Projects recognised for innovation, sustainability and community impact

MALAYSIAN developers achieved significant recognition at the 33rd FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Awards in Lagos, Nigeria, securing nine accolades – five gold and four silver.

These awards celebrate excellence in real estate development, recognising projects that prioritise innovation, sustainability and community impact.

This year, Malaysian developers were honoured across various project categories, including affordable housing, office spaces, industrial parks and environmentally focused developments.

FIABCI World president Ramon Riera Torroba commended the winners, stating that the awards celebrated developments that went beyond beauty and function.

“These are projects that embody innovation, sustainability and community impact – developments that give back to the environment and society in meaningful and lasting ways,” he said.

FIABCI Prix d’Excellence committee president Laszlo Gonczi emphasised the awards’ global reach, noting the rise of national competitions inspired by earlier efforts in Brazil, Malaysia and Singapore.

“This is more than a contest. It’s a global forum where quality outweighs size and where David can truly defeat Goliath,” he said.

He added that developers from countries without national competitions were encouraged to enter directly, many of whom later became the catalyst for the formation of local chapters.

The Prix Secretariat secretary Dr Yu Kee Su, praised this year’s entries for setting new industry benchmarks.

“Let us reaffirm our shared mission to shape spaces that are not only functional and beautiful, but also sustainable and future-ready,” he said.

“The integration of green building practices and smart technologies has never been more critical, and your work exemplifies the transformative power of these principles.”

One of Malaysia’s celebrated developers, SP Setia Bhd, stood out with two accolades at this year’s ceremony.

The group received a Gold Award for Sapphire by The Gardens in Melbourne, Australia (a residential high-rise) and a Silver Award for Amantara at Setia Eco Templer (residential low-rise).

'Let us reaffirm our shared mission to shape spaces that are not only functional and beautiful, but also sustainable and future-ready.' - Dr Yu Kee Su

SP Setia president and chief executive officer Datuk Choong Kai Wai, who attended the gala and received the awards, expressed his gratitude.

“We are incredibly honoured to receive this recognition for both of our flagship developments and to be benchmarked by global industry standards.

“Both wins are a testament to our hard work towards creating sustainable communities,” he said.

With this achievement, SP Setia now holds the world record for the most FIABCI World Gold Prix d’Excellence Awards – a total of 19 wins, further cementing its position as a leader in global property excellence.

At the FIABCI elections for world vice-president (2025–2026), Yu was appointed for the role during the 75th FIABCI World Real Estate Congress in Lagos.

“I am deeply honoured and sincerely grateful for your trust and support,” said Yu, after two rounds of online voting via the FIABCI App.

“This recognition makes my 25-year journey in FIABCI, serving in various roles, all the more meaningful.

“The path was never easy, but your belief in me has made the journey worthwhile,” he said.

This appointment comes as FIABCI-Malaysia prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary – a golden jubilee, to be marked by an event on Oct 9, at One World Hotel, Bandar Utama, Selangor.

The celebration will highlight five decades of dedication to promoting real estate professionalism, elevating Malaysian developers onto the world stage and fostering strong international ties.

Yu also extended his thanks to Malaysian delegates who travelled to Lagos to attend the congress.

“Your dedication and sacrifice, overcoming distance, logistical challenges and personal commitments truly reflect the spirit of our Malaysian chapter,” he said.

Malaysia’s World Gold Winners

Affordable Housing: I-Santorini by Ideal Property Group

Environmental: Iringan Bayu Wetland Park by OSK Holdings Bhd

Industrial: Nouvelle Industrial Park@Kota Puteri by EXSIM Development Sdn Bhd

Office: TSLAW Tower by Pedoman Cekap Sdn Bhd

Residential Low-Rise: The Light Collection IV by IJM Land Bhd

Malaysia’s World Silver Winners

Hotel: Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu by Hap Seng Land Sdn Bhd

Office: Sentul Works by YTL Land & Development Bhd

Residential High-Rise: SkyLuxe on the Park Residences by SkyWorld Development Bhd

Residential Low-Rise: Setia Eco Templer – Amantara by S P Setia Bhd