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

Au Foong Yee is an editor emeritus at The Edge Malaysia. She conceptualised The Edge Malaysia Best Managed & Sustainable Property Awards and serves as its chief judge.

Having served as chief judge since the inception of these awards, I have had the privilege of reviewing hundreds of submissions, from meticulously prepared dossiers exceeding 200 pages to those comprising little more than a single page. Over the years, one lesson has remained constant: excellence is never determined by the thickness of a submission, but by the quality, relevance and completeness of the information presented.

One of the more common shortcomings among weaker entries is not necessarily the absence of good management practices, but the inability to articulate them convincingly. Often, submissions contain broad assertions without the supporting evidence required for meaningful evaluation. A statement such as: “We have an SOP for cleaning and maintenance” merely states that a procedure exists. It does not explain what makes the SOP effective, how consistently it is implemented, how performance is monitored, what improvements have been made over time, or the measurable outcomes it has delivered.

Every criteria in the entry form has been deliberately crafted to assess a specific aspect of management excellence. The judging criteria are by no means arbitrary. They reflect the principles that underpin a well-managed, resilient and future-ready property. The strongest submissions therefore respond comprehensively to every criterion, substantiating claims with policies, records, performance data, photographs, audits, innovations and evidence of continuous improvement. These enable the judges to understand not only what was done, but why it was undertaken, how it was executed and what value it has created for owners, residents, tenants and other stakeholders.

Financial sustainability is a critical consideration. For instance, the judges look beyond the size of the sinking fund accumulated by the management body and assess whether asset enhancement initiatives are being strategically planned and the fund is prudently utilised to preserve, renew and enhance the property’s long-term value.

A healthy sinking fund is not an end in itself. Excessive hoarding at the expense of essential maintenance and replacement works is neither prudent nor responsible. Buildings are living assets that require timely reinvestment. The hallmark of good governance lies in striking the right balance between maintaining adequate reserves and investing wisely in the upkeep and renewal of the property.

Equally important is the adoption of a disciplined preventive maintenance road map. Outstanding management bodies do not wait for lifts to fail, roofs to leak or façades to deteriorate before acting. Instead, they operate with a structured long-term asset management plan that anticipates wear and tear, schedules replacement cycles, prioritises refurbishment works and preserves the integrity of the building throughout its life cycle. Such foresight not only reduces costly emergency repairs and service disruptions but also extends the lifespan of critical building systems and delivers better value to owners over time.

Excellent property management extends well beyond maintaining bricks and mortar. The judges accord points for community building because successful developments are shaped as much by engaged residents as they are by well-maintained facilities.

Technology, likewise, has become an indispensable enabler of management excellence. However, technology is never assessed for novelty alone. The judges seek solutions that address real operational challenges, improve accountability and create measurable value for residents and property owners.

The submission for the awards is only the first stage of a rigorous evaluation process. It serves as the basis for the judging panel to identify the most deserving entries for the shortlist. Those shortlisted then proceed to the second and equally critical stage — the judges’ site inspection.

Site inspections are far more than ceremonial visits. They provide the judges with the opportunity to validate, as far as reasonably practicable, the claims made in the submission. We deliberately venture beyond the obvious, examining the less visible aspects of a property’s upkeep, from the plant rooms to refuse collection areas, mechanical facilities and the often-overlooked nooks and corners that reveal the true quality and consistency of day-to-day management. It is frequently in these unseen spaces that management standards become most evident.

Discussions with the management team alongside owners further provide valuable insights into leadership, governance, operational discipline and their commitment to continuous improvement. Together, the submission documentation and the site inspection provide a holistic assessment of whether management excellence exists not only on paper, but also in practice.

Outstanding property management is fundamentally about value creation. Well-managed developments command more than admiration. They are far better positioned to withstand the test of time, remain competitive in the marketplace and continue delivering sustainable capital appreciation and rental performance. Conversely, the values of poorly managed properties are eroded over time. Once a development acquires a reputation for poor management, rebuilding that reputation can take years and often requires substantial financial resources.

Ultimately, the awards recognise demonstrated excellence — not merely compliance with statutory obligations or well-written submissions. They celebrate management bodies and property managers that consistently demonstrate foresight, discipline, accountability and an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement.

Over the years, the awards have evolved into more than a competition. They have become a benchmark for the industry, encouraging higher standards of governance, financial accountability, operational excellence, sustainability, technological innovation and community building.

We champion a simple but enduring belief: quality property management is not a cost to be minimised, but an investment that protects, preserves and enhances one of society’s most valuable assets. Buildings appreciate because they are conscientiously managed, responsibly maintained and continually improved. Ultimately, that is what these awards seek to recognise and celebrate.

Congratulations to all winners!

Zuhairy Md Isa is deputy CEO of AmREIT Managers Sdn Bhd, the manager of AmFIRST Real Estate Investment Trust, and vice-chairman of the Malaysian REIT Managers Association (MRMA). He has held positions at MIDF Property Bhd, overseeing land planning, development and marketing of industrial parks across Malaysia and Indonesia. He was also responsible for the company’s subsidiaries in logistics and a joint venture in Indonesia.

Zuhairy graduated from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in the UK, with a postgraduate diploma and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in town planning. He also holds the Capital Markets Services Representative’s Licence under the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007 and is a registered property manager with the Board of Valuers, Appraisers and Estate Agents and Property Managers (BOVAEP).

Serving as a judge for the second consecutive year has given me the opportunity to observe the industry’s remarkable progress in advancing property and facility management standards. This year’s submissions demonstrated greater sophistication in the use of technology, data analytics, sustainability initiatives and tenant-centric strategies.

What impressed me most was the participants’ ability to align operational excellence with long-term value creation. The strongest entries recognised that effective property management extends beyond building maintenance — it is a strategic function that enhances asset performance, strengthens occupier satisfaction and supports sustainability objectives.

The growing emphasis on energy efficiency, ESG integration and innovation reflects an industry that is adapting proactively to changing stakeholder expectations and market dynamics.

I congratulate all winners and finalists for their outstanding achievements and commitment to excellence. Their efforts continue to set new benchmarks for the profession and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of Malaysia’s real estate industry. I also commend the organisers for fostering a platform that celebrates best practices and encourages continuous improvement across the sector.

Datuk N K Tong is group managing director of Bukit Kiara Properties Sdn Bhd, a niche developer that offers innovative lifestyles. He is a past president of the Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association Malaysia, an independent non-executive director at Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia and a Certified Sustainability and Climate Risk Professional. He has a degree in architecture from the University of Manchester in the UK and a Master of Business Administration in real estate finance from the Wharton School of Business in the US.

This year’s submissions for the awards continue to raise the bar in property management. It is interesting to note how innovative improvement initiatives can lead directly to tangible growth in property values. It is also no surprise that this year’s winners include building owners and management corporations that take an active interest, working hand in hand with property managers.

Anthony Lee Tee a registered practising architect and a PAM (Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia) Fellow with more than 30 years’ experience in architecture, design-and-build delivery, project management, building pathology and construction dispute resolution. He formerly served as group chief operating officer of Bina Puri Holdings Bhd. Lee, of Architect Centre Sdn Bhd — PAM’s architectural service centre — specialises in independent building inspections, forensic investigations and technical assessments. He has appeared in court as an independent or court-appointed expert witness.

The 2026 submissions have raised the benchmark, distinguished from previous years by an influx of high-quality entries from government-linked company assets and major institutional portfolios.

The importance of long-term maintainability has penetrated the highest tiers of corporate property ownership in Malaysia, reinforcing the awards’ message that money and lives matter. The money aspect requires financial discipline, that is, balancing collections, operating expenditure and capital expenditure over the building’s entire operational lifespan, while the lives aspect ensures occupant safety without compromise. An appealing façade and frivolous facilities mean nothing if statutory electrical safety and fire regulations are treated as an afterthought.

It is clear that well-managed buildings are the result of hardworking individuals executing systemic processes, cooperation and trust between the management corporations, owners, occupants and property managers.

We hope the wider industry will take advantage of the “free audit” through our tough judging process, including site visits to assess realities on the ground. Start your preparations early.

Congratulations to our hardworking 2026 winners in this special 10th anniversary awards!

Dr Lim Lan Yuan is president of the Association of Property and Facility Managers (APFM) Singapore as well as a few other allied professional organisations. He chaired a technical committee that introduced standards and technical references for building maintenance and management. Dr Lim is a tribunal member of the Strata Titles Board in Singapore and author of A Guide to Management Corporations and several publications on property and facility management.

It is interesting to note that this year’s submissions to the awards have attracted other categories of property types, such as institutional buildings, schools and repurposed buildings, in addition to the usual entries like residential, commercial and retail buildings. This augurs well as the awards gain greater traction and attention. At the same time, the usual submissions have continued to maintain their high quality and standards, gaining many Gold awards.

The awards began in 2017. After a decade, it has generated a reputation for stakeholders wanting to benchmark their developments to standards that constitute best managed and sustainable buildings. The awards focus on management rather than the initial architecture and design. It is about whether the building is able to maintain its long-term value, liveability and sustainability.

Hence, while the form, design and facilities are important, the maintenance practices, financial sustainability and cost optimisation measures, energy and water-saving initiatives, fire control, safety and security systems, and asset preservation and value creation strategies are equally important elements that make the property perform and be sustainable in the future.

I would like to congratulate all the winners of these awards for achieving excellence and maintaining the quality of their developments. They have adopted best management practices and shown strong commitment and community teamwork.

With more than 45 years of experience, Richard Chan is an adviser to the Malaysia Shopping Malls Association, which he helped found in 1984. He is a founding member of the Building Management Association of Malaysia and has been a corporate member of its national committee since 2010. He is also a member of Fiabci Malaysia. In 2018, he was appointed a registered property manager and has been called to serve as a board member of BOVAEP (2019 to 2021 and 2021 to the present).

Another year, another inspiring group of winners. This year brought more submissions, greater enthusiasm and countless hours of hard work. Even those who did not take home an award deserve recognition for their effort, commitment and determination to improve the properties under their care. To me, they are all winners in their own right. Progress is built through time, perseverance and the willingness to keep learning and doing better.

I am a fan of Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. One of its most memorable lessons is to “begin with the end in mind”. When reviewing your work, ask yourself: Does it merely meet the requirements? Is that enough to be considered best managed? What more must be done to go beyond the norm and become truly sustainable? Even for Gold winners, the question remains: Is this the best you can achieve, or can you go further?

Real progress often means taking on what others will not do, dare not do or believe cannot be done, and proving that it is possible through strong results. Here is to another year of striving, improving and achieving what once seemed out of reach.

Well done to all!

Chris Tan is founder and managing partner of Chur Associates, an established legal practice. Over the years, he has built extensive experience in real estate and legal matters, with a particular focus on strata developments, property law and the broader property development landscape. He is a regular commentator on issues affecting the real estate sector and frequently shares his insights at industry forums and training programmes. Drawing on his experience working with developers, investors and property owners in Malaysia and overseas, he also contributes to discussions on real estate and legal matters through industry forums, training sessions and media commentary.

One notable trend in this year’s submissions is the increased number of entries from buildings owned by government agencies, government-linked companies and even government-linked investment companies. After a decade of this one-of-a-kind awards, I am proud to observe that this accolade is capturing the imagination of the powers that be in benchmarking against the best in our nation.

This is a clear sign of a developed nation that we are fast becoming, as there is a shift in the emphasis on the revitalisation of older buildings, while the centre of gravity in strategic locations is being redefined for the maturity of new and existing infrastructure in our continuous urbanisation. Ownership of property and assets is also evolving into better value enhancement to attract its best possible yield.

While it is impossible to keep expanding a location, it is imperative that property management is now recognised as one the best hedges against inflation, and not the property on its own. Good property management practices are the driver of impeccable valuation and investment yield returns. Sustainability is a going concern that is in motion in the smallest of details, from planning to execution to even all the adjustments and subsequent adaptations.

Our collective industry maturity is changing from ‘keep thinking about mega projects’ to ‘start looking closely at the macro’ for the achievement of small wins here and there, while laws and regulations will be updated to be a progressive enabler of constructive differentiation.

Well done to the commitment of The Edge Malaysia in driving this nation-building initiative. It has been a fun ride — 10 years and still going strong — from a happily invested passenger!

Ishak Ismail is founder and managing director of IM Global Property Consultants Sdn Bhd, a property consulting firm registered with BOVAEP. He has been in real estate practice since 1991 and licensed by BOVAEP to practise as a registered valuer, estate agent and property manager since 1998.

This year’s winners have shown that proactive maintenance, prudent financial governance, technological innovation and community engagement are strategic investments that protect property value and improve the lives of residents and tenants.

Several encouraging trends emerged during the site visits. Winners demonstrated a strong commitment to ESG and environmental resilience through energy efficiency, waste reduction and green initiatives, while preventive maintenance and digital asset management helped avoid costly deterioration.

They also displayed sound financial governance through transparent accounting, robust sinking fund management and healthy collection rates. Above all, effective management bodies and property managers fostered inclusive, safe and vibrant communities.

MIPFM is proud to stand alongside The Edge Malaysia in setting regional benchmarks for real estate management. As Malaysia’s property sector evolves amid changing economic and regulatory conditions, raising industry professionalism remains central to our mission.

We continue to guide property managers, joint management bodies and management corporations towards best practices, while encouraging sustainable approaches that protect both financial value and the environment. We also support platforms such as these awards, which recognise exemplary work and inspire the wider industry.

To every winner, finalist and participant in the 2026 awards, thank you for setting a high standard and helping to keep Malaysian real estate safe, sustainable and valuable for generations to come.

Datuk Ho Hon Sang is immediate past president of Rehda Malaysia , having previously served as deputy president and chairman of Rehda Selangor.

With more than 40 years of experience in property development, engineering, consultancy and management, he has held senior roles at Mah Sing Group Bhd, Sunsuria Bhd and Sunway Bhd. He is currently an independent non-executive director of Sime Darby Property Bhd and a board member of the Construction Industry Development Board.

Ho is also a national council member of the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia, and a registered professional engineer. He graduated with first class honours in civil engineering from Universiti Malaya in 1984 and completed Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program in 2005.

It has been heartening to witness the steady rise in both the quality and diversity of entries. The best submissions demonstrated that excellent property management goes beyond maintenance. It requires strong leadership, sound governance, financial discipline and a commitment to continuous improvement. These winning developments have set new benchmarks for the industry and serve as examples for others to follow.

Looking back over the past decade, it is evident how much the industry has progressed. What was once considered a support function has become a key contributor to a property’s long-term success. This year’s entries demonstrate a deeper understanding that good property management is fundamental to sustainability, liveability and lasting value.

Au Foong Yee is an editor emeritus at The Edge Malaysia and chief judge of The Edge Malaysia-ILAM Sustainable Landscape Awards

The hallmarks of a sustainable landscape lie in the thoughtful integration and balance of the environmental, social, economic and aesthetic pillars that underpin its design, implementation and long-term existence.

A truly outstanding landscape is a creative, yet purposeful composition that works in harmony with nature rather than against it or in competition with it. Designed to endure, it minimises the resources required for its long-term maintenance while delivering enduring environmental and social value.

Such landscapes strengthen healthy ecosystems by promoting biodiversity through the thoughtful selection of native and adaptive plant species. In doing so, they create and sustain habitats for birds, butterflies, bees and other beneficial insects, allowing nature to flourish alongside human activity.

The benefits of a well-conceived sustainable landscape extend far beyond ecology. They contribute significantly to physical and mental well-being through the intentional — not incidental — provision of shaded retreats, safe and accessible pathways, and thoughtfully designed spaces that encourage recreation, learning, exercise and social interaction. The result is the creation of environments that are restorative, therapeutic and conducive to healthier, happier and more connected communities.

These defining qualities are exemplified by this year’s award recipients. Following comprehensive site inspections and rigorous deliberations, the judges unanimously selected two Gold Award winners — Setia Fontaines Heritage Park in Penang and the Wetlands Arboretum in Gamuda Cove, Selangor. No Silver, Bronze or Special Mention awards were conferred this year.

Both Setia Fontaines Heritage Park by S P Setia and the Wetlands Arboretum by Gamuda Land demonstrate how sustainability can be seamlessly woven into a site’s natural landforms and water systems. What distinguishes these projects is not merely their technical excellence, but the vision, passion and commitment invested in creating landscapes that deliver lasting environmental, social and community benefits.

Rather than simply meeting sustainability requirements, both developments have successfully created landscapes that are purposeful, engaging and genuinely relevant, not only to their immediate users, but to the wider community. They exemplify how thoughtful landscape design can enrich lives, foster biodiversity and strengthen the relationship between people and nature.

Maintaining high-quality landscapes — even those that are sustainably designed and constructed — will inevitably present challenges. That is the reality. Yet such challenges are by no means insurmountable when there is commitment from all stakeholders.

Local authorities, in particular, have a vital role to play. By recognising the long-term environmental, social and economic value of sustainable landscapes, they should help ensure these green assets continue to thrive. In doing so, they contribute to creating urban environments that are not only more liveable and resilient, but also healthier, more enjoyable and more closely connected to nature.

Congratulations to this year’s deserving Gold Award winners. Their achievements demonstrate that when vision, commitment and sustainability come together, landscapes become far more than beautiful spaces — they become enduring assets that enrich communities and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Dr Nor Atiah Ismail is an associate professor at the Department of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Design and Architecture, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and president of the Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia (ILAM). With more than 20 years of academic and professional experience, her expertise encompasses landscape architecture, Nature-based Solutions (NbS), climate resilience, cultural heritage and sustainable urban development.

She also serves as chair of the climate change committee of the International Federation of Landscape Architects Asia-Pacific Region (IFLA APR), where she advances regional climate action and professional collaboration. A respected keynote speaker, policy advocate and judge for prominent industry awards, Dr Nor Atiah brings a holistic perspective grounded in design excellence, academic rigour and the belief that landscapes are living systems that connect people, ecology, identity and future-ready cities.

As jurors, we look beyond the first impression of a beautifully designed landscape. A truly sustainable landscape must continue to flourish through committed stewardship, sound horticultural practices, ecological monitoring and consistent long-term maintenance.

This year’s Gold Award winners — the Wetlands Arboretum at Gamuda Cove and Setia Fontaines Heritage Park in Penang — demonstrate this balance exceptionally well.

The Wetlands Arboretum is recognised for its wetland conservation, environmental education and biodiversity value, including its extensive collection of native and conservation-significant trees, while Setia Fontaines Heritage Park stands out for its people-centred design, strong sense of place and enduring community value. Together, they show that excellent landscape architecture is not only about design and construction, but is also carefully nurtured, managed and sustained over time.

To succeed in this category, entrants must demonstrate a clear design vision, supported by measurable environmental performance, healthy and well-managed planting, biodiversity enhancement, climate responsiveness, user comfort, inclusive community use and a credible long-term maintenance strategy.

The judging considers not merely how impressive the landscape appears on the day of assessment, but how successfully its original design intent has matured, adapted and remained relevant through attentive management.

Congratulations to the teams behind the Wetlands Arboretum and Setia Fontaines Heritage Park for setting an inspiring benchmark in sustainable landscape design and maintenance. Your achievements remind the industry that creating a great landscape is only the beginning, and that sustaining its ecological, social and cultural value over time is the true measure of excellence.

E Jacqui Chan is senior editor of City & Country at The Edge Malaysia

A great landscape should do more than look impressive. It should feel alive, welcoming and connected to its surroundings. It should provide space for people to pause and gather, and allow plants, birds and wildlife to thrive.

That was what stood out in this year’s two Gold Award winners, the Wetlands Arboretum at Gamuda Cove and Setia Fontaines Heritage Park in Penang. Each has its own character, yet both show how thoughtful landscape design can bring people closer to nature while serving a wider environmental purpose.

The Wetlands Arboretum impressed the judges with its conservation work, rich biodiversity and role as a place for environmental learning. Setia Fontaines Heritage Park, meanwhile, created a strong sense of place through spaces that invite people to walk, explore, meet and spend time outdoors.

What made these landscapes especially deserving was not simply how they appeared during the judging visit. Beautiful planting is only the beginning. A successful landscape must be carefully looked after, allowed to mature and able to remain useful and relevant over time.

This requires patience, knowledge and commitment from the developers, landscape teams, property managers, local authorities and communities involved. Without that continued care, even the finest landscape can quickly lose its purpose.

Congratulations to the teams behind both projects. They have shown that when nature is respected and landscapes are created with people in mind, green spaces can become lasting places of beauty, discovery and belonging.

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