The PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia in partnership with iProperty return for their 12th edition in 2025 with more categories than ever before.

Part of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards series, which marks its historic 20th edition in 2025, the enhanced awards programme will recognise excellence in property development and design throughout Malaysia. Supported by the country’s leading property portals, PropertyGuru.com.my and iProperty.com.my, the awards are expected to set new benchmarks for the property sector nationwide.

Key dates for the 2025 edition are as follows:

• 30 May 2025 – Entries Close
• 17-29 June 2025 – People’s Choice Awards Voting Period
• 1-3 July 2025 – Live Judging Days
• 9 October 2025 – Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• 12 December 2025 – Regional Grand Final Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation in Bangkok, Thailand

Expanding award categories

With the continued expansion of the real estate market, the PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia in partnership with iProperty are launching a total of 132 categories in 2025. These categories were officially unveiled during launch events in Johor Bahru on 24 February 2025 and in Kuala Lumpur on 26 February 2025, attended by industry stakeholders ranging from company representatives to judges and customers.

This year’s edition introduces nine new awards recognising outstanding landed and high-rise developments in the Central, Northern, and Southern regions of Malaysia. These are Best Ultra Luxury Landed Development (Central); Best Ultra Luxury Landed Development (Northern); Best Ultra Luxury Landed Development (Southern); Best Mid End Landed Development (Central); Best Mid End Landed Development (Northern); Best Mid End Landed Development (Southern); Best Ultra Luxury High-Rise Development (Central); Best Ultra Luxury High-Rise Development (Northern); and Best Ultra Luxury High-Rise Development (Southern).

Seven new categories will honour residential projects across all regions of Malaysia: Best Townhouse Development; Best Completed Mixed Use Development; Best Oceanview High-Rise Development; Best Oceanview Landed Development; Best Serviced Apartment Development; and Best Heritage Development.

Two new categories will recognise outstanding commercial projects throughout the country: Best Lifestyle Commercial Development and Best Nature Integrated Development.

Finally, six design categories have been introduced to celebrate excellence in architecture and interior aesthetics: Best Townhouse Architectural Design; Best Townhouse Interior Design; Best Sales Gallery Design; Best Retail Interior Design; Best Office Architectural Design; and Best Townhouse Landscape Design.

The expansion of categories builds on the success of the ESG Developer Awards introduced at the 2024 awards, reinforcing PropertyGuru’s support for sustainable development. These special awards will return this year and recognise five champions in ESG initiatives.

Ongoing, meaningful change

Datuk Ar. Ezumi Harzani Ismail, president of the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) 2020-2022 and chairperson of the judging panel, said: “The quality of last year’s award winners reflected ongoing, meaningful change within Malaysia’s property sector and highlights our market’s ability to adapt and elevate standards. Participating in the awards is essential for developers as it not only establishes higher benchmarks in real estate development and design but also promotes healthy competition as well as collaborative innovation. Ultimately, our industry benefits by guiding consumers toward affordable and aspirational built spaces.”

Led by Datuk Ar. Ezumi Harzani Ismail, a 14-member panel of specialists will assess entries and select winners during the Live Judging Days In July 2025. The panel of judges comprise diverse experts including town planners, ESG consultants, valuers, engineers, property managers, architects, designers, and legal experts.

As the official supervisor of the awards, HLB Ler Lum Chew – HLB Malaysia, part of “2024 Network of the Year” winner HLB International, will oversee this selection process, ensuring the credibility of the judging system.

Meanwhile, the People’s Choice Awards will empower the public to vote in June 2025 for their favourite developers based on reputation, track record, timely project delivery, and overall quality. As official balloting partner, HLB Ler Lum Chew – HLB Malaysia will verify the results of this public voting process.

All winners will be revealed during a prestigious gala dinner and awards ceremony at the St. Regis Kuala Lumpur in October 2025.

Representing Malaysia on the international stage

Major winners of the 12th PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia in partnership with iProperty will represent the country on the international stage at the 20th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final in December 2025. Leading developers from across Asia Pacific, including those from markets such as the Middle East, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Australia, India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, will compete against those from Malaysia at the 2025 Grand Final.

At last year’s Grand Final, Malaysian projects earned various awards, with winners including Bangsar Heights Pavilion, Berinda Group, City Motors Group, Eupe Corporation Berhad, Gunung Impian Development Sdn Bhd, Iskandar Investment Berhad, JLand Group Sdn Bhd, Malton Berhad, Sime Darby Property Berhad, Tropicana Corporation Berhad, and Triterra Sdn Bhd.

Organised by PropertyGuru Group, the 12th Annual PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia in partnership with iProperty are supported by official portal partners PropertyGuru.com.my and iProperty.com.my; official ESG knowledge partners Green Building Index, GreenRE and Malaysia Green Building Council; official magazine Property Report by PropertyGuru; and official supervisor and balloting partner HLB.

For more information, email awards@propertyguru.com or visit the official website: AsiaPropertyAwards.com/en/award/malaysia.

Metrioplace @ Batu Kawan – Commercial Hub by Metrio Group – is a thriving commercial destination designed to elevate retail and dining experiences. Featuring 7 versatile primary units subdivided into approximately 20 customizable retail spaces, the development offers businesses flexibility with an average unit size of 1,700 sq. ft.—perfect for cafes, restaurants, boutique shops, and more.

Strategically positioned alongside high-traffic landmarks like Caltex Petrol Station, Burger King, Zus Coffee, and Asa No Hikary Bakery, Metrioplace guarantees exceptional visibility and convenience for both local patrons and visitors. The curated mix of F&B outlets, drive-thru services, dessert shops, and lifestyle retailers will foster a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere ideal for daytime gatherings and evening leisure.

Currently open for leasing, this project presents a prime opportunity to capitalize on the rapid growth of the Batu Kawan and Bukit Tambun neighborhoods. Construction is progressing smoothly, with completion slated for Q3 2025, ensuring timely occupancy for tenants ready to thrive in this emerging hotspot.

Commercial Hub by Metrio Group open for leasing, please contact Metrio Group at +6019-429 2441 or

Visit the sales gallery at:
Forescape Sales Gallery @ Metrioplace
1818-3, Jalan Perniagaan Vorteks 1,
Pusat Perniagaan Vorteks,
Simpang Ampat, Penang
(Waze)

SITE PROGRESS

SITE PROGRESS: Metrioplace @ Batu Kawan (Mar 2025)

A proposed mixed-use development in Jelutong, situated along the busy Jalan Perak, next to Skyview Residence. The site is within walking distance of Sunshine Jelutong and the newly opened G.O.A.T Pickleball facility, with convenient access to Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu Expressway via Jalan Ahmad Nor.

The development will feature a 43-storey building with multiple components. It includes a 12-story commercial section with retail spaces and a 160-room hotel, along with a 12-level parking facility. The project consists of two towers: Tower 1, a 31-story office block with 829 units, and Tower 2, a 32-story affordable housing block with 634 units. Recreational facilities are planned on designated floors, including levels 12, 42, 43, and the rooftop.

The project is still in the planning stage. More details will be provided upon its official launch.

Project Name: (to be confirmed)
Location : Jelutong
Property Type : Mixed development
Total Units: 829 (office suite), 634 (affordable housing)
Built-up Size: (to be confirmed)
Land Tenure : (to be confirmed)
Indicative Price : (to be confirmed)
Developer : (Follow us to find out more)

DISCLAIMER: This article is solely based on research done using publicly available data. This is not an advertisement. Any claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a project or service should be verified with the developer, provider or party in question.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

The expansion and upgrading of Penang International Airport (PIA) are progressing steadily, with significant advancements in infrastructure improvements and capacity enhancements.

According to Penang Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, the project is divided into three key Work Packages (WP). These include enabling works, airside facility upgrades, and the construction of a new terminal building.

“As of February 15, 2025, Work Package One (WP1) has achieved 31% physical completion. This phase focuses on critical enabling and upgrading works, including the construction of an ancillary building, Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower, Civil Aviation Authority Malaysia (CAAM) office, AVSEC Control Post, and local infrastructure improvements,” Zairil stated. Awarded in September 2024, WP1 is expected to be completed by November 2025.

Meanwhile, Work Package Two (WP2), awarded in December 2024, will commence construction in April 2025. This phase involves upgrading the airport apron, taxiway, airside drainage, and utilities diversion.

The tender for Work Package Three (WP3) is anticipated to open in May 2025. This phase includes building a new terminal and renovating the existing one, incorporating modern infrastructure and interior design enhancements. The new terminal is expected to be operational by 2027, with full project completion projected for 2028.

This expansion aims to accommodate increasing passenger traffic and enhance airport facilities, reinforcing PIA’s status as a key regional aviation hub.

Penang is taking a significant step toward sustainability with a new requirement for all new public buildings to generate at least five per cent of their total energy from renewable sources, announced Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. This initiative is part of the Penang Energy Framework (PEF), a strategic roadmap launched last year to transition the state toward cleaner energy solutions.

According to Chow, while new public buildings must comply with this directive, existing public structures will also be encouraged to integrate renewable energy solutions. Similarly, new commercial and industrial buildings will need to adopt renewable energy measures according to Tenaga Nasional Berhad’s tariff categories.

“As part of our vision under the PEF, we aim to reduce energy intensity by 25% and generate at least 10% of our energy from renewable sources by 2030. Our government buildings will lead by example, ensuring they meet high standards of energy efficiency and sustainability,” Chow said during the GreenRE Platinum Certification award ceremony at Design Village Outlet Mall in Batu Kawan last Saturday.

To reinforce these efforts, the state government is introducing mandatory Building Energy Intensity (BEI) requirements for all new buildings. Specific benchmarks have been established, with office buildings expected to maintain a BEI of 150, retail spaces at 240, and tailored standards for hotels and hospitals. Initially, non-residential properties will voluntarily report their BEI values, transitioning to mandatory online submissions by 2026.

The event also marked a milestone in sustainable development, as Design Village Outlet Mall became Malaysia’s first fully certified GreenRE Platinum shopping mall. Chow commended PE Land Penang, the developer and operator of the mall, for aligning with the Penang2030 vision and PEF goals.

“This landmark achievement demonstrates how sustainability, innovation, and responsible business practices can work together to create a greener, more resilient future for Penang,” Chow stated. He emphasized that the Design Village Outlet Mall serves as an inspiration for other commercial developments across Malaysia.

PE Land Penang’s chief operating officer Andy Song highlighted the rigorous standards required to attain GreenRE Platinum certification, noting that Design Village exceeded expectations by earning 107 out of 120 possible credits in sustainability metrics.

In addition to the GreenRE Platinum certification, Design Village Outlet Mall also announced the launch of an EV Charging Hub and a Food Waste Composting initiative. The new EV Charging Hub will feature a 120kW DC fast charger along with 13 AC chargers, providing greater convenience for electric vehicle owners while promoting sustainable transportation.

“Sustainability is not just an achievement; it is a continuous journey. At PE Land Penang, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of green innovation and making zero landfill waste a reality within two years,” Song said.

As Penang moves forward with its renewable energy goals, these initiatives set a strong precedent for sustainable development in the state. With clear benchmarks, government-led initiatives, and private sector participation, Penang is poised to become a leader in energy efficiency and green building innovation.