SHAH ALAM (Jan 4): Setia AlamImpian celebrated the coming New Year with an Epic Finale countdown concert in the township’s LakePoint Club.

The concert was organised by S P Setia Bhd in conjunction with the soft opening of the township’s nature sanctuary, LakePoint Park, the communal hub, LakePoint Club and the retail component, LakePoint Central, which is set to be officially launched in 2024.

The countdown kicked off with percussionists No Noise Percussion, and performances by Vessel Liu and Santesh Kumar, as well as violin performance by violinist Endang Hyder.

The highlight of the night was “the electrifying performance” by Malaysia’s King of Rock, Dato’ Awie, with his all-time favourite hits such as “Peronda Jaket Biru”, “Romania”, “Sejati”, and “Ratuku”.

The concert culminated in “a stunning firework display and a mesmerising musical fountain show at the solar-powered LakePoint Park”, stated S P Setia in a media release.

“As we flip the final pages of 2023, we wish to give a shout-out to our communities for their unwavering support throughout the year. As promised, we have introduced our clubhouse and more retail spaces, catering to our community’s daily necessities. We are excited to unveil more commercial projects in the new year, as we continue to shape our township into a vibrant space where our community can live, learn, work, and play,” said Datuk Muhamad Zaili Muhammad Yusof, general manager of S P Setia at the event.

Strategically located in the proximity of Shah Alam, Klang, and Petaling Jaya, Setia AlamImpian spans 1,235 acres and is S P Setia’s latest flagship township, having undergone a significant transformation over the years.

“In 2023, we proudly introduced LakePoint Central and LakePoint Club, serving as the retail hub and clubhouse for the communities respectively,” added S P Setia.

KUALA LUMPUR: S P Setia Bhd has partnered Mitsui Fudosan (Asia) Malaysia Sdn Bhd to develop two parcels of prime commercial land measuring 2.67 acres in Setia Federal Hill, Bangsar.

In a statement, the property developer said the joint venture represents a significant opportunity for it to expand its presence and establish a strong foothold in the Bangsar district.

The project will have an estimated gross development value of RM1.4bil and will comprise two residential towers of about 1,300 units.

The first tower of the project is slated for launch next year.

“The collaboration will not only bolster the project’s profile but also provide an exceptional opportunity for Setia to market to international clients.

“With their combined expertise and proven track records, the joint venture is poised to unlock the full potential of the development and redefine the skyline of Setia Federal Hill,” said SP Setia president and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai.

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 13): S P Setia Bhd is partnering with Mitsui Fudosan (Asia) Malaysia Sdn Bhd, which operates the Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA, in a joint venture to develop two parcels of commercial land measuring 2.67 acres in Setia Federal Hill, Bangsar.

The development, which has an estimated gross development value (GDV) of RM1.4 billion, will comprise two residential towers with approximately 1,300 units, with the first tower slated to be launched next year, according to a statement by S P Setia on Wednesday.

Its president and chief executive officer Datuk Choong Kai Wai said the collaboration will not only bolster the project’s profile but also provide an opportunity for S P Setia to market to international clients.

“This joint venture between S P Setia and Mitsui Fudosan is significant for both companies, as it brings together one of the country’s top developers and a distinguished property investment company in Malaysia.

“With their combined expertise and proven track records, the joint venture is poised to unlock the full potential of the development and redefine the skyline of Setia Federal Hill,” he said.

Setia Federal Hill, spanning 51.66 acres, is situated opposite KL Sentral, Malaysia’s largest integrated transport hub with a direct link to Kuala Lumpur International Airport and connects Kuala Lumpur City Centre to the rest of the Klang Valley townships.

As of June 30, 2023, S P Setia boasts a portfolio of 44 ongoing projects, supported by a robust land bank of 6,870 acres valued at a GDV of RM125.77 billion. Furthermore, the group’s total unbilled sales stood at RM6.82 billion.

For the cumulative nine-month period ended Sept 30, 2023 (9MFY2023), sales hit RM3.89 billion — surpassing the RM2.7 billion S P Setia achieved in the same period last year, thanks to land sales and stronger demand for its property offerings.

Revenue for the period rose 8.4% to RM2.98 billion from 2.75 billion in the previous year’s corresponding period, while net profit was RM150.3 million against RM217.8 million last year.

KOTA KINABALU (Dec 11): S P Setia Foundation celebrated Christmas in advance with the communities in need in Sabah when Setia Corporate Volunteers from Setia Aeropod, Sabah, visited Grace Old Folks Home Care Centre and Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital recently.

This effort that focused on two vulnerable communities, the elderly and children, is part of S P Setia Bhd’s principle of ‘Leave No One Behind’ from the 2030 Agenda for United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Also attending the events were Datuk Yuslina Mohd Yunus, management committee of S P Setia Foundation and senior executive vice president of S P Setia, Adelene Wong, management committee of S P Setia Foundation and head of Group Branding & Communications for S P Setia and Sha’ari Hanapi, general manager of Setia Aeropod, Sabah.

“It’s the season of giving, a time to express solidarity to those in need, hence we want to give back to those who truly need it. We’re thankful for the support from the Setia Aeropod team. It’s moving to know that the foundation is not alone in helping the underserved communities; it takes a collective effort to build a more inclusive and cohesive Malaysia,” said Yuslina.

At Grace Old Folks Home Care Centre, the volunteers hung new curtains, decorated the premise with Christmas décor, while serenading the residents with an impromptu Christmas carol session.

S P Setia Foundation distributed gift baskets to 24 residents of the home which included personal care items such as blankets and sanitary items as well as food items contributed by Setia Aeropod. S P Setia-owned Amari Kuala Lumpur also contributed branded toiletry kits.

Bringing the enchanted Christmas experience to the Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital, one of the Setia Corporate Volunteers made a surprise appearance as Santa to amuse the children. The foundation also distributed gift bags containing stationery, toys, and snacks sponsored by Setia Aeropod, to the children and parents.

“Even the smallest act of kindness can have a lasting impact on the lives of those in need,” said Wong. She highlighted the foundation’s commitment to social responsibility, stating that “Our efforts extend beyond constructing buildings; we create sustainable communities, supporting and contributing to the local and surrounding communities we serve, and this programme is meant for our communities in Sabah.”

KLANG (Dec 8): Responding to high demand in the local housing market, S P Setia launched Laelia III over the weekend, the third phase of affordable landed residential units in Setia Bayuemas.

This comes after the successful full take-up of non-bumi units in Laelia and Laelia II in the February and September 2023 launches.

Sprawling 10.13 acres, the freehold double-storey terrace home collection comprises 83 exclusive units for sale and is slated for completion in December 2025. With an estimated gross development value at RM73,441,000, Laelia III offers “a brand-new definition of contemporary living with a touch of nature”, stated S P Setia in a media release.

“Laelia III terrace house stands out with a more spacious built-up area ranging from 1,850 to 1,953 sq ft and 1,888 to 2,060 sq ft, providing affordability with prices ranging from RM838,000 to RM1.15 million,” it added.

Each unit is also equipped with a backyard and a concealed air conditioner ledge on the front facade for a clean and aesthetic appearance.

Laelia III comprises two distinct designs. With RT1, a larger living area is accompanied by a designated foyer, providing an entrance into the living space for a harmonious transition from the outside to the home.

In RT2, the living area features a sliding door that opens up to a side terrace. Homebuyers have the option to enhance the view by adding landscaping to the pocket terrace, visually extending the living space and connecting residents to the verdant surroundings.

Embracing sustainability in modern day living, Laelia III also features a special compartment for parcel and food delivery, rainwater harvesting system for non-potable activities and many more.

“Located just a stone’s throw from the township’s award-winning park, Setia Bayuemas Lake Park, the neighborhood is enveloped by lush greenery, offering an ideal setting for outdoor escapades and leisurely strolls with captivating views of the scenic lake,” stated S P Setia.

Razly Mohammad Rus, divisional general manager of S P Setia, emphasised that Laelia III is designed to meet the needs of young and expanding families, as well as those seeking to upgrade to a more spacious home within a convenient township.

“Laelia III features four bedrooms with en suite bathrooms as well as a dedicated family area, making it ideal for large or multi-generational families. Statistics reveal that there is more than one car in every household in Klang Valley. To accommodate the growing demand for larger parking space, the units are equipped with an expansive car porch design capable ofholding up to four cars in tandem parking,” added Razly.

Setia Bayuemas offers a diverse range of residences, comprising apartments, landed terraces, cluster homes, semi-detached, and bungalows. It also features a mix of commercial and retail spaces, exemplified by the newly launched Bayu Avenue shop offices.

• The event saw a total of 120 B40 students who are preparing for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination who come come from various Sabah high schools, including SMK Petagas, SMK Bahang, SMK Tansau, SMK Kinarut, and SMK Likas. To improve the students’ chances of passing the SPM, the workshop specifically targeted B40 students falling under the “HARAPAN LULUS” category.

KOTA KINABALU (Dec 4): The S P Setia Foundation recently organised the “Sincerely, Setia Tuition Mission in Sabah: Pecutan Akhir SPM” week-long (Nov 27 to Dec 1) workshop for underprivileged students at Space 8, Setia Aeropod.

The Sabah State Education Department has also been supporting this programme, which aligns “with the foundation’s third Trust Object, aiming to bridge the educational gap among disadvantaged students and inspire them to strive for a better future”, stated S P Setia in a media release.

The event saw a total of 120 B40 students who are preparing for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination who come come from various Sabah high schools, including SMK Petagas, SMK Bahang, SMK Tansau, SMK Kinarut, and SMK Likas.

To improve the students’ chances of passing the SPM, the workshop specifically targeted B40 students falling under the “HARAPAN LULUS” category.

The students received guidance from a team of expert teachers known as “Guru Cemerlang”, who focused on core subjects such as Malay, English, Mathematics, and History. The workshop included intensive tuition and valuable tips and hacks, as well as motivational talks.

Parents were also invited to join the motivational talk with their children to gain insights into various career paths.

Several Setia Corporate Volunteers also shared their life stories and working experiences at Setia in the “Inspirasi Pagi” sessions held each morning.

Puan Hajah Nurani Fauziah Derin, deputy director (Learning Sector) of the Sabah Education Department, expressed gratitude for the collaboration between corporate sectors and government agencies in positively impacting the lives of needy students. She commended the S P Setia Foundation, TeamSetia from Setia Aeropod, and all parties involved in making this noble initiative a significant success.

Meanwhile, Datuk Yuslina Mohd Yunus, management committee of S P Setia Foundation and senior executive vice president of S P Setia Bhd, reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to social responsibility. She emphasised that education is the cornerstone for building a better future and thanked the “Guru Cemerlang” for their dedication in guiding the students. With only 60 days left until the SPM examination, she expressed confidence that the workshop equipped the students to reach their goals and aspirations.

Adelene Wong, management committee of S P Setia Foundation and head of Group Branding & Communications for S P Setia, shared that the foundation had previously organised the Tuition Mission programme in collaboration with Pertubuhan Urus Peduli Asnaf KL & Selangor (PUSPA) in the Klang Valley with zakat funds from Perumahan Kinrara Bhd, a subsidiary of S P Setia. She expressed their pleasure in expanding their reach to B40 students in Sabah and their aspiration to host more transformative programmes in Sabah soon.

Sha’ari Hanapi, general manager of Setia Aeropod, Sabah, officiated the workshop.

The foundation also presented tokens of appreciation to Puan Hajah Nurani, the five participating schools’ principals, teachers, chaperons, students, parents and three education district officers.

WINNER | D’Network @ Setia Eco Park | S P Setia Bhd

Nestled within the exclusive residential enclave of Setia Eco Park in Shah Alam, D’Network is a hybrid solar-powered F&B-focused retail hub that made its debut at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Sitting on a land area of 3.61 acres, the community lifestyle commercial offering also features a pet-friendly park, a lake and the Symphony of Sustainability musical fountain, the Summer Garden, and a pétanque facility.

S P Setia Bhd chief operating officer Datuk Zaini Yusoff says, “We took a bold move to launch D’Network during the pandemic [specifically on Sept 16 and in conjunction with Malaysia Day] because we knew the local community needed a place that caters to their everyday needs as well as a space to connect, commune and rediscover their bond with nature.”

Zaini (centre) with (from left) The Edge Malaysia editor-in-chief Kathy Fong, editor emeritus Au Foong Yee, The Edge Media Group publisher and group CEO Datuk Ho Kay Tat and City & Country editor E Jacqui Chan (Picture by Mohd Izwan Mohd Nazam/The Edge)


We knew the local community needed a place that caters to their everyday needs as well as a space to connect, commune and rediscover their bond with nature.” — Zaini (right) with Ong

As part of the Setia Eco Park master plan ecosystem, D’Network is designed to seamlessly integrate with the adjacent lake, with more than 50% of the total land area allocated for green spaces. This includes a Feel the Earth lawn for people to practise grounding, or walking barefoot on grass or earth, while enjoying the cooler temperature of Setia Eco Park as it is situated next to the Bukit Cerakah Forest Reserve, Zaini highlights.

The 791-acre Setia Eco Park development is a joint venture between S P Setia, the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Great Eastern Life Assurance (M) Bhd, and comprises only freehold semi-detached houses and bungalows.

With a lettable floor area of 86,323.63 sq ft, D’Network has 17 units in total, of which 10 are F&B outlets and seven are for services. An additional 10 retail units are being developed and will be launched in December, owing to increasing demand for a variety of F&B outlets at the retail hub.

“We are very excited about the latest development as this would allow us to widen the F&B offerings at our retail hub to ensure we are able to meet the expectations of our customers. This expansion was also in response to the community’s feedback for more variety in cuisines at D’Network,” says Zaini.

“We are also very proud to say that D’Network is the world’s first hybrid solar-powered F&B-focused retail hub,” he adds.

For its commitment to meeting the community’s expectations, D’Network was awarded The Edge Malaysia Property Development Excellence Award 2023 for Excellence in Township Community Hub.

The 3.61-acre hybrid solar-powered F&B-focused retail hub has a net lettable area of 86,323.63 sq ft and 518 photovoltaic panels installed on its rooftop – Pictures by S P Setia

Important to be different

As a small-scale retail hub, D’Network’s strategy is to create a niche market with unique tenants to drive footfall, says Setia Eco Park general manager Desmond Ong. “With the big boys in surrounding areas like Setia City Mall, Setia Taipan 1 and 2, and Sunsuria Forum, we needed to carve out a niche for ourselves as the go-to place for the local residents to enjoy convenience and a spot of relaxation. This strategy has helped us build a loyal customer base.

“In fact, Garden Grocer, which is the anchor tenant occupying 13,000 sq ft, is very different from other popular grocers in the Klang Valley like Jaya Grocer. What’s unique about this grocer is that it has its own traditional Chinese medicine and herbs hall and offers very fresh seafood from Sekinchan,” he shares.

Other notable tenants at D’Network include San Francisco Coffee, The Grange restaurant and bar, Grand Ya Lim seafood restaurant, Sushi Hana and Hikari Japanese restaurants, Mr Fish seafood noodle restaurant, Bo The Avocado smoothie café, YE Boulangerie & Patisserie bakery, R.E.A.L Kids preschool and Dr Ko skin and aesthetic clinic.

While attracting tenants to D’Network was challenging at the start, Ong says this is no longer the case. “Now, instead of us going to look for tenants, the tenants would come look for us. So, we have to be more selective and ensure that the tenants we select won’t compete with the existing tenants.”

According to Ong, the second-term tenancy renewal at D’Network was recently completed with a healthy 20% reversion rate that is in line with the market. “This is something that we are very pleased with as it means our tenants are enjoying growing and sustainable sales to be able to commit to the rent increment. It is very important to us that this community hub can continue to flourish.”

He adds that the rents for the additional 10 soon-to-open retail lots will be at least 30% higher than the current rate. “The new lots will command a higher rental because the demand is there and they will predominantly be F&B.”

The retail hub’s Feel the Earth lawn for people to practise grounding

In addition to the immediate Setia Eco Park community, D’Network also attracts visitors from the mature Setia Alam township nearby as well as from the wider Shah Alam and Klang areas.

It’s important to be niche and different, says Zaini. “Furthermore, the ambience at D’Network is totally different with its low-density, open-air concept that offers natural ventilation, better air quality and al fresco dining. It’s a good place for families.” He notes that D’Network currently enjoys an average footfall of about 20,000 monthly.

In line with its community building initiatives and to further boost the overall footfall of D’Network, the team continues to organise community events.

“We do a lot of community events, especially during all the major festive seasons in Malaysia, namely Chinese New Year, Hari Raya and Deepavali. We have also had live bands, workshops for children, cultural dances and community activities, which have received a lot of good response from the community as well as outside Setia Eco Park. We have also had Mercedes and BMW do car roadshows here, which have attracted a good crowd,” says Ong.

D’Network is designed to seamlessly integrate with the adjacent lake, with more than 50% of the total land area allocated for green spaces

“In fact, D’Network’s Aurora Night event in particular attracted a footfall of about 1,000 that night and it was standing room only. This type of event helps bring people to D’Network and once they have visited, they will come again.”

Meanwhile, a neighbourhood retail such as D’Network is especially helpful during the lockdowns imposed during the pandemic. “When people needed something that was within the allowed radius, they didn’t have to really go out to look for it. Plus, D’Network’s car park is very near the shops and grocer, so they can just park, grab and go,” says Ong.

D’Network has boosted the developer’s property sales, Ong adds. “During D’Network’s official launch on Sept 16, 2020, we locked in RM50 million in property sales on the day itself. This goes to show that nowadays, when people look for a place to stay, they want the facilities and convenience in terms of retail and services, especially F&B.”

Currently, Setia Eco Park is around 70% to 80% developed and has a resident population of about 8,000.

D’Network’s Summer Garden (left) and pet-friendly park (above) – Pictures by Sam Fong/The Edge

Sustainable feats

According to Zaini, D’Network has 518 photovoltaic panels installed on its rooftop, generating 345kWp of solar power that complements the traditional electricity grid supply. “Of this sustainable energy, 207kWp is dedicated to powering D’Network’s common areas, corridor lighting and fans, and the Symphony of Sustainability — the world’s first solar-powered musical fountain which charges up during the day and illuminates at night. This solar power also supplies energy to the Summer Garden, the pétanque court, the playground and the pet-friendly park. Last checked, we can save about RM4,000 a month in electricity consumption from using solar power,” he adds.

Meanwhile, the remaining 138kWp of solar power generated at D’Network is used to power Elizabeth Falls, a water feature nearby. “The English-inspired waterfall is the world’s first solar-powered hybrid waterfall,” says Zaini.

Another sustainable initiative at D’Network is food waste processing. “We have a food waste composting machine that recycles food waste from the F&B outlets and converts it into fertiliser that is used for the Summer Garden and all the landscape,” he adds.

In terms of building materials, Zaini highlights that approximately 45% of the materials used in the construction of D’Network were obtained from sustainable sources. “As an example, fair faced bricks were utilised due to their capacity to limit heat transfer from the external environment into the building, consequently reducing the need for air conditioning. The use of fair faced bricks also eliminates the necessity for plaster and paint, thereby reducing long-term maintenance as the building matures.”

In terms of future plans for D’Network, Zaini says there is limited space for future expansion after the 10 new retail lots are completed by the end of the year. “The only available commercial parcel left is our Setia Eco Park sales office, which is around six acres, which can be redeveloped after we complete the entire Setia Eco Park development and the rest of the staff are transferred to our corporate headquarters nearby.

“Nonetheless, if it [becomes too big], the ambience won’t be there any more. So, we will have to keep the balance in terms of size and its purpose as a neighbourhood mall.”

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 4): S P Setia scored double wins at MIP MyPLACE Awards 2023 with its Setia Bayuemas Lake Park and Setia EcoHill 2’s South Creek Park projects.

Setia Bayuemas Lake Park took the Emerald Winner in Category 3: Community and Neighbourhood Park (Subcategory 2: Private sector) while South Creek Park, located in Setia EcoHill 2, Semenyih, emerged as the Diamond Winner title in Category 2: City and Town Park (Subcategory 1: Below 50 Hectares).

Organised by the Malaysian Institute of Planners on Dec 1, MIP MyPLACE Awards acknowledges projects that emphasise initiatives for the improvement of public spaces and placemaking, which bring positive impacts and benefits to their local communities.

The Community and Neighbourhood Park award category acknowledges projects emphasising the creation, development, improvement, redevelopment, rejuvenation, and maintenance of community parks within neighbourhood areas.

The City and Town Park award category honours projects’ placemaking efforts in creating, improving, redeveloping, rejuvenating, and maintaining parks within their cities.

“The conservation of nature is the foundation for sustaining our planet, community, and economy. We are proud to be recognised by industry experts as the exemplar in developing green spaces. These accolades further fuel our commitment to continue shaping sustainable communities that enrich lifestyles, fostering a harmonious coexistence where both people and the environment thrive,” said Datuk Zaini Yusoff, chief operating officer of S P Setia.

“Through thorough research with ecologists and careful planning, we have integrated biomimicry elements into the design of Setia Bayuemas Lake Park. The outcome is a flourishing ecosystem where native fishes and aquatic life thrive, ensuring long-term sustainability,” said Razly Mohammad Rus, divisional general manager of S P Setia for Setia Bayuemas Lake Park.

As for South Creek Park, Koh Sooi Meng, divisional general manager of S P Setia for South Creek Park highlighted its role in bringing the community together, serving as a focal point for connection, communion, and rediscovering the bond with nature. “We believe in living a sustainable lifestyle without compromising the conveniences and quality of modern living. To minimise environmental impact, we adopt energy-efficient lighting and green infrastructures in the park,” said Koh.

Spanning 10 acres, Setia Bayuemas Lake Park serves as a focal point for residents to relax and engage in outdoor activities in the heart of southern Klang, Selangor. Sustainably designed to create a conducive living environment for native flora and fauna, the park exemplifies Setia’s commitment to creating sustainable communities while preserving biodiversity.

Nestled within Setia EcoHill 2 township in Semenyih, Selangor, South Creek Park is a vibrant community-centric space representing a seamless integration of communities and nature. Aligned with the township’s Live Green philosophy, South Creek Park features green hills, brooks, and creeks nestled within natural terrain.