaka in 1511. and the locals. Try to time your arrival Opening Hours: 9AM - 11PM Melaka River while taking in the relaxing vibe of the city and long enough to finally get a seat, at or around dusk to enjoy the sunset You can spend the afternoon capturing photos of building façade painted top to bottom you will be served with ball-shaped view. As for the food, there is much museum-hopping as Melaka is also with mural art showcasing the Malaysian culture. rice and steamed chicken with soy to choose from the large number of known to have the most number sauce. Next, explore Heeren Street different restaurants available. You will of museums in Malaysia. Located to experience the nostalgic ambience also get to enjoy cultural performances within close proximity, museums of old shop houses adorned with of music and dance staged by the worth visiting are the History and ornately decorated façades dating community. Spend the rest of the Ethnography Museum (the Stadhuys), back to the mid-19th and early 20th evening at Jonker Street and after, if The Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum century. A number of these buildings you’re not yet ready to go back to the Backlane Coffee and the Malaysia Architectural have been restored into galleries, hotel, hit the sky lounge at Alto. Sit Address: 129, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia Museum. Another attraction several museums, souvenir shops, cafes and back and relax while sipping a mix of Opening Hours: 11AM - 11:30PM metres downriver from the Dutch boutique hotels. Learn more about crafted cocktails, delicious light bites Square is the Melaka Maritime Melaka’s history at Baba & Nyonya and a variety of fine wines.
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MELAKA AT A GLANCE TIPS FOR EAST MALAYSIANS Source: www.statistics.gov.my MALAYSIA’S NEXT TOP SEAPORT AND INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLING TO MELAKA TRADE HUB Area (km²) : 1,652 There aren’t any direct flights to Melaka, but you can Population : 880,000 Beyond tourism, Melaka is growing Mixed development with lifestyle, Tourism & Transport always touch down at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, (1.5% average annual population growth rate) into a global economic hub. The corporate, trade and commercial Sepang or Senai International Airport, Johor Bahru then GDP (per capita, RM, 2014) : 38,766 (7.6% growth rate) future landscape of Melaka will boast components • Melaka International Airport take an express bus to Melaka at an affordable price. If Workforce (‘000) : 402.4 multi-billion dollar developments and Increased international flights, you’re travelling from Kota Kinabalu, the price for flights Unemployment Rate (2015) : 1.0% innovations in: Arts & Culture infrastructure upgrade to Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru starts at MYR 109.00. Tourist Numbers (2015) • Melaka International Convention • High-Speed Rail Flight time from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur and Economy & Infrastructure Total : 15.7 million Centre (MICC) Johor Baru takes about 2 hours 25 minutes and 2 hours Foreign : 12.2 million • RM40 billion Melaka Gateway World-class auditorium with 6,000 15 minutes respectively. Average price for flights from Local : 3.5 million Project pax max. capacity Kuching to Kuala Lumpur starts at MYR 99.00 with an No. of Hospitals : 7 average flight time of about 1 hour 40 minutes. You can • Impression Melaka also get a flight to Johor Bahru, price starts at MYR 79.00 No. of Tertiary Education Institutions : 7 and flight time will take about 1 hour 30 minutes. Green World Ambassador 2014 Shortened travel time between KL, The Green Organisation, United Kingdom Southeast Asia’s largest marina with Melaka and Singapore theme park, marine museum and luxury residences • Upcoming Marina and Jetty Iconic stage show helmed by Facilities TOP 8 REASONS WHY MELAKA IS THE LATEST • Mestika Heritage Island renowned director Zhang Yimou Boosting the city’s accessibility INVESTMENT HOTSPOT Twin man-made islands with golf course, theme park, trade centre and • Han Academy THE HISTORIC CITY GLOBAL ACCESSIBILITY arrivals with seven internationally heritage village The UNESCO World Heritage City of Melaka is ideally situated between acclaimed government and private Melaka is renowned for its history as Kuala Lumpur and Singapore and hospitals within the vicinity. • 66-acres Hatten Metropolitan an international seaport. Today, the capitalises on the traffic flow from the state has evolved into a melting pot two metropolises. The upcoming Kuala SAFETY AND SECURITY of cultures with a fascinating mix of Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail and Melaka’s racial harmony and secure ethnicities which together, define the the extensive upgrades to the Melaka government reflect the nation’s civil and political stability which provides character of this multi-cultural city-state. International Airport will ensure a A self-sustaining education-based maximum assurance for tourists and significant influx of global audiences. community BURGEONING TOURISM SECTOR investors alike. Recording more than 15.7 million INTERNATIONAL TRADE tourist arrivals in 2015 alone, Melaka’s Solidifying Melaka’s economic progress PULAU MELAKA – NEW TRADE & tourist numbers have increased more is its latest international trade and TOURISM HUB than 200% since 2006 and with that tourism agreement with Guangdong Pulau Melaka is a man-made island just follows the growing demand for quality province. Bilateral ties between the 5 minutes’ drive from Melaka’s central hotel accommodation and top-notch two states open up trade routes and business district and just 10 minutes entertainment. increase access to the vast China from the UNESCO World Heritage market and vice versa. This move is Zone. This is where Melaka’s famous UPCOMING MEGA-DEVELOPMENTS calculated to catapult Melaka’s coastal attractions - the Floating Mosque and The globalisation of Melaka’s Trade, city centre into a world trade hub. Wildlife Theatre Melaka are situated. Commerce and Investment sectors is Merging the ambiance of an island with imminent with the upcoming RM40 ADVANCED SOCIO-ECONOMICS the convenience of the nearby urban billion Melaka Gateway Project, Melaka has more than seven city centre, the value of Pulau Melaka is the 66-acre Hatten Metropolis and international tertiary education set to increase with more tourism based Mestika Island International Trade Hub institutions which secure a steady flow projects mushrooming in the area. which will harness foreign capital and of overseas students entering the State investments while elevating Melaka into per annum. Medical Tourism also plays a global platform. a vital role in driving up international
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Harbour City Resort Suites Mosque, Wildlife Theatre and now the HARBOUR CITY – A New Icon towering icon known as Harbour City. The Catalyst for Pulau Melaka Moreover, the value of area is set to More than just a resort, Harbour City Multi award-winning development – increase with upcoming neighbouring Resort Suites offers one-of-a-kind HARBOUR CITY - is already creating developments such as the RM40 billion experiences and premium resort- significant buzz in the local property Melaka Gateway Project and the 66- style living with world-class facilities, scene. Industry experts are calling this acre Hatten Metropolis. beachside ambiance and stunning sea- one of the most viable investments in views. Designed as a sky-resort with 18 Leveraging on Melaka’s recent trade Malaysia’s Southern Region. luxurious unit types measuring from agreement with Guangdong Province, Inspired by Melaka’s historic past as 470 to 2,200 sq. ft., guests will enjoy the upcoming KL-Singapore High an international seaport, the iconic seamless hospitality for that perfect Speed Rail and the new upgrade and project, shaped like a vast luxury island getaway. added flights to Melaka International cruise ship, is home to Malaysia’s first Airport, Pulau Melaka is poised right in Anchoring the project is its integration 500,000 sq. ft. indoor and outdoor the middle of this rampant growth of within the vibrant mixed-use Ocean Kingdom Water Theme Park, a the historic city of Melaka. development of Harbour City, a 6-storey aquatic-themed mall offering 6-acre, self-sustaining tourist-centric Harbour City Resort Suites with its 800 retail units and 3 international hub. Harbour City Resort Suites will strategic location, unique concept and hotel blocks. capitalise on the tourist numbers seamless integration within Harbour The 33-storey marine-themed drawn in by the Theme Park while City, the acclaimed City of Amusement, holiday destination and winner of directing the flow of guests towards is indeed a game-changer in Melaka’s Best Integrated Development at the the Shopping Mall. Adding further to property scene. As an investment, iProperty People’s Choice Awards its viability is its strategic location on the project offers attractive Secured 2016, just recently unveiled Phase 2 - Pulau Melaka. Returns Plans combined with long- Harbour City Resort Suites. term property value appreciation for Pulau Melaka is a renowned tourist that all-important security and high hotspot. Just 5 minutes drive to the yields for savvy investors. city centre, the unique man-made island is home to the famous Floating
FAST FACTS Discover and learn more about what’s coming up in Melaka. Visit and get updates on the Property Type : Resort Suites next MELAKA TOUR! Acres of Development : 6 acres Total units : 637 Lot size : 470 - 2200 sqft Price Range : RM 1280 – 1512 / sqft Tenure : Leasehold - 2110 Gross Development Value : RM1.8 billion (Harbour City) Launch Date : 14 May 2016 Est. date of completion : 2nd Quarter, 2019
Amenities • Sky lobby overlooking the water park podium • All day dining restaurant • Multi-function meeting rooms • 40m infinity pool, wading pool, family jacuzzi & swimming pool
Facilities • 360° rooftop view • Pool Bar and Sky Lounge • Gym and Spa
For more information, log on to www.harbourcity.com.my or call the hotline at +6012 719 1818.
20 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 21 Damansara Realty to Raise RM150m via Convertible Notes BK
Damansara Realty Bhd plans to raise up is the sole director and founder of the issue the first sub-tranche of Tranche 1 to RM150 million by issuing redeemable companies. notes in the second half of this year. convertible notes to fund its property development activities and for working The group intends to raise RM20 The note will mature in 2019 and capital, as reported in TheEdgeProperty. million from the first tranche, Damansara Realty will pay an annual com.my. RM30 million from the second interest of 0.1%. tranche and RM50 million from The notes are convertible into ordinary In a filing with Bursa Malaysia yesterday, the third and fourth tranches the property developer said it had shares in Damansara Realty on the respectively. signed a conditional subscription minimum conversion price of 50 agreement with Advance Opportunities sen each, being the par value of the Fund I and Advance Capital Partners company’s shares, with the maximum Asset Management Pte Ltd for the of conversion shares to be issued proposed issuance. amounting to 300 million.
The note will be issued in four tranches With this, the group noted its share to Advance Opportunities Fund, capital will increase to RM382.03 million an open-ended fund established 1 comprising 764.06 million shares in the Cayman Islands. Advance upon completion of the exercise from PROPERTY NEWS The application will be submitted to the Capital Partners will act as Advance RM154.69 million comprising 309.37 relevant authorities within two months, Opportunities Fund’s discretionary million shares. Damansara Realty said, targeting to PROPERTY, INVESTMENT & investment manager. Tan Choon Wee Domestic Lending See 7% Growth BK BANKING NEWS Domestic lending is expected to grow On the bright side, the analyst said the “And similar trends are seen for seven per cent this year, or to about banking industry would continue to see deposits,” said AllianceDBS. 1.59 per cent of the projected national strong demand from small and medium KEEP TRACK OF THE TRENDS IN gross domestic product by year-end, enterprises (SMEs), in line with the It trimmed its earnings forecasts of the PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE said an analyst, as reported in New Strait government’s direction under the 2016 industry by three per cent due to higher Times. Budget to support SME growth. credit costs for Maybank and AMMB.
The MIDF analyst said this was expected Besides that, he said the kicking-off of “With revenue growth predicted to be on the back of a slower loan growth some of the infrastructure projects later challenging amid slower loan growth and SB Sabah SW Sarawak WM West Malaysia from corporate and household this year might also trigger more lending lacklustre capital markets, the sector’s IN International BK Banking & Investment segments. under the construction segment. earnings growth of six per cent will be boosted by lower expenses, with one- He said this was in line with the volatile Meanwhile, AllianceDBS said in its off costs related to staff rationalisation economic condition, with big companies research note apart from weak capital booked last year,” it added. across all industries cutting their markets, slower loan growth this year expenses and amid the prolonged would contribute to the expected Stripping out the one-offs, AllianceDBS effects of the Goods and Services Tax slowdown in the banking industry’s said core earnings growth for this year and heightened inflation. earnings. would be two per cent.
However, the analyst said MIDF AllianceDBS said the overall sector expected growth in household loans to earnings were down one per cent year- pick up in the second half of the year, on-year in the first quarter of the year, following the government’s move to dragged down by higher provisions led increase disposable household income. by Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) and with AMMB Holdings Bhd in a recovery “Based on the slowdown in domestic mode. 2 lending recorded in the first two 1. Damansara Realty Bhd plans to raise up quarters of the year, we are expecting “Moderation in loan growth was to RM150 million by issuing redeemable convertible notes to fund its property a seven per cent growth, from the 7.9 apparent with mid- to single-digit development activities per cent recorded last year,” he told 2. AllianceDBS says higher provisions led by growth versus the historical high Malayan Banking Berhad have resulted in lower Business Times. single-digit to low double-digit levels. overall sector earnings in Q1
22 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 23 FEATURED EVENT
IJM LAND UNVEILS WINNER OF iLDA 2016
IJM LAND’s inaugural contest for young and aspiring interior designers of iLDA 2016 concluded early June in Bandar Rimbayu bringing forth its Gold Winner, Leo Wong Kwan Theng and Silver winner, Goh Sow Yee. For the last two months both contestants furnished a Penduline showroom in the township under the theme of “Reliving Nostalgic Memories”.
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he Managing Director of IJM interested there is also 3rd phase LAND, Mr. Edward Chong consisting of 244 units which is opened Sin Kiat, took to the stage for sale right now. to talk more about the idea Tbehind the award and the contestants’ The moment of the day had arrived performance: “By organising this and the Managing Director of IJM LAND competition we wanted to give unveiled the Winner of the iLDA 2016. young aspiring interior designers Amidst much applause, Leo Wong Kwan Theng was invited on stage to accept 2 the possibility to put what they have learned at the university and their his prize as Gold Winner, a cheque workplace to practical use and help worth RM18,000 and a Mac Book Pro. them become better and more Goh Sow Yee was awarded with a experienced in the business. When I cheque worth RM12,000 and an iPhone Besides that the use of see how far our two finalists have come 6s plus for being the iLDA 2016 Silver Winner. Joining the celebrations on Malay Batik Art texture from their first submitted design to stage was the COO of Bandar Rimbayu plays a large part in the now having realised their own personal Penduline showrooms, I can rightly say Mr. Shuy Eng Leong. design. This is intended to that we have more than just reached rejuvenate this heritage Leo’s design concept is based on our goal.” of the industry and create cassette tapes which are normally used as recording and playback tools for a combination between Penduline is the name of the latest music. The idea of playback and the “spaces with Malaysian development in Bandar Rimbayu’s Fauna precinct. The 625 well-planned rhythm of music generate the flows and culture and art. double storey link homes range from a the function of the residential design. gross built up area of 1,771 sqft - 2,283 “PLAY” , “STOP” and “PAUSE” buttons sqft and offer a variety of layouts. Each also play as the sub theme in this house of the Penduline houses is built on as representations of the activities of land area of 20’x70’ with an indicative humans and rhythm. selling price starting from as low as Lead Page: For more information, please log on to RM 689,800. Penduline’s first and Interior design of the Penduline showroom www.rimbayu.com or www.facebook. 2nd phase which are expected to be This Page: com/ijmlanddesigneraward. completed by the first quarter of 2018 1. Dining and kitchen area 2. The gold and silver winner of the competition are already 90% sold but for all those
26 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 27 PROPERTY SHOWCASE
GAMUDA LAND’S LUXURY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY IN MELBOURNE
Malaysia’s trusted developer Gamuda Land will soon be unveiling its new luxury residences in the heart of Melbourne’s coveted Chapel St to local Melbournians in the third quarter of this year.
By Property Hunter
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Melbourne was ranked the world’s full scope of incentives that will be is the first residential project in 1. Level 6 lounge and facilities floor 661 CHAPEL ST AT A GLANCE 2. Living room most liveable city for five consecutive given. However, one of them will be Melbourne to have limited-edition 3. Interior of the penthouse Type of Development : Residential Apartments years by The Economist and has the chance for buyers to turn back Lalique crystal artworks showcased in Total Land Area : 1,435 sqm become a hub for luxury property time to even before the 3% foreign its Grand Lobby. Total GDV : A$146 mil investors. The cosmopolitan city buyer stamp duty surcharge took scored second highest for inflow place, offered for a limited number As much as it is an aesthetic wonder, Location of millionaires in 2015, beating of units. There will be a rebate of the architects, have created an • The project is located 4km away from the Melbourne CBD and well suited to Dubai (4th), San Francisco (5th) and 3% back to the buyer to offset the enriching life within the walls of 661 enjoy picturesque of the Yarra River and Melbourne CBD. Vancouver (6th). current stamp duty and furthermore, with their unique Vertical Village • It is only two stations from the Melbourne CBD buyers will not have to pay the AUD concept. The community centric • South Yarra is one of Melbourne most affluent inner city suburbs and ranked According to Chief Operating Officer $5,000 foreign buyer fee. design comes with outstanding as the Most Liveable Suburb in the World’s Most Liveable City. for Gamuda Land, Ngan Chee Meng, facilities for entertaining, hosting • Chapel Street – An exclusive location at the fringe of the city. “Chapel St has always been alluring At a gross development value of dinner parties, a luxurious mini • Predominantly a residential area, it holds reputation as Melbourne’s fashion for both locals and foreigners alike. AUD$154 million (RM465 million), the theatre, a 25 meter cantilevered lap and style capital with trendy restaurants, art galleries and street cafes. The location is an embodiment of 30 storey development comprises pool, gym, sauna, spa pool, a well- Total Units & Size : Carefully crafted to its finest to 169 units, - 30 storeys a luxurious lifestyle complete with 142 units of 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom stocked double volume grand library luxurious apartments, and sizes are as below: the modern day amenities that are units and Penthouses with internal and even a climate controlled wine 1 bedroom : 40sqm – 58sqm perfect for any family.” areas range from 40 square meters cellar. 2 bedroom : 69sqm – 106sqm to 271 square meters. 3 bedroom : 102sqm – 135sqm The sales event in Malaysia could not Designed to leave a lasting Penthouse : 265sqm have come at a better time since the An impeccably designed home, 661 impression, 661 Chapel St promises Victorian Government has announced Chapel St is the embodiment of an experience residents and guests Nearest Public Transports an impending increase in stamp duty 6-star living with its modern clean will never forget. From its classic • Tram : Malcolm St/Chapel St – Doorstep surcharge for foreign buyers from 3% lines and attention to detail, a elegant exterior to the inspiring • Tram : Toorak Road/Chapel St – 4 mins walk to 7%, from 1st July 2016 onwards. signature design statement of award artistic interior, every space is a warm • Train : South Yarra Station – 8 mins walk winning architects Bird de la Coeur. “welcome home” and a testament to For 661 Chapel St’s Malaysian sales An additional feature that exceeds Gamuda’s commitment to provide the Commencement Date of Construction : Beginning of 2016 event, Gamuda has yet to reveal the all expectations is the fact that 661 very highest quality of life. Expected Completion Date : 2018
30 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 31 DUBAI CREEK HARBOUR The surrounding area of Dubai Creek Harbour will become a 6 square-kilometre development that incorporates world-class master-planning, covering an area twice the size of Downtown Dubai. The waterfront development is centred at Dubai Creek, one of the most significant points in the history and culture of Dubai.
Known simply as ‘The Tower’, the new structure is being designed by world-renowned architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava, who is leading its design and engineering work. Calatrava has chosen Aurecon as the engineer/architect-of-record to collaborate with on a range of design and technical features for the ambitious project.
PROPERTY SHOWCASE The Calatrava team were looking to work directly with our experts COLLABORATION FOR A who have had hands-on project NEW MILESTONE IN DUBAI experience on other supertall An Iconic Landmark That Will and similar mega projects. Intensify The Country’s Enterprise They were impressed by our And Furistic Visions “open, flexible and collaborative Set to become one of the world’s most noticeable buildings, the approach”, towering skyscraper will be the focal point of a major new development that will transform the Dubai Creek Harbour area into one of the most ~ Adrian Jones, Aurecon’s Project desirable residential and leisure destinations in the world. Director of The Tower
By Property Hunter
The sky-high building’s prominent design includes a distinctive net of steel cable stays attached to a central reinforced concrete column which will reach into the skies. An oval-shaped bud at the top of the tower will house ten observation decks, including The Pinnacle Room, which will offer extraordinary, 360-degree views of the city and beyond. It will also serve as a beacon of light at night, with a lighting system that will conjure the features of a flower bud.
The high-profile project was unveiled to the world at a launch ceremony by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Chairman of Emaar Properties, Mohamed Alabbar, hoped The Tower would encapsulate the spirit of Dubai.
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A TOWERING TEAM A DESIGN DREAM Design work for the project is already underway and With the rich culture and heritage of UAE in mind, the Among the various decks within The Tower are two VIP is set to be completed in a period of approximately iconic Calatrava design was selected from six proposals observation garden decks that will recreate the luxury 4 years. With a strong environmental and smart-tech that were submitted by top global architectural firms. It of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. The building will “One of the secrets with also include numerous balconies that rotate outside the considerations, The Tower will be a compelling destination is influenced by the natural forms of the lily, evoking the courageous projects is not to use that will add long-term economic value to Dubai and the shape of a minaret, a distinctive feature in Islamic culture. façade of the tower, an exclusive boutique hotel, and United Arab Emirates. several event spaces. At ground level, The Tower’s Central new techniques or materials, One of the most breath-taking design features of The Plaza will serve as a bustling neighbourhood centre, with but to stick with what you know. Aurecon has assembled its top global experts to Tower is the net of cable stays that extend from the tower world-class retail stores, a museum, educational facilities We must work to maximise the contribute to the project, with work being led by the to the ground, reflecting the delicate ribbing of lily leaves. and an indoor auditorium. potential of those materials and company’s Middle East office with input from offices in The extended oval-shaped bud and geometric texture Africa, Asia and Australia. Dr. Andy Davids, Aurecon’s set the template for the observation decks. The slender The Tower is scheduled to open in mid-2020 to celebrate “techniques” Tall Buildings Leader, who serves as Aurecon’s Director stem serves as the analogy for the structure, which is the start of Expo 2020 in Dubai. of Design on the project, said that optimising proven engineered to its most efficient diameter. ~ Dr. Andy Davids. techniques and materials is fundamental to the project’s success. Calatrava also designed the tower with a strong focus on energy efficiency and sustainability, including a highly- efficient cooling system to ease the region’s hot climate. The water collected from this system will also clean the structure’s façade.
34 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 35 To find out more about the property market in Kuching, we speak to local real estate gurus, lawyer, entrepreneur, investor and co-author of Ho Chin Soon’s ‘Property Investment True Stories’ and ‘Location, Timing & Branding 2.0’, Charles Liew and Manager of H. Simon Real Estate, Colin Chong.
How would you describe the property Charles Liew: The property market in market in Kuching and Sarawak as a Kuching has slowed in the last year or whole? two, along with the economy of course, and we have yet to see major signs of Charles Liew: One unique thing about recovery. The market sentiments remain the Kuching market is that, whilst prices more pessimistic than optimistic. Charles Liew in West Malaysia are more prone to changes based on supply and demand, With the banks tightening their loan we have not noticed too much of that in approvals as well, we are in a downward Kuching. spiral. Currently, some projects are not selling too well, but then again, the good Developers tend to come up with prices ones are still being snapped up. This is in on their own properties and begin contrast to, say four years ago, when any selling, but who can blame them if HOT TOPIC launches would typically be wiped clean! they keep selling their properties out? Investors from places like Sibu and Miri When the economy recovers, so will have been known to like the Kuching the property market. Even the best Property Market Outlook property market and prices have been economists in the world would not be and Hotspots in Kuching inadvertently driven up as a result. able to predict when that is going to However, this is not saying that Kuching happen, but based on the indicators, Colin Chong In recent years, the homely ‘Cat City’ Kuching, the state capital of Sarawak properties have no room for growth, I feel things would slowly start to pick some assets, which more often than not has evolved to become one of biggest property hotspots in Malaysia. Its because in the long run, most properties up again starting the second or third involve properties. Property agents have culturally rich demographic and laid back setting has made it increasingly would likely prove to be money-making quarter of 2017. been going around to investors pitching popular amongst expatriates who are looking to retire, where they can successes. them undervalued properties, quoting Colin Chong: Stagnation would probably simultaneously get the best of both city life and a relaxing environment. things like ‘bank value’, ‘market value’ and Colin Chong: Kuching, like most major be the scenario we are looking at for ‘the amazing not-to-be-missed prices cities in Malaysia has seen a huge capital the second half of 2016 and very high By Property Hunter right now’! gain on the property appreciation during probability that this will be the case until
the five year period starting from the the end of 2017. A lot of investors have Colin Chong: Yes, now is still very good second half of 2009 till 2014. During been asking me for the past one year to buy property in Kuching for the simple that period, we see a lot of houses in of whether there will be a possibility fact that Kuching still has a lot of room good residential areas gowing up by 80- of property prices in Kuching taking a to grow in terms of developments and 100 per cent. Yes, some of the house nosedive. My answer -- don’t bet on it. growth. prices double up during that five-year period. The same growth can be said for With the current economic climate, a Where are the property hotspots in commercial properties located in some lot of local businesses are experiencing Kuching at the moment for investors of the more centralized areas. considerable slowdown in their looking for a lucrative ROI? businesses since the implementation of But before that, we have seen slow and GST last year. Charles Liew: The best areas right now, steady growth. We are talking about a in my view, would be up-and-coming steady 4-8 percent growth in property Is now a good time to buy property in areas towards the outskirt of Kuching prices annually. As a whole, the Kuching Kuching? city. So we are looking at places like property market has been shown to give Samarahan, though really the trend Charles Liew: For me, now is a great very stable return to investors. towards Samarahan started perhaps a time to buy for those with cash in the decade ago – but, it is still developing so bank because what we are seeing What is your prediction for the there are still opportunities there. Some around Kuching is that some businesses Kuching property sector in the next may look at that and say, Samarahan are failing to keep up, resulting in year or so? is a thing of the past, but if you make business owners having to liquidate
36 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 37 years old to avoid spending bigger renovation fees. As these renovations will eat into your potential returns. But, if you have some good extra millions lying around, buying land would still be the best investment that you can make in Kuching. If not, hey, a landed terrace house will give you a pretty good, comfortable return by the time you retire.
In your opinion, what are the things that make Kuching a great property hotspot?
Charles Liew:I believe Kuching is a decent property spot. Kuching has a few things going for it which would make it investable. First and foremost, Kuching is the capital city of Sarawak, so in terms a trip there right now you would know Do you have any advice for real estate of business activities, even though it is good for another few decades of investors who are looking to invest in places like Bintulu and Miri are picking development. Kuching? up, Kuching would still be the focal point for many businesses looking to gain a Then there are areas like Isthmus and Charles Liew: Understand the city as foothold in the State. Matang, which have been widely talked a whole and all the dynamics at play about already. I am always more careful before you invest. Kuching also has a burgeoning the moment more people start to see reputation of being a good retirement Kuching is a unique city, without a real the potential though, so please always city for foreigners, and in recent years we CBD to talk about. Real estate, as such, is undertake your own due diligence before have indeed seen with our own eyes an not concentrated in one area, but rather jumping head first into an investment, increase as far as that is concerned. especially in areas you are not familiar spread out. As usual, do what you would with. with any real estate investment, be it in Colin Chong: Kuching is known to be Kuching or elsewhere. For example, you a place where it is safe and peaceful to Colin Chong: There are quite a number would want to research and ask around work and live. Throughout the history of areas where one can invest. For in Kuching about the various developers. of Kuching, the property market has investors looking to invest in residential experienced steady growth. For investors Colin Chong: Invest in areas and properties with more budgets, buying looking for a safe and stable investment locations that are well established properties in areas like Jalan Song, Jalan portfolio, Kuching will be a great spot to and areas that have good visible Kempas, BDC, Stutong, Green Heights invest in. and Kenny Hill will still be a good buy infrastructure. Also look if the area is well as these are very established and well planned in terms of their developments. sought-after areas. For new investors just starting out, buy condos in already well-established For more price conscious buyers, the areas for those who want to earn rental houses along the Samarahan road is incomes, but most importantly choose a good place to invest as this is the condominiums or apartments that is area that has a lot of well-planned desired by the mass market to buy, developments and are generally meaning, go for apartments or condos a popular area among younger that are priced in the range of between generations. Areas in Stapok are also RM400, 000 – RM450, 000 at the current gaining momentum as it is considered market. For condominiums, don’t buy too one of the areas that is very centralized far away from well-established areas. and connected and will have better connectivity in the very near future. It would be best to buy these landed properties that is not older than 25
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46 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 47 NEWS Kota Kinabalu Voted as One of the Best Resort Destinations in Asia Pacific SB
news, conferences, event According to the CEI website, travel and incentives. This puts industry heavyweights Singapore Kota Kinabalu on the same and Hong Kong have retained their level as Bali and Phuket, positions as premier MICE destinations, according to the results, competing for the top spot in numerous categories. as reported in The Borneo
Post. New nominations from Hainan, the Philippines and Vietnam have made their The CEI’s annual industry 1 way into the top three. survey, the CEI Readers’ The city of Kota Kinabalu has Choice Awards, has been This year, the CEI Asia readers’ survey been voted one of the best resort running for 15 years and sets the also added new categories, bringing benchmark to showcase Asia Pacific’s destinations by readers of CEI Asia, in wins for airlines and newly-opened best in business events. a publication for tourism and travel venues.
A Strategic Partnership Between MFR Capital and Hatten Group WM
MFR Capital, an established Investment We foresee many investment tourism and entertainment landscape, and Asset Management company, opportunities and untapped Harbour City is a self-sustaining, fully incorporated in Malaysia, proudly resources which MFR can venture in incorporated ‘city of amusement’ which announce its strategic investment into the next ten years or more.” infuses three vibrant elements – Retail, Harbour City Resort, a latest project Theme Park and Hotels. launched by largest developer in Melaka’s EziFund Director Mr Geoffrey Tan shared City Centre, Hatten Group. that ‘Malaysia offers one of the most Hatten Group, well known for its conducive environment for foreign transformation of Melaka, is one of the MFR Capital with its group of companies, investors through Malaysia My 2nd Home most recognized developers in Malaysia. has over 40 years of investment (MM2H) scheme. Locally, there are many MFR Capital’s global investments includes experience in the real estate market, upcoming developments which Ezifund the mining of Cubecoin and renting of with numerous partnerships with well- has scouted. But Melaka draws the most rigs to service other Cubecoin miners known developers across Asia and the interest at the moment, as the emerging with teams of experts and technical staff UK market. This latest investment sparks city of historical flamboyance, shows hailing from all over the world such as MFR Capital‘s intention to aggressively great potential of growth within its city Australia, Finland, Singapore, United pursue further success through property centre in the recent years.’ States, and Hong Kong. investment in Malaysia. MFR Capital will bulk MFR’s CEO Mr Shawn Er expressed purchase units within “Malaysia still has lots of potential Harbour City Resorts which for growth. The country is located amounts to Gross value up strategically in the middle of the One to RM25 million. Harbour City Belt One Road route and it is one of Resort Suites is within the the emerging economies of growth iconic Harbour City. A game- among the Asean community. changer in Melaka’s luxury, 2
Cuepacs Wants Government to Review Income Calculation for Housing Loan SB The Congress of Unions of Employees in allowances as a part of the salary in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) calculating the income for a housing wants the government to review the loan, whether through the government policy of income calculation for a or a bank loan. housing loan to simplify and qualify civil servants to buy a house, as reported in “This is because, today, only the basic 3 salary is taken into account in calculating TheEdgeProperty.com.my. 1. One of the hotspots in KK; Shangri-La’s the income for a housing loan. It will Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa 2. Partnership between MFR Capital and Its president Datuk Azih Muda said cause many civil servants to be unable Hatten Group this includes taking into account fixed to afford a house.” 3. CUEPACS
48 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 49 How Does Islamic Home Financing Work? An Islamic home loan must first and foremost ensure that it is Shariah compliant. This means that there are no interest-based (riba) transactions, speculation (gharar) and there are no haram (unlawful) transactions involved. The essential key to Islamic finance is also the notion that money itself has no intrinsic value, so money is not allowed to create more money. Therefore, Islamic banks must provide services or products in order for them to earn profits.
With Islamic home financing, banks usually provide either buy and sell (Murabahah) or leasing services (Ijarah). With the Murabahah concept, you choose a property and through an Islamic home financing, you and the bank will then enter into a contract where the bank buys the property for you. The bank will then re-sell the property to you at a higher price in the form of instalments over a fixed period of time.
As for the Ijarah concept, it is based on a transfer of property ownership at the end of leasing. The bank will buy the property for you, and you will buy back the property by making instalment payments. This concept allows you to buy out a property from the bank while paying for “rent”.
Advantages of Islamic Home Financing • Customers receive Ibra (rebate) from some Islamic banks when you make early settlement on your home financing. HOT TOPIC • Under Budget 2016, all Islamic home financing will receive 20% off stamp duty exemption as part of the government’s effort to boost Islamic financing.
THE BEST ISLAMIC HOME Some of the best Islamic Home Financing Loans in Malaysia LOANS IN MALAYSIA Maybank Islamic Commodity Murabahah Home Financing-i This is a cost + profit (Murabahah) loan, which translates to a “buy and sell” contract between Are you looking to purchase a property? Why not broaden your the bank and the customer. A Shariah-compliant commodity will be identified (such as crude financing options by considering Islamic home loans? Here, we’ve palm oil) and it will be used as the underlying asset for the sale and purchase transaction rounded up the advantages, and the best Islamic home loans in between the customer and the bank. This underlying asset is meant to raise funds to finance Malaysia that could suit you. the property.
By Fara Joifin REQUIREMENTS Minimum income : RM24,000 annually Age : 21 years old and above Financing tenure : 30 years or age 60 (whichever comes first) / 35 years or age 70 for professionals and graduates.
This loan offers financing eligibility of up to 70% of your gross income (subject to the bank’s approval). You can choose from fixed, tiered or variable profit rate with this loan, and the effective profit rate will be determined by Maybank upon the approval of the loan. There is no locked in period penalty for this loan and customers will be granted Ibra (rebate) for early loan settlement. This loan is suitable for both completed or under construction properties.
Alliance Islamic Bank i-Wish Home Financing Based on the concept of deferred payment sale (Bai Bithaman Ajil) this is another option for those looking for Shariah-compliant home financing.
This loan is suitable for completed and under construction properties as well as for those looking to refinance their property. The profit rate is up to the BR rate of +0.55% (the current base rate for Alliance bank is 3.97%).
50 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 51 HOT TOPIC CIMB Islamic Ijarah Property Financing-i REQUIREMENTS Based on the Ijarah Muntahiyah Bittamik concept, this loan offers Minimum income : RM24,000 annually transfer of property ownership from bank to customer. At the Age : 21 years old and above end of the lease, through paying a nominal amount to the bank Financing tenure : 35 years or age 75 (whichever comes throughout the loan tenure, the ownership of the property will first). then be transferred from the bank to the customer.
So as of now, the profit rate for this loan would be 3 You can REQUIREMENTS also opt to take Takaful coverage with this loan, so you can have Minimum income : RM24,000 annually peace of mind without worrying about burdening your family Age : 18 years old and above or loved ones with debt should anything happen to you during Financing tenure : 35 years or age 70 (whichever comes the loan tenure. You are also eligible for Ibra for an early loan first). settlement, so it pays to settle your loan early.
HSBC Amanah Home Smart-i This loan offers a high margin of financing, however, the effective Based on the diminishing Musyarakah concept, this means that profit rate is not clearly stated. That being said, it is capped at the bank and the customer will be in a partnership to buy a a competitive profit rate of 10.75% per annum which is quite property. The bank’s share of the property will then diminish high compared to others in the market. The exact rate will be over time during the loan tenure while the customer’s share determined by the bank upon the approval of the loan. The increases from the result of the monthly payments made to the downside of this loan is that it is limited to the financing of bank. completed residential or business properties only.
The profit rate charged for this loan per annum is BR+1.10%. As a friendly reminder, it is recommended that your debt to The current base rate for HSBC is 3.75% so the effective income ratio does not exceed 40% of your gross monthly financing rate per annum would be 4.85%. It is important to take income. To calculate your debt to income ratio: note that the monthly payment and total amount to be paid will vary if there are any changes made to the BR. This loan also has Monthly loan repayments ______X 100 REQUIREMENTS Net monthly income Minimum income : RM24,000 annually Age :18 years old and above Does any of these Islamic Home Loans suit your needs? Then Financing tenure : 35 years or age 65 (whichever comes get in touch with the respective banks to find out more. first). a monthly service fee of RM10 plus 6% throughout the tenure of the loan. Financing margin is up to 90% of the current market value of the property but this is subject to the bank’s approval. Customers also have the option to take up the Takaful Reducing Term Cover for Home Financing to protect their families from the burden of home financing should anything unexpected were to happen.
About Fara Joifin Fara is a Content Writer at CompareHero.my. She gets excited when she scores a good deal and enjoys finding ways to save money. She also has an obsession with the Northern Lights.
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Recipe for Success
If there’s a recipe for success in property investment, it starts with picking the right ingredients and the right people to give it to you. By combining their respective skills, three friends, have prepared us with a sandwiched book on how to minimise risk while maximising on investment returns from the perspectives of Bank, Law and Tax.
Words by Property Hunter Photos by All4One Venue by Signature Kitchen
54 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 55 Property Hunter had the gastronomic pleasure of interviewing Miichael Yeoh (Banker), Chris Tan (Lawyer) and Richard Oon (Taxman). These sandwich connoisseurs -- and property experts in their respective fields -- were put to the amusing task of making their own BLT sandwiches while discussing about their new book, ‘BLT Property Investment’.
Hello boys, can you please tell us how the idea for this book came about? MY: We were having sandwiches and talking about work at Subway one day and things just started to link-up. That was the moment BLT was born.
RO: What Miichael means is that we realised from our interactions with clients that the three elements of bank, law and tax were interconnected in a property investment decision. There is an apparent trade-off among the “BLT” elements for a property investor and the balancing-act between the three elements which are unique to each property investor. Ok, jokes aside, can you explain, in CT: Also, we all became friends naturally as MY: Yea, I have known Richard for a very brief what the book is about? we were speakers in the circuit pertaining long time and we actually met during a CT: The book seeks to assist aspiring to real estate. It started by calling each business meeting. And I think I met Chris property investors how to systematically other about professional references and three years ago, also in one of Property plan out their investments through as Richard said, we realised that the Hunter’s expos in Tawau. I remember, our fundamental considerations of BLT and fundamental issues, bank, law and tax were first outing together was getting a foot how to balance investment decisions. all interconnected with each other. So, the massage near the hotel we were staying. Ultimately it’s about profiling and profiting book basically came about from friendship. from your risk. CT: That’s right, Michael and I met for the How long have the three of you first time, a few years ago in an event by RO: We put the contents of the book known each other and how did a Property Hunter. As for Richard, we kept together based on the common issues lawyer, banker and tax man meet? bumping into each other at events and faced by a potential property investor RO: Gosh, from how the three of us click eventually started talking about real estate when planning to buy a property. Many so well together, it would seem that we from different perspectives. And because we investors, especially the newer ones, invest have known each other since childhood! were all from Penang, our bond eventually in a property without any clear objectives But seriously, I have known Miichael for strengthened. and strategies in mind. That is why we more than 10 years now, I think, since we introduced the BLT Property Investment were involved in a business organisation It sounds like the start of a joke, Model which in our book is called ‘OPRIME’ together. On the other hand, I first met doesn’t it? One day, a lawyer, a which is an acronym for Objective-Plan- Chris a few years back during a property banker and a tax man meet at a Research-Invest-Manage-Exit. So, the book event organised by Property Hunter, where bar…… serves to explain all the elements of “BLT” Miichael was there as well. The three of us CT: Guess what, a sandwich bar. that a property investor has to know and are regularly invited by Property Hunter as we leave it to the reader to map out his speakers for your events, so in a way, we RO: …and the bartender looks up and says, options and decide for himself where to really must thank you for bringing the BLT “Is this some kind of a joke?” strike a balance among the three elements. team together!
The BLT Boys, from left to right: Miichael Yeoh, Chris Tan and Richard Oon
56 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 57 What are your favourite MY: I think it took us about three to in a matter of three months! RO: So far, we received a lot of positive in the areas of bank, law and tax. This investment journey. One mistake can sandwiches? four months but the last month was feedback from readers of the book. We book was put together based on the cost them a lot of money. CT: The BLT. very hard for us to meet the deadline. Who’s the culprit that did that? also received several suggestions on experience of qualified professionals It’s not easy getting the three of us CT: Me! I take full responsibility. how to improve the book further, which who have many years of practical CT: To sum it up, if you are serious MY: Hmm…actually, I like all kinds of together as we each have our own we will evaluate and figure out how to experience in our respective fields. I think about property investment, this should sandwich. I’m a bread person. I could businesses to run. But we tried to make So do you think that the book best incorporate those suggestions in this justifies why people should invest be your bible. survive on bread alone. it a point to have regular meetings, has already been perfected? Or is the book. Also, there are some recent RM50 to buy the book. be it in Penang or Kuala Lumpur and there still room for improvement developments in the property sector RO: Err, isn’t it obvious? It’s a BLT mostly on Sundays. We hadn’t even or for more expansions to the that we are eager to share our thoughts MY: Many people are still interested sandwich for me! seen the final printout of the book details? on so these will be incorporated in the in property investment. The current until the night before the launch. It CT: There is always room for upcoming edition of the book. economy is nothing to shout about but What was the basic premise of was exactly on the 16th of January. I improvement as our value tends people still invest. We came up with the coming up with the investment even remember Chris having to camp to change from time to time by Lastly, tell us, why should people idea as many property investors are model theory and how did you all day at the designer’s office just to accumulated experiences. Besides, read this book? still are not familiar with the subject expand the idea and figure get the book done. We came a long there are always constant changes RO: Many rely on ‘experts’ among their matter. Our mission is to steer them out the formulas? Was it easy way from when we started to put our even in the bank, law and tax areas. circle of friends for opinions and advice towards the right path to take in their connecting the dots? thoughts on paper. CT: Initially it was about calling to cross reference but we then RO: The idea was first toyed with, realised that we were all standing at probably in late 2014, but as Miichael contrasting viewpoints. If you pay mentioned, due to our busy work less tax, you won’t get a higher loan schedules, not much was really drafted and everything in the middle is about in the first half of 2015. Then, during legal compliance. Once we agreed to a public event one day, and much to disagree and established that everyone the other two’s surprise, one of us has a risk profile, connecting the dots announced to the audience, that we was a lot easier. would be launching the BLT book in early 2016! That really gave us the RO: We realised that we rely on each push that we needed and the other for input when we advise our manuscript, book design clients on property investment issues. and layout was I, for one, will look at a client’s plan produced to invest in a property from a tax perspective, but at the same time, be mindful that how I try to optimise the tax efficiency of a property investment for a client may not work well from the financing and legal [ownership structure] angles for the client. We communicated a lot with each other to ensure that the client’s major objectives are achieved. And after a few cases, we realised that there are certain standard processes that we had to go through to arrive at the optimum structure for each client. So it was just a matter of putting our thoughts on paper, refining it and the BLT Property Investment book was born!
How long did it take you guys to complete the book? CT: From planning to printing, about less than six months.
58 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 59 EXCLUSIVE REPORT CYBERJAYA A CITY OF ENDLESS POTENTIAL
Cyberjaya is always a hot topic among property investors. With many commercial and residential developments that have arisen, it has made the city an attractive choice for local and foreign businesses to live, work and play.
Initially focused on ICT, the city has evolved into a global tech hub (GTH) - which has driven the city’s economic growth.
With wide networks that have been established in East Malaysia, Property Hunter sees the importance of highlighting the thriving city into a special issue dedicated to this interesting city.
60 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 61 EXCLUSIVE REPORT
CYBERJAYA A globally connected city of the future
Equipped with modern and high-tech facilities, Cyberjaya is the city of the future with a twist. While other cities are congested with sky-high buildings, Cyberjaya’s state-of-the-art developments are supplemented with a host of recreational facilities.
BACKGROUND WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE THE CURRENT WAVE
To complement the newly launched Malaysia Cyberjaya was a palm oil plantation back in the mid-nineties. Malaysia had an Say hello to the innovative creative A number of buildings in Cyberjaya have been accredited with Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC-Malaysia) abundance of palm oil plantations at that time, but what they did not have thinkers of Cyberjaya. Made up of the tech LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and/or in 1997, the Malaysian Government put was a city designed specifically to facilitate the IT and hi-tech industry. community, students and residents, the Green Building Index (GBI) certification. They are Wisma Shell forward a plan to build a new Information city has been developing progressively (Malaysia’s first LEED Gold Building), CX5 Data Centre, Rimba Digital Communication Technology (ICT) city. Cyberjaya started to emerge from the jungle in 1997. The whole enterprise and is projected to reach a population – Cyberjaya3 Data Centre, and CJ1 Data Centre. The upcoming Thus, Cyberjaya was hatched up as a vital was founded in the attempt to move the Malaysian economy away from of 100,000 by the end of 2016 (there are Cyberjaya Mosque has also been awarded a Green Building Index – ingredient to the country’s policies and agriculture and towards manufacturing and tech industries. currently roughly about 86,000 people Platinum Rating. ideals of looking towards ICT as an engine of residing in Cyberjaya). With the presence of Cyberjaya has changed melodramatically in just the last 3 or 4 years from growth for the future economy. many multi-national companies and private what was pretty much a wasteland strewn with offices and the (very) universities in the township, many expats Not only does sunshine have the power to make people feel happy, it occasional retailer, to the beginnings of a real city. And judging from the Measuring 7,000 acres, Cyberjaya has been have also been attracted to set up home in also has the potential to power up our devices, buildings, and more. amount of construction in progress right now, the township will be a very transformed into an intelligent city with Cyberjaya. A vibrant community, it’s where In Cyberjaya, where sunlight is plentiful all year round, solar power is different place in another 5 years from now. (Source: http://www.cyberjayalife. world-class standards and facilities, making creative and brilliant-minded people meet increasingly being used as an alternative energy source, thus reducing info/2013/12/history-of-cyberjaya) it the country’s first and premier ICT city. and collaborate. the city’s dependence on fossil fuels. OVERVIEW Calling Malaysia a negara hebat (great Intelligent, sustainable building design So far, solar panels have been installed on five bus shelters, two Green nation), the chief US diplomat highlighted As the principal Developer of Cyberjaya, Setia Haruman was commended is fast making inroads in Cyberjaya. New Nomad Kiosks, and on several rooftops, including the new Cyberjaya the country’s success in generating with the role to plan, design and prepare the primary infrastructure for the residential and commercial buildings are Community Recycling Collection Centre (CCRCC). The energy stored in entrepreneurs in a multicultural setting, and Cyberjaya. The freehold land entailing four main zones known as Enterprise, being developed with renewable energy and the solar-powered bus shelters is turned into electricity at night, lighting mentioned Cyberjaya as among its success Commercial, Institutional and Residential. Each zone is fully equipped with water conservation in mind - while existing up the bus stand. In the future, Cyberjaya’s car park shelters will also stories. (Source: The Star Online, Oct 12 2013). state-of-the-art infrastructure which includes a host of intelligent network. buildings are being retrofit to reduce power run off solar energy. Another interesting solar-powered project is the and resource consumption. upcoming Cyberjaya Mosque, which may be the world’s first mosque Setia Haruman is also involved in the development equipped with a Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) System to of commercial and residential projects in addition to harvest energy from the sun. marketing and selling land parcels to investors and sub- developers to design and build their own development As of June 2015, there are plenty of landed and high rise residential based on a permitted planning guideline. Furthermore, developments being offered for residential stay. High rise residential Setia Haruman offers assistance to MSC-status and integrated developments including the likes of Shaftsbury Square, companies in obtaining the land rights and approvals D’Pulze, Serin Residency, The Place, D’Melor, Domain, etc. and landed for sub-division and building plans. housing include Symphony Hills, Garden Residence, Summer Glades and Mirage by the Lake. With the many upcoming developments, there will Today, Setia Haruman is credited for the development be at least an additional 10,000 residential units in the next two years. of Cyberjaya into an intelligent city of world-class (Source: www.cyberjayamalaysia.com.my) standards and a variety of facilities amidst rich natural surroundings. *Unless stated otherwise, the numbers above are accumulative figures and subject to change
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GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY HUB, all of them targeting the middle-income market. “Not only THE YET TO COME YOUR FUTURE BLUEPRINT HIGHLIGHTS OF CYBERJAYA does Cyberjaya have freehold status, it is also home to MSC, Cyberjaya is moving up the value chain by the day. As the city with more than 300 MNC status companies, plus world-class Nine key technology sectors have been identified Education Institutions (6 Universities/Colleges as of Apr 2016) gears towards 2020, residents and dwellers will see a rise in universities and a population of about 24,000 students in under the Global Tech Hub Blueprint. They are: high impact companies, research and development (R&D) Top 4 Universities total”, he added. companies and backend financial services, to name a few. • Multimedia University Deemed the “Smart City”, Cyberjaya is poised to have the Within the next 5 years, one can expect a more robust • Limkokwing University of Creative Technology following attributes: growth for Cyberjaya with all of these projects coming into • Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences place. • Strategic location within proximity of Klang Valley locations • University Islam Malaysia
Excellent connectivity with expressways and rail links supported Cyberjaya will see a new 4.86-hectare government hospital Information Creative • by feeder bus services in its township by 2018. This is one of the 5 new hospitals to Kirkby College Security Content Superior IT infrastructure and communications backbone be built in addition to Pasir Gudang, Kemaman, Pendang and • supported by extensive fiber optics backbone ELC International School Maran. • Safe living and working environment with security features including gated and guarded projects and CCTVs To support the city’s new vision and growth plans, a few Smart School (Cyberjaya Primary & Secondary) Ecological environment, allocation for greenery and public • facilities and amenities is double that of the average townships development projects have been proposed, one of which is the development of a city centre that will create a focal point Secondary Smart Boarding School – Seri Puteri Girls • Well-planned and low density ecosystem, with no transportation Cloud Big Data bottlenecks, including that for public transport. for Cyberjaya and its settings within a 30–50 km radius. Computering Analytic Current Developments (projects that are already completed) Setia Haruman is dedicated to further build Cyberjaya into Easily accessible and pedestrian friendly, the project, with a Malaysia’s leading hub for high income economy; creating Gross Development Value (GDV) of RM9 billion, is now at its Residential Cyberia Crescent 1 by MK Land a clean, green and lush ecosystem that is facilitative and evaluation stage. The project will be developed in phases and Mirage By The Lake by OSK conducive to businesses to drive economic activities. is expected to be fully completed within 15 years. Garden Residence by Mah Sing Green Biotechnology Cyberjaya will become the centre of excellence for knowledge The government has already approved an efficient public Technology and highly-skilled manpower, attracting and maintaining the transport system. An MRT station, or also known as the MRT Mixed Dev. Shaftbury Square by Ikhasas group (P) world’s leading multinational corporations (MNCs) and their II Project, will serve residents through these areas; Sungai D’Pulze by D’Pulze Ventures knowledge workers. The smart city will also be a catalyst for Buloh – Serdang – Cybjeraya – Putrajaya, with Cyberjaya and Neo Cyber by EMKAY MNCs and Malaysian corporations, nurturing start-ups, SMEs Putrajaya being one of the main stations. and “technopreneurs” to create value-added activities to move up the value chain. Not to mention the collaboration Wearable Smart Grid Commercial Dev. Glomac Cyberjaya by Glomac Technologies Technology with Universities, private institutions and skills development CBD Perdana by Setia Haruman centres to educate and prepare knowledge workers. Galleria by PPC JV Glomac
According to Ishmael Ho, Director of HSC Research, there are more than 30 developers in Cyberjaya and all the big Future Developments players are there, like SP Setia, Mah Sing, OSK, UEM and MCT; According to Enoch Khoo, Vice President of Property Hub Sdn Bhd and Managing Lake Point by Yan Jian group Director of ENK Ventures Sdn Bhd, he Lake Front by MCT believes that Cyberjaya is a booming Verdi Eco-dominium @ Symphony Hills by UEM
city. With the high speed rail from Residential Ceria Residences by Setia Haruman Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, it will Setia Eco Glades by SP Setia easily allow IT specialists to commute To support the city’s new to and from Cyberjaya, the knowledge vision and growth plans, a few centre of Malaysia. Third Avenue by Tee Resources development projects have been Mixed Dev. Sky Park by MCT proposed, one of which is the “IT will be the next wave of business. Lexicon by Prima Avenue Cyberjaya plays a very important role in development of a city centre CyberSquare by Binastra that will create a focal point for the nation for the tech industry and the Cyberjaya and its settings within knowledge based people would have to Commercial Dev. Radius by EMKAY a 30–50 km radius. congregate there”, he explained. Tamarind Square by Tujuan Gemilang Roppongi by BND Global
64 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 65 PROPERTY SHOWCASE
Tamarind Square – Where Cyberjaya Connects amarind Square is The lower two levels can Tamarind Square’s prized emerge right in the heart of a unique retail and be accessed from the main location, surrounded by Cyberjaya. office development. road, while the top two more than 19 residential It is the reinvention levels can be reached from developments and fronting Tof the traditional Malaysian the podium road. Highlights a mall and hotel makes shop-office, the modern-day include rooftop gardens it the latest green gem to mall, and the Asian village which are great for al fresco square. Tamarind Square dining and beautifully Sales Person : Alex Chong Contact : 03 – 7728 0300 or 012 – 264 1496 is designed to overcome landscaped secret gardens Email : [email protected] the problems of traditional tucked in between each Website : www.tamarindsq.com shop-office developments semi-detached unit that and bring in all the benefits acts as extension areas for of a shopping mall. The outdoor cafes which will concept is to have people be connected by covered meet each other and verandas. connect. It’s a sense of community, belonging and The three-storey garden harmony. shop offices are arranged around gardens spanning The project features three approximately one acre. main components – 30 All the shops have dual four and five-storey semi- frontage and six-metre detached shop offices, 72 high ceilings, allowing for three-storey garden shop mezzanine space. The North offices and 2 blocks of SOFO Court garden will feature with a total of 674 units. 7 tree houses of about 300sq ft each that can The semi-detached shop be used as a small shop, offices come with six-metre meeting room or place to high ceilings for both the hang out. ground and podium levels.
66 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 67 PROPERTY SHOWCASE Eclipse Residence @ Pan’gaea The Oasis Of Cyberjaya - Where Work, Play And Thrive Are Met In One Place
yberjaya – a well-designed master development with service smart city with massive apartments, lifestyle retail and institutional and business office suites. Part of this multiple- developments in the award winning development, Crecent years. Home to over 500 OSK Property presents its latest multinational companies such as offering; Eclipse Residence, a self- HSBC, HP, DELL and Shell. Cyberjaya sustained integrated development is strategically connected to major which offers furnished service expressways which include Maju apartments with modern suites Expressway (MEX), Elite Highway, ranging from 450 to 990 sq.ft. Lebuhraya Damanasara Puchong Equipped with unique recreational (LDP) and South Klang Valley facilities such as beach-themed Expressway (SKVE). Along with and infinity pools, gymnasium, the upcoming MRT line; Sungai sauna, Jacuzzi and squash court, Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya line with Eclipse Residence ensures the two main stops in this smart city, utmost well-being of its residence Cyberjaya has ultimately created be it at home. more alternatives and conveniences in travelling in-and-out of the city. Eclipse Residence is poised to be a great place to live in and to Contributing to the growth and invest as the city continues to fulfilling the prospect as the grow and attract talents into the nation’s premier technology township. For a limited time only, hub, OSK Property has also Eclipse Residence now comes with taken the opportunity to play a unique investment plan for you its part in this township. Hailed which includes 0% down-payment, as Pan’gaea, the development 10% rebate, 10% Bumi discount, envisions a “world in one place” double income potential scheme Eclipse Residence Facade concept, featuring an integrated and much more.
Contact : 03-8318 6366 / 019-222 7138 Email : [email protected] Loft Suite Website : www.oskproperty.com.my
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COMPARISON OF PROPERTY PRICES
#5 CENTRALISED AND CONVENIENT
It is the centralised hub between Kuala Lumpur city and emerging urban south towns such as Sepang, Bangi and Dengkil; which are now conveniently linked with the causeway expressways.
*Prices are subject to change according to the landlord. #6 GOOD CATCHMENT
Running a shop lot in Cyberjaya would mean that one would be surrounded with a population of 450,000 catchment market. What’s more attractive is that most surrounding towns are mature and craving for new points of interest or activity.
#7 CAUSEWAY LINKS
*Prices vary between different real estate agents Cyberjaya is conveniently linked by 4 cardinal points of the compass which includes major highways such as Maju (Sources: www.mudah.my, www.iproperty.com.my) Expressway (MEX), Kuala Lumpur-Putrajaya Expressway (KLPE), KL-KLIA dedicated Expressway, Middle Ring Road (MRR2), Lebuhraya Shah Alam (KESAS) and South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE). 10 REASONS WHY CYBERJAYA IS A GOOD PLACE TO INVEST #1 CLEAN HUB #8 GREENERY AND LAKE
Living conveniently near the city and being one with nature is probably ideal for all of us. In Cyberjaya, one will know that Cyberview, which manages Cyberjaya, promises to maintain the greenery of Cyberjaya. The beautiful Putrajaya Lake which the city has a relatively low carbon emission, with most homes developed in low density areas. Furthermore, at least 50% separates the two cities is a sight for sore eyes. There’s always a spot for you to do your picnic while enjoying the scenic of green open space are reserved. view of the lake. As cities grow, people will need a place to be closer with nature and Cyberjaya can offer this right now.
#2 SAFE CITY #9 GROWING EXPAT COMMUNITIES
Cyberjaya is generally safe with very low crime rate. Most housing areas are gated. Plenty of new apartments are built with Thanks to the multinational companies and international universities such as Lim Kok Wing and Multimedia University safety in mind. There are CCTVs installed around the city and there is a big police station dedicated to serve the whole (MMU), Cyberjaya has a growing number of expat communities. Many expats from Europe and North America are familiar area of Cyberjaya. There’s also a fire station so if there’s any means of emergency, they’re sure to arrive very quickly. with the surroundings of Cyberjaya so it has become their preferred choice to live and work. That means investors will have better chances to get good price to rent out their houses or apartments.
#2 CREATIVE INPUT #10 FUTURE KL-SINGAPORE BULLET TRAIN STOP AND MRT STATIONS Cyberjaya is known as the capital of creativity. Why you might ask? With 8 universities within the city to choose from, it would be an ideal place for the younger generation to explore their creative side. The KL-Singapore bullet train is currently a hype and many people are hoping that it will become a reality. Cyberjaya and Putrajaya will become one of the major stops between KL and Singapore. The new station will be built next to Putrajaya and Cyberjaya KLIA Transit station. Eventually, the station will also be integrated with MRT. There will be two MRT stations built in Cyberjaya – Cyberjaya North and Cyberjaya South. The construction of the high-speed railway is expected to #4 EXCELLENT INFRASTRUCTURE commence in 2017, with the completion in 2022. Cyberjaya is a city built from scratch so most of the infrastructure is well planned ahead of its time. Most residential areas are fibre optics ready and able to support future broadband services. A lot of multinational companies such as Dell, HP, DHL, Huawei and Tech Mahindra have operations in Cyberjaya due to reliable infrastructure and support from the government. (Source: www.cyberjayacity.com, www.investcyberjaya.com)
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CYBERJAYA AS A WHOLE
*Source as of 2014: www.investcyberjaya.com, Setia Haruman)
72 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 73 This Exclusive Report is brought to you by
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74 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 75 DRIVE
One in a Million Mazda Celebrates its One-Millionth Mazda MX-5
On April 22, 2016, Mazda Motor Corporation has reached production of one million units of the iconic Mazda MX-5 Miata (Mazda Roadster in Japan). The milestone figure was achieved over 27 years, with mass-production of the MX-5 starting at Ujina Plant No. 1 in Hiroshima in April 1989.
Photos by Mazda Malaysia
76 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 77 DRIVE As a way of expressing thanks to MX-5 fans and owners, the One-Millionth MX-5 is being displayed at fan events in Japan and around the world. The tour began on May 3rd at the Hiroshima Flower Festival where the car participated in the Flower Parade and will end by making stops around the US before its final destination at the “Miatas at Mazda Raceway” event in October.
The MX-5 is a symbol of Mazda’s car- making philosophy and tireless pursuit of driving pleasure. Since its debut in 1989, the model has consistently offered driving fun that can only be experienced ightweight sports cars first the market potential of a lightweight in a lightweight sports car and won appeared in the years following sports car. To test this, a full-scale plastic the admiration of people from various the Second World War, but it body prototype was made from one of countries, cultures and age groups. The wasn’t until the 1960s that small, the design proposals and brought to the MX-5 has won over 200 awards from Laffordable and fun roadsters reached the US in April 1987. Members of the public around the globe to its name and has held height of their popularity. The lightweight with an interest in cars were invited to the Guinness World Record for the best- sports car allowed average Europeans to preview the design. It was met with very selling open-top two-seater sports car for enjoy exhilarating driving on a daily basis. positive reviews and since the US is the many years. With the achievement of one world’s largest automobile market, this million units of production, Mazda will now But by the early 1980s, with the result had a strong influence on the attempt to break its own record. introduction of much stricter safety and decision makers at Mazda. emissions regulations due to demands The latest version of Mazda’s iconic for improved safety, the lightweight “From the first generation through to roadster was born from the belief that sports car segment was going extinct. today’s fourth-generation model, the “Only a very few sports cars possess the Mazda’s engineers then conceived a reason we have been able to continue enduring spirit seen in the MX-5.” dream for a modern compact two-seater. selling the MX-5 all these years is due It is this passion that makes Mazda’s MX-5 One engineer, who would go on to lead to the strong support of fans around roadster the luckiest car on Earth. the development of the first generation the world,” said Masamichi Kogai, Mazda Miata MX-5, was convinced that representative director, president and www.mazda.com Mazda needed a unique product to help CEO, Mazda Corporation. “Mazda was it stand out from the other Japanese founded in Hiroshima 96 years ago, and brands, and passionately appealed as we move toward our centennial year to management to build a lightweight we will continue offering customers the roadster. joy of driving with this model, which has become a symbol of our brand.” Achieving the required safety performance while keeping vehicle weight down was just as challenging for the MX-5’s developers. Computer analysis, which had been nonexistent in the 1970s, played a key role in the revival of the lightweight sports car. By fully utilizing the latest computer analysis technologies, the team managed to build a light and rigid body which met modern safety requirements.
Even at this stage, there were still doubts that the MX-5 would ever reach production. Some people still questioned
78 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 79 FURNISH HOW TO STYLE YOUR HOME LIKE THE SWEDES
JOY TIP #2 JOY TIP #1 Choose A Theme Use Varying Textures Choose a design theme that you The trick is to keep them within love and stick to it so that the the same tonal family. room looks cohesive.
If you mix too many textures Here, there are different shades and materials, the result will of neutrals with added greenery look too excessive. that exist harmoniously together.
KARMA 3 SEATER FINNLAND 3 SEATER
GIBSON STANDING LAMP
BLUE PAINTING
KRUKKE STOOL BLACK & WHITE PICTURE
POTTED PLANT
PLYWOOD COFFEE TABLE
ASLOG Property Hunter has teamed up with Joy Design Studio, a Malaysian furniture, and design company to come up with tips on decorating COFFEE TABLE your home like the Swedes. The company specialises in bringing in modern Scandinavian designs to suit and blend in with the Malaysian lifestyle. For more beautiful contemporary designs, check out their website, www.joyd.my.
80 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 81 GADGET & WATCH NETATMO PRESENCE – SURVEILLANCE CAMERA
A connected outdoor cam attached to a floodlight, the Presence knows the difference ALL SINGING, ALL DANCING BLEEDING EDGE between people, cars and animals, and lets you create zones within its 100-degree Technological breakthrough; it’s what drives the innovation and field of view, so you can tell it what to watch for and where to watch for it. Once creativity today installed outside your home, the Netatmo Presence will watch specifically for what you find suspicious while ignoring the commonplace. It detects and reports in real- time if someone loiters around your home, a car enters your driveway or your pet is in the yard. At night, either watch discreetly with Presence’s infra-red night vision or switch the camera’s floodlight on. The smart floodlight can be switched on manually in the app or set to switch on when it detects a person, car or animal - or for all three. WATCH It helps you find your way safely at night and deters any unwanted visitors. I.N.O.X.: THE ERA OF THE FUNCTIONAL ACCESSORY www.netatmo.com
Personal, playful and smart. Victorinox Swiss Army collaborated with Naimakka to come up with something unconventional. I.N.O.X. Paracord is the watch you can rely on, no matter what. Performance, SANDISK, CONNECT WIRELESS STICK resistance, versatility, this is far more than a watch. The paracod straps and compass bumpers offer an option for every mood, a SanDisk Connect Wireless Stick is the flash drive reinvented to work with both your computer function for every need, a style for every lifestyle. Hand-woven from and your mobile devices. With the Wireless Stick in your pocket, in your bag or across the military specified paracord nylon cord originally used for parachute room, you can wirelessly access your media or transfer large files, stream HD videos and music, and save and share photos and videos to and from your mobile device. suspension lines, its uncompromising strength is equaled only by The SanDisk’s battery life is rated for 4 hours 30 minutes of continuous video its multifunctional nature. The strands of this survival tool can be streaming, and it takes about two hours to fully charge, which will happen unraveled to cope with the most unexpected situations to improvise any time you plug it into a USB port on a computer. How long it lasts a shelter, secure a pack or weave a fishing net. will change drastically depending on what you’re using it for— streaming video drains the battery much more quickly compared www.victorinoxwatches.com with just keeping it connected for occasionally moving files.
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NIKE HYPERADAPT 1.0: GOING BACK TO THE FUTURE
Nike HyperAdapt 1.0 is the first performance vehicle for Nike’s latest platform breakthrough, adaptive lacing - in honour of Back To The Future 2’s self lacing shoes. The shoe translates deep research in digital, electrical and mechanical engineering into a product designed for movement. It challenges traditional understanding of fit, proposing an ultimate solution to individual idiosyncrasies in lacing and tension preference. It’s currently controlled by oneself, but it makes achievable to have an automated, nearly symbiotic relationship between the foot and shoe. The laces will automatically tighten itself when it comes in contact with one’s foot. There are two buttons on the side to tighten and loosen.
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82 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 83 Australian property, through Sydney market has clearly population growth. Therefore, the right property cycle in the the past 100 years or so, has overheated and is now at the the Melbourne market will right area can help you grow followed a property clock. This start of a declining market. still be strong in the near your equity very quickly. is a cycle which every property future. On the property clock, market in Australia goes Perth - 3:00 (Declining Melbourne is about 11-12 and Brisbane has historically through. Market) is currently a hot market. always been 2-3 years behind Perth that had a huge bubble the Sydney property cycle. By understanding where each due to end of the resource However, I expect the current Another supporting factor is of Australia’s major cities boom. Perth’s economy is boom to last another 12 that the price gap between currently are in relation to the hugely dependent on the months at the most before Sydney and these cities is that property clock, you’ll be able mining industry, but that has prices will slow down again the price gap now is very high. to understand where the best now come to an end in the based on the property cycle Historically, this means that investment opportunities are past few years. There is much clock. these markets will play catch located. panic and fear in this market up in the coming few years as it has entered the declining Brisbane, Gold Coast & to narrow the price gap with Sydney 1:00 (Starting to market stage. Adelaide - 9:00 (Rising Sydney. decline) It’s not advisable to enter the Market) The Sydney market has been Conclusion growing rapidly since mid- I hope this article has given 2013 until December 2015. you a good overview of where Peak of the investment opportunities Market The last peak cycle in Sydney are in the Australian market, HOT TOPIC was 2003 and most suburbs Approaching Starting to based on the time-tested Peak of Market Decline kept going up in value until Australian property clock cycle. INVESTING IN AUSTRALIA: end of 2004. But remember, it is still always Rising Declining WHICH MAJOR CITY SHOULD YOU BE The media didn’t believe important to do good research Market Market INVESTING IN? housing prices would continue and not be affected by media growing in Sydney back hype. In this article, I’d like to explain the property market situation in the then, and tried to convince Start of Approaching biggest Australian cities. This will help you understand where you investors and home owners Recovery Bottom of Market Ultimately, before you start should be looking to invest in. to sell their properties before investing, you should start 2000. Statistics showed Bottom of working on a personal plan Words by Yaron Gal Market that as many as 94% of the to accumulate wealth safely. investor population sold their Property should always just be properties in Sydney at that used as a vehicle to achieve time due to the doom and Perth market at this stage as The next group of cities are your wealth goals. gloom being touted in the there is likely a few more years Brisbane, Gold Coast and media. to go until it comes out of its Adelaide. These three cities slump. However, long term have passed the recovery The exact opposite happened investors could find bargains stage and are entering a rising as after 2000, there was a in the current market. market. ABOUT YARON GAL sharp growth that continued Yaron Gal began purchasing to 2003 -2004. Melbourne - 11:30 (Peak of Therefore, I believe these investment properties while working Market) are the best places to invest full time and bought 4 investment The same cycle repeated itself The Melbourne market always according to the property properties within less than a year. He a few years ago, with massive follows the tail of the Sydney cycle clock, as we want to gain now works as a property strategist growth starting in at 2013 and property cycle, and has maximum capital growth. and helps individuals identify continued until 2015. experienced a great jump in high growth properties for wealth property values over the last This is not to say that all creation. To get your FREE copy December 2015 was a weak 12 months. investments will do well of the ‘Top Growth Hot Spots in month and since then the in these cities as market Australia -2016”, simply email him market has slowed down, and Melbourne is a strong market research is still vitally at yaron@investinproperties. even valuations of properties with a diversified economy, important to identify the best com.au have started to decline. The and is experiencing good areas. However, investing at
84 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 85 NEWS Sabah’s Houses Are the Most Expensive in Malaysia SB Sabah’s houses are the most expensive comparable to Selangor,” he said Using the same data, Yin said the median homes in Malaysia, according to the in a statement recently. household income in the first half of this studies done by PKR-powered think year was RM4,248 monthly. Therefore he tank Institut Rakyat, as reported in Meanwhile, in Kuala Lumpur, the average said an affordable house for a middle- Liwagu River TheMalaysianInsider.com. housing price is RM576,991, but median income household should be priced at annual household income in the capital RM153,000 and below. Citing official data from the fourth quarter city is only RM70,164 or RM5,847 a month. of 2012, Institut Rakyat Executive Director The house should be at least 800 sq ft Yin Shao Loong said that homes in Given that information, housing that costs with three bedrooms, but he added that Sabah were twice as unaffordable than more than three times the annual income such homes are in short supply. the national average of RM251,731. He of the median household is considered Kinabalu Park Boundary also said that the average home in this unaffordable. He said the average house price has state costs 11 times more than a family’s more than doubled from 2000 to early Kinabalu Park median annual income of RM34,320. Yin said by the end of 2012, the average this year, and while this is good news for house price was 5.79 times the annual homeowners who can enjoy higher values Approximate outline of He added that Sarawak and Kuala income of the median Malaysian for their properties, there are still 27.2% proposed resort site in yellow Lumpur followed suit. “In Sarawak, the household. of Malaysian households who do not own average housing price is RM330,594, but homes. Royal Kinabalu Site median annual household income is only “However, by the first half of this year, RM36,564,” he explained. the national housing affordability index improved “Sabah and Sarawak suffer from slightly to 5.52. But, by a combination of weak household international standards, this incomes and house prices that makes Malaysian housing are far higher than the national severely unaffordable,” he further added. average, with average prices 1
Malaysia’s Banking System Remains Stable BK
Moody’s Investors Service says the worsening consumer and business next 12 to 18 months, says Moody’s. outlook for Malaysia’s (A3 stable) banking sentiment in Malaysia and in turn weigh Slower revenue growth for the Malaysian system remains stable, driven by the on domestic economic growth and banks will hurt their return on assets, Prime Mount Kinabalu Resort banks’ strong capital, stable funding levels growth prospects for banking system which is already under pressure from Development Land For Sale and continued high degree of government loans,” adds Chen. weak margins. support, as reported in Borneo Post. Location of proposed resort site adjoining Kinabalu Park Downside risks stemming from high The banks’ credit costs will continue to According to a press release, these levels of indebtedness for corporates and increase, driven by asset quality issues factors offset a moderate deterioration households will be elevated under weaker in home and regional markets while the Attention Developers and Investors! in the banks’ operating environment, macro conditions but Moody’s expects government’s capacity to support the A unique opportunity to develop a luxury eco-resort on 22.4 acres of cool pristine and consequently, their asset quality and capitalization will remain sufficient to country’s banks remains intact, supported highland forest land located at the foothills of Mount Kinabalu. The land comes with profitability profiles. withstand asset quality shocks even under by its commitment towards fiscal reforms fully approved development plan for a 192-room luxury resort and is on a CL title various stress scenarios. and a narrower fiscal deficit. which can be owned by a non-Malaysian. The property borders directly on Kinabalu “The banks’ operating conditions will Park, the Liwagu river and the main road from Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang with an continue to be challenging in Malaysia. It also expects the banks’ funding and Moody’s continues to view Malaysia as a uninterrupted view of Mount Kinabalu. Kinabalu Park is a major tourist destination liquidity profiles will remain stable, with high-support country; there have been no and the gateway to Mount Kinabalu. “Headwinds include lower crude oil prices, funding to remain as a key strength of the bank failures since Bank Negara Malaysia Accommodation: Facilities: weak external demand, further weakening banking system. was established in 1959. 64 / 1-room Villas, 40 / 2-room Villas (with Restaurant/Bar with Pool Deck, Health of the Malaysian ringgit, and rising living room) , 48 Hotel Rooms, Executive Spa Complex, Conference Room Access from main road and ridge top location concerns around governance highlighted Even when domestic liquidity tightened in and Staff Quarters by the controversy around 1Malaysia the fourth quarter of 2015 due to capital Development Bhd (1MDB),” says Simon flight driven by market volatility, the Asking Price Chen, a Moody’s vice president and senior impact on banking system liquidity was USD 3.75 million analyst. manageable. 2 For further information, kindly contact: 1. Beautiful KK City Nasran Harun at +60188318282 or [email protected] “These challenges contribute to a Profitability will also deteriorate over the 2. Bank Negara Malaysia View from site
86 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 87 NEWS Revised Minimum Wage to Take Effect in July SW
The revised minimum wage will be “The fine is a maximum of implemented in Sarawak on July 1st, as RM10,000 or one year’s jail for reported in The Borneo Post. errant employers,” he told reporters covering the launch of the Sector State Labour director Datu August Buma Focused Career Fair (SFCF): Unimas said the 2016 federal budget stipulated Innovation, Career and Education that the minimum wage for workers in Fairs. August said his office would the private sector in Sarawak, Sabah and release an official statement soon 1 Labuan be increased from the current on the revised minimum wage. Four cases were pending court RM800 to RM920. decisions, and the remaining 14 cases On those who flouted the minimum were still under investigations, he added. “We have been directed by the wage scheme this year, he said there Ministry of Human Resources to go were 21 cases. On the May 7 state election, August said to the field to ensure all employers there was no report of employees being comply with the new scheme once Of these 21 cases, three cases - two denied their rights to vote. implemented.” in Kuching and one in Miri - were each fined RM2,500 in default three months jail by the magistrate court.
Pan Borneo Sabah Highway to Be Completed by 2022 SB
phrase of the Pan Borneo Sabah Tawau- The Sabah Pan Borneo project will create Sandakan dual carriageway highway at a positive impact on the infrastructure SMK Balung on Saturday afternoon. landscape and socio-economy in Sabah while it connects with the other main Also present were Chief Minister Datuk districts in Sabah such as Kota Kinabalu, Seri Panglima Musa Aman, Public Works Tuaran, and Kudat. 2 Minister Dato’ Sri Fadillah Yusof, ministers, assistant ministers, members of parliament This project will be implemented via the Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun and assemblymen. Project Delivery Partner (PDP) by Borneo Abdul Razak announced on Saturday, May Highway PDP Sdn Bhd (BHP) according to 28th, that the Sabah 1,236-kilometre Pan “This project is dedicated to Sabahans who the Key Performance Indicator (KPI). Borneo toll fee dual carriageway from are always loyal to BN. We want the people Tawau to Kota Kinabalu costing about to know that the government’s aspirations, Earlier, Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman RM12.8 billion would be completed by wishes and visions are not a dream but a disclosed that Sabah had always been in 2022, as reported in Borneo Post. reality. our Prime Minister’s heart and it was not the first time for him to visit Sabah, and he Najib assured that it would be the vision “This construction project, from would visit Lahad Datu again in September. of Sabah to narrow the development gap Km43 in Tawau township to between Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia Km48 at Semporna check-point He said Sabahans are loyal to the and the state would be further developed roundabout, will transform the leadership and would stand behind their under the leadership of Barisan National local economy among the rural and leaders for national solidarity. (BN). urban residents here, apart from “I believe this Pan Borneo project can boosting the tourism industry,” he There will be two promised contracts to become an economic catalyst for Sabah be fulfilled by BN, namely the upgrading said. which can bring a bright future to the state. of the Jalan Donggongon-Papar Spur (3B I hope the people of Sabah will not forget The project will also support the package) and the five-kilometre Tawau- the government,” he said. Sandakan dual carriageway highway infrastructure and logistic network of (Second package/Second phrase), which small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in are expected to be constructed in early Tawau and other industries under the June. Sabah Economic and Investment Authority (Sedia). 1. Minimum wage to be increased He said this when launching the second 2. Pan Borneo Highway
88 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 89 A knowledgeable An Insider’s Look into investor always has the Property Market, options H1 2016
I read a LinkedIn article compared to the property In Malaysia, there is an process of bank loan entitled ‘Good Employees that we bought. During a overwhelming number of applications are holding Always Have Options’. I agree slowdown, that’s the best new home owners. According back buyers to purchase a with the statement and I think time for property investors to a survey, among the top 5 property. all of us must make ourselves with deep pockets. In fact, reasons why people invest in a good employee. However, when the stock market is properties are to get higher There has also been a steady when we look at some of the volatile, it provides some yields on rentals (56%), for decline in the “overseas news about retrenchments, opportunities to enter the good capital appreciation property sentiments” and By Charles Tan we would understand that market at a lower price and to (55%), for retirement increased interest for sometimes even being a hold on for a longer term. planning (46%), for a better commercial properties. www.kopiandproperty.com good employee is not enough environment (46%) and because no one knows what A good investor would have to own a house due to may happen to our jobs in a diversified portfolio. A affordable pricing (36%). the future. Fortunate thing knowledgeable investor would is, if we get retrenched, but always have options. This Amongst home buyers, we were a stellar employee, allows him to continuously location is the most we would have options to fall readjust, because some important criteria when back on. In other words, it sectors would do well even considering a home and should be pretty easy to get when some sectors are Klang Valley is becoming another similar paying job, or doing badly. Of course, if a the most favoured place to better. financial crisis were to start own a home. Almost 55% of externally and spread to Asia, the participants are already And just like being a good then the chances for most living in the area, with 70% employee, we also need to sectors to be down would be of the participants are be a good, knowledgeable high. Perhaps except food. looking forward to acquiring investor. It does not even Starbucks remains a major properties there. need to be investing in contributor to Berjaya Food in property because from the terms of earnings. Excessive pricing of studies, in terms of average, properties is the number the property prices is only one deterrent for purchasing growing along the lines of property in Malaysia inflation rate. The good thing amongst potential buyers. is that property asset capital Besides that poor economic appreciation is based on its performance, the rapid selling price. This is unlike increase of property prices, our savings which will only unpredictable real estate be increasing based on the market and touch approval actual amount we have. This is likely to be much smaller
90 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 91 NEWS NEWS THE COFFEE MAN AT IJM LAND’S PANTAI SENTRAL PARK WM Drone Intrusion Peeves Condo Developer IN ICE Gallery hosts Good Coffee Day with The 80-minute documentary The operation of drones in Singapore reported The Straits Times. “Civil claims under private law would movie screening with World Barista follows Sasa Sestic, the is in the spotlight once again, after an obviously include the tort of trespass Champion Sasa Sestic and coffee Australian Barista Champion alleged incident involving one flying Current regulations concerning the use to property. Also, a person who suffers workshop by Latte Art Champion Tristan and winner of the World into the construction site of a recently of unmanned aircraft, such as drones, damage to property in connection with a Creswick. Barista Championship 2015 in launched condominium in Redhill, raising fall under the Civil Aviation Authority drone could sue under the tort of private Seattle, on his journey to find serious safety and security concerns, as of Singapore (CAAS). Their website lists nuisance or negligence,” said Vijayendran. Over the last few years the coffee culture the best coffee in the world. reported in PropertyGuru.com.sg. down strict criteria for operators to has changed dramatically, and the follow, which includes flying drones a safe Under the law, a penalty imposed on a black delicacy has shifted from being a “I started roasting A source with knowledge of the issue told distance away from people and property. drone operator for a first offence is a standardised daily morning stimulant to my first batches of PropertyGuru that a real estate agent fine not exceeding $20,000. A second or becoming more and more a semi-luxury flew the drone into the site after a buyer “Despite the safety features in some subsequent offence would incur a fine coffee beans in a 1 drink. That was reason enough for IJM supposedly got cold feet and asked to unmanned aircraft, mechanical not exceeding $40,000, or imprisonment friend’s garage before I is not just coffee, but different sorts of LAND to invite more than 150 guests to see what the view would be like from the malfunction, loss of control link or human for a term not exceeding 15 months, or eventually got to work as a barista coffee beans have varied characteristics the Good Coffee Day at the ICE Gallery at future apartment. error could occur and cause operators to both. in Manuka, one of Ona’s flagships” which, if roasted and treated correctly, Pantai Sentral Park for a special screening lose control of their aircraft in flight,” the – Sasa Sestic result in full and rich coffee flavours. of the documentary The Coffee Man. The project’s developer is understood to CAAS said. Meanwhile, the property agency that be aware of the incident and is taking the employed the agent could also land As a special highlight the coffee man In order to treat the audience adequately Senior General Manager of IJM LAND matter seriously, which could result in the “This may result in the unmanned itself in hot soup, as “the agency could himself, Sasa Sestic, joined the screening to the coffee theme, Australian coffee Berhad, Mr. Hoo Kim See, explains the property agency involved being sacked. aircraft colliding with a manned aircraft be vicariously liable for the agent’s act of to share some of his most interesting roaster Coffex provided the guests with decision to host the movie at the gallery: When contacted, a spokesperson for the or another unmanned aircraft, or hitting trespass, nuisance or negligence”, noted moments from the shoot and his career a large variety of freshly brewed cups “Pantai Sentral Park puts a lot of value developer would neither confirm nor persons and property on the ground, Vijayendran. in the world of coffee in a Meet & Greet of coffee whose soothing fragrance on a high quality of living. For some, this deny if the incident took place. potentially causing injury and damage.” and interview session with the audience. soon filled the ICE Gallery. Malaysia’s means a being able to enjoy a lot of green First Coffee Caricature Artist Vivian Lee are around their home, and for others In Singapore, the use of drones to 2008 Sydney/NSW Latte Art Champion painted creative caricatures just with the this means that a good day has to start take aerial photos is a standard Tristan Michael Creswick took the help of coffee for the joyful guests to take with the perfect cup of coffee. At PSP, we practice among developers who stage and lead through a filter coffee home. offer all those values to everybody and workshop that taught all those present use it as a marketing tool to help we are proud to express that by showing the importance of coffee beans of good For more information visit sell units on higher floors that The Coffee Man”. quality. The guests learned that coffee www.pantaisentralpark.com. offer scenic views of the sea or city skyline.
Low Cost Housing in Sarawakians’ Favour SW This latest incident is believed to be the providing affordable homes Infrastructure Development. first in Singapore linked to a condo, and for those in need,” he comes after laws on the use of drones But the challenge with urbanisation is here took effect in June 2015. shared. 1 how to go about in an orderly way and In addition, there are a soften its negative effects. Between April 2014 and May 2015, there Gregory Vijayendran, Partner, number of upcoming were 20 incidents involving drones, said He added that more can be done Commercial Litigation at law firm Rajah & developments that need to “It starts with jobs, business and good then-Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew to educate drone operators here. Tann, explained that permits are required be built on time, said the income. Then there are the facilities and in Parliament last year. These included “Singaporeans must realise that to operate drones for business purposes, Asajaya assemblyman, who amenities that have to be provided – drones falling onto MRT tracks in two the use of drones can be sunk such as in the marketing of property. 2 is also the Assistant Minister houses, roads, hospitals, schools, water separate instances in 2015. In both cases, by laws other than gravity. The and electricity among others,” he noted. the operators lost control of the drones Sarawak’s Assistant Housing for Youth and Sports. Although it isn’t known if the unnamed potential intrusive and invasive while flying them, but there were no Minister Datuk Abdul Karim agent in this case applied to the CAAS for nature of drones need to be Meanwhile, Jepak assemblyman Datuk But because these are not all under disruptions or damage to property. Rahman Hamzah pledged that a license to operate the drone, he or she properly managed by operators to Talib Zulpilip explained that urbanisation the purview of just one ministry there he will continue the government’s could still find themselves on the wrong avoid criminal responsibility and is a necessity for the state. is a need for various agencies and Depending on the drone model, they side of the law as the developer has civil liability.” programmes to help more people departments to work closely together, typically cost between $50 to more than grounds to take civil action against those have a roof above their heads, as “We are fortunate that Sarawak grows added Talib. $1,300, and are popular among hobbyists involved. reported in PropertyGuru.com.my. at a rather fast rate. Urbanisation and who like to fly them in open fields, growth go hand in hand. This must be “My immediate focus is on continuing accepted,” said Talib who was appointed 1. Senior General Manager of IJM LAND Mr. Hoo Kim See and 2015 World Barista with the Housing Ministry’s plan in Assistant Minister for Urbanisation and Champion Sasa Sestic 2. Sarawak eyes more low-cost homes 1. Eye in the sky
92 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 93 NEWS 2 Steps to Reduce Your Loan Tenure SB by any banks, they will not want a losing business. In actual fact, you will be paying 1 extra month installment every year. Bi-weekly payment is calculated every 14 days and based on a year with 365 days the borrower will make 26 installments in a year instead of 24. Most borrowers will not even feel a pinch in their wallet but look at the savings.
Second Step. Make extra payment towards the loan principal
If you would like to save more than this, then follow my second strategy which is very simple.
Owning a home for most of us is I will share with you 2 simple steps which As a general rule of thumb take 10% of the single and largest commitment you can apply which will save you tens your monthly installment which is RM150 we have. Do you know that most and thousands in interest. based on the previous example and use Malaysians only pay minimum the money as extra payment towards the First Step, choose a Bi-weekly payment principal of your loan. You will combine loan installment every month and package strategy 1 and 2 together. (Please refer to this translates into paying nearly Appendix 2) double your loan amount and Instead of paying monthly installment you serving all those interest to the can opt for Bi-weekly payment instead. Based on the above calculations, if you bank. This is very popular in the United States. add both strategies you already saved In the US, you need to pay a consultant Take for instance a RM300,000 loan to assist in setting up the account but amount with a 30 year tenure at an in Malaysia it’s free. Just walk right into interest rate of 4.5%. If you pay the loan the bank and get the mortgage officers diligently until the whole tenure (taking assistance in applying for the package. interest rate constant) you will have paid This is how it works. (Please refer to a total of RM247,218.25 in interest. Well, Appendix 1) this is what typical Malaysians are paying to the banks.
Sometimes, you just need to put a little extra effort into looking for ways to save those interest and this will definitely make huge impact on your savings. It is all Appendix 2 about starting to do proper planning on 8.5 years off your tenure years and also your mortgages. Appendix 1 RM78,000 in interest payable to the bank. Isn’t this great? Taking the above example for instance, Instead of paying the usual monthly with a monthly loan installment of installment you can pay half the amount Every loan borrower will be able to do RM1,520 you can device savings but twice in a month. By doing this you this. You just need a little effort. In my strategies based on the huge range of have already saved 4.5 years on your loan years in mortgage consultancy I even mortgage packages offered by the bank. tenure or RM42,495.71 in interest to the manage to assist my clients to finish less Different borrowers are suitable for bank. than 10 years using money they already different loan packages. You will have to have. All these can be made possible with find the one that can help you the most The next question going through your proper planning. and please remember lowest interest mind is what is the catch? It is too good to rate does not necessary is the best loan be true. Well, in any packages introduced package.
94 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 95 NEWS China Investors Eyes Sabah Market SB Deputy Chief Minister and Industrial “With the Economy On other development of the meeting, Development Minister Datuk Seri Transformation Program which the minister told the delegates with the Raymond Tan received a courtesy was introduced by our Prime China Consul Office in Kota Kinabalu that visit from China top companies led by Minister, we can see he is very he is confident and comfortable to work HSBC Malaysia on Wednesday (June 22) aggressively looking for the with the investors from China and the afternoon at Wisma Tun Fuad Stephens, investors will be guided by the consul investment from the USA, China as reported in The Borneo Post. office too. and other countries to sustain the Under the program of One-Belt- economy of Malaysia”, said Tan. “We are very aggressively looking for One-Road from China, Sinohydro investors to invest in Sabah, but we also “For the Sabah Government, we have Corporation, China Railway Construction promote to create more jobs and skill a long-term plan to develop the State Corporation, Midea Group, Shanghai workers to facilitate the markets’ needs”, and it is practical and with proven track Electric and others were excited to he explained. record. My department officer told explore the market in Sabah. me that in the first quarter of 2016, “With this, we can create more high- At the meeting, the China delegates we managed to capture nearly two paying jobs in the market like workers in were briefed by the Department of billion of foreign investment and it will SAMUR (Sabah Ammonia Urea Plant) in Industrial Development and Research, be announced to the public soon”, he Sipitang and others”, he added. Palm Oil Industrial Cluster and Sabah Oil added. and Gas Industrial Park on investment potential in Sabah.
Sepang International Circuit to See an Entertainment Hub WM
A 260-hectare undeveloped land along Sepang International Circuit (SIC) could be one of the major drivers to boost the Malaysian economy as SIC has big plans for the development, as reported in PropertyGuru.com.my.
Previously, the masterplan of the circuit includes a theme park to promote it as an entertainment city. But the plan has been revised and now there are plans to include a zone for live music and concerts, as well as other nightlife activities. The goal is to make SIC more 1 than a place for motorsport activities. The Mitsui Outlet Park and KLIA “SIC would be lively 24/7 and will Besides that, almost 47% of the Aeropolis in the Kuala Lumpur be the place that crosses people’s 260-hectare land has been allocated International Airport (KLIA) would also mind when they think about for the development of a commercial compliment SIC in its long-term plan. going out for some leisure time, park, hotel development and a safe Its close proximity to KLIA will further whether it is day or night,” added driving centre. Meanwhile, the remaining benefit the plan as this would create SIC CEO Datuk Razlan Razali. 53% of the land is allocated for the an appealing factor for the public and entertainment hub. also entrepreneurs who might consider The hotel development is expected to starting up their business here in the commence in Q1 2017. future.
1. Aerial shot of SIC
96 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 97 98 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 99 100 www.PropertyHunter.com.my