Malaysian real estate investment trusts (M-REITs) are shaping up as one of the more compelling asset classes heading into 2026, supported by a confluence of macro, policy and sector-specific tailwinds. According to Hong Leong Investment Bank, the outlook for M-REITs remains constructive, particularly for investors seeking income stability in a moderating interest rate environment. While equity markets...

Malaysia’s hospitality sector continues to gain traction, and the latest expansion by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts offers a clear signal of growing confidence in the country’s tourism and real estate fundamentals. In 2025 alone, Wyndham opened five new hotels and signed three additional properties across Malaysia, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the market and highlighting the depth of demand...

Suria KLCC has once again set the tone for festive celebrations in Kuala Lumpur, unveiling its Chinese New Year programme in grand fashion as it welcomes the Year of the Horse. With an immersive showcase that blends heritage, cultural artistry and experiential retail, the iconic mall has transformed its Centre Court into a vibrant festive destination that draws both shoppers and visitors into the spirit of...

Malaysia’s economic story has long been shaped by geography and history. While the nation has achieved remarkable progress since independence, deep structural imbalances remain. Nowhere is this more visible than in the persistent divide between the West Coast and the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The West Coast, anchored by Klang Valley, Penang and Johor, evolved into an industrialised, globally...

Bank Negara Malaysia’s decision to maintain the overnight policy rate (OPR) at 2.75% sends a clear signal as the country moves into 2026: policymakers are confident that the economy remains on a steady footing, with growth supported by domestic demand and inflation staying within manageable bounds. The rate decision, which came at the first of six scheduled monetary policy reviews for the year, was...

Malaysia’s domestic travel market is showing renewed strength, and the implications extend well beyond tourism. New data from Agoda reveals that all top five domestic destinations recorded positive year-on-year growth in accommodation searches for December travel, signalling a clear shift toward local getaways. For property investors and urban stakeholders, this trend reinforces the resilience of...

Malaysia is taking a decisive step toward becoming a digitally enabled, investor-friendly nation with the rollout of MyDigital ID as the single sign-on platform for immigration services. Beginning January 15, 2026, Malaysians using the MyNIISe mobile application for border clearance will be required to log in via MyDigital ID, marking a significant shift in how cross-border travel and government services...

Malaysia is fast emerging as one of the most dynamic international education hubs in the world, and the implications go far beyond campuses and lecture halls. According to a new report by QS Quacquarelli Symonds, the country’s international student population is projected to grow by 8.5% annually, reaching about 260,000 students by 2030. This surge is not just a milestone for higher education. It is...

The closure of Corus Hotel KLCC after more than two decades is more than the end of a hospitality chapter. It is a clear signal that Kuala Lumpur’s prime urban corridors are entering a new phase of redevelopment, capital recycling and value repositioning. For 23 years, Corus Hotel KLCC stood as a familiar landmark along Jalan Ampang, serving business travellers, tourists and long-distance commuters...

Malaysia’s decision to tighten its expatriate employment framework from June 1, 2026 marks a significant shift in labour and economic policy. While the announcement focuses on workforce localisation and talent development, its ripple effects are likely to extend into the real estate market, particularly in Kuala Lumpur and other major urban centres where expatriate housing demand has traditionally been...