Starry night: Wong (fifth from left), Chan (third from left) and Wang (third from right) taking a group photo with Chief Executive Of The Year Wong Yau Long (fourth from left) as well as Millionaire Masters, All-Stars Agencies and Negotiators winners of the StarProperty Awards event. — GLENN GUAN/The Star
PETALING JAYA: It was a night to remember at the 8th annual StarProperty Awards 2025: Realtor Edition, which celebrated the real estate agents and negotiators instrumental in propelling the growth of Malaysia’s property market.
StarProperty, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Star Media Group Bhd (SMG), hosted the awards ceremony at the Grand Ballroom of the Sheraton Petaling Jaya last night.
The ceremony honoured 102 recipients, comprising 40 agencies and 62 negotiators across 26 main categories and 34 sub-categories.
SMG group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt paid tribute to the professionals who form the backbone of the industry, emphasising their crucial role beyond mere transaction facilitation.
“Property agents and negotiators are not merely intermediaries. They are master connectors who seamlessly link developers, owners and buyers.
“They are the trusted guides who transform market data into actionable advice, ensuring that every transaction flows smoothly.
“In short, they are the architects of market confidence and the foundation of economic vitality,” he said.
A grand affair: Attendees at the StarProperty Awards event.
Chan also highlighted their phenomenal professional growth, which has been driven by the tremendous expansion of the real estate profession in recent years, reflecting the market’s increasing reliance on expert guidance.
In 2018, data from the Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents noted approximately 2,000 registered agents and around 27,000 negotiators.
In just two years leading up to 2020, the figures had risen notably, with over 2,800 registered agents and more than 39,000 negotiators recorded.
Additionally, data from the Board of Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents and Valuers also confirms this trajectory.
Currently, there are 4,142 registered estate agents, supported by an extensive network of 56,355 registered negotiators.
To this tune, Chan said the surge isn’t just a statistical anomaly, but “a clear indicator that the market increasingly relies on their professional guidance and ethical conduct”.
“The growth shows a collective commitment to ongoing education, professional development and raising the standard of service for all Malaysians,” he said.
On the economic environment, Chan discussed the key findings from the 1H 2025 report, highlighting the market’s underlying resilience despite global headwinds.
“While the first half of 2025 saw a slight decline in volume (a 1.3% decrease to 196,232 transactions), the total value of transactions rose by a strong 1.9% to RM107.68bil.
“This demonstrates that, despite external pressures, higher-value, confidence-backed purchases were taking place – a direct result of their ability to match clients with the right opportunities,” he said.
Chan said the key growth areas included residential strength, which accounted for over 60% of total transactions.
Terraced houses remain the preferred choice, he noted.
The industrial sector was the strongest performer, registering an impressive 8.5% increase in transaction volume, driven by logistics and manufacturing demands across major growth corridors like Johor, Penang and Selangor.
Chan said discerning buyers require added value, including nuanced market analysis, in-depth research and precise valuations.
“Tonight is the ultimate recognition of that commitment.
“While 2025 presented its challenges, it also marked a year of significant progress and demonstrated structural resilience.
“As we look to 2026, we are optimistic about the exciting new opportunities it will bring,” he said, noting the overwhelming number of entries and the exceptional quality showcased across the 26 categories.
Chan congratulated the winners and the future of the industry.
He also thanked the panel of unbiased judges – respected leaders and experts whose efforts ensure the awards uphold the highest standards of fairness and insight.
Among the awards presented are Rising Star, StarProperty Millionaire Masters Award Negotiator, All-Stars Award-Negotiator and All-Stars (Emerging, Mega, Big, Medium).
Others include Chief Executive Of The Year Award, Thriving Award, Developer Preferred Award, Sub-sale Award, Regional Award, Agency of the Year Award, Real-Estate Negotiator of the Year Award, Best Digital Marketing Award, Best Technology Award, Most Transacted Rental Award, StarProperty Readers’ Choice (Agency), StarProperty Readers’ Choice (Negotiator), Outstanding Achievement Award, Deal of the Year Award, Most Exceptional Leader Award-Male and Key Personality Award.
They were presented by SMG chairman Tan Sri Wong Foon Meng, Chan, SMG chief operating officer Lydia Wang and StarProperty senior content manager Joseph Wong.
