KUALA LUMPUR, 29 August 2023 – UEM Group Berhad (UEM Group), the wholly-owned subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Berhad (Khazanah), is fully supportive of Malaysia’s Renewable Energy (RE) agenda and welcome strategies and initiatives outlined in the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), launched by YAB Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim today.

“In the NETR, the Government has detailed coherent strategies and initiatives to lead our country’s energy transition, raise our economic ceiling, enhance the livelihoods of the Rakyat and assert Malaysia’s place as a regional frontrunner in the renewable energy industry," said Dato' Mohd Izani Ghani, Managing Director of UEM Group.

“NETR astutely identifies Malaysia’s current positioning whilst addressing the hurdles ahead. The commitment shown by the Government to undertake this economic paradigm shift is commendable and we’re confident with the continuous policy support, it would pave the way for Malaysia to become a high-value and green sustainable economy as well as accomplish the country’s aspiration towards net-zero emissions by 2050.  

“UEM Group is fully on board and we stand ready to attract more high quality investments, both local and foreign, which we believe will move the needle and generate the momentum prerequisite for progress in this area,” added Dato’ Mohd Izani.

UEM Group recently announced plans to develop a one (1) gigawatt (GW) Hybrid Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power Plant integrated with RE Industrial Park in Malaysia. The project, one of the 10 flagship catalyst projects announced earlier under the Phase 1 of NETR, will see the participation of a local entity as well as three foreign investors.

It also announced a RM7 billion Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI) sukuk programme under a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), UEM Olive Capital Berhad, from which the proceeds will be used to finance investments to be undertaken by its green investment arm, UEM Lestra Berhad. UEM Group also had on 16 August 2023, announced the acquisition of Cenergi SEA Berhad, a company that specialises in reducing carbon footprint through investment in renewable energy specifically biogas, biomass and solar as well as energy efficiency projects.

KUALA LUMPUR, 18 August 2023 – UEM Sunrise Berhad (“UEM Sunrise” or the “Company”) today announced its financial results for the first half ended 30 June 2023 (1H 2023). The Company recorded a revenue of RM605 million driven by higher construction progress from local developments, mainly Residensi AVA in Kiara Bay, Residensi Allevia in Mont’Kiara, Serene Heights in Semenyih, Residensi Astrea in Mont’Kiara and KAIA Heights in Equine Park, Seri Kembangan. This is in addition to the revenue secured from land sales, which contributed 14% towards the total revenue and revenue from property investments, facilities management, and others.

Its gross profit margin improved to 37% in 1H 2023 in comparison to 27% in the first half of 2022 (1H 2022), mainly due to the recognition of project cost savings in the first quarter of 2023. Its operating expenses have dipped by 11% compared to 1H 2022, while its operating profit improved by 17%. In tandem with the higher gross profit, after including the positive performance of its joint ventures and associates, the Company recorded a profit after tax and non-controlling interests of RM40 million for 1H 2023.

Its inventories were further reduced by 28% to RM146 million as of 30 June 2023 (RM203 million as of 31 December 2022), while its cash balances remained strong at RM1.5 billion, a 50% increase from its position of RM1.0 billion as of 31 December 2022. Its net gearing remained moderate at 0.46x as of 30 June 2023.

Property sales in the first half were RM1.5 billion; 32% from Central, mainly from The MINH in Mont’Kiara, The Connaught One in Cheras, and Residensi Allevia, while 9% was from Southern, mostly from Senadi Hills, Estuari Gardens and Aspira Square, all in Iskandar Puteri. International projects contributed a significant portion towards secured sales this period, with the sale of the Collingwood development in Melbourne, Australia, to Greystar Real Estate Partners amounting to AUD277.3 million (or RM873.7 million). As of 30 June 2023, UEM Sunrise has unbilled sales of RM2.7 billion.

Zooming into the financial results, UEM Sunrise Chief Executive Officer Sufian Abdullah said: “We are on track as far as our pipeline of new launches worth RM2.5 billion to the market. Our sales as of 30 June 2023, have amounted to RM1.5 billion, with 32% derived from Central comprising The MINH in Mont’Kiara, The Connaught One in Cheras, and Residensi Allevia, while 9% was from Southern, mainly Senadi Hills, Estuari Gardens and Aspira Square, all in Iskandar Puteri.”

He added: “Our international projects have contributed a significant portion towards secured sales this review period, with the sale of our Collingwood development in Melbourne, Australia, to Greystar Real Estate Partners amounting to AUD277.3 million. We remain confident that we will be able to maintain a positive earnings position for the quarter under review whilst strengthening the fundamentals and our stakeholders’ confidence in the Company.”

Concurrently, the Company is progressing into the second stage of Triage this year after achieving the majority of the initiatives rolled out last year. Triage is the first part of our three-phase strategic turnaround plan and takes place from 2022 to 2023. This will be followed by Stabilise (2024 to 2025) and Sustain (2026 and beyond).

As for the key new launches in 2023, Sufian said: “The launches of our latest development in Mont’Kiara, The MINH in May and our first transit-oriented development in June to the public were met with very warm receptions. With a GDV of RM979 million and RM743 million, respectively, The MINH and The Connaught One contribute to our 2023 goal of achieving RM 2.5 billion in GDV launches. Both developments are also the first of their kind in our Happy+ product series, with The MINH under the CLUB Edition while The Connaught One under the RISE Series.”

“We are also targeting to launch our latest development in Kiara Bay in Kepong, allowing those who missed out on Residensi AVA to own a residence near the majestic Kepong Metropolitan Park. Named Residensi ZIG, this upcoming development is slated as our third Happy+ product this year and has a biophilic design concept. The three-tower development will feature 1,126 residential units with sizes ranging between 42m2 to 140m2 (450 to 1,508 ft2). With an estimated GDV of RM646 million, this will be our second RISE series product this year after The Connaught One.”

“In the Southern region, we announced early this month that Phase 2A of our freehold neighbourhood of Senadi Hills has registered strong demand among the public, with its 44 non-Bumiputera units all fully sold shortly after its launch on 18 June, and its Bumiputera lots all fully registered, further reiterating the public’s continuing confidence in the Company.”

Meanwhile, the Company will continue to launch new phases of its existing developments, mainly double-storey landed homes in Serene Heights, Semenyih as well as further phases in Senadi Hills and Gerbang Nusajaya, both in Iskandar Puteri.

On 16 June 2023, the Company launched a successful, nationwide integrated marketing initiative called the Happy Hunt campaign, which encapsulates a range of participating, new and ongoing developments situated in the central region such as The MINH, Allevia, KAIA Heights, Serene Square, and The Connaught One, and in the Southern region such as Senadi Hills Phase 2A, Aspira Gardens Phase 2 and Aspira Square. 

The goal of the campaign is to provide more opportunities for the public to earn and win attractive rewards upon purchasing their preferred properties. Prospective homebuyers are offered cash rewards and prizes worth up to RM350,000, on top of other incentives and other cash rewards, prizes in the form of home appliances up to RM150,000 when they purchase a UEM Sunrise property until 31 December 2023.

Positive movements, strengthening presence in Australia

Apart from its steady sales and string of launches in the first half of 2023, the Company has also shown positive, notable movements, with the introduction of new faces in its boardroom and management and active expansion plans in Australia, amid overall signs of improvement in the macroeconomic climate.

In a bid to make a further mark in Australia, in June, the Company partnered up with global leader in the investment, development and management of rental housing, Greystar Real Estate Partners, LLC, to develop the first ‘Build-to-Rent’ (BTR) project in the inner-Melbourne suburb of Collingwood with a value transaction of approximately AUD$277.3 million. This is the first BTR project carried out by a Malaysian developer in a bid to strengthen the group’s presence there.

The proposed development is expected to include approximately 400 apartment units across two buildings, with a mix of studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments suitable for multi-generational living.

Further expanding its foothold in Australia, the Company acquired its first residential development site in Subiaco East in Perth, Western Australia on 15 August 2023, for AUD$22.185 million and will deliver two landmark apartment buildings.

The Company has purchased Lots 1 and 2 of The Oval precincts at Subiaco East from DevelopmentWA as part of the state’s most significant urban redevelopment project at the iconic former Subiaco Oval. Subiaco is a verdant suburb known for its eclectic architecture, quaint, leafy residential streets, premier shopping, and multicultural dining scene.

The upcoming mixed-use residential precinct will comprise the delivery of sleek dual towers with approximately 430 apartments across Lots 1 and 2, subject to development approval, with further details to be firmed up. The project will include up to 12% affordable housing as well. Construction is expected to commence in 2026. The acquisition in Perth signifies the Company’s plans to expand its presence in Australia.

Meanwhile, the Company continues to pursue its sustainability agenda as guided by the UEM Sunrise Sustainability Blueprint 1.0 and will be producing its own Sustainable Development Design Guidelines to act as a reference for stakeholders to comply with when integrating sustainability elements into its design procedures. It remains committed to the sustainability agenda and will engage and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to raise awareness and adopt sustainability practices.

In earlier Bursa fillings, the Company has announced new appointments of Datuk Hisham Hamdan as Chairman and Reagan Chan as Director, effective 1 July 2023. Subsequently, the Company has also named Hafizuddin Sulaiman as the new CFO, effective 1 August 2023.

The Company aims to remain financially sound given its gross and net gearing of 0.68x and 0.46x, respectively, and cash balances of RM1.5 billion as of 30 June 2023. Unbilled sales of RM2.7 billion as of 30 June 2023 will be substantially recognised over the next 18 to 48 months.

An artist’s impression of The Connaught One

An artist’s impression of one of The MINH’s many luxurious amenities.

KUALA LUMPUR, 16 August 2023 – Sustainable energy solutions company, Cenergi SEA Berhad (Cenergi) is now a subsidiary of UEM Group Berhad (UEM Group) with the latter having secured majority shares in Cenergi from Khazanah Nasional Berhad (Khazanah).

Incorporated in 2008, Cenergi specialises in reducing carbon footprint through investment in renewable energy specifically biogas, biomass and solar as well as energy efficiency projects. Cenergi is Malaysia's largest grid-connected Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) biogas player. It has a portfolio of 23 biogas power plants in Malaysia and Indonesia, with a total generation capacity of 39.6 megawatt (MW). It also has 20 solar projects across Malaysia, consisting of both solar farms and rooftop solar, with a cumulative capacity of over 37.6 megawatt peak (MWp).

At present, Cenergi has in the pipeline biogas, rooftop solar and solar farm projects that are under construction and development in Malaysia. In addition, its subsidiary, Cenergi EE Holdings Sdn. Bhd. was recently allotted with a 29.99MWac quota under Energy Commission’s Corporate Green Power Programme (CGPP).  

“Cenergi has a commendable track record with projects and presence across the country. We see immense potential in this company and are committed to nurture as well as provide the necessary expertise, operational and financial support that will enhance Cenergi’s operational capabilities, secure more projects and usher in a new era of growth. Cenergi is a key asset of UEM Group and our goal is to ultimately position Cenergi as a green domestic champion to contribute significantly to Malaysia’s sustainable future,” said Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani, Managing Director of UEM Group.

From August 2012 to May 2023, Cenergi via its various operating assets and investments have avoided over 2.4 million tons of carbon emissions, which translate into removing approximately 547,762 passenger vehicles from the road or powering 310,234 homes for a year.

“Renewable energy is one of the key sectors and immediate priority of UEM Lestra Berhad (UEM Lestra), the green industries arm and wholly-owned subsidiary of UEM Group. This is due to the sector’s strong market attractiveness and high importance to Malaysia’s decarbonisation agenda. Cenergi’s extensive experience and capabilities in this sector makes them a valuable addition to UEM Group and UEM Lestra specifically.

“At the same time, Cenergi’s inclusion in UEM Group of Companies will further promote strategic complementarity amongst our subsidiaries across different core businesses. By leveraging on the expertise and strengths of each of our subsidiary, we will be able to create synergistic business opportunities for UEM Group as whole,” added Dato’ Mohd Izani.

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 August 2023 – UEM Sunrise Berhad (“UEM Sunrise” or the “Company”) has acquired its first residential development site in Subiaco East in Perth, Western Australia for AUD$22.185 million and will deliver two landmark apartment buildings.

The Company has purchased Lots 1 and 2 of The Oval precincts at Subiaco East from DevelopmentWA as part of the state’s most significant urban redevelopment projects at the iconic former Subiaco Oval. Subiaco is a verdant suburb known for its eclectic architecture, quaint, leafy residential streets, premier shopping, and multicultural dining scene.

The upcoming mixed-use residential precinct will comprise the delivery of sleek dual towers with approximately 430 apartments across Lot 1 and Lot 2, subject to development approval with further details to be firmed up. The project will include up to 12% affordable housing as well. Construction is expected to commence in 2026. The acquisition in Perth signifies the Company’s plans to expand its presence in Australia.

UEM Sunrise Chief Executive Officer Sufian Abdullah said: “We are delighted to work with DevelopmentWA on this landmark project as our first venture in Western Australia’s residential market.” He added: “Following the success of our projects in Melbourne, we are pleased to be able to bring our local and global expertise to deliver a high-quality residential precinct that will complement Subiaco Oval’s rich heritage and landscape.”

Sufian revealed: “We have been actively looking at investing in Perth for some time – with strong fundamentals underpinning the economy, a lower housing entry point compared to other capital cities, and some of the best prospects for capital gains in Australia – this development represents a fantastic opportunity to deliver new housing supply at scale and generate greater investment for the city. We look forward to working with DevelopmentWA, local stakeholders and the community on next steps for this exciting project.” 

The 4,930m2 site is located just 2km from Perth's thriving CBD on Subiaco Road and Haydn Bunton Drive. Within walking distance of the Subiaco entertainment precinct and West Leederville neighbourhood, it is surrounded by approximately seven hectares of public open space. The Subiaco Train Station and West Leederville Train Station are only a short eight-minute walk away, offering easy connectivity to the CBD, airport and surrounding suburbs.

DevelopmentWA Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dean Mudford, said this is a major milestone for one of WA’s most significant redevelopment projects, which will deliver much-needed new housing supply and support the revitalisation of the Subiaco town centre and West Leederville activity centre. 

“Having delivered over 1,650 apartments in Melbourne, UEM Sunrise has demonstrated its commitment to delivering diverse, quality homes in Australia. The design concepts presented for Lots 1 and 2 at The Oval incorporate elements that celebrate the rich history of Subiaco and will complement the public realm around the iconic Subiaco Oval.

 “We are delighted that UEM Sunrise has successfully secured this opportunity and look forward to working with them on bringing this project to life,” he said.

The proposed development marks UEM Sunrise’s fourth milestone in their expansion in the Australian market after the completion of their projects - Aurora Melbourne Central, the tallest integrated mega tower in the central business district of the city, blending stunning residential apartments and lavish residents-only amenities with a destination serviced apartment, strata office suites and unique retail offerings; and Conservatory, a mixed development with verdant city living, both located in Melbourne, Australia.

In June 2023, the Company partnered with Greystar Real Estate Partners to develop the first "build-to-rent" (BTR) project in the inner-Melbourne suburb of Collingwood, and by a Malaysian developer in Australia. The transaction value was approximately AUD$277.3 million. The proposed development will include approximately 400 apartment units across two buildings and will feature extensive amenities and services for residents. 

(From left to right) Acting Chief Executive Officer of DevelopmentWA Dean Mudford, Minister for Planning; Lands; Housing; Homelessness of Western Australia Hon. John Carey, and Chief Executive Officer of UEM Sunrise Sufian Abdullah posed for a group photo after signing for UEM Sunrise to acquire Lots 1 and 2, Subiaco East in Perth, Western Australia.

(From left to right) Chief Executive Officer of UEM Sunrise Sufian Abdullah and Acting Chief Executive Officer of DevelopmentWA Dean Mudford.

(From left to right) Director of International Business, Australia of UEM Sunrise Ong Chee Wei; Chief Executive Officer of UEM Sunrise Sufian Abdullah; Acting Chief Executive Officer of DevelopmentWA Dean Mudford; and Deputy Chairperson of DevelopmentWA Board Rebecca Field.

An artist's impression of The Oval Vie

A second artist’s impression of The Oval View

ISKANDAR PUTERI, 3 August 2023 – UEM Sunrise Berhad (“UEM Sunrise” or the “Company”) announced that Phase 2A of the award-winning freehold neighbourhood of Senadi Hills has registered strong demand among the public, with its 44 non-Bumiputera units all fully sold shortly after its launch on 18 June, and its Bumiputera lots all fully registered, further reiterating the public’s continuing confidence in the Company.

Senadi Hills Phase 2A consists of 75 double-storey terrace homes with a typical lot size of 6m x 21m (22’ x 70’) and a built-up size of 204m² (2,197ft²). These sizes come with four bedrooms and four bathrooms for added convenience and privacy for each family member, a foyer upstairs that can become a social area for families to bond and a spacious car porch for two cars. Senadi Hills’ doorways are also wide enough to be wheelchair-friendly and come with a ramp, demonstrating that the units are inclusive to suit the different multi-generational needs.

With these features in mind, Senadi Hills 2A’s price starts from RM843,000 onwards and is targeted to complete at the end of Q2 2025.

In addition to being an exclusively guarded mixed development community, Senadi Hills offers beautifully crafted garden homes suitable for multi-generational families, complete with a 53-unit neighbourhood commercial square called Senadi Square. Combined with 398 freehold link residential units in the neighbourhood, the overall township is 25.2 hectares (62.18 acres).

“Phases 1A and 1B of Senadi Hills had overwhelming demand, having been 100% sold out soon after its initial launch in June and November 2020, respectively. Listening intently to our customers on what they want to see in a home and delivering on these, we are excited to announce that the non-Bumiputera lots within this multi-generational landed product are 100% sold out, with the Bumiputera lots fully registered. We have also seen that Senadi Hills Phase 2A has a good mix of purchasers, most of whom are locals from the nearby catchment areas and are 87% owner-occupiers versus 13% who bought the residence as investments.

These figures are a testament to our developments, especially within our NEST Series, placing family first. Our recently launched residence is poised to contribute to our overarching goal of achieving our sales target of RM1.5 billion for the year,” said UEM Sunrise Chief Marketing Officer Kenny Wong.

Senadi Hills is dotted with family-friendly facilities, including wheelchair-friendly and fresh green spaces for residents of all ages, a 2.5km jogging track, a children’s playground, an outdoor gym, a mini tai chi area and a plaza. Such facilities are designed to provide tranquillity and recreation for residents and their families to unwind after the daily grind.

Located in the international city of Iskandar Puteri and just a stone’s throw from the island city of Singapore, Senadi Hills is easily accessible from the Lebuh Kota Iskandar and Jalan Ismail Sultan (Iskandar Coastal Highway). The residence is also within proximity to other mature townships, including Bukit Indah, Horizon Hills and Nusa Bestari.

The freehold residential development also boasts easy access to expressways and is close to an array of shopping centres, healthcare facilities, educational institutions and leisure amenities, with most merely within a 10km radius, offering convenient access for its residents.

Because of its location, Senadi Hills also secured the ‘Best Connectivity Landed Development’ title during the PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia 2022, a testament to the multi-generational residence’s attractive location to various amenities and neighbourhoods.

Senadi Hills’ Phase 1A and 1B have been entirely sold since their launches back in 2020 and have commenced their Vacant Possessions in October 2022 and January 2023, respectively.

Visit the UEM Sunrise Property Showcase in Imperia, Puteri Harbour or the Company’s website at uemsunrise.com to learn more about Senadi Hills. The public may also send a WhatsApp message to the Company’s friendly property consultants at +6019 758 3700 for more information.