The Malaysian REIT Managers Association (Malaysian REIT Managers Association (MRMA)) has appointed Derek Teh Wan Wei as its new chairman during its annual general meeting, marking a leadership transition within the organisation that represents Malaysia’s real estate investment trust (REIT) sector.
Teh succeeds Leong Kit May, who served as chairman from June 3, 2024 to June 11, 2026. Leong will continue to serve on the executive committee as immediate past chairman, ensuring continuity within the association’s leadership structure.
Role of MRMA in Malaysia’s REIT sector
MRMA acts as the unified voice for REIT managers in Malaysia, representing industry stakeholders in engagements with government bodies and regulators. Its focus includes advocating for:
More functional and efficient regulatory frameworks
Viable REIT structures to support industry growth
Tax harmonisation to improve competitiveness
The association also plays a role in promoting the REIT sector to both local and international investors, positioning Malaysian REITs (M-REITs) as a stable income-generating asset class.
Industry outlook and market size
As of 2026, there are 20 listed M-REITs regulated under the Securities Commission Malaysia’s guidelines for listed real estate investment trusts. These collectively represent a net market capitalisation of approximately RM55 billion.
In addition to listed entities, MRMA also represents two unlisted REITs, giving it broad coverage of the domestic REIT ecosystem.
Strategic direction for Malaysian REITs
Under the new leadership, MRMA is expected to continue strengthening the visibility and competitiveness of Malaysian REITs in the regional and international markets. This includes enhancing investor confidence and promoting REITs as a long-term income asset class.
What I learned from this article
The Malaysian REIT sector is being actively coordinated through MRMA, which acts as a collective voice for all major REIT managers in the country. Leadership changes within the association are part of ongoing efforts to maintain continuity while strengthening industry advocacy.
A key takeaway is that Malaysia’s REIT market is relatively established, with 20 listed REITs and a combined market capitalisation of around RM55 billion, showing that it is a significant component of the capital market.
The focus of MRMA is not only regulatory engagement but also positioning REITs as an attractive income-generating investment asset class, both locally and internationally. This reflects a broader strategy to enhance competitiveness and attract more institutional and foreign investment into the Malaysian property investment sector.
Yao Mu Realty, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, specializes in industrial real estate for factories and land, delivering professional and efficient solutions.
Posted by Yao Mu Realty Sdn Bhd on 15 Jun 26
Malaysia