Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Nga Kor Ming with Asean delegates in Kuala Lumpur, marking regional cooperation efforts.
Malaysia champions Asean’s sustainable, liveable urban future
THE real estate landscape across Asean is experiencing a paradigm shift. As rapid urbanisation converges with climate imperatives, technological advancement, digital innovation and shifting socio-economic priorities, the region finds itself at a defining crossroads.
From the rising skylines of major cities to the development of smart, sustainable townships, urban life in the 10 Asean member states is evolving at pace.
But this transformation is about more than expansion – it calls for a deeper rethink of how cities are designed to be liveable, inclusive and ready for the future.
To address housing challenges, population pressures and the climate crisis, South-East Asian nations must embrace a cohesive, forward-looking approach to urban planning and real estate development.
Malaysia is leading this charge by hosting a first-of-its-kind regional platform – the Asean Real Estate Conference (AREC) 2025, an initiative by the Housing and Local Government Ministry.
Taking place from July 23 to 26 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), AREC 2025 will convene leaders, innovators and changemakers to chart a bold and collaborative path for Asean’s urban future.
'By embracing the right strategies, Asean can continue to build on its success,' says Nga.
With the theme “The Real Estate Renaissance: Innovate, Integrate, Impact,” the four-day conference will explore emerging trends and technologies, leveraging innovative tools to guide the industry toward sustainable and inclusive development – ensuring that progress benefits all stakeholders in Asean countries while minimising environmental harm.
“AREC 2025 sets the stage for industry players and stakeholders, property developers, technology providers and innovators to present their latest advancements to drive a renaissance that is not only profitable but also sustainable, equitable and regenerative,” said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
He explained that by showcasing these innovations, the conference aims to attract regional and international investors, promote public-private partnerships and unlock new business opportunities aligned with Asean’s long-term sustainability and growth goals.
The opening ceremony of AREC 2025 and the 24th International Architecture, Interior Design and Building Exhibition (ARCHIDEX) 2025 will be officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof on July 23 at KLCC.
Regional alignment
One of AREC 2025’s key objectives is to foster deeper regional cooperation through knowledge-sharing, policy formulation and regulatory alignment.
“It is not a choice but a necessity for Asean countries to come together and present ourselves as a united, stable region – a safe haven for global investors, particularly in times of uncertainties, with the rise of geopolitical uncertainties amid tariff war and potential disruption to global supply chain, which could impact to the construction sector.
“To emerge strong as a region, it is vital for us to develop common regulatory pathways and work hand-in-hand on advancing technology, innovation and sustainable growth. No single nation can navigate these challenges in isolation – we must act as one economic bloc that is resilient, competitive and future ready.”
Nga also noted that AREC 2025 provides a platform for knowledge and technology exchange, fostering greater collaboration among industry professionals and policymakers on sustainable and inclusive real estate development strategies.
“Without these shared pathways, we risk fragmentation –where each country competes in isolation rather than thriving together as a collective bloc.
“As such, AREC 2025 reflects this urgency, where the conference will spotlight efforts to harmonise real estate investment regulations across Asean.”
Strategic partnership
AREC 2025 builds upon key outcomes from the second Asean-China Ministerial Roundtable on Construction and Housing (ACMROCH) 2024, where ministers and representatives adopted a high-level communique aimed at implementing sustainable urban development across Asean member states and China.
“It seeks to promote better progress towards sustainability through innovative strategies,” said Nga. He added that these priorities will be further explored during the AREC Forum sessions, featuring speakers from Asean and the international community.
“AREC will focus on strengthening the framework for cooperation in housing through smart technology, innovation, financing and the development of climate-resilient cities,” he said.
Commercial potential
Public-private partnerships are central to AREC 2025’s agenda, particularly in driving innovation in green design, smart construction and landscape materials.
The conference aims to connect government bodies with developers, technology providers and innovators to support commercialisation and scalable adoption.
“Sustainability requires the 4P Principle: People-Public-Private Partnerships. While the public sector is responsible to implement the right policies, the private sector serves as the driving force behind innovation.
“We are looking at potential commercialisation, particularly in areas like construction materials, landscape materials, green designs and other industries that support the real estate sector,” said Nga.
He added that AREC 2025 provides a platform for industry players to showcase new and emerging real estate innovations and ignite investment opportunities.
Real estate hub
As host, Malaysia is using AREC 2025 to highlight its progress in smart housing, sustainable townships and innovative real estate developments. These efforts are part of a broader goal to position the country as a leading hub for investment, collaboration and thought leadership within the Asean real estate ecosystem.
“We want to showcase Malaysia’s housing development and sustainable townships to attract investments and foster collaboration among businesses in Asean. In fact, our local developers have world-class potential. Just recently, Malaysia bagged nine accolades at the FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Awards 2025 in Lagos, Nigeria.”
Built priorities
Malaysia’s national housing and urban development goals are centred on improving housing affordability, elevating construction quality and strengthening urban liveability for its communities. As at March 2025, the ministry has approved a total of 492,360 affordable housing units, representing 98.5% of the overall target of 500,000 units under the 12th Malaysia plan.
By promoting Asean best practices, encouraging innovation and driving the adoption of new technologies, the conference aims to accelerate cost-effective housing solutions, boost the quality of housing developments and enhance the efficiency of urban management.“It’s about providing housing development that works for all communities,” said Nga.
Leadership synergy
AREC 2025 is being held in conjunction with Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship, alongside other key meetings.
“The conference will provide a strong platform for Asean member states and partners to discuss the global real estate sector – including sustainability, smart infrastructure and community-centric planning,” said Nga.
“By embracing the right strategies, Asean can continue to build on its success, setting new benchmarks in the construction and housing industries. The achievements of our industries and the spirit of cooperation within Asean should serve as inspiration, driving us all toward greater heights,” he added.
Nga also noted that AREC 2025 will enable knowledge and technology exchanges across its three main segments:
> AREC Forum (Plenary Theatre, July 23–24);
> AREC Business Matching (Meeting Rooms 304 and 305, July 24);
> AREC Exhibition (Hall 5A, July 23–26).
“The segments will act as a platform to exchange and showcase the rise of technological advancements, including those offering smart home technologies, which are increasing the demand for co-working spaces and mixed-use development that could require different offers from developers in the future,” he revealed. The AREC Forum will feature a keynote address by Nga and four major sessions:
> Industry Countermeasures: Absorbing the recent USA tariff shockwaves – Navigating global shocks relating to US tariffs and their impact on Asean’s construction sector.
> The Digital Builders: Transforming housing with smart tech and innovation – Embracing cutting-edge technologies, artificial intelligence and Building Information Modeling for faster, greener, cost-efficient housing.
> Masterplanning the Future: Reawakening cities that breathe and thrive – Rethinking urban renewal with climate-resilient, community-driven design.
> Bridges of Change: Funding, partnerships and people power for sustaining housing – Green financing, incentives and partnerships and citizen empowerment for long-term housing progress.
Speakers include regional and global experts, industry leaders, academics, non-governmental organisations’ representatives and Asean and partners, including China.
Inclusive access
AREC 2025 is committed to broad participation across all levels of society and industry. Its AREC Exhibition is free and open to the public. Held concurrently with ARCHIDEX – one of Asia’s largest events in this sector – it removes financial barriers and allows a wider audience to engage with the latest trends and innovations in real estate. Together with ARCHIDEX, AREC 2025 will host approximately 1,000 exhibitors and its exhibition will also feature Asean Real Estate booths, offering a regional lens on what innovation looks like across diverse housing markets.
“In the spirit of regional cooperation and shared learning, participation is open to all without quota restrictions,” he said, reflecting balanced representation from companies and organisations from across Asean.
The Business Matching segment offers direct access to property and construction companies from Asean countries and China.
It provides an opportunity to showcase their projects, connect with key decision-makers, gain visibility, scale ideas and attract strategic partners within the regional real estate landscape.
The Business Matching segment is expected to involve participation from 200 companies throughout the year.
“Do come and connect with an influential audience, including developers, architects, contractors, designers and key decision makers, at one of Malaysia’s best venues for major exhibitions and conventions in Kuala Lumpur.”
Deal prospects
Deal prospects from ARCHIDEX and AREC 2025 are expected to generate RM2bil in potential investment. These components are anticipated to host over 500 business engagements with participants from Asean and beyond.
“Economic growth is boosting purchasing power, leading to bigger investment in real estate, especially in residential and commercial sectors.”
The ministry is collaborating with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) to bring main players in real estate to negotiate business deals during AREC 2025, he said.
Register for the AREC 2025 Forum at https://cisnetwork.com/eforms/index.php/arec-forum-reg, or find more information on Business Matching (liew@matrade.gov.my), or register for the Exhibition (https://archidex.com.my/arec) and for General Enquiries (arec.2025@kpkt.gov.my).
