Growing up in a kampung with his grandparents, architect Adrianta Aziz enjoyed constructing things from recycled materials. “I made models such as buildings and excavators from the materials,” Adrianta tells City & Country in an interview at the PAM Centre in Bangsar. “After moving i...

Building and shaping communities through architecture

Growing up in the small fishing village of Pontian Kechil in Johor, Rien Tan led a simple life with no high-rises, shopping malls or cinemas. He did, however, see them on programmes screened by the TV channels of neighbouring Singapore and dreamt of one day designing such tall buildings. From the...

Designworks: Turning a dream into reality

The last time City & Country spoke to Puncakdana Sdn Bhd was two years ago, on the launch of Myara Park in Ara Damansara.

Scheduled for completion in 2025, the low-density, freehold mixed-use Myara Park has a gross development value (GDV) of nearly RM200 million. The 23-sto...

Cover Story: A master-planned project in the works

It isn’t every day that a house comes with a lift core space so that the owner may install a lift to the third storey. With Winfar Group’s Seraiya by the Hill (Seraiya) development, buyers will have that option.

“We are building a multigeneration home,” says executive director Chong Yoo...

Multigenerational living in Bukit Serdang

Subang Parade, the iconic shopping centre of the 1980s and 90s will be undergoing asset enhancement to meet the growing demands of its customers and stay relevant to the community. Real estate investment trust Hektar REIT acquired the property in 2006 and has upgraded the mall over time. The latest exercise sees it setting aside RM41 million to upgrade the mall while retaining its charm.

Revitalising a Subang Jaya icon

A chance meeting in 2023 between home-grown hospitality business Equatorial Group’s CEO Donald Lim and Thailand’s ONYX Hospitality Group CEO Yuthachai Charanachitta has led to an upcoming resort development on Thailand’s Phuket Island, and the Equatorial Group’s first international EQ offering.

EQ Phuket to open in 2028

Hailing from Germany, renowned architect Ole Scheeren is known for innovative designs that integrate architecture with urbanism and the local flavour of a place.

Scheeren is principal of Büro Ole Scheeren, founded in 2010 and headquartered in Beijing, with offices in Hong Kong, Berlin a...

Designworks: Telling stories of culture through architecture

Penang’s residential property market was active in the second quarter of this year, backed by major infrastructure developments such as the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT), Penang Silicon Island project and the Ayer Itam-Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Bypass Road, says Nawawi Tie Leung (NTL) Prope...

The Edge Malaysia | Nawawi Tie Leung Property Consultants Penang Housing Property Monitor 2Q2024: Penang’s residential property market gained traction in second quarter

Situated on 116 acres of reclaimed land at the southern tip of Tanjung Puteri in Johor Bahru, Johor, and directly across the Straits of Johor from Singapore is the R&F Princess Cove development by China-based property developer R&F Group. The project boasts a gross development value of RM...

Cover Story: R&F Group’s latest residential phase at R&F Princess Cove in Johor set for launch

The cover story of the Dec 9 issue of City & Country features an interview with boutique developer Puncakdana Sdn Bhd.

Exploring new opportunities

R&F Group Malaysia, a wholly-owned subsidiary of China’s R&F Group, is set to launch the third residential phase, comprising 4,385 units, at its 116-acre R&F Princess Cove development in Johor Bahru in 1Q2025.

Building a landmark in a gateway city

In the suburban neighbourhood of SS12 in Subang Jaya, residents’ needs are met by the mini commercial area on Jalan SS12/1B. Each of the 14 two-storey shophouses measures 1,320 sq ft and has a built-up area of 2,300 sq ft. The commercial area is quiet during weekdays and busy on weekends, often l...

Streetscapes: A cosy enclave in SS12, Subang Jaya

At a record price tag of almost RM1,800 psf, The Light City in Gelugor is set to feature the most expensive project in Penang with the upcoming launch of Lightwater Residences, says IJM Land Bhd CEO Datuk Tony Ling.

In an exclusive interview with City & Country, he explains...

The Light City to launch Penang’s most expensive condo

When Bukit Jalil in southern Kuala Lumpur was still a rural area covered by rubber plantations in the 1980s, multi-industry conglomerate Berjaya Group emerged as a pioneer developer of the area, securing approval for a 400-acre freehold master plan, which included its first and only golf course c...

Cover Story: Meeting the demand for upmarket living in Bukit Jalil

Pahang Islamic Affairs, Rural Development, and Orang Asli Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Seri Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad has confirmed that a video alleging the allocation of durian plantation land in Pahang to retired soldiers is fake.

Video alleging durian land allocation is actually Skim Tanah Rakyat land rights handover, says Pahang MP's rep

The launch of a new direct route from Chennai to Penang, via IndiGo, commencing on Saturday, marks a significant milestone in enhancing connectivity, generating economic opportunities, and solidifying Penang’s position as a regional air travel hub.

Direct route from Chennai elevates Penang as key regional air travel hub, says exco

The world’s biggest stablecoin issuer, Tether Holdings Ltd, is on track to close the year with more than US$10 billion (RM45.07 billion) in net profits, chief executive officer Paolo Ardoino said in an interview.

World’s largest stablecoin issuer Tether sees US$10b in net profits for 2024

BNP Paribas SA finalised the €5.1 billion (US$5.3 billion or RM24.0 billion) purchase of Axa SA’s asset management unit, in the biggest acquisition under chief executive officer Jean-Laurent Bonnafe.

BNP Paribas signs €5.1b deal to buy Axa’s asset manager

At least five people were killed in a car-ramming attack at a German Christmas market in the city of Magdeburg that also left more than 200 injured, officials said, and a Saudi man was arrested on suspicion of driving a car into the crowd.

Death toll in German Christmas market car-ramming rises to five, more than 200 injured

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s pursuit of closer ties with China has raised private questions from Donald Trump’s incoming administration, European diplomats and even some senior British officials.

UK's Starmer is deepening China ties while allies turn away

The US Congress passed spending legislation early on Saturday in a down-to-the wire burst of activity that will avert a destabilising government shutdown ahead of the busy holiday travel season.

US Senate passes govt funding bill, averts shutdown

Honda and Nissan are considering producing vehicles in one another's factories as part of their plan to deepen ties and potentially merge, Japan's Kyodo news agency said on Saturday.

Honda and Nissan mulling mutual production of vehicles, Kyodo reports

The Cabinet draft paper on the separation of powers between the attorney general (AG) and the public prosecutor (PP) is expected to be ready by the middle of next year, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Draft paper on separation of AG powers expected to be ready by mid-2025 — PM

The government will continue its Special Appreciation for Pensioners (PKKP) initiative, aimed at supporting affected pensioners and derivative pension recipients, to ensure the welfare of this group is well taken care of.

Govt to continue special appreciation for pensioners — PM

The Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) has warned that it will take a firm stance against associations that openly announce price hikes, minimum pricing or new trading conditions, particularly through the media.

MyCC warns stern action against cartel activities by associations

At least five people were killed in a car-ramming attack at a German Christmas market in the city of Magdeburg that also left more than 200 injured, officials said, and a Saudi man was arrested on suspicion of driving a car into the crowd.

Pahang Islamic Affairs, Rural Development, and Orang Asli Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Seri Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad has confirmed that a video alleging&nbsp;the allocation of durian plantation land in Pahang to retired soldiers is fake.

The government will continue its Special Appreciation for Pensioners (PKKP) initiative, aimed at supporting affected pensioners and derivative pension recipients, to ensure the welfare of this group is well taken care of.

Honda and&nbsp;Nissan are considering producing vehicles in one another's factories as part of their plan to&nbsp;deepen ties&nbsp;and potentially merge, Japan's Kyodo news agency said on Saturday.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s pursuit of closer ties with China has raised private questions from Donald Trump’s incoming administration, European diplomats and even some senior British officials.

With Donald Trump set to return to the White House in January, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed confidence in Malaysia’s ability to safeguard its foreign policy and economic priorities amid&nbsp;evolving global dynamics.

Malaysia to adapt to Trump era, says Anwar

Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) expects inflation to rise in 2025, driven by domestic policy reforms such as RON95 fuel subsidy rationalisation and an expanded sales and service&nbsp;tax (SST) scope. &nbsp;

HLIB sees higher inflation in 2025 on RON95 subsidy rationalisation, expanded SST scope

The world’s biggest stablecoin issuer, Tether Holdings Ltd, is on track to close the year with more than US$10 billion (RM45.07 billion) in net profits, chief executive officer Paolo Ardoino said in an interview.

The Johor government has completed seven housing projects, categorised as ‘sick’ and abandoned, this year, representing an estimated property value of about RM700 million.

Seven 'sick' housing projects worth RM700m completed in Johor, says exco

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday called for an immediate end to any narratives involving racial profiling in the context of aid distribution and efforts to combat hardcore poverty in the country.

Anwar calls for end to racial profiling narratives in tackling hardcore poverty

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to meet with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Langkawi to discuss regional strategic issues and Asean developments.

Anwar to meet Prabowo, Thaksin in Langkawi next week to discuss regional issues, Asean

The Cabinet draft paper&nbsp;on the separation of powers between the attorney general (AG) and the public prosecutor (PP)&nbsp;is expected to be ready by the middle of next year, said Prime Minister&nbsp;Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated his commitment to upholding judicial independence and advancing governance reforms, stressing that he has not interfered&nbsp;in judicial matters during his two years in office.

Anwar says never interfered in judiciary, no compromise on any power abuse in Cabinet

Among the key agenda when Malaysia takes over the chairmanship of Asean next year are the Asean Energy Grid and digitalisation initiatives, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Asean Power Grid, digitalisation among key agenda as Malaysia assumes Asean chairmanship in 2025 — PM

BNP Paribas SA finalised the €5.1 billion (US$5.3 billion or RM24.0 billion) purchase of Axa SA’s asset management unit, in the biggest acquisition under chief executive officer Jean-Laurent Bonnafe.

The Malaysian government is constantly striving to repatriate its citizens who have fallen victim to job scams in Myanmar, said Foreign Minister&nbsp;Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

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