Latest news with #FIABCIWorldPrixd'ExcellenceAwards2025
Barnama
9 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
Local Property Developers Win 5 Gold Medals At FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence Awards 2025
PUTRAJAYA, June 14 (Bernama) -- Nine projects developed by local property developers managed to win five gold medals and four silver medals at the prestigious FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence Awards 2025 in Lagos, Nigeria last Thursday. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the success proved the potential and high capabilities of local property developers to compete globally. "The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) will continue to recognise and honour the best developers in the country as it reflects the MADANI Government's aspiration in strengthening local talent and raising Malaysia's reputation globally,' he said in a statement today.
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Living in nature's nurturing embrace
Seremban's wetland park provides functional ecological system and recreational space NATURE is a wonderful thing that transcends mere visual delight. It enriches people's lives in profound ways. Around the world, there is a growing emphasis to integrate green spaces within residential developments to nurture human well-being. A prime example in Malaysia is the 22-acre Wetland Park at the heart of OSK Property's 1,717-acre Iringan Bayu sustainable township in Seremban, Negri Sembilan. More than just a token landscaping feature, it is a thriving and self-sustaining ecosystem that aids biodiversity while affording residents a place to rejuvenate the senses and nourish the soul. When one feels the healing power of nature, they forge deep emotional connections and would be inspired to adopt more eco-friendly lifestyles to protect it. This is testament to OSK Property's innovative approach to placemaking, according to its chief executive officer Ong Ghee Bin. 'We believe that a home is more than just four walls. It's an environment that enhances well-being, fosters connections and supports every stage of life. 'Our developments are designed to be safe, inclusive and walkable, with ample green spaces and access to amenities that promote physical and mental health,' he shared. This was why the Wetland Park became a key feature of the masterplan. It was about building a lifestyle that values wholesome living and promotes a sense of environmental stewardship. These factors contributed to the development winning the Environmental Category of FIABCI-Malaysia's prestigious Malaysia Property Award™ 2024. Now, it has also earned global recognition with a Gold Award in the same category of the FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence Awards 2025. This brought the company's ever-growing list of domestic and international accolades to over 150, underscoring its commitment to quality, innovation and sustainable development. Besides FIABCI and FIABCI Malaysia, OSK Property has also garnered citations from The Edge Property Excellence Awards, StarProperty Awards and the Malaysia Developer Awards. 'Each accolade marks a validation of our long-term vision – to create not just developments, but communities that thrive economically, socially and ecologically. 'These achievements are also a reflection of our teams' dedication and our stakeholders' trust,' Ong continued. Uplifting the soul Iringan Bayu Wetland Park was born from a desire to make nature an integral component of residents' daily lives. Instead of a regular water retention pond, the developer saw an opportunity to create a nature reserve that doubled up as a recreational space. Completed in December 2019, it was filled with carefully curated native flora – many of which are endangered species. This in turn attracted wildlife like birds and beneficial insects. Today, the park is a 'living' ecosystem that brings the best of nature right to residents' doorsteps. It is also open to the public, as nature is meant to be shared by all. Pathways meander around the landscape and lead to viewing decks where one can gaze upon vast expanses of lush greenery, punctuated by colorful blooms. The water reflects dramatic interplays with the sky, interrupted occasionally by birds and insects fluttering about. Cooling breezes gently caress everything and everyone around. Indeed, that was what inspired Iringan Bayu's name. One is sure to notice the fresher air and cooler micro-climate here. This makes it ideal for healthy pursuits. Jogging and cycling trails enable residents to stay fit and energised, while open spaces allow the hosting of educational activities and gatherings. There are also 24 art sculptures and installations scattered around the area. Besides bird-spotting, residents can also engage in sculpture-spotting. It all adds up to a more wholesome quality of life – where one can spend cherished moments with loved ones, in total harmony with nature. 'These are key considerations when we plan townships. By integrating parks, cycling lanes, playgrounds, community spaces and green corridors into the urban fabric, we build places that are familiar yet forward looking – with a balance of comfort, functionality and sustainability. 'We also focus on long-term safety and liveability by embedding climate-resilient infrastructure and nature-based solutions,' Ong pointed out. The Wetland Park has trails and lookout points where one can try spotting the 24 art sculptures among the greenery. Natural rejuvenation Wetland parks are among nature's most effective tools for mitigating climate change in urban environments. They filter pollutants, replenish groundwater and act as carbon sinks – all of which are critical in urban settings where concrete typically dominates. At Iringan Bayu Wetland Park, the carefully selected wetland plants serve as a biological water management system. Their roots absorb and store pollutants from rainwater and other aquatic sources, significantly cleaning up murky water before it flows into nearby rivers. More importantly, the wetland also retains stormwater. This not only mitigates flooding risks but also reduces the need for extensive stormwater drainage infrastructure. Compared to a typical flood retention pond, the wetland features allowed the developer to increase green surface area by 55%, further strengthening the area's ecological and social value. Plants are a natural air purifier. They absorb pollutants and sequester carbon, helping to improve air quality as well as reducing carbon footprints and ambient temperatures. The cooler environment cuts down the need for artificial cooling inside homes, translating to lower energy consumption and more sustainable lifestyles. 'Iringan Bayu Wetland Park is not a conventional landscaped park. It's a functional ecological system that provides real and measurable benefits to human living. 'What sets it apart from other green spaces is its multi-faceted role in managing stormwater and floods while simultaneously improving air quality and cooling the micro-climate, supporting biodiversity and above all else, serving as a vital recreational space for the community. 'It avoided the carbon cost of hard engineering and instead worked with the land's natural contours and water flows. 'It's a great example of how natural systems can be harnessed to help address environmental concerns and at the same time, enrich people's daily lives,' Ong highlighted. Positive outcomes The Wetland Park further reduced energy dependency by being 100% off-the-grid through the use of solar-powered lighting. The area has also seen a marked rise in bird and insect species, reaffirming its contribution to biodiversity. With habitat loss and species endangerment very real concerns across the globe, it is heartening to know that here in Iringan Bayu, nature is healing. That would not be possible without the right community mindset. Which is why OSK Property also implemented educational programmes such as guided tours on the ecosystem, workshops on sustainable practices and school trips focused on conservation. OSK Property CeO Ong Ghee Bin. Ong said these not only fosters increased awareness but also inspires the next generation to appreciate and safeguard precious natural environments and resources. The provision of walking and cycling paths also encourages people to spend time outdoors and engage with one another in eco-conscious pursuits. 'By designing a space that people can engage with daily – whether through a morning jog or weekend walk – we reconnect them with nature in ways that restore both the environment and human well-being. 'In today's urbanised world, this kind of integrated, multi-benefit green space is no longer a luxury, it's an essential component for resilient, liveable cities. 'This approach supports Malaysia's national climate goals and aligns with global sustainability frameworks like the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 'Iringan Bayu Wetland Park is a testament to how development and environmental stewardship can go hand-in-hand and why OSK Property is committed to replicating similar solutions across future projects,' Ong said. All homes in Iringan Bayu have access to the Wetland Park, making it an excellent option for those seeking a retreat cocooned from the hustle and bustle of city life. Seremban enjoys close proximity to urban centres in the Klang Valley, yet retains lots of natural surroundings. This confluence of serenity and convenience offers the best of both worlds. Most of the buyers here are first-time homeowners, retirees and those relocating from more urban areas. Offerings cater to a broad market and range from mid-range homes to premium residences. The price points ensure accessibility while maintaining exclusivity. 'The development exemplifies our commitment to innovation, sustainability and enhancing quality of life. 'This prestigious FIABCI award is a glowing endorsement of our vision of not just building homes, but building better futures for all,' Ong added.
