Malaysian commercial properties to be showcased at Asean Property Expo 2015

KUALA LUMPUR (July  31): In conjunction with the 2nd Asean Franchise Expo & Symposium 2015 (AFES 2015), the Asean Retail-Chains & Franchise Federation (ARFF) is introducing the Asean Property Expo 2015 (APE 2015) to showcase Malaysian commercial properties. 

"The idea [to have APE 2015] is because our franchise and retail businesses are looking at commercial centres, particularly those where they can set up their businesses. We work with Malaysian property developers to promote the various franchise businesses in their properties. We believe this [benefits] our franchise and retail business especially in [today’s] challenging times,” said vice-president of ARFF and organising chairman of AFES 2015 Datuk Dr Jayles Yeoh at a press conference at the AFES and APE 2015 press launch today.

The property showcase is jointly organised by ST Property Events, a property site by Singapore Press Holdings. The AFES 2015 and APE 2015 will be held from Sept 4 to 6 at the Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Some 40 Malaysian developers, such as UEM Sunrise Bhd, Mah Sing Group, and OSK Property Holdings Bhd, will be exhibiting at the APE 2015.

The AFES 2015 consists of a 1½-day symposium (Sept 4 to 5) and a three-day exhibition (Sept 4 to 6) and aims to be a platform for regional franchise players and retailers to network, and benefit from the Malaysian market.

Some of the papers to be presented at the symposium are on franchising, retailing, e-commerce, locations and feng shui for business.

The AFES is an initiative established by the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Malaysia (MDTCC) and ARFF to realise the Asean Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint. The inaugural event was organised in March 2013 where 62 exhibitors were showcased.

This year, the expo and symposium will comprise a total floor space of 2,000 sq m that can accommodate 155 booths and showcase more than 100 local and international franchisers.

According to Yeoh, 150 booths have been taken up, of which 60 are by the property expo, while others are taken up by international exhibitors from China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, the US and Australia, as well as local SMEs, government agencies, banks and financial institutions, associate institutions promoting retail and franchising services.