The REHDA Institute has launched its Asia Real Estate Leaders (AREL) Study Tour to the United Kingdom, visiting major cities including London, Bristol, Bath, and Cambridge. The initiative aims to strengthen leadership development and bring global best practices back to Malaysia’s real estate sector.
Leadership and Purpose
The delegation is led by prominent industry figures such as Jeffrey Ng Tiong Lip and Eddy Chen, among others. The goal is to gain international insights and adapt them to Malaysia’s evolving urban landscape, particularly in creating more resilient and liveable cities.
Focus on Urban Regeneration in London
In London, participants attended the Urban Futures Forum co-hosted by Foster + Partners. Experts shared global strategies on urban regeneration, highlighting notable developments such as:
- Bloomberg Headquarters — known for its high sustainability standards
- Canary Wharf Station — a major transport-integrated development
- Battersea Power Station — a landmark adaptive reuse project
These case studies emphasized integrated planning, sustainability, and long-term value creation in urban development.
Engagement with London’s Government
The delegation also engaged with the Office of the Mayor of London, led by Sadiq Khan. Deputy mayor Tom Copley shared insights on housing policies, planning frameworks, and strategies to tackle affordability and housing supply challenges in a dense urban environment.
Learning from Gamuda Land’s UK Project
A key highlight was a visit to a purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) project by Gamuda Land in Woolwich. The project demonstrated how PBSA serves as a modern housing solution tailored for students, featuring professional management and community-focused amenities.
This model was presented as potentially relevant for Malaysia, especially in initiatives like Rumah Belia MADANI, which aim to support youth and transitional housing needs.
What I Learned
- International study tours help industry leaders benchmark global best practices and adapt them locally.
- Urban regeneration projects (like Battersea Power Station) show how old infrastructure can be transformed into high-value, sustainable developments.
- Governments play a key role in shaping housing through policies, planning frameworks, and affordability strategies.
- Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) is an emerging housing model that focuses on flexibility, amenities, and community living.
- Malaysia can adopt global concepts (like PBSA) to address youth housing challenges and urban living needs.
- Collaboration between private developers and public institutions is essential for building sustainable and liveable cities.
Malaysia