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PETALING JAYA (March 27): REHDA Institute has embarked on its Asia Real Estate Leaders (AREL) Study Tour to the United Kingdom, with stops across London, Bristol, Bath and Cambridge, as part of its efforts to strengthen global knowledge exchange and leadership development within Malaysia’s real estate sector.
The delegation is led by industry figures including Datuk Jeffrey Ng Tiong Lip, Datuk Ho Hon Sang, Tan Sri Eddy Chen, Datuk Ng Seing Liong and Datuk NK Tong, stated REHDA Institute in a media release.
“This study tour builds on our objective of gaining critical international insights and benchmarking best practices that can be meaningfully adapted to the Malaysian real estate sector.
“As our urban landscapes continue to evolve in complexity, it is essential for industry stakeholders to translate these learnings into practical strategies that support more resilient, liveable and strategically developed cities,” said Tiong Lip.
London focus on urban regeneration and housing
As part of its London programme, the delegation participated in the Urban Futures Forum, organised by REHDA Institute and co-hosted by Foster + Partners.
The session featured senior partner and deputy studio head Toby Blunt, senior partner and head of urban design Bruno Moser and director of Foster + Partners Thailand Sunphol Sorakul, who shared insights into global urban regeneration strategies.
Case studies presented included landmark developments such as the Bloomberg Headquarters, noted for its high BREEAM sustainability rating, as well as Canary Wharf Station and the Battersea Power Station.
These projects highlighted integrated approaches to planning, design and long-term value creation in shaping sustainable urban environments.
Engagement with London mayor’s office
The delegation was also received by the Office of the Mayor of London, led by Sir Sadiq Khan and represented during the session by deputy mayor for housing and residential development Tom Copley.
In his keynote address, Copley outlined London’s housing policies, planning frameworks and ongoing efforts to address affordability and supply challenges within a highly urbanised environment.
Gamuda Land project visit offers PBSA insights
The programme also included a site visit to Gamuda Land’s purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in Woolwich, in southeast London, along Beresford Street within the Royal Arsenal regeneration area.
The visit was hosted by Gamuda Land’s chief executive officer Gim Teck Yew, chief operating officer Jess Teng from Malaysia and head of Gamuda UK Niall Farmer, who shared insights into the planning, design and operational aspects of PBSA as an emerging asset class within urban housing ecosystems.
“Our experience in delivering PBSA in the UK reflects the importance of understanding evolving urban living needs.
“These models can offer valuable reference points for Malaysia, particularly in addressing youth housing and transitional accommodation,” said Gim.
The PBSA model highlights a professionally managed, amenity-driven housing solution tailored for students, with potential relevance to Malaysia’s youth housing initiatives, including youth transit homes like Rumah Belia MADANI, where flexibility and community-oriented living are key considerations.
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