Golden Land Bhd (GLB) has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Maple Hospitality Group (MHG), Malaysia’s largest short-stay property management company chain, to introduce the MapleSuites brand in Sabah through GLB’s upcoming landmark development, The Playground @ Kota Kinabalu.
Under the exclusive collaboration, The Playground @ Kota Kinabalu will be the only project in Sabah operating under the MapleSuites brand, positioning the development as a distinctive lifestyle-driven hospitality destination in the state that integrates modern short-stay living, lifestyle experiences, and long-term investment value.
The partnership marks a significant milestone for both companies, combining GLB’s aspirational development vision with MHG’s proven hospitality management expertise to create an integrated hospitality ecosystem in Kota Kinabalu while enhancing the long-term value proposition of GLB’s Sabah assets.
A lifestyle-led development for a growing market
Purpose-built to cater to the growing demand for urban short-stay living, The Playground @ Kota Kinabalu is designed as a commercial suites development blending lifestyle, hospitality, and community-focused experiences.
The project reflects GLB’s broader expansion strategy in Sabah, underpinned by rising tourism demand, expanding business travel, and growing investor interest in serviced accommodation.
“The Playground @ Kota Kinabalu reflects our aspiration to create a development that goes beyond conventional real estate by integrating culture, lifestyle, hospitality, and long-term value creation,” said GLB chief executive officer Stewart Yap.
“By aligning with a strong hospitality operator such as MHG, we are able to enhance the long-term value proposition of our Sabah assets while strengthening our presence in East Malaysia," he added.
Strengthening Sabah’s footprint
Founded in Sabah in 1982, Golden Land Bhd began its journey in the timber industry under the name Tanah Emas Telupid Sdn Bhd.
The Group later diversified into plantation operations in 1986, laying the foundation for its long-term growth and expansion.
Following years of strong business performance, the company was listed on the Second Board of Bursa Malaysia in 1996 as Tanah Emas Corporation Bhd, before graduating to the Main Board in 2009 under its present name, Golden Land Bhd (GLB).
In 2016, GLB expanded into property development with the launch of Midtown Plaza Sandakan, marking the Group’s entry into the real estate sector.
Today, GLB has evolved into a diversified developer with a growing portfolio of residential, commercial and light industrial developments across Malaysia, guided by its “Built On Trust” philosophy centred on purposeful growth, people-driven development and integrity.
The group's growing development portfolio includes Golden Gateway,Penang, D’Sini Residences,Setia Alam, Taman Lavender Residences , Bentong, and its latest landmark development, The Playground @ Kota Kinabalu.
An important milestone for the Group is GLB’s renewed strategic focus on Sabah, marking a return to its roots while contributing positively towards Sabah’s economic growth, tourism industry and urban development landscape.
This direction is reflected in its pipeline of upcoming developments, including a light industrial development in Putatan and a residential development in Likas – projects that are positioned to support Sabah’s growing urbanisation, business expansion, and evolving lifestyle aspirations.
MHG’s growing ecosystem
Recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the country’s “Largest Short-Stay Management Company Chain”, MHG currently manages more than 3,000 rooms across major tourism and business destinations in Malaysia.
MHG has facilitated over one million guest bookings, supported by more than 200,000 verified guest reviews.
The group operates three hospitality brands under its ecosystem: MapleHome, MapleSuites, and MapleReserve, serving market segments ranging from affordable accommodation to boutique lifestyle hospitality and luxury experiences.
Positioned as a boutique hospitality brand, MapleSuites caters to modern travellers seeking stylish, seamless and convenient short-stay experiences with hotel-style comfort.
“Sabah represents a strong growth corridor for the hospitality industry, driven by increasing tourism demand and rising interest in quality short-stay accommodation,” said MHG co-founder Danny Hor.
“We believe strategic collaborations such as this allow us to deliver better hospitality experiences while creating long-term value for property owners, guests, and the wider tourism ecosystem,” Hor said.
