USM and UM Shine in Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025: Malaysia’s Global Ascent in SDG-Focused Higher Education Malaysia’s position as a regional and global leader in sustainable development has been reinforced as two of its premier institutions, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Universiti Malaya (UM), rose to global prominence in the Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact...

Residential Properties Under HDA Exempt from SST: Ministry Clarifies to Ease Developer Concerns As Malaysia gears up for the implementation of the expanded Sales and Services Tax (SST) framework on July 1, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government has issued a key clarification:Residential properties sold under the Housing Development Act (HDA) remain fully exempt from the SST, including serviced...

Haitian Group Begins Construction of RM3 Billion High-Tech Hub in Iskandar Malaysia Haitian Group, one of China’s leading industrial equipment manufacturers, officially broke ground today on Phase 1 of its regional manufacturing facilities at Eco Business Park II (EBP II), located in Iskandar Malaysia, Johor. The project marks the group's first venture in Malaysia, signalling growing confidence in Johor...

IGBC 2025: Malaysia to Host Region’s Leading Conference on Green Urban Development Malaysia is set to take center stage in sustainable city-building as it hosts the International Green Build Conference (IGBC) 2025, the country’s largest and most impactful forum on green buildings and urban sustainability. Co-organised by GreenRE and the REHDA Institute, this year’s conference will take place on 19...

HDA Residential Properties Exempted from SST: Government Eases Developer and Buyer Concerns In response to growing industry anxiety over rising construction costs, the Malaysian government has officially exempted residential properties sold under the Housing Development Act (HDA) from the revised Sales and Services Tax (SST) framework. The exemption includes serviced apartments built on commercial land,...

Arden by Astaka and Kimlun: Johor Bahru’s New Skyline Icon Breaks Ground Astaka Holdings Ltd and Kimlun Corp Bhd (KL:KIMLUN) have officially begun construction on Arden, a 68-storey luxury serviced residence in One Bukit Senyum, Johor Bahru. The landmark project, with a gross development value (GDV) of RM800 million, marks the first component of Phase 3 of the developer's flagship master plan and is...

Malaysia Climbs to 23rd in World Competitiveness Ranking 2025 — Highest Since 2020 Malaysia has surged 11 spots in the 2025 World Competitiveness Ranking (WCR) to secure the 23rd position out of 69 global economies, marking its best performance since 2020 and reaffirming its trajectory toward becoming one of the world’s most competitive nations. The annual ranking, published by the Institute for...

Malaysia Unveils ‘Madani City’ in Putrajaya: A High-Tech, Sustainable Urban Model for the Future Malaysia has officially unveiled plans for Madani City, a futuristic, AI-integrated, and eco-conscious township set to rise in Putrajaya, the country’s federal administrative capital. Announced on Tuesday by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa,...

Monash University in Final Talks for New TRX Campus in Kuala Lumpur Monash University Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the operator of Monash University’s branch campus in Sunway City, is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations with TRX City Sdn Bhd to lease a purpose-built campus within the 70-acre Tun Razak Exchange (TRX). If finalised, this would mark Monash’s second campus in Malaysia and its first...

Malaysian Property Market 2025: Key Trends and Insights The Malaysian property market is showing signs of stability and maturity as it enters a new phase marked by consistent growth, rising investor interest, and evolving buyer expectations. Recent data and expert opinions highlight the booming real estate market in Johor, the demand for ESG-compliant office spaces in Kuala Lumpur, and the sustained...