Note from the awards’ chief judge: Exceptional property management begins at the drawing board

This article first appeared in City & Country, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on August 3, 2026 – August 9, 2026

When we launched The Edge Malaysia Best Managed & Sustainable Property Awards back in 2017, property management wasn’t really on anyone’s radar. At the time, the market was fixated on flashy launches, branding and sales. Property management was seen as just operational housekeeping, not something strategic. But The Edge believed otherwise.

In many ways, the awards was ahead of its time. We knew that the real test of a property only begins after it is completed because long-term value isn’t about how a building looks, it’s about how it performs behind the scenes.

Over the past decade — and especially after the pandemic — the industry underwent a massive shift. Suddenly, everyone started paying attention to the systems and standards that keep a building running.

And with the rapid rise of strata living across Malaysia, the quality of property management now directly shapes the quality of our urban lives. Even 10 years after inception, the awards remains unique — there is still no other such awards, not in Malaysia, and nowhere else that we know of.

Our judges, who are key industry stakeholders in Malaysia and Singapore, don’t just admire pretty façades or designer lobbies. They audit buildings from the inside out, because that is where the truth lies.

Through this process, we have learnt that some properties are built to impress, but their organs are quietly rotting away. Behind polished façades, critical systems are neglected, governance is weak and a disciplined maintenance culture is fading. And slowly but surely, value erosion begins.

The truth is, top-tier property management doesn’t start after the asset’s handover — it begins at the drawing board. The best managed and sustainable buildings are designed with long-term stewardship in mind. Materials are chosen for durability, and maintenance needs are anticipated before they even happen. On the flip side, when a building is designed only for visual impact, the cost of those decisions eventually catches up with the project.

Another key factor is mindset. The best-performing properties are always the ones where the management bodies and property managers work hand in hand, united by a commitment to financial prudence and quality upkeep of the real estate. Without that alignment, even the best managers will struggle.

Some of our award winners aren’t the flashiest or the newest buildings in town. But beneath the surface, everything works with discipline and care. Over time, these are the properties that retain or even grow their value.

As the saying goes, old can be gold, too. That is why these awards matter. Developers must act responsibly —not just to the environment but to their buyers and the community. Anyone can put up a beautiful building that wins attention on day one. But is it designed and built with sustainable property management in mind?

Notably, sustainability doesn’t stop at bricks and mortar. It extends to the landscapes that shape how communities interact and live. Sustainable landscaping isn’t just about creating a pretty green space, but also about conserving resources, boosting biodiversity and building long-term resilience.

Ultimately, liveable communities need both well-managed buildings and thoughtful landscapes that enrich people and the planet. Because in the end, great cities aren’t defined by the buildings we put up, but by the communities and environments we sustain.

This year marks a significant milestone for the awards and, more importantly, for the evolution of the quality of property management in Malaysia. A decade after the introduction of the awards, there is a far greater appreciation for what constitutes best-in-class property management and, perhaps more significantly, a growing recognition of the consequences of getting it wrong.

Poorly managed properties inevitably compromise functionality, liveability and long-term asset value, while those managed with foresight and discipline continue to perform and appreciate over time. This year’s submissions reflect that changing mindset.

We are particularly encouraged by the growing participation of government-linked entities, individual asset owners and real estate investment trusts (REITs). This signals a growing recognition of how protecting an asset is every bit as important as owning one. For owners of long-term investment assets, especially REITs, excellent property management should be fundamental to preserving and enhancing value.

The breadth of submissions has also expanded considerably over the years. While it was dominated by conventional residential and commercial developments when it started, the awards now encompasses educational institutions, healthcare and wellness facilities, manufacturing plants, retail centres, offices, integrated developments, landed residential communities, as well as wetlands, parks and landscapes designed for sustainable management. Not all are strata developments, yet they share one common principle: every built asset benefits from disciplined, forward-looking management.

Excellence in property management cannot be achieved through reactive or corrective measures alone. Today’s best-performing developments are underpinned by preventive and predictive maintenance strategies, supported by transparent governance, prudent financial management and uncompromising compliance with legal, regulatory and safety requirements. These are no longer aspirations, but are the hallmarks of responsible asset management.

One of the most enduring lessons from a decade of judging is that exceptional property management does not begin after vacant possession. It begins years earlier — when a development is conceived, designed and built.

The buildings that continue to perform decades after completion rarely do so by chance. Often, their long-term success can be traced back to decisions made at the planning stage by responsible developers committed to sustainable quality rather than expediency.

At The Edge Malaysia Best Managed & Sustainable Property Awards, the Responsible Developer distinction therefore is not a recognition of popularity, branding or sales success, nor is it a reward for a single outstanding project. It is recognition of a developer’s demonstrated commitment to creating real estate that is designed to remain functional, liveable, financially sustainable and resilient long after construction is completed. Ultimately, responsible development is measured not by how impressive a project appears on launch day, but by how well it serves its owners, occupants and communities many years later.

This year, three leading developers — BRDB Developments, OSK Property and Paramount Property — join an exclusive group recognised as Malaysia’s Responsible Developers. Together with previous recipients — AME Development, Eco World Development Group Bhd (KL:ECOWLD), Gamuda Land, Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd (KL:MATRIX), Perdana ParkCity (ParkCity Group), S P Setia Bhd (KL:SPSETIA), Sime Darby Property Bhd (KL:SIMEPROP), Sunway Property and Tanah Sutera Development — they bring the total number of recognised companies to just 12 over the past decade.

This year also marks another significant milestone for the awards. For the first time, all 12 Responsible Developers will be formally inducted into The Edge Malaysia’s Responsible Developers Hall of Fame, in recognition of their sustained contribution to raising standards in the country’s built environment.

The Hall of Fame is intended to be more than a roll of honour. It symbolises a collective commitment to shaping a development industry that places equal emphasis on commercial success, environmental responsibility and long-term asset performance. It recognises companies whose developments continue to create value not only for purchasers and investors, but also for the communities who live, work and grow in them.

Just as importantly, the Hall of Fame serves as an enduring benchmark for future generations of developers, encouraging the industry to look beyond project completion and towards lifetime performance.

Induction into the Hall of Fame should not be viewed as the conclusion of a journey. Rather, it represents a continuing responsibility.

A Responsible Developer is expected to demonstrate leadership that extends beyond individual projects. It is one that plans with foresight, builds with integrity and remains accountable for the long-term performance of what it creates.

This responsibility includes designing buildings that can be efficiently maintained, selecting materials and systems that stand the test of time, promoting sound governance, encouraging financial sustainability, embracing innovation responsibly and creating environments that enhance the quality of life of the people they ultimately serve.

In an increasingly complex world shaped by climate change, rapid urbanisation and evolving community expectations, a developer’s responsibility cannot end when the keys are handed over. It must continue throughout the life cycle of every development.

It is our hope that Malaysia’s Responsible Developers will continue to lead by example and inspire the wider industry to embrace a broader definition of success. The future of property development should no longer be judged solely by architectural appeal, construction speed or sales performance. Increasingly, it will be measured by the quality, resilience and sustainability of the places we leave behind. That, ultimately, is the legacy of a truly responsible developer.

Following rigorous assessment of the submissions and site inspections of the 49 shortlisted developments, the judging panel conferred 16 Gold, 13 Silver, three Bronze and four Special Mention Awards this year.

Among the Gold winners, seven developments distinguished themselves for redefining excellence in their respective fields. While diverse in scale, function and market segment, each demonstrates how thoughtful planning, disciplined management and long-term quality upkeep can elevate the performance and value of real estate.

The Editor’s Choice Awards go to the following projects, which exemplify best-in-class practices and establish meaningful benchmarks for the Malaysian built environment.

Axis AeroTech Centre @ Subang, Selangor

Excellence in Aerotech Industrial Facility Management

Purpose-built industrial facilities are often judged by operational efficiency but this project has also embodied sustainability, adaptability and long-term asset accountability. Developed under a build-to-lease concept to meet the specialised requirements of the aerospace industry, the facility integrates operational functionality with energy-efficient design, responsible material selection and resource-conscious building systems from the outset. Sustainability was embedded into the planning and execution of the project.

Mitsui Serviced Suites Bukit Bintang City Centre, Kuala Lumpur

Excellence in Serviced Suites Management

Operating in one of Kuala Lumpur’s most competitive hospitality and residential markets, Mitsui Serviced Suites Bukit Bintang City Centre shines not through its location alone, but also its consistently high management and service standards. Achieving an impressive occupancy rate of 87% at end-2025 in a market saturated with accommodation options reflects sustained market confidence rather than short-term demand. This success stems from meticulous attention to operational excellence, service quality and resident experience, supported by well-maintained facilities and professional management.

Residensi Sofiya, Desa ParkCity, Kuala Lumpur

Excellence in Affordable Homes Management

Residensi Sofiya successfully challenges long-held perceptions of affordable housing. Developed under Malaysia’s Civil Servants’ Housing Programme (PPAM), the 752-unit freehold development by the ParkCity Group demonstrates that affordability need not come at the expense of design quality, maintenance standards or community pride. Seamlessly integrated into the award-winning Desa ParkCity township, Residensi Sofiya reflects a philosophy that every homeowner deserves a safe, attractive and well-managed living environment. More importantly, the project establishes a new benchmark for affordable housing by proving that excellence in property management should be accessible to every segment of the residential market.

Setia Fontaines Heritage Park, Penang

Excellence in People-Centred Landscape Design

Setia Fontaines Heritage Park exemplifies how landscape design can become essential community infrastructure rather than just decorative open space. The transformation of a man-made lake and the surrounding land into a vibrant recreational and ecological destination demonstrates a thoughtful integration of environmental responsibility, public wellness and operational sustainability. The park by S P Setia illustrates how carefully planned landscapes can strengthen biodiversity, encourage healthy lifestyles and enhance the long-term liveability of townships.

Sunway Putra, Kuala Lumpur

Excellence in Integrated Development Management

Sunway Putra is a compelling example of how disciplined asset management can restore the relevance and value of an ageing mixed-use development. Once affected by years of deferred maintenance and declining performance, the landmark development has undergone a remarkable transformation following its acquisition by Sunway REIT. Through sustained investment, systematic refurbishment and professional management, the retail, office and hospitality components have been revitalised into a cohesive and vibrant destination once again.

Wetlands Arboretum, Gamuda Cove, Selangor

Excellence in Wetland Conservation and Education

Wetlands Arboretum demonstrates that ecological restoration can become a catalyst for education, community engagement and sustainable urban development. Created in response to a biodiversity audit that revealed severe ecological degradation, the project has transformed a damaged landscape into a thriving wetland ecosystem supporting biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration and environmental education. Complemented by Malaysia’s first net zero building with the EDGE Advanced Certificate, and meaningful collaboration with indigenous communities, the development by Gamuda Land reflects an integrated approach to environmental responsibility.

Excellence in Corporate Office Transformation & Management

Wisma CIMB demonstrates that excellence in property and facilities management is built on discipline, governance and continuous improvement rather than the age of a building. Since its acquisition by CIMB Bank Bhd in 2018, the office block has been managed using a robust operational framework comprising planned preventive maintenance, clearly defined service standards, strict regulatory compliance and prudent financial management.The project exemplifies how consistent management practices can sustain operational performance, protect asset value and support organisational productivity over the long term.

Outstanding Contribution to Management Corporations

The Editor’s Choice Awards also recognises Datuk Angie Ng and Khaw Chay Tee for their outstanding and sustained contributions to the advancement of management corporations in Malaysia. Their leadership exemplifies the vital role that committed volunteer council members play in safeguarding the long-term interests of property owners. Guided by integrity, transparent governance, financial prudence and close collaboration with their respective property management teams, they have championed continuous improvement while fostering safe, financially resilient and well-maintained communities. Their service reminds us that outstanding property management is not achieved by professional managers alone. It depends just as much on dedicated owners who are willing to lead, serve and place the collective interests of their communities above personal considerations.

It is encouraging to see a growing number of real estate owners taking proactive steps, whether independently or in partnership with property managers, to future-proof their assets. This reflects a welcome shift in mindset, that protecting a property’s long-term performance is just as important as developing it.

Yet excellence in property management is never a destination. It is a continual pursuit — buildings evolve, technologies advance, regulations change and community expectations grow. To remain relevant and resilient, property management practices must continually adapt and improve.

The same philosophy applies to Malaysia’s Responsible Developers. Induction into the Hall of Fame is not the culmination of a journey, nor is it a lifetime entitlement. It is a recognition of sustained excellence, and with that recognition comes the responsibility to continue leading by example.

Ultimately, the true measure of a responsible developer is not the accolades it receives, but the enduring performance of the places it creates and the positive impact those developments continue to have on their owners, occupants and communities.

It is our hope that this year’s winners and Hall of Fame inductees will continue to inspire the industry to raise its standards, build with greater purpose and reinforce Malaysia’s reputation for creating developments that are not only exceptional today, but remain valuable, liveable and sustainable for generations to come. Because in the end, the greatest measure of a development is not how well it is launched, but how well it serves future generations.

The Edge Malaysia Best Managed & Sustainable Property Awards would not have been possible without the support of our esteemed judging panel. Represented on the panel are the Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association Malaysia, Institute of Property & Facility Managers, Association of Property and Facility Managers Singapore, Malaysian REIT Managers Association, Building Management Association of Malaysia, Architect Centre (Anthony Lee Tee), Chur Associates (Chris Tan) and Sustainability and Climate Risk certified professional Datuk N K Tong.

We would also like to thank our partner for The Edge Malaysia-ILAM Sustainable Landscape Awards, the Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia (ILAM), and our auditor Deloitte Malaysia.

Members of the judging panel signed non-disclosure agreements and abstained from voting on submissions in which they have a vested interest.

Entry to the awards is free. All shortlisted entries, whether successful or otherwise, may be resubmitted for consideration in future awards. However, Gold Award winners and Malaysia’s Responsible Developers may resubmit only after a three-year interval.

Au Foong Yee ([email protected]) is an editor emeritus at The Edge Malaysia. She conceptualised and is chief judge of The Edge Malaysia Best Managed & Sustainable Property Awards.

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