The biggest superstars in the Malaysian real estate ecosystem turned up in full force to make the StarProperty Awards 2022 Realtors Edition (SREA) gala dinner a resounding success as the nation moves forward to normalcy after dealing with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Held at the Sheraton Hotel here, this year’s awards featured 23 categories, including five new categories, and 31 sub-categories involving 87 of the highest performing achievers from 15 real estate agencies.

The five new categories are – the Developer Preferred Awards (bumiputra lots) for the most well-regarded developer and individuals in the sales of bumiputra units; the Subsale Awards which cover both the most accomplished agencies and individuals in the sale of secondary market properties in terms of both value and volume; the Regional awards for the most exceptional agencies and individuals in the Northern, Southern, Eastern, Central and Borneo regions; the Key Personality Awards to recognise outstanding drivers of innovative growth in their companies; and the Most Transacted Rental Awards for the best performing stars in the rental market, both in terms of value and volume.

In his speech at the event yesterday, Star Media Group Bhd (SMG) chief executive officer Alex Yeow stressed that recent technological advancements had brought significant shifts in all sectors of the economy, and that the new awards were a way to pay homage to the nation’s premier real estate agencies and individuals in recognition of their hard work and achievements in adapting to changes.

“Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and virtual reality have changed the way consumers buy and invest in real estate, and traditional transaction methods have evolved.

“Yet, rather than being a threat, agencies are aware that by infusing these new technologies as a business tool to be utilised in a new way of conducting business and developing successful connections is the way forward.

“Those that have been adaptable in riding the tech wave have managed to use this to their advantage, growing their business and improving their bottom line.

“However, real estate is still a people business and it takes a special breed to bring added value to business transactions as trust is still a key component to cultivate strong relationships with consumers.

“New technologies may be more convenient but transparency and credibility are still what consumers look for before they even consider sealing the deal, thus bringing us to the StarProperty Awards: Realtors Edition, in which we honour the finest talents in the Malaysian real estate industry,” he said.

Yeow added that the rewards would serve as a credible endorsement and an important avenue of information for consumers to turn to when making the life-changing decision of buying real estate.

“We want consumers to be confident in the agencies and agents they engage with.

“This awards programme will offer consumers an unrivalled showcase of the region’s real estate industry through boosting the awareness of and highlighting the top quality agencies, agents, and services in the region,” he said.

SMG chief business officer Lydia Wang was also present at the event organised by StarProperty Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SMG.

IQI Realty Sdn Bhd (IQI) came out the biggest champion of the event by winning 27 trophies, over a quarter of the total trophies, in various categories.

Tailing IQI was the Tech Group of Companies, which won 12 trophies in total, contributed by its subsidiaries, Tech Realtors Properties Sdn Bhd and Tech Real Estate Sdn Bhd.

Tied for third was Foreward Realty Sdn Bhd and The Roof Realty Sdn Bhd, both of whom earned nine trophies each.

Trophies were also awarded to Nexsgen Realty Sdn Bhd (eight), Gather Properties Sdn Bhd (five), Global Link Plus Properties Sdn Bhd (five), Chester Properties Sdn Bhd (two), Polygon Properties Sdn Bhd (two), Wereg Properties Sdn Bhd (two), ILP Realty Sdn Bhd (two), Kingsman Realty Sdn Bhd (one), IPG Realty Sdn Bhd (one), Firdaus & Associates Real Estate Agency (one) and First Industrial (one).

To ensure fair play, the panel of reliable and impartial judges comprising some of the most distinguished leaders of the Malaysian real estate industry, as well as hailing from various disciplines, ensured that all entries were comprehensively evaluated.

They include GAN and ZUL Advocates & Solicitors group managing partner Datuk Simon Lim Seng Chai, OSK Property chief operating officer Seth Lim, Gamuda Land central marketing and sales executive director Sueway Tan, Bank Rakyat mortgage financing head Haslina Ali, Rehda Youth chairman Lee Han Rick, and StarProperty content manager Joseph Wong.