MalaysianUpdates

Category: Real Estate & Investment

  • PHB Adopts GROW with SAP to Accelerate Its Digital Transformation Journey

    PHB Adopts GROW with SAP to Accelerate Its Digital Transformation Journey

    Pelaburan Hartanah Berhad (PHB), a prominent real estate investment holding company in Malaysia, has embarked on a significant digital transformation journey through its adoption of GROW with SAP, a comprehensive solution by SAP SE designed to modernize core business operations using a standardized, cloud-based framework. Established in 2006 under Yayasan Pelaburan Bumiputra, PHB plays a key national role in expanding Bumiputera ownership of prime commercial real estate via its shariah-compliant unit trust fund, Amanah Hartanah Bumiputera (AHB). Today, the company oversees a portfolio exceeding MYR 11 billion, covering commercial, retail, healthcare, logistics, and education assets across Malaysia’s major urban regions. As PHB expands and strengthens its strategic business growth, it has consistently delivered stable returns to AHB unitholders. However, its rapid expansion also highlighted digital gaps, including outdated, fragmented systems that posed operational challenges. Recognizing the need for a unified, intelligent digital backbone, PHB selected GROW with SAP to streamline operations, enhance compliance, and increase efficiency.

    Through this transition, PHB will migrate its finance, contract administration, and lease management functions into a single cloud-based ERP platform, creating an integrated digital environment that delivers real-time data visibility and automated workflows. This transformation is expected to eliminate data silos, improve accuracy, reduce compliance risks, and drive faster, more informed decision-making across the organization. PHB Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mohamad Damshal Awang Damit, emphasized that this move is a strategic investment aimed at future-proofing the organization and ensuring operational agility in an increasingly complex property market. SAP Malaysia Managing Director, Vipin Chandran, also noted that PHB’s adoption reflects a rising trend among Malaysian companies leveraging cloud innovation to stay competitive and resilient. With plans to go live by January 2026, PHB is also exploring future enhancements, including AI-driven insights and automation of key processes such as Procure-to-Pay, positioning the company for sustainable, technology-enabled growth in the years ahead.

  • SEREMBAN 2 CELEBRATES A LIFESTYLE LIFT WITH THE OPENING OF VILLAGE GRACER BY IJM LAND

    SEREMBAN 2 CELEBRATES A LIFESTYLE LIFT WITH THE OPENING OF VILLAGE GRACER BY IJM LAND

    IJM Land has officially announced the upcoming arrival of Village Grocer in Seremban 2, marking a major lifestyle enhancement for the thriving township. Set to open in the fourth quarter of 2027, the RM25 million premium neighborhood grocer is poised to elevate everyday living for more than 62,000 residents by bringing an exceptional blend of freshness, quality, and modern convenience. The groundbreaking ceremony, held earlier this month, signified the start of construction on the 1.9-acre site, which will feature a 26,240-square-foot built-up area and 100 dedicated parking bays designed for seamless accessibility and shopper comfort. This marks yet another milestone in Seremban 2’s evolution into a vibrant, self-sustaining township.

    Village Grocer’s presence in Seremban 2 promises a premium shopping experience anchored in quality and variety. Known for its carefully curated selection of fresh produce, gourmet ingredients, organic essentials, and international favourites, the new store will bring its signature standards to the heart of the township. Shoppers can look forward to fresh daily produce, top-grade meat and seafood, artisanal cheeses, gluten-free selections, and thoughtfully crafted store layouts featuring wider aisles, family-friendly amenities, and child-friendly trolleys. Throughout the year, seasonal showcases and festive campaigns will add vibrancy, celebrating Malaysia’s culinary heritage while making each visit more engaging. According to Mr Ivan Tan, Group Executive Director of TFP Retail Sdn Bhd, the expansion reflects Village Grocer’s commitment to quality, discovery, and supporting local producers, while enriching the daily lives of families in Seremban 2.

    Beyond elevating the shopping experience, the arrival of Village Grocer is expected to stimulate economic activity and create meaningful employment opportunities for the community. The new outlet is set to generate between 90 and 150 direct jobs across operations, specialty counters, and management roles. Additionally, collaborations with farmers, suppliers, and SMEs are anticipated to spur another 150 to 300 indirect jobs in agriculture, logistics, and supporting services. These partnerships will further strengthen supply chains, encourage innovation, and drive higher product standards, contributing to the growth of the local economy and Malaysia’s retail sector. Surrounding businesses—including eateries, retail shops, and service providers—are also expected to benefit from increased foot traffic, enhanced customer engagement, and renewed commercial dynamism.

    IJM Land highlights Village Grocer’s entry as a significant milestone in the township’s continuing transformation. Datuk Chai Kian Soon, Chief Operating Officer of IJM Land, emphasized that the new premium grocer aligns with the developer’s long-term vision of creating a township where families thrive, businesses flourish, and communities connect. Seremban 2, which has grown from a greenfield site into a 3,800-acre master-planned community with homes, schools, healthcare facilities, green spaces, and commercial hubs, continues to set benchmarks for modern urban living. The addition of Village Grocer will enrich the township’s rhythm—supporting morning produce runs, evening top-ups, and weekend family shopping trips—each adding activity and vibrancy to daily life.

    As Seremban 2 celebrates its 30th anniversary, the launch of Village Grocer carries symbolic significance, representing both its remarkable progress and its readiness to step confidently into the next phase of growth as a leading lifestyle and retail hub in Negeri Sembilan. This momentum is further fueled by the launch of IKON Residences, set to become the tallest residential tower in the township with modern, thoughtfully designed spaces and sweeping views. Village Grocer will serve as a lifestyle anchor within this expanding ecosystem, reinforcing IJM Land’s mission to develop a complete, thriving, and self-sustaining township where daily life is enriched, communities grow stronger, and the future promises endless possibilities.