Do you know that by the next generation, seven out of ten people on earth will live in the cities exerting pressures that may trigger a monumental crisis if not managed well. This topic will be deliberated in a world gathering of 1,000 delegates of FIABCI, the French acronym for the International Real Estate Federation. The answers to how sustainable cities can cope with the stress of urban living would be shared to all the delegates by many distinguished speakers.
They include Malaysia-born Maha Sinnathamby, chairman of a successful developer Springfield Corporation in Australia will share interesting insights building sustainable cities Down Under. Another speaker Belinda Yuen, a senior research fellow from the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities at Singapore’s University of Technology and Design, will talk about smart urban development. Jason Hu, the former Mayor of Taichung City in Taiwan is another eminent speaker who will share on how he he had helped to transform Taichung into a model sustainable city.
These talks at the three -day 66th FIABCI World Congress scheduled from May 29 promise to draw international attention. Eminent speakers and delegates from 48 countries will meet on this year’s theme focused on: “Urbanization: Perils or Prosperity. In welcoming the delegates, FIABCI World President Robyn Waters said there is much to learn from Malaysia which is undergoing rapid real estate growth.
“As the most populous city in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is the fastest growing metropolitan city in the country. “Malaysia offers FIABCI World Congress attendees a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about urbanization and dynamic real estate markets and how they handle this growth,” she explained. For the second time in a decade, Malaysia has the honour to host the world congress after 2002 at the One World Hotel here. FIABCI Malaysia president Tengku Abdul Aziz Tengku Mahmud said the annual world congress would not be a “talk shop” but a gathering of experts concerned about the future of real estate development.
“FIABCI is recognised as a NGO for expert views on real estate by the United Nations,” he said, adding that this year’s theme is most appropriated especially for a developing nation like Malaysia which is experiencing rapid urbanisation. Tengku Abdul Aziz said, according to the United Nations’ World Urbanisation report, more than half of the global population currently live in townships and is projected to reach 70% by 2050.“Hence, urbanisation is an important and crucial issue to be discussed,” he added.
Tengku Abdul Aziz said apart from the public forums and conferences during the congress, another highlight is FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Awards whose gala nite will be held on May 30. The award ceremony organising committee chairman Yeow Thit Sang said among the world property award winners were many Malaysian developers which showed that Malaysian property developments were acknowledged for its high quality and design aside from being eco-friendly.“These world property awards are held in high esteem in the international arena and is similar to “Hollywood’s own version of its Oscar,” he said.
Malaysian developers have excelled in building quality residential property developments and to date, have bagged 52 world awards since 1975.
At the prestigious FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Award Gala Nite, Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir will present the various categories of awards to over 20 winners.
FIABCI Malaysian chapter secretary-general Dr Yu Kee Su said the grand winners of the FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Awards are also encouraged to share their recipe for success.
FIABCI Malaysia has grown since 1975 with an objective to foster goodwill and understanding with international organisations.
It is an excellent platform for interaction among developers, architects, contractors, consultants, professional estate agents, interior designers and investors.
Most importantly under FIABCI’s flagship, the organisation strives to constantly improve the industry’s standard in making it par excellence.
On the sidelines, the foreign delegates can take part in organised study tours, city tours, and exhibitions including networking sessions and golfing while enjoying our warm tropical climate.
posted in support of my good friend in FIABCI, Sr. Michael Geh, Senior Partner of Raine & Horne International Zaki + Partners Sdn Bhd. Geh is also the Vice President of FIABCI Malaysian Chapter and A International Board Member.
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