(From left) Boustead Properties project development senior manager Adnan Mohd Din, Gamuda Land project director Lam Sew Chee, GuocoLand (M) Bhd group managing director Tan Wee Bee, IJM Land Bhd CEO Datuk Wong Tuck Wai, IOI Properties Group Bhd CEO Datuk Voon Tin Yow, Lagenda Properties chairman Tan Sri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin, Paramount Corporation Bhd group CEO Jeffrey Chew, LBS Bina Group Bhd director Datuk Lim Han Boon, Mah Sing Group Bhd group CEO Datuk Ho Hon Sang, Chor, Reezal, Yeow, Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd group managing director Ho Kong Soon, OSK Property chief operating officer Seth Lim, Platinum Victory managing director Tan Sri Gan Yu Chai, Sime Darby Property Bhd group managing director Datuk Azmir Merican, Sri Pengkalan Binaan director Datuk Jacky Yap, Sunway Property senior executive director Chong Sau Min, Tropicana Corporation Bhd group executive director Jared Ang, UDA Holdings Bhd CEO Mohd Salem Kailany and UEM Sunrise Bhd chief marketing officer Kenny Wong posing in a group shot at the StarProperty Real Estate Developer Awards 2022. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star

The 7th StarProperty Developer Awards celebrate this year’s nation builders

Back for its 7th iteration, the StarProperty Awards for 2022 have reignited spirits and boosted morale, with property developers all raring to go the extra mile to elevate the industry further, following the recovery of the economy and the shift to the endemic stage of the Covid-19 outbreak.

The awards honour the best real estate developers and developments that are part of the fabric of the country’s infrastructure, shaping the landscape for years to come. The featured award-winning properties push the boundaries of innovation, architecture, and functionality. 

This year, award categories have been refined to better reflect the significance of each award. There are 30 categories in total, with three new ones to reflect the sign of the times. The awards saw 110 project entries, the biggest number of entries to date.

These include the Digital Strategist Award for the best digital marketing strategies undertaken by property developers; the Highlander Award for the best property development in the highlands; and the Placemaker Award for property development with the best placemaking facilities.

The refined categories cater to a broader niche of developments that bring unique qualities to the table without diluting the exclusivity of the awards. The coveted All-Stars Awards were given to 18 developers that have proven to be resilient in the face of the overwhelming challenges posed by the pandemic. The stakes were raised as each All-Stars award that was bestowed to the deserving developer was squarely based on its performance for the year.

Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican who officiated at the gala dinner at Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur said developers played a huge role and contributed exclusively to the country, adding that reputation was key in gaining consumers’ confidence.

The StarProperty Awards serve to validate those nominated which will help boost the confidence of consumers, said Reezal.

“The StarProperty Awards serve to validate those nominated which will help boost the confidence of consumers in terms of the quality of work and track record of a particular developer.

“Star Media Group should also be applauded for recognising the best in the industry while protecting the interests of consumers,” he said in his speech.

He also expressed his belief that through the cutting-edge work of those nominated, current developers were paying more attention to affordability, livability and sustainability.

“These traits are also very much in line with the government’s commitment towards providing high-quality living for our beloved Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family),” he said.

Star Media Group chairman Tan Sri Chor Chee Heung said property players grew stronger despite adversity, with many also developing a keener understanding of the needs of consumers.

“We have seen developers become even more aware of meaningful designs, green spaces and well-planned townships that embody holistic living.

“It is also truly inspiring to see that quality is never compromised and that more property players are placing an emphasis on incorporating best environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices as part of their core operational frameworks.

“We are honoured to be part of this future-forward community with StarProperty also continuing to uplift your achievements and support your continuous progress,” he said.

Star Media Group, through its media assets and content capacity, would continuously allow developers to have a greater reach towards audiences and customers, said Chor. Among the winners of the night were household names in the Malaysian property industry, such as Sime Darby Property Bhd, Sunway Property, LBS Bina Group Bhd and UEM Sunrise Bhd.

Also present at the event were Star Media Group chief executive officer Alex Yeow, its adviser Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, its group chief financial officer Sam Au Chen Sum and its chief business officer Lydia Wang.

To ensure fair play, the panel of credible and impartial judges comprised captains of the Malaysian real estate industry and leaders of various disciplines to ensure that all entries received all-rounded and fair evaluations.

The event was organised by StarProperty Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Star Media Group Bhd.

Its exclusive premium tile partner was Guocera Malaysia, while the official beverage partner was Heineken Malaysia Bhd.

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