KUALA LUMPUR: The StarProperty Awards 2024 Realtor Edition returned for its seventh year to honour Malaysia’s top real estate professionals, celebrating their dedication, achievements and the values they bring to the property sector.

Organised by Star Media Group (SMG) subsidiary StarProperty at M Resort and Hotel here, the event saw a significant turnout with hundreds of agents, negotiators and industry leaders gathering to recognise excellence and innovation in the real estate industry.

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The event highlighted 25 categories and 36 sub-categories with 112 agencies, agents and negotiators winning the awards.

In his opening address, SMG group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt praised the resilience of Malaysia’s property market, attributing its post-pandemic recovery to the steadfast contributions of real estate professionals.

He highlighted the remarkable rebound of the property market, noting, “2023 was a record year with 399,008 units sold, the highest since 2013.”

Chan said transaction values reached RM196.83bil, surpassing the previous high of RM162bil in 2014.

“This momentum has continued into 2024 with 104,297 properties transacted in the first quarter alone, totalling RM56.53bil.

“This success is due to the dedication and professionalism of real estate agents and negotiators,” he said, while describing them as “trusted advisers in bridging the aspirations of property owners, developers and investors while upholding strong ethical standards and best practices”.

Chan emphasised that agents are more than transactional facilitators as they provide critical market insights and strategic guidance that help clients make informed property decisions.

He said by conducting market analysis, performing in-depth research and offering reliable valuations, agents make property ownership accessible and rewarding, particularly for first-time buyers.

“Today’s buyers and investors are more sophisticated than ever, placing high value on informed decision-making.

“In this age of rapid information exchange, property agents and negotiators bring a wealth of added value, providing market analysis, conducting in-depth research and offering reliable valuations, all tailored to meet the needs of their clients.

“Their expertise not only alleviates the stress of buying or investing in property but also turns these moments into memorable milestones, particularly for those stepping onto the property ladder for the first time,” he added.

Chan also acknowledged the role of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in the evolving real estate landscape, stressing that professionals must continually adapt to meet the changing needs of clients.

He said through digital integration and a commitment to ethical practices, agents can deliver trusted and high-quality service, further reinforcing their role in the industry.

“The StarProperty Awards is more than a platform to recognise achievements. It highlights the broader impact real estate professionals have on the economy,” he said.

Reflecting the industry’s evolving needs, this year’s awards introduced two new categories – the Valuation Excellence Award and Real Estate Negotiator of the Year Award (Auction Properties).

These additions recognise the specialised skills required in valuation and auction services, underscoring the programme’s commitment to inclusivity and industry diversity.

This year’s awards received a robust number of entries from across the country, with each submission undergoing thorough evaluation by a distinguished panel of judges, comprising leaders in Malaysia’s real estate sector and related fields.

“Each entry has been carefully assessed based on performance, innovation and exceptional achievements,” Chan said while thanking the judges for their dedication to maintaining the awards’ high standards.

Among the most anticipated awards were the All-Stars Awards, Thriving Award and Rising Star Award, recognising the achievements of agents at different career stages, from outstanding newcomers to seasoned professionals.

The Most Exceptional Leader, Deal of the Year and Key Personality Awards celebrated unique contributions in leadership, negotiation and personality while agency-level awards honoured organisations, leveraging technology to enhance client service.

Separately, the winner of the Key Personality Award (male) for Probationary Estate Agents, Mohd Aiman Elmidin Shamsudin of AFZ Realty Sdn Bhd, said the prestigious event gives a significant boost to the real estate sector by recognising professionals who connect buyers, sellers and investors.

He said the annual event not only raises the profile of top agents but also promotes industry standards of professionalism, innovation and customer-focused service.

“This kind of recognition fosters trust and encourages greater transparency and consumer confidence in the real estate market,” he said when met after receiving the award.

Jane Poh of BPG Realty Sdn Bhd, who won the Key Personality Award (female) for Probationary Estate Agents, expressed gratitude for the prestigious award, saying that it will motivate her and her team.

“This award will serve as an impetus for us to strive for greater achievements,” she said.

As for the winner of the Rising Star Award negotiator, Robert Kong of The Roof Realty Sdn Bhd, the award has boosted his motivation and confidence, inspiring him to strive for greater achievements and elevate both himself and the real estate industry.

“Winning this award will spur me to perform better in the real estate industry,” he said.