Special night: Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) secretary-general Datuk Wira M Noor Azman Taib (eight from left) at the Malaysia Developer Awards (MDA) 2025 gala dinner at the JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Joining them are (from left) Triterra Group of Companies chairman Datuk Seri Michael Yam, FIABCI-Malaysia vice president Datuk Garry Chua, Star Media Group (SMG) COO Lydia Wang, SMG GCEO Chan Seng Fatt, SMG 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 Berhad GCOO Teh Chin Guan, FIABCI-Malaysia president Dr Yu Kee Su, FIABCI-Malaysia 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
KUALA LUMPUR: IOI Properties Group Bhd, Sime Darby Property Bhd and OSK Holdings Bhd’s OSK Property were crowned as Malaysia’s top three developers at the Malaysia Developer Awards (MDA) 2025 gala dinner here as the award marked its fourth anniversary.
As the nation’s benchmark for property development excellence, the latest edition of the award recognised 25 top developers for setting the standard and pace for property development here, with industry leaders competing across two main categories: the Top-of-the-Chart (TOTC) Awards and the Special Awards.
IOI Properties, Sime Darby Property and OSK Property came in first, second and third, respectively, in the highly-coveted TOTC category for developers with market capitalisation of RM1bil and above, thus cementing their status as standard bearers for the real estate industry here.
Co-created by the Malaysian chapter of the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI-Malaysia) and Star Media Group Bhd (SMG), these awards celebrate a spectrum of achievements ranging from financial strength and project sustainability to visionary leadership and innovation in design.
Following the top three, SP Setia Bhd tied with Eastern & Oriental Bhd for the fourth placing, while Mah Sing Group Bhd and Chin Hin Group Property Bhd shared the fifth spot.
Rounding out the elite group in the sixth to tenth spots were IGB Bhd, Tropicana Corporation Bhd, UEM Sunrise Bhd, KSL Holdings Bhd and Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd.
IOI Properties reinforced its overall excellence by achieving a remarkable dual win, taking home both the Best in Quantitative Award and the Best in Qualitative Award.
Beyond accolades, the night marked a critical opportunity to reflect on the vital role these industry titans play in shaping the future of Malaysia’s communities.
These accolades recognised IOI Properties’ exceptional financial robustness and long-term project sustainability, as well as highlighting its strong market presence and unwavering focus on delivering high-quality, community-enhancing designs.
The category for developers with market capitalisation below RM1bil showcased the strategic agility of the mid-tier segment.
Avaland Bhd emerged on top, reinforcing its strong presence while also taking home the Best in Quantitative Award.
Following closely behind were WCT Holdings Bhd and Eupe Corporation Bhd, in the second and third spots, respectively.
The leaders in the same category 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 between Ayer Holdings Bhd and Malton Bhd, while Land and General Bhd, Glomac Bhd and BCB Bhd rounded out the top 10.
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, a win for its commitment to developing quality housing that meets or exceeds customer expectations in terms of design, functionality and overall experience.
The MDA 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 for demonstrating tremendous potential and a strong trajectory of growth.
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 internationally and showcases OSK Property’s ability to successfully compete on the global stage.
The award presentation was also witnessed by Housing and Local Government Ministry secretary-general Datuk Wira M Noor Azman Taib.
FIABCI-Malaysia’s immediate past president Datuk Firdaus Musa said MDA is not merely a ceremony of recognition, but a reflection of the pulse of Malaysia’s property industry.
“It celebrates excellence in shaping our cities, enhancing the quality of life and contributing to Malaysia’s economic growth.
“It sends a clear signal that development in Malaysia is no longer just about building structures, but about building communities, creating value and leaving a meaningful legacy in built environment,” he said.
Firdaus highlighted that under the 13th Malaysia Plan and Budget 2026, developers are entrusted with responsibilities that go beyond conventional metrics with three clear expectations.
“Firstly, to catalyse national housing ambitions. The target of one million affordable homes cannot be achieved by government alone. Developers must innovate through modular systems, prefabrication and scalable designs.
“Secondly, to turn sustainability as the baseline, where green buildings, energy efficiency, water recycling and climate-resilient designs are no longer optional as they are the foundation of competitiveness and relevance.
“Finally, design with people at the centre. Developers must build inclusive, connected and liveable communities with public spaces, walkability, accessibility and wellbeing for all,” he added.
In his remarks, SMG group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt said MDA 2025 has quickly become a prestigious accolade as it celebrates its fourth edition.
“With each passing year, we have sought to raise the bar to recognise true excellence in real estate development.
“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 and the complex mismatch between housing supply and actual market demand.
“Despite these obstacles, the sector has demonstrated remarkable adaptability and unwavering resilience,” he said.
With the incentives unveiled under Budget 2026, Chan said the industry is witnessing renewed confidence, leading many experts to anticipate a positive trajectory for the final quarter of 2025 into the next year.
“This optimism is largely fuelled by Budget 2026, which introduced several 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 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 and promoting sustainable urban regeneration,” he said, while also thanking the panel of judges for their dedication and FIABCI-Malaysia for its steadfast collaboration with SMG.
