Northern Malaysia’s leading property developer, Ideal Property Group, has secured the prestigious gold award at the FIABCI World Prix D’Excellence Awards 2025 for its innovative Greek-inspired affordable housing development- I-Santorini, establishing the company as an internationally recognized leader in quality housing development.

Prestigious International Recognition

The FIABCI World Prix D’Excellence Awards represents one of the most distinguished accolades in the global real estate industry, organized by the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) with 71 years of established credibility and membership spanning 60 countries. The award’s rigorous evaluation process requires participants from Malaysia to first achieve success at the Malaysia’s chapter before advancing to international competition.

The judging panel, comprising top real estate professionals and experts worldwide, evaluates developments based on comprehensive merits including innovation, sustainability, and overall excellence. This holistic assessment makes the recognition particularly meaningful for developments demonstrating exceptional quality across multiple criteria.

I-Santorini successfully competed against international developments, achieving world-class standards and compete effectively on the global stage.

This international recognition validates Ideal Property Group’s methodology to redefine affordable housing and gained global recognition. Ideal Property Group’s success in balancing cultural design elements with practical living needs and sustainability illustrates sophisticated understanding of both local market requirements and international quality standards.

Award-Winning Project Excellence

Ideal Property Group’s innovative approach through its Greek Santorini-inspired design is exemplified in the gold award-winning development, with the calm ambiance of Greek islands being successfully recreated within Penang’s urban setting, featuring characteristic blue domes, poolside cabanas, and a tranquil Mediterranean landscaping.
Ideal Property Group’s mission has been recognized internationally in creating sustainable living environments while pioneering new benchmarks through creative and value-added features that maintain high appreciation values.

Despite being classified as affordable housing, I-Santorini offers residents scenic sea views and high quality leisure facilities typically associated with premium developments. This winning development is a testament to the company’s mission in delivering exceptional value without compromising on workmanship and lifestyle quality.

The project’s strategic location within a sought-after Penang neighborhood provides access to 14 educational institutions including local and international schools, while medical centers, hospitals, financial institutions, parks and shopping amenities including a marina mall and giant hypermarket are conveniently accessible.

Consistent Excellence and Expanding Portfolio

Ideal Property Group currently manages eight ongoing projects encompassing high-rise residential, luxury seafront developments, office towers, and industrial parks, reflecting continued growth and diversification strategy. Three major developments, including two affordable housing projects and one office tower, are targeted for completion in the third and fourth quarter this year.

Last year, Ideal Property Group was announced as the world gold winner with its luxury seafront residential development, Queens Residences Q2@Queens Waterfront Penang in the same award. These consecutive awards confirm that Ideal Property Group’s expertise meets international standards while successfully serving diverse market segments, highlighting the company’s significant contribution to elevating overall property development standards and raising the quality benchmark of Malaysia’s property development sector.

M Zenni by Mah Sing offers an exciting opportunity to own a freehold serviced residence in one of Penang’s fastest-growing corridors. Strategically located just 900m from the Penang Second Bridge, this 33-storey development sits on a 2.72-acre site and is poised between the established Free Industrial Zone (FIZ) and the upcoming Penang Silicon Island.

Designed for first-time homebuyers, working professionals, and young families, M Zenni features 494 well-planned units with sizes ranging from 688 sq ft (studio) to 1,184 sq ft (4-bedroom layout). With low-density living, north-south orientation, and GreenRE certification, the development promotes sustainability through features like solar energy systems and an automated waste collection system.

Residents will enjoy modern facilities and the convenience of lifestyle retail shops right at their doorstep. Key destinations such as Queensbay Mall (7km away) and Silicon Island (3.3km away) are within easy reach, making M Zenni a promising choice for both living and investment.

Project Name : M Zenni
Location : Batu Maung
Property Type : Serviced residence
Tenure: Freehold
Land Area: 2.72 acres
Built-up Size: 688 sq.ft. – 1,184 sq.ft.
Total Units : 494
Indicative Price : RM4xx,000 onwards
Developer : Mah Sing Group

Healthcare accessibility in the rapidly evolving township of Batu Kawan takes a significant leap forward with the commencement of operations at Columbia Asia Hospital-Batu Kawan. This marks Columbia Asia’s 13th hospital in Malaysia, further strengthening its presence as a leading private healthcare provider in the country. Columbia Asia Hospital Batu Kawan is located within a 10km radius and is strategically situated in Bandar Cassia, Batu Kawan, Penang’s third satellite town, following Bayan Baru and Seberang Jaya.

Occupying a massive 431,000 square feet built-up area with six floors and an eight-floor podium parking structure, Columbia Asia Batu Kawan was developed to cater to the rapidly growing population in southern Seberang Perai, projected to reach 250,000 by 2030.

It also supports the healthcare needs of the booming Batu Kawan Industrial Park, which houses over 160 companies and approximately 15,000 employees, as well as neighbouring townships such as Simpang Ampat, Juru, Nibong Tebal and Parit Buntar.

Its current hospital services include a 24-hour Accident and Emergency department, Cardiac Care with a Cardiac Catheterisation Lab, Day Surgery and Endoscopy Centre, Radiology, Clinical Laboratory, Health Screening Unit, Physiotherapy, Operating Theatre, Occupational Health Services, Café Columbia, and a Multidisciplinary Specialist Clinic and Ward. Plans are in place for the expansion of hospital services over time.

The Columbia Asia Hospital Batu Kawan is situated in Bandar Cassia, a mixed development project jointly developed by Aspen Group and IKANO Pte Ltd. This development also features IKEA Batu Kawan, premium residential precincts, and retail hubs, creating a comprehensive live-work-play ecosystem.

Key highlights of Columbia Asia Hospital-Batu Kawan include:

• Bed Capacity: 145 beds (Phase 1: 34 beds; expandable to 200)
• Clinics: 31 in total (Phase 1: 14; Phase 2: 17)
• Room Rates (Phase 1):
  • Single Room: RM220/night
  • 2-Bedded Room: RM150/night
  • ICU: RM350–400/night
  • HDU: RM250/night
  • Ambulatory Bed: RM70

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has reduced the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) by 25 basis points to 2.75%, marking its first rate cut in over a year. The central bank said the move is a proactive measure to support the country’s economic growth amid external uncertainties and moderate inflation.

Following the decision, the ceiling and floor rates of the OPR corridor are adjusted to 3.00% and 2.50%, respectively.

BNM’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), in a statement released today, said that while Malaysia’s economy remains resilient, downside risks from global developments could pose challenges to the country’s growth momentum.

“The reduction in the OPR is a pre-emptive measure aimed at preserving Malaysia’s steady growth path amid moderate inflation prospects,” the statement said.

Domestic Outlook Remains Positive

The central bank remains optimistic about Malaysia’s economic outlook, pointing to continued expansion in the second quarter, fuelled by strong domestic demand and sustained export performance. Growth is expected to be driven by robust household spending, supported by favourable labour market conditions, rising wages, and targeted income-related policies.

Investment activity is also forecast to remain healthy, buoyed by progress in long-term infrastructure and private sector projects, as well as the execution of key national initiatives.

Global Headwinds Persist

Despite the positive domestic indicators, BNM flagged persistent global uncertainties—including geopolitical tensions and trade policy developments—that could trigger volatility in global markets and weigh on commodity prices.

While global growth is supported by consumer spending and easing monetary conditions, the central bank noted that external risks could dampen sentiment and slow global trade.

Inflation Remains Contained

Inflationary pressures in Malaysia are expected to stay moderate. Headline and core inflation averaged 1.4% and 1.9%, respectively, during the first five months of 2025. The central bank cited subdued global cost conditions and manageable domestic demand as contributing factors to the stable inflation outlook.

BNM added that the impact of upcoming domestic policy reforms on prices is expected to be contained, reducing the risk of a sharp uptick in inflation.

Ringgit Influenced by External Forces

The ringgit’s performance, BNM noted, will continue to be shaped by external factors. Nonetheless, the currency will remain supported by Malaysia’s sound economic fundamentals, structural reforms, and initiatives aimed at encouraging capital inflows.

The central bank concluded by reaffirming its commitment to monitoring developments closely and said the MPC will continue to assess the balance of risks surrounding the domestic growth and inflation outlook.

SkyWorld Development Bhd is set to expand its footprint in Penang with the acquisition of a 25.9-acre land parcel in Batu Kawan for RM48.51 million. The land, known as Parcel 1, is part of a 161.5-acre site in Bandar Cassia, Seberang Perai Selatan, earmarked for the development of Rumah Bakat Madani affordable homes under a joint initiative with the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and its subsidiary, PDC Properties.

This acquisition follows approval secured at SkyWorld’s extraordinary general meeting in April 2025, with the land priced at RM43 per square foot. The company’s wholly owned unit, SkyWorld Cassia Development Sdn Bhd, signed the agreement with PDC as part of the broader Rumah Bakat Madani  affordable housing initiative.

First announced in December 2024, the Rumah Bakat Madani project aims to cater to middle-income earners with monthly household incomes below RM11,800. The units, priced between RM225,000 and RM420,000, will feature modern facilities such as a swimming pool, gym, multipurpose hall, and playground. Applications will be open to both locals and non-residents working in Penang.

The Rumah Bakat Madani development spans two key sites — the Batu Kawan tract and a 34-acre plot in Seberang Jaya — with Parcel 1 strategically located near Jalan Cassia Barat 1, close to the Design Village Outlet Mall.

SkyWorld said the acquisition will be financed through a combination of internal funds, bank borrowings, and remaining proceeds from its IPO. Completion is expected by the second quarter of 2026.