KUALA LUMPUR (March 25): Co-working and flex space provider WORQ launched its eighth outlet at Sunway Putra Mall in Kuala Lumpur on Monday. The outlet has achieved 100% occupancy since its opening in January this year. 

The outlet’s tenants include companies from industries such as technology, financial technology (fintech) and travel agencies, as well as digital nomads via Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)’s DE Rantau programme. 

Spanning 20,000 sq ft, the outlet at Sunway Putra Mall is WORQ’s seventh outlet that is connected to the Klang Valley’s intercity transit rail system — PWTC LRT station and the Putra KTM station.

In her opening address during the official launch event on Monday, WORQ chief executive officer (CEO) and co-founder Stephanie Ping said, “We are building our outlets on train lines and it is an infrastructure of a network of offices within 10 minutes [of] where you are. Many of our coworking members have switched from driving to taking the trains to work, and are more productive now. 

“This infrastructure is also extremely important, not just for Malaysian companies, but also for overseas companies, to set up and create jobs here. Whenever I go to our spaces, I hear so many accents because these companies come from everywhere. Some of these overseas companies hire Malaysians; they train and place them in this network of offices. Let’s face it, they don’t want to build offices; they would rather we build it and use it,” she added. 

Officiating the launch of the outlet was the Minister of Transport Anthony Loke Siew Fook. In his speech, he said, “WORQ’s initiative to strategically position its outlets near public transportation hubs is truly commendable and a smart move, as it utilises our assets. 

“In doing so, they are not only encouraging the use of public transportation among office workers but also actively contributing to our nation’s efforts to reduce car dependency toward a greener and energy-efficient commuting culture. This aligns perfectly with Malaysia’s commitment to adapting to sustainable practices and mitigating the effects of climate change.”

The outlet at Sunway Putra Mall will offer private offices, dedicated desks, hot desks, meeting rooms and an event space, among others. Ping revealed that most of the fittings in the outlet were upcycled from a previous retail space, with about only 20% of additional renovation work. In an effort to reduce material waste, she said materials and products used for this outlet were sourced from overstock construction materials. 

Representing Sunway Real Estate Investment Trust (Sunway REIT), the CEO Clement Chen said, “We know that it is actually very stressful to be in working spaces, which is why co-working spaces nowadays are incorporating facilities such as fancy pantries, games room and resting areas. More importantly for ourselves, it’s the footfall that the new outlet is bringing into our mall. There will be more revenue generated from our F&B (food & beverage), entertainment, and other retail outlets”.

Meanwhile, Ping revealed that WORQ will be opening a new outlet at Intermark in Kampung Datuk Keramat, Kuala Lumpur in July this year. The mall is connected to the Ampang Park LRT and MRT stations.