KUALA LUMPUR: Mah Sing Group Bhd’s Southgate Commercial Centre and Aman Perdana projects saw the lifestyle developer winning two coveted awards in the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2009. Southgate in Kuala Lumpur was recognised as “Best Office Development in Malaysia”, whilst Aman Perdana in the Meru-Shah Alam corridor was named “Best Mixed Use Development in Malaysia”.

Nestled in relative solitude near embassies, private clubs and bungalows in the Ampang district of Kuala Lumpur stands the exclusive Raintree Residence, on Jalan Wickham. Known as Raintree Terrace before it was refurbished, the low-rise apartment development comprises only 12 units.

It has an eyecatching doorway, but enter this house in Serdang, Seri Kembangan, Selangor, and you will be greeted with more  captivating features. It is home to landscape architect Wendy, husband David Liew and their three children. Wendy is a director of architecture firm Pentago. The cosy home is haven/The Edge My Dream Home Contest 2008 silver winner for the detached/semi-detached category.

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.