The Star : MDA recognises top developers and spotlights sustainability, innovation

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Developer Awards (MDA) returned for the third consecutive year, recognising esteemed developers in 32 awards for outstanding achievements in the real estate industry.

The prestigious event on Friday (Oct 18) night witnessed a distinguished gathering of property industry leaders and the crowning of the Top-of-the-Chart (TOTC) Awards and Special Awards winners.

Sime Darby Property Bhd clinched top spot in the coveted TOTC RM1bil and Above category, followed by SP Setia Bhd, Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd (MRCB) and IOI Properties Group Bhd.

Sharing fifth spot were Mah Sing Group Bhd and Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd, with LBS Bina Group Bhd, IGB Bhd and Scientex Bhd taking the sixth to eighth positions.

Chin Hin Group Property Bhd and Eastern and Oriental Bhd both took the ninth spot while UEM Sunrise Bhd rounded out the top 10 elite developers by securing 10th place.

Sime Darby Property Bhd also won the prestigious TOTC RM1bil and Above: Best in Quantitative trophy, which rewards developers showing financial strength and long-term project sustainability.

For TOTC RM1bil and Above: Best in Qualitative trophy, SP Setia Bhd was recognised for excellence in design, customer satisfaction as well overall project execution and innovative developments.

In the TOTC Below RM1bil category, Paramount Corp Bhd not only topped the chart but also went on to clinch both the TOTC Below RM1bil: Best in Quantitative and Best in Qualitative trophies.

It was followed by WCT Holdings Bhd, Sunsuria Bhd, Eupe Corp Bhd, Avaland Bhd, Teladan Group Bhd, Glomac Bhd, Land & General Bhd, BCB Bhd and Malton Bhd rounding out the top 10.

The Special Awards, which recognises companies for their unique contributions and milestones, spiced up to the glittering event held at a renowned hotel here.

It consisted of three awards, namely Rising Star Award, International Award and Transformation Award.

KEB Group of Companies, TA Global Bhd and WM Senibong Sdn Bhd won the Rising Star Award, cementing their positions as potential as well as up-and-coming leaders in the property industry.

MRCB Land Sdn Bhd took home the prestigious International Award for its 1060 Carnegie development in Australia in its global expansion efforts.

The Transformation Award, which recognises excellence in repositioning and revitalising projects, went to WCT Land Sdn Bhd for its Paradigm Johor Baru development and WM Senibong Sdn Bhd for its innovative Senibong Cove project.

These developments exemplified the ability to adapt to market demands while maintaining a high standard of quality.

Star Media Group (SMG) group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt, in his opening speech, said MDA has become an esteemed accolade.

“The awards set a new benchmark for Malaysian developers that aligns with global standards of excellence.

“We are gathered here tonight with visionaries, innovators and leaders who are shaping the future of Malaysia’s property landscape,” he said.

He said presently, developers not only needed to meet present purchaser needs but were also required to anticipate future family dynamics and lifestyle changes.

“They are tasked with building not just for today, but for the future, creating homes that will evolve with growing families and changing societal needs.

“There is also a growing emphasis on integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into every project to ensure that developments are sustainable and beneficial to the community,” Chan said.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, who was the special guest, officiated the awards night.

International Real Estate Federation FIABCI Malaysian Chapter president Dr Yu Kee Su said: “As we look towards the future, we must acknowledge the increasingly vital role of sustainable development in the modern urban landscape.

“By creating innovative, sustainable and inclusive urban spaces, developers are not just shaping the built environment but actively contributing to a global movement toward more resilient and equitable cities.

“Their achievements are a testament to how this industry can lead by example, influencing urban policy and setting new standards for sustainable development,” he said.

The MDA is a collaboration between FIABCI Malaysia and SMG that sets a definitive benchmark for excellence in the property development landscape.

The Platinum partner for the event was NS BlueScope Malaysia Sdn Bhd, UAC Bhd as Silver partner and Beverage partners Carlsberg Malaysia and Wineplug.