KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Developer Awards (MDA) 2026 brought together the country’s leading property developers for an evening of recognition and celebration, honouring those setting new benchmarks for industry excellence.
Marking its fifth consecutive year, the MDA has strengthened its position as one of the nation’s leading benchmarks for property development excellence.
This edition recognised 25 top developers across two main categories: The Top-of-the-Chart (TOTC) Awards and the Special Awards.
Co-organised by the Malaysian chapter of the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI-Malaysia) and Star Media Group Bhd (SMG), the awards judge a spectrum of achievements ranging from financial strength and project sustainability to visionary leadership and innovative design.
In the TOTC category for developers with a market capitalisation of RM1bil and above, Sime Darby Property emerged as the overall champion, followed by OSK Property and IOI Properties Group.
Eastern & Oriental Bhd secured fourth place while KSL Holdings Bhd rounded out the top five, followed by IGB Bhd in sixth and SP Setia Bhd in seventh.
Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd and UEM Sunrise Bhd shared eighth position, while Tropicana Corporation Bhd and Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB) placed ninth and tenth respectively.
Under the same category, KSL Holdings also clinched the Best in Quantitative Award for its financial robustness, while Sime Darby Property took home the Best in Qualitative Award for its commitment to sustainable design, innovation and placemaking.
The category for developers with a market capitalisation below RM1bil showcased the strength and agility of Malaysia’s mid-tier developers, with Avaland Bhd emerging as the overall champion and securing a double win for both Best in Quantitative and Best in Qualitative awards in the category.
Following closely behind were AME Elite Consortium Bhd with AYER Holdings Bhd tied at second place while LBS Bina Group Bhd finished third and shared the Best in Qualitative win.
Paramount Corporation Bhd was ranked fourth, while Eupe Corporation Bhd and Land & General Bhd tied for fifth place.
Sunsuria Bhd secured sixth position, followed by WCT Holdings Bhd in seventh, Glomac Bhd in eighth, Titijaya Land Bhd in ninth and BCB Bhd in tenth place.
The MDA Special Awards category added another layer of distinction by recognising developers’ growth and trajectory, with Lafrowda Properties Sdn Bhd and Pesona Metro Holdings Bhd declared joint winners for demonstrating tremendous growth trajectory, visionary leadership and project delivery excellence.
Meanwhile, OSK Property’s Iringan Bayu Wetland Park and Paramount Property for The Atrium were recognised with the Transformation Award for successfully revitalising underutilised spaces into purposeful and sustainable developments.
The award presentation was graced by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, who was accompanied by SMG group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt and chief operating officer Lydia Wang, FIABCI-Malaysia president Dr Yu Kee Su, deputy president Datuk Jennifer Low Moi Ing, and immediate past president Datuk Firdaus Musa, chief judges Dr Tan Awang Besar and Prof Yeah Kim Leng, as well as exclusive premium tile partner Guocera Sdn Bhd’s central project head Phoebe Eng.
Firdaus said developers continue to operate in an increasingly challenging environment amidst rising construction costs, labour shortages, higher compliance costs, financing pressures and changing market expectations.
“Homebuyers are also facing their own challenges, particularly the rising cost of living, housing affordability and difficulties in securing end-financing.
“But affordability should not simply be determined by fixing a selling price,” Firdaus said in calling for a balanced approach to ensure property development remains people-centric.
In his welcoming address, Chan said the awards celebrate all-round excellence and aim to promote better industry practices, stronger business fundamentals and greater accountability, while contributing to a property sector that earns and sustains the confidence of Malaysians.
“We believe that the measure of a good developer extends beyond the buildings it delivers. It is equally reflected in how responsibly a business is managed, how well it adapts to evolving market and community needs, how sustainability is integrated into its operations and, ultimately, the long-term value it creates for the people and communities it serves,” he said.
Chan also said while established players continue to set industry benchmarks, emerging developers bring fresh perspectives and innovation.
He added that this year’s awards featured a more rigorous assessment framework, with key financial indicators assessed over three years instead of one year.
“This enhancement strengthens the assessment of financial sustainability, aligns it with other quantitative criteria and provides a more meaningful view of each developer’s resilience and consistency,” he said.
