KUCHING: The Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers’ Association (SHEDA) Excellence Awards 2023 highlights the importance of innovation in the property development industry.
Its secretary-general Angie Kueh told a press conference during the launch of the awards today that developers should be farsighted and imaginative to meet the expectations of property buyers.
“With the goal of accelerating the economy, property developers are relying on the government to spearhead the transformation through strategic policies and the incorporation of cutting-edge delivery systems.
“The awards also emphasises the significance of green designs and strategies, as well as the expansion of affordable housing categories to further encourage development,” she said.
Kueh, who is the organising chairperson of the excellence awards, highlighted the traditional capital and resource-intensive nature of the built environment, saying breaking this pattern is essential for the acceleration of Sarawak’s economy.
Furthermore, she added, recognising the interdependence between property developers and the government, there is a need to emphasise the importance of implementing strategic policies that incorporate cutting-edge delivery systems in the building and construction industry.
“This approach not only bolsters the real estate sector but also encourages the use of technology, automation, and mechanism, further stimulating the manufacturing strength of companies and businesses.
“By reducing reliance on fluctuating global commodity prices, Sarawak can minimise the cascading effect on house prices and create a more stable market.
“Aligned with the Sarawak government’s green agenda, the SHEDA Excellence Awards 2023 have assigned weightage to green designs, strategies, and programs. This emphasises aims to inspire property developers and project owners to prioritise environmentally friendly practices, which not only benefit the planet but also have positive impacts on investments and the local economy,” she said.
The awards comprise five main categories – Landed Residential, Strata Development, Affordable Housing, Commercial (including Institutional and Mixed Development), and Master Plan.
And, in recognition of the importance of affordable housing, the Affordable Housing Development Category has been expanded to include both SHEDA and non-SHEDA members, as well as federal and state-funded projects.
The panel of judges is made up of representatives from the Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia, the Malaysian Institute of Architects, the Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia, the Institution of Engineers Malaysia, the Malaysian Institute of Planners, and the Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia, Malaysian Chapter of the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI Malaysia) and Greenbuilding index Sdn Bhd.
Additional information can be obtained from the SHEDA state secretariat (Michelle) at 016-8972723 or email her at michelle.comm@sheda.org.my for further information.
