Special night: Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) secretary-general Datuk Wira M Noor Azman Taib (eighth from left) at the Malaysia Developer Awards (MDA) 2025 gala dinner at the JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Joining him are (from left) Triterra Sdn Bhd joint chairman Datuk Seri Michael Yam, FIABCI-Malaysia vice president Datuk Seri Garry Chua, Star Media Group (SMG) chief operating officer Lydia Wang, group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt and chairman Tan Sri Wong Foon Meng, MDA chief judge Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif, TOTC (below RM1bil category) winner Avaland Bhd CEO Apollo Bello Tanco, TOTC (RM1bil and above category) winner IOI Properties Group Bhd property development group chief operating officer Teh Chin Guan, FIABCI-Malaysia president Dr Yu Kee Su and immediate past president Datuk Firdaus Musa, MDA chief judge KPKT’s National Housing Department (JPN) deputy director-general (Housing Development) Norsazila Nordin, FIABCI-Malaysia secretary-general Datuk Hoe Mee Ling, SMG chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng as well as other award winners. — GLENN GUAN/The Star

MDA 2025 gala dinner celebrates excellence for 4th consecutive year

By Joseph Wong

The Malaysia Developer Awards (MDA) 2025 successfully brought together the foremost minds in Malaysia’s property development sector for a memorable Gala Dinner, propelling the industry into its next era of growth. In its fourth year, this prestigious event at the JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur has become the premier barometer of performance, shining a light on 25 developers who exemplify the highest achievements in the built environment. 

Officiated by Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) secretary-general Datuk Wira M Noor Azman Taib, the celebration was an evening dedicated to celebrating the trajectory of excellence and acknowledging the fundamental role these industry titans play in future-proofing Malaysia's urban fabric. 

Among the invited guests were chief judges Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif and KPKT’s National Housing Department deputy director-general (Housing Development) Norsazila Nordin and judges Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM) former council member Datuk Paul Khong, Green Building Index (GBI) Malaysia chief executive officer Sarly Adre Sarkum, Association of Valuers, Property Managers, Estate Agents and Property Consultants in the Private Sector, Malaysia (PEPS) vice president Tan Ka Leong and Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) member Alvin Lim (see judges’ comments on page 44 and 45).

The formal honours spanned two critical segments: the Top-of-the-Chart (TOTC) Awards and the Special Awards, strategically designed to validate comprehensive success, from robust financial health and project sustainability to groundbreaking visionary leadership

In his opening remarks, Star Media Group (SMG) group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt underscored the significance of MDA 2025, which has quickly become a prestigious accolade within the industry. 

“Tonight marks the fourth edition of the Malaysia Developer Awards and with each passing year, we have sought to raise the bar in recognising true excellence in real estate development,” Chan said.

With each passing year, the Malaysia Developer Awards committee strives to raise the bar in recognising true excellence in real estate development, Chan said. - IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

The reigning titans

In the highly coveted TOTC RM1bil and above category, IOI Properties Group Bhd led the prestigious list, securing the top position and confirming its status as the pre-eminent force in Malaysian real estate. They were followed closely by another industry heavyweight, Sime Darby Property Bhd, in second place, with OSK Holdings Bhd securing third place.

The competitive field continued with a notable tie, which saw SP Setia Bhd and Eastern and Oriental Bhd both ranked fourth while Mah Sing Group Bhd and Chin Hin Group Property Bhd shared the fifth spot. Rounding out the elite group, the remaining placings from sixth to tenth were taken respectively by IGB Bhd, Tropicana Corporation Bhd, UEM Sunrise Bhd, KSL Holdings Bhd and Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd.

IOI Properties reinforced its overall victory by achieving a remarkable dual win, taking home both the Best in Quantitative Award and the Best in Qualitative Award. These trophies recognise the company’s exceptional financial robustness and long-term project sustainability, highlighting its strong market presence underpinned by solid financial management and an unwavering focus on delivering high-quality, community-enhancing designs.

FIABCI-Malaysia president Dr Yu Kee Su was honoured to join the stage for the presentation of the trophies to this year's outstanding winners.

The agile market leaders

The category for developers with market capitalisation below RM1bil showcased the strategic agility and market dominance of the mid-tier segment. Avaland Bhd emerged as the top developer, reinforcing its strong presence and also taking home the Best in Quantitative Award. Following closely behind were WCT Holdings Bhd and Eupe Corporation Bhd, securing second and third place, respectively.

These leaders were followed by Paramount Corporation Bhd in fourth, Sunsuria Bhd in fifth and PTT Synergy Group Bhd in sixth. A tie for the seventh spot was shared by AYER Holdings Bhd and Malton Bhd while Land and General Bhd, Glomac Bhd and BCB Bhd rounded out the top ten. These companies have each carved out successful niches in the highly competitive mid-tier market, adapting swiftly to deliver projects that meet the diverse needs of Malaysian buyers. WCT Holdings Bhd also took the Best in Qualitative trophy, highlighting its commitment to building quality housing that meets and exceeds customer expectations in terms of design, functionality and overall experience.

Honouring trajectory and global reach

The Special Awards category added another layer of distinction to the evening, celebrating developers focused on innovation and growth trajectory.

The Rising Star Award, designed to highlight up-and-coming leaders, was jointly presented to Haverse Development Sdn Bhd and Triterra Sdn Bhd. These companies have demonstrated tremendous potential and a strong trajectory of growth, signaling the arrival of a new generation of developers set to reshape the industry in the coming years.

In a powerful testament to the global aspirations of Malaysian developers, OSK Property took home the prestigious International Award for its Melbourne Square development in Australia. This award recognises the growing trend of Malaysian developers expanding beyond local shores and showcases OSK Property’s ability to successfully compete on the global stage, exporting local property development expertise to new international audiences.

Best of the best: Attendees at the Malaysia Developer Awards 2025 gala night which celebrated a spectrum of achievements by property industry titans.

Industry insights for the future

The property industry is navigating a challenging period defined by significant headwinds, including the pervasive pressure of rising material costs, adjustments to the Sales and Services Tax (SST) and the complex mismatch between housing supply and actual market demand, Chan said. 

“Yet, despite these obstacles, the sector has demonstrated remarkable adaptability and unwavering resilience,” Chan said, adding that this perseverance and commitment to stability are now being rewarded by timely legislative support that is set to reinvigorate market activity and fuel a powerful sense of optimism among developers and buyers alike.

This optimism is largely fueled by the recent unveiling of Budget 2026, which introduced several encouraging, targeted measures designed to bolster the housing market. These policies include crucial stamp duty exemptions for first-time homebuyers, the strategic expansion of the housing credit guarantee scheme and vital tax incentives aimed at converting underutilised commercial spaces into much-needed residential units. 

These actions reflect the government’s active commitment to supporting both housing affordability for citizens and promoting sustainable urban regeneration. With these powerful initiatives now in place, the industry is witnessing renewed confidence, leading many experts to anticipate stronger activity and a positive trajectory for the final quarter of 2025 and into the next year, said Chan.

“These reflect a government that listens —one that supports homeownership, innovation and environmental responsibility,” added FIABCI-Malaysia immediate past president Datuk Firdaus Musa.

Beyond the trophies and applause, the true measure of success lies in how our developments improve lives, strengthen communities and shape a Malaysia, Firdaus said. - IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

“As we celebrate tonight’s achievers, we also look ahead to the next chapter of Malaysia’s development story. Under RMK-13 and Budget 2026, developers are entrusted with responsibilities that go beyond conventional metrics,” he said.

He said three clear expectations now define the future role of the industry: First, developers must actively catalyse national housing ambitions, innovating through modular systems and scalable designs to help achieve the target of one million affordable homes. Second, it is now mandatory to make sustainability the baseline, transforming green buildings, energy efficiency and climate-resilient designs into the required foundation for competitiveness. Third, the final mandate is to design with people at the centre, constructing inclusive, connected and highly liveable communities prioritised by walkability, accessibility and total wellbeing.

“In every generation, there are developers who define their time —those who build not just with ambition but with purpose. Tonight, we celebrate those who have set the benchmark —whose vision and leadership continue to inspire confidence in Malaysia’s property industry.

“But beyond the trophies and applause, let us remember that the true measure of success lies in how our developments improve lives, strengthen communities and shape a Malaysia that is sustainable, resilient and proud,” Firdaus said.

While congratulating the winners, Chan also extended thanks to the panel of judges for their dedication and fairness and to partners FIABCI-Malaysia for their steadfast collaboration. 

The Awards, a powerful collaboration between FIABCI Malaysia and SMG, has rapidly established itself as the definitive gold standard for excellence in property development. This prestigious event transcends mere recognition of past successes—it serves as a crucial catalyst, compelling the entire industry to continually innovate, embrace change and radically raise the bar for the built environment.

As the spectacular evening drew to a close, the resonant message from the MDA 2025 was undeniable: Malaysia’s property sector is the cornerstone of the nation’s progress. From forging sustainable, future-proof projects to actively realising the fundamental dream of homeownership for millions, the country’s developers are tirelessly shaping a more resilient, vibrant and prosperous tomorrow for all citizens.

With each passing year, the Malaysia Developer Awards committee strives to raise the bar in recognising true excellence in real estate development, Chan said.

Beyond the trophies and applause, the true measure of success lies in how our developments improve lives, strengthen communities and shape Malaysia, Firdaus said.

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