Long renowned as one of Malaysia’s top business hubs, Penang houses more than 300 multinational corporations and is gaining traction as the Silicon Valley of the East.

The island is also a popular destination for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) in Asia, while local and international tourists are drawn to Penang’s rich cultural heritage, idyllic sea views and state-of-the-art modern amenities.

For business visitors, the Setia Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre – known as Setia SPICE – delivers a sterling integrated events experience a mere 10-minute drive from Penang International Airport.

Just next door is Amari SPICE Penang, a contemporary business hotel that recently won three awards at the prestigious HAPA Awards Malaysia Series 2023–2024.

Known as Asia’s Hospitality Oscars, the HAPA Awards recognised Amari SPICE Penang as Malaysia’s Best MICE Hotel and named the hotel’s general manager, Mr Noorazzudin Omar, one of the Top 20 General Managers in the Hospitality Personality category. Amari SPICE Penang also received the HAPA Award of Resilience, a special recognition given to hotels and hospitality establishments for overcoming challenges in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A BUSINESS TOURISM DESTINATION LIKE NO OTHER

Managed by the ONYX Hospitality Group, Amari SPICE Penang is the flagship Amari Hotel in Malaysia. With immediate connectivity to Setia SPICE, proximity to the airport, and modern facilities, it has become the go-to destination in Penang for domestic and international MICE organisers.

Conveniently situated in Penang’s central business district in Bayan Lepas, the hotel also remains within a 25-minute drive from popular attractions, such as Penang Hill, Penang Botanic Gardens and the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For business visitors, Amari SPICE Penang offers a range of amenities designed to replicate the comfort and efficiency of working from home.

Besides standard features such as free Wi-Fi and secure parking, the hotel provides a multilingual concierge, currency exchange and ample space for meetings and events – from small-group discussions to dinner-and-dance functions. It also has a team of specialised event planners ready to assist with organising the perfect gathering.

WORK ENDS, RELAXATION BEGINS

At Amari SPICE Penang, the end of a meeting-filled day should mark the beginning of a relaxing experience. Take your pick from more than 450 rooms, all stylishly designed with smart workspace features to cater to business and leisure needs.

Deluxe and Premier rooms provide views of hillside greenery, golf courses or the city skyline via floor-to-ceiling windows. Enjoy top-notch comfort with beds chosen for sleep quality and an ensuite rain shower. A dedicated workspace gives you space to focus, while the 50-inch TV with streaming capabilities and a wireless soundbar lets you unwind with your favourite shows. Premier room guests also have their own coffee machines for the perfect start to their day.

Executive and Executive Deluxe rooms provide Executive Lounge access, with benefits such as private check-in, meeting room usage and complimentary breakfast. The lounge boasts panoramic views from the 25th floor, best admired over cocktails and appetisers at sunset.

For a more luxurious experience with the same Executive Lounge privileges, the one-bedroom suites and the spacious 143-sq-m Amari Suite offer a home away from home, replete with lavish furnishings, rich textiles and charming Peranakan-inspired accents.

ENJOY THE ESCAPE

When it comes to dining, Amari SPICE Penang rises to the occasion with five restaurants and bars: The all-day, East-meets-West Amaya Food Gallery set in a tropical garden; the popular Amaya Bar, where guests can unwind over a drink; Cascade, for afternoon tea and evening get-togethers; and Aqua Bar for poolside refreshments. Soon to open is the rooftop D’Observatory Sky Bar, serving European and Asian tapas, cocktails inspired by local flavours, and expansive city views.

Fitness buffs can swim laps in the hotel’s 25m-long pool surrounded by lush greenery, hit the fully equipped FIT Centre for a quick workout or jog at the running track in Setia SPICE’s roof garden.

For a complete escape from work, a rejuvenating experience awaits at Breeze Spa. Try the Signature Mood Massage, or ask for a recommendation while relaxing in one of the five luxuriously appointed treatment rooms.

As Malaysia’s premier MICE hotel, Amari SPICE Penang welcomes guests intending to conduct business in comfort – and in between, experience best-in-class hospitality that makes work travel feel like a vacation.

Brighten your world of work and play at the vibrant Amari SPICE Penang.

• 959.72 acres of land in Tebrau, Johor disposed of for RM547.65m cash
• Datuk Choong Kai Wai, president & CEO of S P Setia: The sale of this land is in line with the group’s direction to optimise and rebalance its land bank whilst maintaining an efficient capital structure.

SETIA ALAM (July 5): S P Setia Bhd announced today of its disposal of freehold land measuring approximately 959.72 acres to Scientex Lestari Sdn Bhd for a cash consideration of RM547.65 million. The sale was executed through S P Setia’s indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Pelangi Sdn Bhd, following a conditional sale and purchase agreement signed on the same day.

According to a media release by S P Setia today, the land located in Mukim of Tebrau District of Johor Bahru “hold strong value due to their prime location along the Senai–Desaru Expressway (SDE)”.

Positioned approximately 18 km east of the Senai International Airport and 28 km north of Johor Bahru city centre, “the lands provide easy access to major transportation routes”.

Embrace your main character moment as you arrive at the Moroccan-inspired entrance of Casablanca 3 and be transported to the land of dreamy, luxuriously designed homes.

Inspired by the Oscar-winning film Casablanca, S P Setia Bhd — through its subsidiary I&P Alam Impian Sdn Bhd — will launch the third phase of cluster homes, named Casablanca 3, in its 1,235-acre Setia AlamImpian township in Shah Alam, Selangor, this month. The first and second phases were launched in September 2021 and 2022 respectively.

According to S P Setia executive vice-president Datuk Zaini Yusoff, the township was recently rebranded and has gone through a transformation. Embracing the concept of arts-inspired living, Setia AlamImpian is now divided into seven arts precincts, namely Digital Arts, Cinematic Arts, Musical Arts, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Industrial Arts and Minimalist Arts.

Nestled within the township’s Cinematic Arts precinct, the 1943 film-inspired Casablanca 3 features individual-titled double-storey semi-detached and cluster homes that exude comfort while staying connected to the natural surroundings of the township.

Spread across an 8.1-acre freehold tract adjacent to the previous phases, Casablanca 3 will offer 60 cluster homes and 12 semidees, with built-ups starting from 2,341 sq ft and 3,048 sq ft respectively.

Cluster homes and semidees, with land sizes of up to 4,060 sq ft, will offer 4 + 1 and 4 + 2 bedrooms respectively. With a gross development value of RM110.07 million, the units in Casablanca 3 are priced from RM1.61 million to RM2.08 million.

Designed to provide plenty of natural lighting and ventilation, plus paying homage to the development’s name, “[the homes in Casablanca 3 will have] geometric patterned vent blocks used as a form of screening, resulting in the natural play of light and shadow, as well as the use of raw and warm materiality in the use of brick at the front façade, combined with the expressive design of the roof form”, says Zaini.
“[For this phase] we also introduced a courtyard space [that can be accessed through the sliding door at the dining area] to invite more light and natural ventilation into the spaces as well as be an extension of social space for family, relatives and friends.”

Casablanca 3 will be different from its predecessors as the current phase will offer more enhanced features in terms of design and functionality. The semidees will have a rumpus room that can be converted into an additional bedroom, study or playroom, internal natural lighting via skylights that will be incorporated into the stairwell and a spacious master bedroom balcony. The cluster homes, on the other hand, will come with a central family space on the first floor with a sizeable balcony overlooking the courtyard on the ground floor.
For both unit types, the living space will be surrounded by a central courtyard that can be used as a garden or green space. There will also be a lanai, which provides direct access to the courtyard. To ease the process of storing and collecting online purchases, each unit in Casablanca 3 will have a dedicated parcel and food delivery compartment.

While facilities in the Cinematic Arts precinct are shared by its residents, Casablanca 3 is surrounded by an exclusive 2km walkway and jogging track and features that only the residents of this precinct will be able to enjoy.

As the homes are built to cater for families of all sizes, the developer is targeting first-time homebuyers, upgraders and investors, says Zaini.

“For Casablanca 3, just like its predecessors, the target market [we’re aiming for] are people who want to upgrade to bigger homes that come with extra space. With the launch of Casablanca 3, [buyers] will have a choice of either cluster or semidee homes, whichever that meets their needs and budget,” he adds.

The demand for bigger space has become more apparent after the Covid-19 pandemic, says Zaini. “Because of the pandemic that hit us the last couple of years, we were forced to stay home. Then, people began to realise that their current homes were not big enough and were incapable of providing additional rooms that could be used as spaces for working from home, online learning for their children and private indoor areas for exercising or relaxation.”

Casablanca 3 was designed to solve all those problems. Zaini points out that the function of homes is no longer a space to live in but rather a place to work, play and relax.

“The concept and function of a home have transcended beyond the four walls. Buyers nowadays are looking to use the spaces in their homes as personal offices, libraries and playrooms as well as workout and relaxation areas. This is why cluster or semidee homes will be in demand, as they provide ample indoor and outdoor spaces to cater for the growing needs of the current market.”
Besides the unique features in the Cinematic Arts precinct, the larger Setia AlamImpian township also provides a wide range of amenities that serve its community. Existing conveniences include the Masjid Alam Impian, Maahad Integrasi Tahfiz Sains dan Teknologi Klang, Balai Polis Alam Impian, Shell petrol station as well as various F&B outlets such as Starbucks, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and Secret Recipe, pharmacies like Watsons, as well as retail stores and supermarkets at Impian Prisma’s shopoffices.

Of the 1,235 acres, about 598 acres of the township have been developed.

According to Zaini, the township has over 3,000 completed residential properties and is home to an estimated population of more than 12,000. He estimates that the township will grow to a population of more than 80,000 when it is fully completed by 2036, with a total of 20,226 residential units.

In the next few months, the township will witness the completion of some new developments, including the LakePoint Gallerie, which will be the new welcome centre for Setia AlamImpian that is targeted to open by mid-July.

The 31-acre LakePoint Park, which has been undergoing upgrading and enhancement works, will be ready in July. Showcasing the township’s artsy concept, the park will feature a one-of-a-kind musical fountain.

Also welcoming visitors from July onwards is the LakePoint Central retail centre, which will house UrbanMarketPlace as its anchor tenant in December. The LakePoint Club, which serves as a clubhouse for the township’s residents, will officially open its doors in August.

To ease the burden of working parents in Setia AlamImpian, the all-new Eaton International School will accept students from September onwards.

Setia AlamImpian’s strategic location appeals to many property seekers. The township is located just 8km from the Shah Alam city centre and is near mature townships such as Kota Kemuning, Subang Jaya and Klang. It also enjoys convenient access to various highways, including the Kemuning-Shah Alam Highway (LKSA), Shah Alam Expressway (Kesas), Federal Highway and the upcoming West Coast Expressway (WCE).

PETALING JAYA: S P Setia won the BCI Asia’s Top 10 Developer Award for the twelfth time at the BCI Asia Awards 2023, strengthening its position as one of the leading property developers in Malaysia.

Present to receive the award was S P Setia executive vice-president Datuk Zaini Yusoff who will be appointed as COO effective July 1, 2023. The award was presented by the Works Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad along with BCI Central Malaysia general manager Kok Sook Leng and Decorative Jotun general sales manager Kenny Bi.

The BCI Asia Top 10 Developer Award honours leading property developers with regard to the value of their project portfolios under construction during the last calendar year, and their contribution to the built environment, measured by the extent of their sustainability and confirmed local green building ratings.

“We are humbled to be continuously recognised as the nation’s top developer which is a testament to our never-ending efforts in building sustainable environments for our stakeholders.

“With our Net Zero 2050 goal now set in stone for our newly launched Sustainability Roadmap, we are committed to being the leading developer in creating sustainable communities and enriching lifestyles through greener strategies,” said Zaini.

S P Setia has won 12 BCI Asia Top 10 Developer Awards in a row since 2011.

KUALA LUMPUR (June 19): Mah Sing Group Bhd announced that it has signed a sale and purchase agreement with Petaling Garden Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of S P Setia Bhd, on Monday (June 19) to acquire a 500-acre freehold land in Semenyih for RM392.04 million.

The land has an estimated gross development value (GDV) of RM3.3 billion and will be planned as an integrated township to be named Glengowrie Estate, Mah Sing’s largest township in the Klang Valley.

This is Mah Sing’s most significant land acquisition in recent years, said Mah Sing founder and group managing director Tan Sri Leong Hoy Kum in a statement, and the scale of the project will allow for “very good master planning”.

“The acquisition will increase our township lands which will cater for demand for landed residential properties in the suburbs… Glengowrie Estate will build on the success of our affordable landed and township developments such as M Senyum in Salak Tinggi; M Aruna, M Panora and M Residence 1 and 2 in Rawang; Southville City in Bangi; and Meridin East in Johor.

“Glengowrie Estate is envisioned as an integrated and sustainable township in Semenyih where residents’ lifestyles are self-contained and do not require them to travel far to fulfil their daily needs. With its strategic location in Semenyih and approximately 30 minutes from Kuala Lumpur, we believe this development will appeal to first-time home buyers who prefer to live in a self-contained township development away from the city. The development is also suitable for young families who live with their children and parents,” Leong said.

Disposal part of S P Setia’s plan to improve capital efficiency

In a separate statement, S P Setia said the disposal of the 500-acre land is part of its strategic plan to improve capital efficiency by monetising identified land banks and to align with its long-term plan of a lighter asset structure.

“The sale of this land is a good move for us. The sale proceeds will be used for investment into strategic projects developments as well as debt repayment. We are confident that this sale will contribute positively to S P Setia’s profits and is a step towards achieving the company’s long-term goals. S P Setia remains committed to delivering high-quality projects and creating value for its stakeholders,” said S P Setia Bhd president and chief executive officer Datuk Choong Kai Wai.

Mah Sing landbank rises to 2,418 acres worth RM26.86 bil

The land deal will increase Mah Sing’s landbank to 2,418 acres, with a total remaining GDV and unbilled sales of RM26.86 billion.

“This is Mah Sing’s third land acquisition this year, following the acquisition of M Tiara, a 75.7-acre freehold land in Mukim Pulai, Johor Bahru, with an estimated GDV of approximately RM480 million on June 13. In January, the group also acquired an eight-acre plot of land in Puchong to develop M Hana and M Terra, a transit environment district (TED) development with a total estimated GDV of approximately RM726 million,” Leong said.

The development charge, improvement service fund and part of the integrated water supply scheme costs have been paid by the vendor, and part of the external infrastructure has also been completed. “An undulating land form allows Mah Sing the opportunity to explore unique designs and creative opportunities while maximising land use,” Mah Sing’s statement read.

According to preliminary plans, Glengowrie Estate will be developed with two-storey landed homes, amenities and commercial lots. The residential homes will be priced starting from RM446,800 indicatively.

The proposed development is expected to commence by 3Q2024 and to be developed over eight to 10 years. Registration of interest for the project, which is aimed at potential buyers living in Semenyih, Kajang, Seri Kembangan, Bangi and Seremban, is expected to start in 2024.

PETALING JAYA: S P Setia Bhd has clinched a double World Gold win at the FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Awards 2023, setting the record once again as the Malaysian property developer with the most wins with a total of 17 World Golds under its belt.

One of S P Setia’s award-winning Eco-series developments, Setia Eco Templer in Rawang, bagged the top accolade in the master plan category while Setia V Residences, Penang also took the top spot under the residential high rise category.

“Being recognised by this prestigious award again this year is a testament to our continuous efforts in shaping a better tomorrow for our communities and generations to come through the homes and spaces we build,” president and chief executive officer Datuk Choong Kai Wai said in a statement.

“With our focus on creating a greener future, we commit to being the drivers of change by transforming the way we live, integrating sustainable practices through our developments and operations, and crafting spaces that inspire, whilst being guided by our recently launched Sustainability Roadmap where we aim to achieve Net Zero by 2050,” he added.

Setia Eco Templer and Setia V Residences were also the winners under the master plan and residential high rise categories at the FIABCI Malaysia Property Award 2022 in March this year.

DESARU: S P Setia Bhd clinched four Honour Awards in the Developer’s Landscape Development Award and Landscape Master Plan Award of the 13th Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards.

The event was held by the Institute of Landscape Architectures Malaysia at The Westin Desaru Coast, Johor yesterday.

The Landscape Development Award recognises site-specific areas or large-scale projects which incorporate a wide range of landscape values and benefits through their architectural planning and design.

The Landscape Master Plan Award honours large-scale landscape development planning undertaken by a developer which is judged via a comprehensive landscape analysis exercise.

Under the Developer Category, S P Setia’s Setia Bayuemas Lake Park and Setia Alamsari Canal Park received the Honour Awards for the Landscape Development Award, while Setia Alam and Setia EcoHill Walk were both recognised under the Landscape Master Plan Award with Honour Awards.

“Our accolades reflect our dedication and passion towards placemaking and creating spaces that inspire and leave a lasting positive impact on the communities we serve. We strive to adopt creative, innovative and sustainable strategies with our landscapes to positively shape the world we live in,” said Datuk Yuslina Mohd Yunus, executive vice-president of S P Setia in a statement.

Located within S P Setia’s Setia Bayuemas township development in Klang, the 10-acre Setia Bayuemas Lake Park is sustainably landscaped through efforts including retaining matured trees which have been attracting 19 native bird species and planting treelets to help reduce greenhouse gases,.

It also creates a nursery habitat for Lubuk fish to feed and grow, introducing the Dragonfly Water Garden with semi-aquatic plants that naturally clean the water, as well as utilising solar power for lighting.

Setia Alamsari Canal Park in Kajang is one of the eight main parks in the township.

The 11.3-acre Canal Park has three pre-existing lakes which were transformed the become the township’s only park with a fountain feature that benefits aquatic life by aerating the waters.

With the intention to create a park for active living, jogging and cycling tracks were added around the lake and landscaped areas.

Exercise equipment and a giant slide for children were also added to encourage outdoor recreation.

Setia Alam, S P Setia’s first flagship township, has 400 acres of green areas with landscaped waterways and naturally existing shrubs that were maintained. Solar powered lamps are used at the parks to reduce the use of electricity.

Residents can enjoy the jogging trails which weave through the township’s parks and resting areas in the gardens are within reach to provide ample outdoor space to relax and recuperate.

Datuk Zaini Yusoff has been appointed as S P Setia Bhd’s new chief operating officer (COO), beginning July 1, 2023, to strengthen the company’s operating model and promote growth via transformation.

According to a statement, Zaini will report to the company’s chief executive officer, Datuk Choong Kai Wai.

“Promoting Zaini is part of our internal succession planning. We truly have the best-in-class team, and with him taking on the COO role, I’m confident we will continue to progress strongly in 2023 with a robust operating model that will empower our team to deliver an unmatched calibre of properties and services to our customers,” said Choong.

Zaini, a civil engineer, is currently the executive vice president of S P Setia, a position which he has held since July 1, 2020.

He joined S P Setia in 2017 as divisional general manager following the acquisition of I & P Group Sdn Bhd by S P Setia.

Before joining S P Setia, Zaini,was the COO of I & P Group Sdn Bhd.

He started his career at Penang City Council, Asia Control System Impac and Shimizu Corporation before joining I & P Group in 1991 and subsequently rising through the ranks within the organisation.

KUALA LUMPUR: S P Setia Bhd’s township development, Setia EcoHill 2 in Semenyih is launching the first phase of its commercial development, Nadi, this week.

Nadi is located within the commercial precinct of the township, Setia Commerce Square.

In a statement, the developer said Nadi, the first shop office phase, contains three phases of shop offices and is estimated to have a gross development value of RM500 mil, occupying 34 acres out of the 1,010-acre Setia EcoHill 2 which is planned to be completed by 2026.

It offers 86 shop office units, of which 80 are double- and triple-storey terraced units and 6 are double-storey semi-detached units.

S P Setia said 80% of Nadi has already been booked following a preview on March 25.

Nadi’s terraced shop offices measure 26 ft by 75 ft for double-storey intermediate units and 42 ft by 75 ft and 46 ft by 75 ft for the triple-storey corner units. The built-up ranges from 3,494 to 8,642 sq ft, with starting price of RM1.55 mil.

The double-storey semi-detached shop offices have a land area of 70 ft by 148 ft and built-ups from 5,566 sq ft, priced from RM3.7 mil.

Apart from shop offices, Setia EcoHill 2’s Setia Commerce Square is also actively looking for a strategic partner to develop its petrol station land.

Separately, S P Setia has appointed Philip Tan Puay Koon as senior independent non-executive director in place of Datuk Ahmad Pardas Senin.

Ahmad Pardas retired as director of the company upon the conclusion of the 48th annual general meeting which was held on April 27.

Eighty underprivileged children were treated to a breaking of fast event by developer S P Setia.

Held at its Setia Experience Centre in Kepala Batas, Penang, the event was to show kindness to B40 and asnaf (tithe recipient) children from SK Pokok Sena and Inapan Kasih Sayang, a childcare centre for orphans and asnaf children, by creating a memorable experience for them.

The event was hosted by S P Setia executive vice-president Datuk Zaini Yusoff.

Also present were S P Setia Foundation management committee, branding and communications group head Adelene Wong and S P Setia divisional general manager Ricky Yeo.

The evening started with a nasyid performance by children from SK Pokok Sena.

This was followed by the breaking of fast and a light show at Setia Fontaines’ newly opened musical fountain.

Each child also received goodie bags and duit raya worth RM50 from S P Setia Foundation management committee, Zaini and S P Setia executive vice-president Datuk Yuslina Mohd Yunus.