The ASEAN Real Estate Conference (AREC), held as a key feature of ARCHIDEX, plays a vital role in educating, informing, and uniting stakeholders across the built environment. As Malaysia navigates the complexities of urbanisation, digital transformation, and sustainable development, AREC provides a critical platform for thought leadership, expert insights, and strategic dialogue.

From smart city initiatives and housing policy to data-driven market analysis and strata law, AREC empowers professionals to make better decisions, shape better communities, and build a more resilient real estate landscape for Malaysia and the region.

The “Smart Cities: The Malaysian and ASEAN Perspective” talk delivered a compelling overview of urban transformation across Asia. The session highlighted the growing presence of smart city initiatives throughout the region, while critically examining how Malaysia measures up against the essential challenges of this ambitious shift.

Sr Sulaiman Saheh, Director of Research & Consultancy, Rahim & Co International Sdn Bhd, delved into key hurdles such as the need for affordable housing, strategies to alleviate traffic congestion, tackling unemployment, and enhancing urban security. The discussion also showcased existing smart city initiatives already underway in Malaysian cities like Selangor, Malacca, and Johor, emphasising a crucial common thread globally: the vital role of pedestrianisation and efficient public transport in creating truly intelligent urban environments.

Next, the session on “Living in a Strata Property: Rights, Rules and Responsibilities” provided attendees with crucial insights into the complexities of communal living. Beyond the fundamental understanding of rights and duties, the talk offered a forward-looking perspective on the evolving landscape of strata developments.

Mohd Zamri Ishak, Chief Assistant Director, National Housing Department, Ministry of Housing and Local Government, highlighted significant challenges and emerging trends, including the intricacies of redevelopment initiatives, the pressing need to integrate new technology, managing the rise of short-term rentals, and exploring strata lease schemes. This segment armed participants with a deeper understanding of current issues and future directions in Malaysia’s rapidly growing strata property sector.

Rounding out the day’s transformative sessions was “2025 Market Signals: What Malaysia’s Data Says About Commercial and Industrial Demand,” presented by Amy Tan, Executive Director, Research & Consultancy, Knight Frank Malaysia.

Drawing on robust, cutting-edge data, the session provided critical outlooks for the industrial, office, retail, and hospitality sectors for the upcoming year. Attendees gained invaluable foresight into current trends, demand drivers, and the potential trajectory of these key segments, empowering them to make informed decisions and seize opportunities in a dynamic market.