PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s leading property developers were recognised for their resilience and innovation in propelling the nation’s realty sector forward at the 11th StarProperty Real Estate Developer Awards 2026 last night.
Organised by StarProperty, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Star Media Group (SMG), the gala at the Sunway Resort, Petaling Jaya, paid tribute to the industry heavyweights setting new benchmarks in design, quality and homebuilding.
This year, a total of 110 recipients across 35 categories are being honoured, alongside two Special Recognition Awards.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said programmes such as the StarProperty Awards establishes new benchmarks for liveability and sustainability for the real estate industry.
“Within the real estate sector, it is undeniable that our developers serve as primary engines of Malaysia’s macroeconomic growth,” said Nga in his opening speech.
Nga also said government is studying a proposal to introduce an “Option to Purchase” (OTP) clause under the Real Property Development Bill to prevent the occurrence of sick and abandoned housing projects.
He explained that the OTP clause would provide both buyers and developers the flexibility to withdraw before executing a Sales and Purchase Agreement.
“This move lowers unnecessary financial and legal commitments at an early stage, while allowing developers to assess a project’s feasibility by understanding the realistic, on-the-ground buyer demand.
“Consequently, it helps avoid scenarios where developers face financial bottlenecks if sales are not optimistic halfway through construction,” he said in his speech at the StarProperty Awards here.
Nga noted that by doing so, the government can proactively prevent sick, delayed, or abandoned projects, as well as unsold units due to a lack of buyers.
He added that the ministry has a clear goal of achieving zero sick projects by 2030.
Nga also shared that Malaysia’s property sector recorded strong performance in 2025, achieving transactions exceeding RM240 billion, the highest level in a decade, reflecting robust market confidence amid political stability and favourable economic conditions.
At the same time, he revealed the ministry’s special taskforce on sick and abandoned housing projects has successfully revived more than 1,500 projects since December 2022, with a gross development value exceeding RM140 billion, benefiting over 176,000 homebuyers nationwide.
SMG group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt, in his opening remarks, said the StarProperty Awards, now in its 11th year, remains a respected benchmark of excellence in the industry.
“What gives this award credibility is the rigour behind the process.
“Every submission undergoes a comprehensive evaluation by an independent panel of distinguished judges from across the property ecosystem, including architects, planners, valuers, engineers and other industry experts,” said Chan.
Chan said entries are accessed against qualitative and quantitative benchmarks, with winners selected only after a thorough and disciplined review process.
Chan also said that with innovation at the heart of StarProperty, this year’s awards will include three categories in relation to urban renewal.
“As our cities continue to mature, the revitalisation of existing spaces has become an essential part of sustainable urban development. It calls for creativity, foresight and a commitment to building communities that remain relevant for generations to come,” said Chan.
Despite the external pressures, Chan said the fundamentals of the Malaysian property sector show resilience, as property transactions reached RM241.87bil last year.
“The construction sector is still positioned as a key economic driver, though our growth moving forward will depend on our ability to manage these geopolitical risks effectively,” he added.
In sharing the government’s vision for a healthier market through stronger oversight and improved deliver standards, Chan said the ceremony is an opportunity to recognise the organisations and individuals whose innovation and leadership continue to shape the nation’s property landscape.
Chan said these projects reflect an important shift in the approach of modern development, which is reimagining and improving existing buildings.
“In doing so, they preserve the character of our urban landscape while ensuring our cities continue to meet the evolving needs of modern communities,” he added.
Three new categories that were introduced during the event last night were the “Best Transformation Project in a Community Hub”; “Best Transformation Project in Mixed Development”; and “Best Transformation Project in the Residential Sector”.
This year, a total of 110 recipients across 35 categories are being honoured, alongside two Special Recognition Awards.
Also present were SMG chief operating officer Lydia Wang, and chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng.
The event was organised by StarProperty Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SMG.
Its official sanitary wares and fittings partner were Kohler and official beverage partner were Heineken Malaysia Bhd.
For more information, visit https://awards.starproperty.my/national/2026/.
