The last time City & Country interviewed Chuah Theong Yee, Mitraland Group of Companies’ managing director, was when he unveiled initial plans for the company’s first commercial development in Cheras Selatan, Kuala Lumpur,  in the middle of last year.

How often do we pass by certain buildings, wherever they may be, and wonder who designed them? To some extent, architects are a low-profile group, but recognition for their contributions will surely be an inspiration to fellow professionals. Joining this select group is Datuk Baharuddin Abu Kassim, who has been presented the PAM Gold Medal Award by Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM).

Seeking better values for their land Much has been said about the redevelopment of Kampung Baru but little has changed in the area in decades.It is the government’s hope to transform this last bit of prime land in the heart of Kuala Lumpur city centre into what could be the second Golden Triangle but there is resistance from the landowners in the area.

KUALA LUMPUR: Many landowners in Kampung Baru, located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur city centre, believe that land there should fetch prices which are on par with values in other parts of the city's Golden Triangle.

KUALA LUMPUR: Turkey continues to attract international retailers despite anticipation of lower visitor numbers and turnover rents for many shopping centres amidst the current gloomy economic environment.

The shuffling and reorganising of ministries, on its own, is not sufficient to raise their key performance indicators (KPIs) to the level demanded. What will yield results is political will, and this must be supported by the civil servants’ buy-in.Take the Housing and Local Government Ministry.

Asian cities dominate the list of the world’s top 10 costliest locations for expatriate rental property, according to a study by consulting, outsourcing and investment services provider Mercer on housing costs and practices for employees sent on overseas assignments.

In a market slowdown, astute businessmen will have to think out of the box and come up with innovative business strategies to persuade potential buyers to part with their cash.In the case of boutique developers, the challenge becomes more daunting as the hefty premium that their projects command may end up being a millstone around their necks as demand dries up.

With chronic traffic congestion, flash floods, lack of green living initiatives, and other inadequacies, Kuala Lumpur hardly fits the profile of a “world-class” city.

Orchard Road, Singapore’s main shopping destination, will soon see a “green” mall among its other offerings.