KUALA LUMPUR: Steel prices are expected to increase between 10% and 15% in the next few months on the resumption of private and public construction activities after the Chinese New Year celebrations, says OSK Research.

It said average selling prices of steel products escalated since December 2009, but the increase was mainly driven by the cost-push element.

KUALA LUMPUR: Hock Heng Stone Industries Bhd's order book, which currently stands at RM30 million, is expected to increase as the company has submitted bids worth RM50 million to supply dimension stones for several property projects.

KUALA LUMPUR: Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Bhd (Stanchart) and Standard Chartered Saadiq Bhd will increase their base lending rate (BLR) and base financing rate (BFR) respectively from 5.55% to 5.80% per annum, effective March 10.

KUALA LUMPUR: Bolton Bhd plans to have four new launches with a total gross development value (GDV) of RM1 billion in the Klang Valley this year.

One of the projects called sixceylon in Bukit Ceylon is located on a one-acre tract where the current Bolton Court sits. Bolton Court is one of the developer’s earliest condominium projects in Kuala Lumpur.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) is inviting applicants for its 2010 full scholarships.

The MBAM Education Fund Scholarships Awards 2010 are open to those applying for or are currently undertaking undergraduate courses related to the construction industry in 15 institutions locally.

TAIPEI: Property investment and advisory firm Jones Lang LaSalle will raise its Greater China staff by 5% this year on a robust commercial property market outlook, an executive said on March 9.

(from left) Tan, Abdul Rahman, Lim and Yeo at the official opening of the Eastin Hotel Penang

GEORGE TOWN: A five-star hotel, convention centre, hospital and high-end condominiums are among the projects planned by the CP Group at its Queensbay site.

HONG KONG: Morgan Stanley has agreed to sell back its 50% stake in a residential project in Guangzhou's Foshan city to joint-venture partner Hon Kwok Land Investment for HK$200 million (RM86.19 million).

HONG KONG: Beijing's super-loose monetary policy and unprecedented stimulus measures boosted investment in the mainland's real estate industry to a record 3.6 trillion yuan (RM1.77 trillion) last year.

KUALA LUMPUR: Twelve contractors got a huge windfall this Chinese New Year when Bukit Kiara Properties Sdn Bhd (BKP) paid out over RM300,000 as a special bonus to them for meeting high quality standards in its project, VERVE Suites in Mont'Kiara, Kuala Lumpur.