SPK Homes eyes Abu Dhabi entry

An artist's impression of the superlink homes in Cahaya SPK

KUALA LUMPUR: SPK Homes, the property arm of Sharikat Permodalan Kebangsaan Bhd (SPK), may be venturing into Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates by the end of next year, said its property division head Steven Lim.

The group’s construction arm SPKSentosa Corp Bhd, through a joint venture with Bina Puri Holdings Bhd, had earlier in May, secured a RM444 million contract from Al Tamouth Investments LLC for the execution and implementation of the Phase 1, Plot 1 Zone B residential, commercial and recreational development of Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi.

“It is normal for a company’s construction arm to first venture overseas, followed by the property arm. However, we are in no hurry as we first need to study the market before actually going there,” said Lim.

Lim added that locally, SPK is continuously looking for joint ventures (JV) with potential landowners in the Klang Valley and Penang.

“As some of the landowners might be inexperienced in property development, a JV with them would be one of the options to bring up the value of the land,” he said. SPK Homes is currently in a 50:50 JV with Sunway City Bhd on the Sunway-SPK Damansara project and would be involved in another JV by the end of next year to develop high-end homes on a 17-acre
tract in Gelugor, Penang.

Lim was speaking to theSun on the sidelines of the launch of The Benevolent Hearts Trust 2008
Calendar recently. SPK Homes helped develop the charity calendar and also ordered the first 2,000.

Lim said the current property market is sustainable, with most developments registering good sales to date. “Despite the competition, many developers are doing well as they are taking the extra effort to conduct market research before launching their products,” he says, adding that product differentiation has also added value to the developments.

The group’s signature project in Section U9, Shah Aam, Cahaya SPK, has been enjoying brisk sales of the units launched so far. More than 100 of the 142 units of super link houses and 40% to 50% of the semi-dees open for sale have been taken up. The group also sold 50 of 80 bungalow lots, which were launched in the development last week. The superlink houses are priced at RM381,000 each, the semi-dees at RM520,000 each and the bungalow lots go for between RM42 and RM55 psf.

Lim says launches in Cahaya SPK for next year include semidees and bungalows by the lake as well as superlink houses as the demand for these types of properties is high. Prices have yet to be determined.

“We would also be continuing our ongoing project in Sungai Petani, Ambangan Heights, and target to launch a 15-acre high-end development in Johor Baru, capitalising on government
incentives and the growth of the Iskandar Development Region where it is located,” he says.

By theSun (by Yap Yew Jin)

Matrix Invent’s new portal to drive real estate activities

PETALING JAYA: Information technology provider Matrix Invent (MSC) Sdn Bhd is leveraging on the Internet to boost real estate activities in Asia, especially in Malaysia, via its newly launched property trading web portal.

Its vice president Joe Poh said the company would be investing up to RM500,000 to enhance the web portal, which is also known as estate123.com, for the next two years.

Speaking to The Edge Financial Daily at the estate123.com official launch last week, Poh said those interested to buy or sell properties could join the web portal and enjoy its various functions for free.

The web portal already has close to 400 members, consisting mostly of real estate agents and individuals who want to sell their properties.

On how Matrix Invent would recover its cost of investments, Poh said the company was following a similar model such as those of Skype and was not expecting any revenue for the next two years.

“It is a goodwill business. When we have a big database, we will offer value-added services and charge for these services,” he added.

Matrix Invent chief marketing officer Michael Lim said the company was investing in Internet platform business such as estate123.com as customers were becoming more confident of making transactions online.

Besides providing an avenue for prospective sellers and buyers, other market players such as lawyers, property valuers, developers and bankers could also use estate123.com to get new business.

Currently, the web portal has functions such as mailbox and short messaging service (SMS) to allow prospective buyers to contact sellers. In the near future, it will also have enhanced functions such as property valuation and bidding.

Lim said estate123.com would only focus on properties in the Klang Valley in the initial phase and would eventually include properties in other Asian cities such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Bangkok and Shanghai.

Other than estate123.com, Matrix Invent also launched a software delivery platform known as Pay2Soft.com to provide business applications to customers through the Internet instead of the traditional on-site installation of packaged software.

Poh said Pay2Soft.com would benefit companies that could not afford to buy the traditional business applications package.

While a conventional customer relationship management package, including hardware and installation, could cost up to RM100,000, Pay2Soft.com charges a fee of only about RM50 per user a month for such applications, he added.

By The EDGE MALAYSIA

IPGA adopts iVirtual to enhance online portals

AUSTRALIAN stock exchange-listed IPGA Ltd's units in Malaysia, iProperty.com.my and iLuxury.com.my have added on iVirtual to enhance property listings on their websites.

Touted as the largest online database of properties for sale and rent, iProperty was established in 2003.

The portal and monthly magazine of the same title works with some 100 property developers and more than 800 real estate agents.

iVirtual enables a potential buyer to navigate within a 360� interior and exterior views of a property.

"While enhancing the online property hunting experience for purchasers, iVirtual enables real estate developers and agents take clients on site viewings 24/7, making it a potent tool to better market properties to both local and international buyers via iProperty's website," said iProperty executive chairman Patrick Grove in a statement released in Kuala Lumpur recently.

To date, property developers who have adopted iVirtual include TA Properties, AP Land, Guthrie Properties and Negara Properties.

IPGA owns online property portals featuring properties in Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines.

It plans to buy an online property portal in Thailand.

By New Straits Times

Gas Technology Asia 2008 exhibition next June

KUALA LUMPUR: The first-ever Gas Technology Asia (GTA) 2008 exhibition will be held in the same week as the Petronas Asia Oil and Gas Conference (AOGC) 2008 from June 11 to 13 here.

In a statement, the organiser Malaysian Exhibition Services Sdn Bhd (MES) said the exhibition, which is well-placed to tap the rapidly expanding inter-regional trade in natural gas, would showcase and profile Malaysia as the region’s hub for gas-to-liquid (GTL) technology and products as well as LNG transportation systems.

The three-day event, fully supported by the Malaysian Gas Association (MGA), is expected to attract over 300 exhibitors from 30 countries involved in drilling and completion, production and operations, pipeline installation, equipment and maintenance, process and production engineering, as well as LNG/LPG production, transportation and storage.

Aside from highlighting the extraction, production, transportation and processing of gas, GTA 2008 will also feature NGV technology befitting Malaysia’s role as a key driver in the development of technology relating to natural gas for vehicles.

Said MES general manager, Alun Jones, “With Indonesia, Malaysia and China boasting substantial natural gas reserves and fellow Asian nations of Brunei, India, Myanmar, Pakistan, Thailand and Vietnam housing sizeable reserves, the Asian market for GTL technology and transportation is immense.

“Malaysia’s strategic location between China, India and Japan makes it the region’s leader in natural gas exports and accounts for 15% of the world’s total LNG exports. With three times more gas than oil reserves and the largest LNG fleet in the world by volume, Malaysia represents the ideal regional hub.”

Under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, Petronas is expected to invest some RM43.8 billion in oil and gas exploration, development and production activities to enhance the long-term supply of oil and gas and upgrade the oil and gas supply infrastructure.

By The EDGE MALAYSIA

MIA Penang to host Business Conference 2007

PENANG: The Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) Penang Branch is organising its Business Conference 2007 aimed at discussing issues in the fast-changing landscape of business today.

Themed “Driving Innovation”, the conference, to be held on Nov 29 at Traders Hotel here, will discuss regional economic developments as well as feature talks by prominent captains of industry on key issues taking place in the business world.

Organising chairman Kevin Khoo said the conference was themed as such because innovation was a key ingredient for the state to move forward in terms of industrialisation.

“For Penang to progress, we need a lot of innovation as businesses cannot afford to house low cost manufacturing activities anymore, but they need to value-add their products to move up the value chain,” he told the Edge Financial Daily.

He said the conference, held for the second time in two years, would be focused on sharing sessions between multinational companies and public-listed companies.

“The conference is also a good networking opportunity for industry personnel across the board,” Khoo added.

Branch chairperson Adelena Lestari Chong said more importantly, the conference was aimed at bridging the perception gap between finance and operations departments within businesses.

“More often than not, there are misunderstandings between the two departments,” she said adding that the conference would be an opportunity for workers to understand how its chief executives strategised and planned for the future.

Among key issues to be covered in the one-day conference include CEO forums on how to compete in the global market and global investors’ perspectives of the region.

By The EDGE MALAYSIA

BioMalaysia 2007

BioMalaysia 2007 welcomes over 1,200 delegates and 7,500 trade visitors. As Malaysia's premier international biotechnology event, BioMalaysia 2007 provides a significant meeting point for biotechnology and life science professionals, scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, regulators and innovators from around the world.

With a focus on Innovation, BioMalaysia 2007 is set to achieve and deliver the biotechnology event of the year - with comprehensive coverage ranging from technology research to commercialisation, business development and regional international networking.

Visit BioMalaysia 2007 Exhibition
27 to 29 November 2007 (Time:10:00am - 6:00pm)
30 November 2007 (Time: 10:00 am - 5:00pm)
Venue : Putra World Trade Centre. Kuala Lumpur

Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), is the preferred choice for major conventions, exhibitions, trade shows and meetings. PWTC offers an excellent range of quality and customer-oriented facilities, situated within walking distance from nearby amenities and facilities, including 5-star hotels and shopping complexes. PWTC is situated in Kuala Lumpur and is easily accessible via the Star LRT (Light Rail Transit) system, KTM Commuter, taxi and bus services.



For more information, please visit the official website here..

Contact Information:
BioMalaysia 2007 Secretariat
Protemp Exhibitions Sdn. Bhd.
Address: No. 38-3 (2nd Floor), Jalan PJU 5/9, Dataran Sunway, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Tel: +603 6140 6666
Fax: +603 6140 8833
Contact Person: Ms Karen Dass
Email: karendass@protemp.com.my

Big plans for nanotechnology

MALAYSIA'S biotechnology sector will rope in nanotechnology to add to the significant strides it has made in medical research and agriculture.

Malaysian Biotechnology Corp Sdn Bhd (Biotech Corp) chief executive officer Datuk Iskandar Mizal Mahmood said Malaysian universities and research agencies have been strong in developing vaccines and improving oil palm yield for the past 100 years.

"Now we have identified nanotechnology and together with an international partner, we can elevate the industry to a higher level.

"We will launch a nanotechnology acquisition platform during BioMalaysia 2007," Iskandar told Business Times in Kuala Lumpur last Friday.

BioMalaysia 2007 is a gathering of some of the world's top biotechnology players starting tomorrow and is set to attract up to 8,000 visitors and conference delegates.

The fifth in its series, BioMalaysia 2007 is a conference incorporated under the National Innovation Conference and Exhibition which will be launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi tomorrow.

Iskandar said that for the past several decades nanotechnology, an emerging technology which can repair damaged body tissues and keep clothes stain free, has been present in Malaysia's biotechnology sector.

"We are now taking nanotechnology to another level to create a multiplier effect and spur growth of biotechnology companies and trickle down to related industries and the economy.

"We are making nanotechnology available to our biotechnology firms and expedite licensing procedures and nurture the industry together with our international partners," he said.

Malaysia wants to become a regional biotechnology hub to get a slice of the lucrative market.

The world's 5,000 biotech firms are forecast to make over US$1 trillion (RM3.37 trillion) in revenue by 2015.

By New Straits Times (by Zaidi Isham Ismail)

TTDI on the way to revenue milestone

Property developer TTDI Development Sdn Bhd expects annual revenue to surpass the RM500 million mark next year as it chalks up more sales from existing projects and unveils new offerings.

“There will be a spillover from existing projects, sale of some inventories and seven new launches next year,” TTDI group managing director Datuk Johan Ariffin told Business Times in Shah Alam, Selangor.

The new launches include bungalows and semi-detached houses in the Klang Valley.

Revenue for the current fiscal year ending December 31 2007 is forecast to exceed RM200 million, with net profit to more than double to RM63 million.

Diversified Naza Group of Companies wholly owns TTDI, which plans to list on Bursa Malaysia’s main board next year.

Existing projects by TTDI, the developer of Kuala Lumpur’s RM1.35 billion Taman Tun Dr Ismail, include the “Laman Seri” landed homes and “Jayamas 1” shopoffices in Shah Alam.

Citing examples, Johan said that more than three-quarters of the three-phase Laman Seri’s 122 landed houses have been sold.

He told Business Times in April this year that TTDI has RM2.8 billion worth of projects, which are expected to sustain the company for eight years.

Johan said money raised from the developer ’s planned initial public offering will be used to reduce its debts and expand its landbank.

TTDI, with a landbank of some 188ha in Malaysia, has been profitable for the past six consecutive years.

Naza, founded by automotive tycoon Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin SM Amin, is also involved in cars, hotels, and food and beverage, according to its website.

By New Straits Times (by Chong Jin Hun)

Special edition bungalows from UOA

The three-storey luxury units at Taman Halimahton are tagged from 1.6 million

A special edition of six units of link bungalows within the serene surroundings of Taman Halimahton, off Old Klang Road in Kuala Lumpur, is being offered by the UOA Group.

With spacious built-up areas of 4,300sq ft to 4,500sq ft, these threestorey luxury units tagged from RM1.6 million are readily accessible via the Kerinchi Link, Federal Highway and New Pantai Expressway.

Just three minutes' drive from the Mid Valley Megamall, the bungalows boast an internal courtyard with water features, a double-volume living area and a relaxation area in the form of stylish glass balconies.

Another offering from UOA that's also caught the attention of upmarket home seekers is Villa Yarl, within the established neighbourhood of Overseas Union Garden, also off the newly upgraded six-lane Old Klang Road.

Nestled within lush greens and tranquil water features, Villa Yarl comprises 19 units of luxurious boutique bungalows with built-up areas from 6,000sq ft, with prices ranging from RM2.3 million to RM2.5 million.

The gated bungalow development is one of the first in the area to offer a clubhouse for residents that boasts facilities such as infinity and wading pools, function room, BBQ area, playground, gym, a koi pond and 24-hour CCTV camera surveillance along the parameter fencing.

Special offers for buyers include water heaters and shower screens for all bathrooms; intercom link with the guardhouse; air-conditioning units for all bedrooms, living and dining spaces; and space to park four to eight cars.

By New Straits Times (by G. Umakanthan)

International accolades for Malaysian architecture

A meticulously designed development over the resplendent waters off Port Dickson has done the country proud by winning major awards at an international property competition.

The development, a high-end resort known as The Legend International Water Homes, took the "Best Architecture" and "Best Development" titles at the CNBC International Property Awards 2007 held in London recently.

Developed by Kuala Lumpur Metro Group (KL Metro) subsidiary Kuala Lumpur Metro Development Sdn Bhd, the resort comprising 166 "water homes" and 44 "garden homes" is located about 2km from Port Dickson town in Negeri Sembilan, and is readily accessible via the North-South Expressway.

The resort is a series of waterfront chalets, with each unit having its own private pool, an open air garden inspired by Balinese tradition, five-star standard finishing and furnishings using granite, hardwood timber and teakwood.

Construction of the second phase of the project commenced in November 2006 and is scheduled for completion in December next year.

KL Metro managing director Datuk Low Tak Fatt said the recognition will inspire the group to come up with more innovative designs for its future high-end resort developments.

The CNBC International Property Awards, sponsored by media giant CNBC Europe, a financial and business news channel, and supported by more than 10 professional bodies, including the International Real Estate Federation (Fiabci) and British Interior Design Association, attracted widespread participation.

The aim of the competition is to distinguish the highest levels of achievement in a range of propertyrelated fields in various categories, including best interior design, best architecture and best development.

The winners, from no less than 40 countries, received their awards from British Member of Parliament Eric Pickles, who is the Shadow Secretary for Local Government and chairman of the judging panel.

By New Straits Times (by P. Rajan)

PPB launches D'Heron at the Lakes

One of the country's leading construction and development companies, Putrajaya Perdana Bhd (PPB), which has created several iconic and award winning projects in the federal administrative capital of Putrajaya, has launched a new waterfront property there.

Taking further its venture into prestigious projects, it launched D'Heron at the Lakes by throwing open the doors to its newly-furnished RM1 million show house at the high-end Precinct 16.

The development boasts 19 energy-efficient bungalows on a 6.4-acre site overlooking the pristine Putrajaya Wetlands.

The units will come in lot sizes of 10,000sq ft to 16,000sq ft, with built-ups ranging from 4,604sq ft to 4,897sq ft, all within convenient reach of facilities and amenities within Putrajaya, PPB chief operating officer Mak Hong Seng said.

"The urban resort designed lakefront bungalows, coupled with the extravagance of a large garden, will provide a haven-like retreat for buyers ... it will be a great feeling at D'Heron at the Lakes, where one can wake up to the call of migratory birds, especially the herons," he said. The units will be built by PPB's wholly-owned Senandung Budiman Sdn Bhd.

An ISO-certified company, PPB has developed its own niche technology and specialisation, becoming an established leader in designing and constructing energyefficient buildings for the public and private sectors. It has also widely adopted the Industrialised Building System.

Incorporated in July 1998 as a vehicle for the joint development of Putrajaya, PPB has secured projects worth in excess of RM5.5 billion.

Among the projects it has built are Universiti Teknikal Malaysia in Malacca, the Ministry of Finance Complex and Boulevard, the Energy Commission's headquarters and Wisma Tani, all in Putrajaya, and CT4 @ Westport, Pulau Indah.

For more information, surf to www.p-perdana.com or call 03-8886 8888.

By New Straits Times (By G. Umakanthan)

Retail spaces with a wow factor and an ego boost

In the past, setting up an office was a simple matter. If your company is small, you can have an office in a traditional shop office; and if you needed bigger space and a better image, an office building in a good location may be necessary.

However, with so many traditional-type shop offices being built over the years, people are looking for better designed offices as well as retail spaces that can give that “wow” factor not only to their customers but also boost the business owners' ego.

So these days you have the new-look shop offices (like Uptown 37 featured in the previous column) featuring a refreshing concept.

An artist's impression of YTL Land's d7 commercial development in Sentul East, Kuala Lumpur

YTL Land's freehold d7 Sentul East, Kuala Lumpur, is another winner.

All 100 units of the phase one d7 were snapped up in just an hour of pre-launch sales on Sept 8.

The launch price started from RM380 per sq ft (psf), with units ranging from 870 to 1,500 sq ft.

YTL Land & Development Bhd executive director Datuk Yeoh Seok Kian said: “This overwhelming response speaks quite clearly of a pent-up demand for office space in Kuala Lumpur. We are seeing buyers that aren't just looking for the traditional office shoplots of the past. They are discerning about the type of place they choose to do business, because the location is very much a reflection of their image to their customers,” said Yeoh.

“It's heartening for us to see how so many highly discerning people have embraced Sentul as a modern vibrant place to live and do business in. A major selling point for a commercial hub is connectivity and d7's connectivity is no doubt a big selling point, given the various road and rail options available.”

Indeed, highways such as the Sentul Link, the Duta-Ulu Klang Expressway (DUKE), the Duta-Segambut Link, and the KTM and STAR stations nearby serve this RM80mil development.

As Yeoh pointed out, many people are unaware that KLCC, Damansara Heights and Mont' Kiara is just a 15 minute drive while KLIA was a mere 45 minutes away.

Yeoh said d7 was developed for those in the service industry, such as architects, designers and lawyers who saw the need to stand and opting for an architecturally iconic office space instead of the traditional shop offices.

He said d7 would feature an iconic architectural concept, designed exclusively with the next generation in mind. “It will have cutting-edge duplex offices, boutique offices with retail and food and beverage outlets, and lush landscaping with water features and artistic sculptures in the atrium area.”

“We're confident d7 will invigorate Sentul by infusing a new vibrancy into an area that is already treasured for its rich historical background and business heritage. It will be the perfect commercial location with its Sentul Walk frontage and connectivity. Besides being fully broadband enabled, the offices are accessible by lifts and the building watched over by 24-hour state-of-the-art security systems.”

The successful launch of d7 is also a milestone in YTL Land's urban renewal efforts for Sentul as without a successful residential community, it would not be able to introduce the commercial part of the puzzle. Thus d7 will invigorate Sentul East's stylish cosmopolitan environment and with a design that is ahead of its time, d7 is poised to be the future hot house for businesses in the city and finally eradicate the old railway town image.

By placing great importance on customer feedback and research, YTL Land constantly identifies niche customer needs and zero in on what buyers really want so it could develop products to suit their preferences.

“We conceptualised d7 after research showed a pent-up demand for office space in KL, and the increasingly discerning buyer who wanted to stand out and make a bold statement with his choice of office space,” said Yeoh, adding that with buyers spoilt for choice, developers must stretch themselves to create more innovative products.

Due to strong demand from buyers, YTL Land will offer for sale - ahead of schedule - phase two of d7 boutique offices.

By The Star (by S.C. Cheah)

Dijaya’s trump card

Tropicana Grande promises privacy and serenity
Have you ever dreamt of living in a posh and big condominium with a grand view of the award-winning Tropicana Golf & Country Resort in Petaling Jaya?

Well, dream no more. Come early 2008, you can grab one of the 241 units of the Tropicana Grande – three blocks of 36-storey condominiums with average size of 3,000 sq ft, which will tower over all condominiums in the area.

Dijaya Corp Bhd has finally thrown in its trump card by developing this high-end golf course-front condominium at a time when the high-end condominium market in the city is reaching dizzying heights.

An artist's impression of Tropicana Avenue's retail style shop offices

By pricing Tropicana Grande's units at an average of about RM500 per sq ft (a third off the prices in the KLCC area), it is set to appeal to those who want a well-known location minus the spiralling prices of KLCC nor the congestion in Mont' Kiara.

“We plan to launch Tropicana Grande early next year and we are now building the show unit. We are targeting upgraders, especially young CEOs in their 30s and 40s who are looking for condominiums such as the Tropicana Grande,” said Dijaya managing director Tong Kien Onn.

He said the other target markets were investors seeking high return investment properties and foreigners who wanted to live in a resort development with golf course and club facilities.

Tong said the Tropicana Grande was a prestigious development that promised privacy and the serenity of a golf course view. The design is planned with luxury in mind, with a built-up big enough to provide comfort living, full glass windows to capture the scenic view, a private lift that serves up to the doorstep, and a private pool.

The design is alike – two crystalline blocks with maximum transparency for the sprawling golf course view. Almost all the bedrooms are located towards the golf course view and certain units could bring the view closer by having sky gardens.

Tong said there would also be eight units that with its own dip pool at the recreational deck on the podium floor. Some duplexes on the upper floors will also have such pools. The duplex units will have built-up areas of 4,531 sq ft to 10,359 sq ft.

This condominium will feature, among others, smart home and security system (alarm, intercom and panic button for all units), CCTV system (at service lift lobbies, service lifts, main lobbies, car park, etc), broadband, card access and barrier gate systems, and private lifts. All bedrooms will come with attached bathrooms while the master bathroom will have an en-suite resort-styled Jacuzzi.

The development on 5.17 acres of prime resort land will have a density of 46 units per acre and a gross development value (GDV) of RM390mil.

An artist's impression of Tropicana Grande at the Tropicana Golf & Country Resort in Petaling Jaya

Meanwhile, Dijaya will also launch the Tropicana Avenue (gross development value of RM205mil), comprising three blocks of nine and 11-storey lifestyle shop offices (26ft x 79ft lot size) in the northeast sector of the resort next March. It will have extensive food and beverage (F & B) outlets and a retail strip on the ground floor and strata offices on the upper floors.

The row of retail space is arranged along a pedestrian thoroughfare cum walkway that faces the food and beverage (F & B) area. Escalators are located at various points throughout this thoroughfare to allow a continuous circulation and bring shoppers to the first floor.

People can enjoy the sights of a garden and pools at the F & B area, and even the first floor retail units will benefit from this garden, as those on the first floor will be able to see the garden below through translucent glass.

The office units are arranged along an internal corridor while green pockets punctuate the floor layout as “sky gardens”, a refreshing addition to the office units.

By The Star (by S.C. Cheah)

Competing in the international arena

Benchmarking against the world's best and striving for excellence in all the company's core businesses will steer Brunsfield into the league of blue ocean companies.

Group managing director Gan Thian Leong is confident Brunsfield can compete in the international arena by setting itself apart from the competition and being the best in what it does.

“At Brunsfield, we are already adopting strategies to explore untapped markets and achieve higher margins. We believe our customer-driven and market-savvy attributes will keep the company on the leading edge,” he said.

To carve a niche in the vast global market, Brunsfield is also collaborating with other strategic business partners to leverage on each other’s strengths such as their market network and technical know-how.

“Brunsfield's vision is to become a world-class organisation with a strong sustainable competitive edge and corporate creativity in all its business operations. We distinguish ourselves by building Brunsfield as an organisation that believes in value creation, delivering world-class quality services and solutions. We are an organisation that aims high, where top performance is expected and richly rewarded,” Gan said.

The challenge for the company's senior management is to strengthen the culture of excellence - through setting high work standards and benchmarking themselves against the best in the world.

“We believe this philosophy has inspired our people to outperform themselves in their commitment to bring top quality performance into every aspect of their work.

“The way we run the company is very efficient as it is supported by the best people, system and processes within a truly multiracial working environment.”

Since its establishment in 1990, the hallmark of integrity, transparency and good corporate governance has propelled Brunsfield into the league of one of the most well managed and efficient companies in the country.

Brunsfield's core business activities are property development and construction, information and communications technology, trading and manufacturing industries, and international strategic business.

Gan believes that with the company's strong corporate values and high performance culture, it would be able to take full advantage of many global market opportunities.

Brunsfield has clinched many of the industry’s accolades both locally and internationally, including been judged as one of the five best employers in the country in 2005.

Under the leadership of Gan and executive director Zulkifli Hamzah, Brunsfield ranked among the top employers, ahead of international and multinational companies, in the Best Employer in Asia 2005 study conducted by Hewitt Associates, the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (ASLI), the Malaysian Employers Federation and The Edge.

The study, which covered 36 public-listed and private businesses from various industries, examined the links between business performance and people practices, providing insights on how companies inspire commitment and loyalty in their people, and better position themselves to manage change.

Gan said the company's capability to work effectively with key partners within the entire value chain has been instrumental to the company's growth over the years.

With 18 years of track record in property development and construction, Brunsfield has built up a strong resource base in the whole spectrum of property development - land acquisition, feasibility studies and design planning, project implementation, engineering and construction, marketing, credit control functions, and project and property management services.

Meanwhile, the company's intelligent system, developed in-house by Brunsfield Computer System since 1993, has resulted in a 55% savings in administrative and management costs.

By The Star

Brunsfield keen on eco-lifestyle projects

It eyes big presence in upmarket residential property market.

Brunsfield group is eager to widen its presence in the growing niche eco-lifestyle residential property projects both within and outside the country.

At present, its property development arm, Brunsfield Development Holdings Sdn Bhd, is involved in 18 projects in Malaysia and abroad.

Group managing director Gan Thian Leong said the company was looking at offering more well-designed and sustainable exclusive residences in Kuala Lumpur and other parts of the Klang Valley for those seeking to upgrade their lifestyle.

The company will be launching new projects in Kuala Lumpur next year, which include the Brunsfield Embassyview and Brunsfield Residence @ U Thant.

Brunsfield Embassyview, located amongst the Embassy Row of Jalan Ampang, will showcase 283 units of spacious upmarket residences with built-up areas from 2,000 to 7,500 sq ft, priced from RM800 per sq ft (psf).

The 93 exclusive low-rise luxury condo villas of Brunsfield Residence @ U Thant, located in the prestigious neighbourhood of Jalan U Thant, will be marketed from RM3,000 psf, thus setting a new price benchmark in Malaysia.

Meanwhile, the RM1.5bil Oyster Cove International project in Gold Coast, Australia, is the first overseas strategic joint venture between Brunsfield and Sime Darby Bhd.

The project, featuring high quality waterfront homes and luxurious condominium and high-end commercial centre, is said to be one of the most appealing waterfront resorts in Australia’s Gold Coast.

The nature-themed development is designed and conceptualised by Brunsfield Group executive director Zulkifli Hamzah, who is an architect by profession and works in close consultation with the company's strategic partner.

Zulkifli said Brunsfield’s strength in property lay in its value creation capability, strategically international mindset, strong branding and productive strategic partners.

Besides the local market and Australia, the company is also eyeing the vast markets in the Middle East, China, Indonesia, India, Vietnam and Britain.

In the Klang Valley, Brunsfield has a landbank of 1,200 acres, of which 80% is owned by the company and the rest by joint ventures.

Gan is also optimistic that the company’s strategic partnership with Sime Darby will open up opportunities for more high-end, niche and sustainable developments in high growth markets in Malaysia and other countries.

“The synergy created by the combined strengths, talents and expertise of the parties provide much value added ideas, value engineering, higher quality workmanship, more effective marketing and improved delivery, stronger financial capacity, risk management and greater adoption of information and communication technology (ICT).

“This will pave the way for much bigger opportunities for the partners, both locally and internationally,” he said.

Since the partnership was formed last year, the partners have ventured into three prestigious projects - the RM250mil Subang Avenue, RM550mil Oasis Damansara and RM1.5bil Oyster Cove International.

A recent testimony of the collaborative partnership is the overwhelming success of the Subang Avenue project, which posted 100% sales of its serviced apartments in record time.

Both Gan and Zulkifli are great believers of using ICT to enhance the quality of life and to pioneer the safe city living concept in all the company's ongoing and future projects.

Besides enhancing its residences with smart-home features developed by the Brunsfield group, the company will spend RM25mil to create a safe city in the 15-acre Oasis Damansara and RM5mil in the 3-acre Subang Avenue project.

Brunsfield Development property development adviser Hor Chee Wah said: “To ensure the safety of the residents, the most advanced smart home technology, building intelligence system and surveillance technology will be implemented in all our projects.

“Every effort will be expended to ensure that our projects are well planned and designed, with the safety of residents in mind.”

These include working with the local councils to enhance all the service roads within the project site, having bright streetlights and the installation of high-tech closed circuit televisions in the projects.

“Residents will also be required to use friendly smart access cards to move within their development.”

By The Star (by Angie Ng)