OSK Property sales and marketing head Nicole Lee Chee Yiing (centre) receiving the MDA 2025 trophy from Housing and Local Government Ministry secretary-general Datuk Wira M Noor Azman Taib (second from right) as (from left) Star Media Group chairman Tan Sri Wong Foon Meng (left) and FIABCI-Malaysia president Dr Yu Kee Su look on.
OSK Property redefines excellence abroad
When most Malaysians envision vibrant international cities like London, Melbourne or Tokyo, the thought is usually centred on tourism or leisure. For a growing cohort of pioneering Malaysian property developers, however, these iconic metropolises are now seen as key strategic battlegrounds. Here, they stand toe-to-toe with global development heavyweights, successfully planting the Malaysian brand on the global stage and proving that their expertise transcends national borders.
From meticulously planned colossal high-rise projects to highly specialised boutique developments, Malaysian developers are demonstrating that their capabilities are not confined to home turf. While the industry's established giants have naturally led the charge, the narrative is being expanded by smaller, agile players who are making impressive strides with carefully executed, high-impact international projects. These trailblazers are clear proof that with genuine innovative ideas and calculated risk-taking, Malaysian expertise can thrive internationally, even amidst global economic uncertainties and fluctuating market demands.
Celebrating global success
To actively recognise and further incentivise this critical international expansion, FIABCI Malaysia and Star Media Group introduced the International Award as part of the Special Awards category at the MDA. This prestigious accolade is specifically designed to celebrate Malaysian developers who have demonstrated more than just expansion; it honours those who have achieved remarkable success abroad, setting new benchmarks and making a significant impact through visionary ideas and groundbreaking projects that resonate with and inspire their peers back home. The award explicitly highlights developers who embrace the challenge of international competition while successfully retaining their unique Malaysian identity and core ethos.
To qualify for this coveted title, the developers must meet two strict criteria: The company must be at least 51% Malaysian-owned and it must maintain a demonstrable, active presence in foreign property markets. These nominated foreign projects are expected to showcase the very same level of excellence, creativity and sustainability that one would demand from any high-calibre international development.
Methodology: Beyond the blueprint
The evaluation process for the International Award is as thorough and complex as the projects themselves, focusing heavily on a comprehensive assessment of project attributes. Similar to the Rising Star, a rigorous methodology meticulously assesses seven key attributes, ensuring nominated developments adhere to the highest international standards of quality, innovation and environmental sustainability.
Beyond just the physical project attributes, the evaluation conducts a deep dive into the companies’ operational and strategic viability. Developers are required to provide extensive detail about their international ventures, offering crucial insight into the strategies employed, the specific challenges encountered in foreign markets and the innovative solutions implemented throughout the development and construction process. Furthermore, the financial sustainability and long-term viability of the developers are considered crucial. This ensures that the recipients are not merely delivering outstanding projects but are also building resilient, sustainable businesses capable of thriving in the demanding global market landscape.
OSK Property’s triumph
This year, the distinction of receiving the prestigious International Award went to a single, exceptional project: Melbourne Square by OSK Property. Located in the heart of Melbourne, Australia, Melbourne Square stands as a prime illustration of a Malaysian developer successfully pushing the boundaries of global achievement. By emphasising uncompromised quality, modern design principles and robust sustainable practices, OSK Property has created a landmark development that not only exceeds the high expectations of international buyers but also elevates the perceived quality of the Malaysian property development industry on the world stage.
The success of Melbourne Square serves as a powerful reminder that Malaysian developers possess the inherent expertise, creativity and resilience required to compete effectively with the best firms globally. The International Award is a timely and vital initiative, offering well-deserved recognition to those who dare to go beyond borders while simultaneously inspiring the next generation of property leaders to pursue international opportunities, thereby solidifying Malaysia’s respected place on the global property development map.
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