StarProperty Awards 2025: Realtor Edition marks its eighth year 

By JOSEPH WONG

The prestigious StarProperty Awards 2025: Realtor Edition has marked its eighth annual year in style, cementing its status as the industry's definitive benchmark for excellence. 

Hosted by StarProperty, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Star Media Group Bhd (SMG), the gala celebrated the vital contributions of real estate agents and negotiators (RENs) who are steering the growth and integrity of Malaysia's property market.

The anticipated ceremony, held at the Grand Ballroom of the Sheraton Petaling Jaya, honoured an exceptional total of 102 recipients, comprising 40 leading agencies and 62 top negotiators across 26 main categories and 34 sub-categories. This overwhelming response underscored the high standard of professionalism in the sector.

Architects of market confidence

The event was highlighted by a compelling keynote address from SMG group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt, who paid tribute to the professionals who form the backbone of the industry. Also present at the gala dinner were SMG chairman Tan Sri Wong Foon Meng and chief operating officer Lydia Wang.

Chan emphasised that the role of agents has evolved far beyond simple transaction facilitation. The StarProperty Awards have become the annual measure for success because the role you play is so pivotal, he stated. “Today, you are not merely intermediaries. You are trusted advisors, market interpreters and relationship builders who guide individuals and families through some of the most significant financial decisions in their lives.”

He defined the modern professional’s indispensable function, pointing them out as architects of market confidence and the foundation of economic vitality.

“Leveraging on your expertise, you help turn complex market data into clear guidance that clients can act on. You help them understand the risks, see the potential and make informed decisions, rather than relying on speculations. The value you deliver goes far beyond the transaction itself,” he said.

Phenomenal professional growth

Chan highlighted the explosive expansion of the real estate profession, which reflects the market's increasing reliance on expert guidance and ethical conduct.

Citing data from the Board of Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents and Valuers (BOVAEP), he illustrated the rapid trajectory of professionalisation over recent years. In 2018, Malaysia recorded approximately 2,000 registered agents and around 27,000 RENs.

Fast forward to today, the nation now celebrates 4,142 registered estate agents, supported by an immense force of 56,355 registered RENs nationwide. This massive surge is not just a statistical anomaly. It is a clear indicator that the market increasingly relies on the professional guidance and ethical conduct of registered agents and negotiators, whose growth shows a collective commitment to ongoing education, professional development and raising the standard of service for all Malaysians.

Chan also addressed the impact of technology, noting that while PropTech platforms and digital listings have made information easily accessible, information alone is insufficient. “Clients still rely on your judgement to interpret the data, validate pricing and negotiate the right deal. While PropTech serves as an enabler, it is your expertise and on-the-ground insights that ultimately close transactions,” he said.

Resilience amidst global headwinds

Addressing the economic environment, Chan presented key findings from the market’s H1 2025 performance, demonstrating its underlying resilience despite global volatility.

“In the first half of 2025, Malaysia recorded 196,232 property transactions, reflecting a modest 1.3% dip in volume,” he noted. “However, the total value of transactions increased by a strong 1.9% to RM107.68 billion.”

This crucial data point demonstrates that despite external pressures, buyers are making more deliberate and higher-value decisions, a direct result of the winners’ ability to match clients to the right opportunities and instill confidence.

Chan specifically pointed out key growth areas driving this value:

• Residential strength: Accounting for over 60% of total transactions, with terraced houses remaining the preferred choice.
• Industrial boom: The industrial sector was the strongest performer, registering an impressive 8.5% increase in transaction volume, driven by logistics and manufacturing demands across major growth corridors like Johor, Penang and Selangor.

He stated that both the Commercial and Development Land segments have also seen an increase in transaction value, signalling renewed investor confidence in Malaysia’s long-term growth prospects.

“These trends make one thing clear. When trust is strong and guidance is professional, the market remains resilient,” Chan stated.

A look towards 2026

Chan emphasised that today's discerning buyers require added value: nuanced market analysis, in-depth research and precise valuations. The high quality of submissions reviewed across the 26 categories reflected this deep commitment to excellence.

“Tonight is the ultimate recognition of that commitment,” he said, thanking the independent judges—respected leaders and experts whose efforts ensure the awards uphold the highest standards of fairness and insight.

As the industry looks ahead, Chan remains optimistic about future opportunities, including further PropTech innovation, evolving buyer expectations and expanded growth corridors.

“Your ability to translate market data into pricing strategies, guide clients towards well-considered decisions and ensure that every transaction is backed by professional judgement and informed valuation is essential. When this is done well, you are not only facilitating a transaction, you are instilling confidence and confidence is what keeps the market moving forward,” Chan stated.

He concluded by raising a toast to the 102 winners: “Your achievements set new benchmarks for the industry. And to every agent and negotiator here, whether you take home an award or not, your work matters. You build trust. You shape neighbourhoods. You make dreams possible.”

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