KUALA LUMPUR: The inaugural FIABCI Malaysia-Star Malaysia Developer Awards (MDA) aims to be the penultimate awards programme that will elevate the standards of Malaysian developers.
Hailed as the ultimate property awards accolades, the MDA, which is a collaboration between the International Real Estate Federation Malaysian Chapter (FIABCI Malaysia) and Star Media Group (SMG), marks the beginning for stakeholders of the property industry to fill the gap that exists currently.
FIABCI Malaysia president Datuk Seri Koe Peng Kang said although there were a multitude of awards which claim to be the voice of the industry, a lot of confusion emerged.
“MDA is like none other. This is not a paid award, the judges are professionals, as are the financial analysts, property developers and industry leaders. The awards cut across the ‘noises’.
“The MDA helps people make more informed decisions when buying property, and sets a new bar for players in the real estate business.
“Currently, there is a multitude of property awards in Malaysia’s real estate landscape, each claiming to be the voice of authority and standard bearer for the industry.
“This cacophony of claims creates confusion and lingering doubts, especially for consumers who are bombarded with conflicting information.
All systems go: Yeow (right) and Koe giving the thumbs up at the launch of FIABCI Malaysia-Star Malaysia Developer Awards. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
“We envisioned the MDA awards to progress while serving the interests of home buyers and investors,” Koe said at the launch yesterday.
SMG chief executive officer Alex Yeow said the inaugural MDA awards programme was set to raise the bar even higher.
“When someone mentions property awards, it is a given that FIABCI Malaysia will come to mind.
“Through their vast knowledge and expertise, they have established themselves as a renowned organisation and sets the gold standard for players within the property industry.
“SMG will lend its own expertise as well, utilising the competency and proficiency of StarProperty and StarBiz.
“The awards programme will leverage on its extensive research in the property landscape.
“The MDA is only in its first year, but every single aspect of its blueprint, from the categories to the criteria, were given due attention.
“It is moulded to be an award that will be trusted by all – developers, investors and consumers alike – serving as the assurance they need to make informed decisions,” Yeow said at the launch.
He added that although this was the first year for MDA, the awards were envisioned to evolve as they progress, bringing it to new levels of standards.
The MDA is divided into two main categories – Top-Of-The-Chart Awards and Special Awards, which consist of three sub-categories, namely The International Awards, Transformation Awards and The Rising Star Awards.
The Top-Of-The-Chart Awards is by invitation only for top 10 companies (with market capitalisation of RM1bil and above) and top 10 companies (with market capitalisation below RM1bil).
The Special Awards is open for submission. Both listed and non-listed companies on Bursa Malaysia are encouraged to apply.
They must be a Malaysian company (51% Malaysian owned) and each special award will have individual criteria.
