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The global real estate market saw mixed results in September, with some areas improving and others struggling.What else have you missed in September 2025?For more countries updateDownload Now!

While the global spotlight shines brightly on tools like ChatGPT-5, many Malaysian companies are turning their attention elsewhere - and it’s not where you might expect.  Rather than chasing the latest in AI hype, forward-thinking businesses in Malaysia are looking inward, opting for locally hosted, open-source AI solutions that better fit their needs, budgets, and values. Leading this idea is real estate technology group Juwai IQI, which believes Malaysian firms can gain more by going local.  From enhanced data privacy to massive cost savings, the benefits are increasingly hard to ignore. Kashif Ansari, Group CEO of Juwai IQI said, “You fall behind if you don’t use artificial intelligence, but costs can grow quickly.  By ‘going local,’ as I call it, a typical large Malaysian company can save up to RM1.7 million per year, depending on usage rates. You also get the benefits of data privacy and security, customisation and automation.” Kashif Ansari, Group CEO of Juwai IQI This “go local” approach doesn’t necessarily mean building AI from scratch.  “‘First, we are using open-source AI models that are offered by their creators for “free” to the larger community. These models are usually not quite as capable as the latest commercially available models on the market but are free of ongoing external usage costs," explained Ansari."Second, we are hosting these models on our own servers. That means we never send our data to the big AI companies’ servers," he concluded.Ansari also assured that we can still use GPT-5, amongst others, but only for a fraction of our AI needs. "We found that we can do most of what we need here in Malaysia by going local," said Ansari. For Malaysian businesses, this means full control over sensitive data while still tapping into the power of AI. Juwai IQI’s COO and CIO, Nabeel Mungaye, breaks down the financial logic: using commercial AI services for basic business operations - such as chatbots, document summarisation, and marketing automation - could rack up over RM1.7 million annually. “I’ve run some back-of-the-envelope numbers. A typical large Malaysian company that has embraced the use of AI for things like customer support, PDF summarisation, and marketing could end up paying over RM1.7 million (US$410,000) per year in usage fees from a service like OpenAI," explained Mungaye.On the other hand, running an open-source model on a local server for those same needs could cost as little as RM63,000 (US$15,000) per year. You would essentially just pay the cost of electricity and maintenance for a powerful server."Nabeel Mungaye, Juwai IQI’s COO and CIOInterestingly, Mungaye also highlights that by ‘going local’, companies can train their AI on Malaysian cultural and linguistic context, including Malay, Mandarin, English and even industry-specific language and expressions. This leads to more accurate, relevant and culturally aware AI interactions. So while the world marvels at the latest shiny tech from Silicon Valley, Malaysia’s leading firms are proving that smarter, safer, and more cost-effective AI solutions might just be right at home. Juwai IQI was featured in theSunJuwai IQI is the world-renowned property company that provides insights on property, locally and globallyFor more Juwai IQI updateDownload Now!

The global real estate market saw mixed results in July, with some areas improving and others struggling.What else have you missed in August 2025For more info Download now!了解更多信息! 立即下载

The contents of this article were contributed by Taco Heidinga, IQI Global Strategic Advisor.As the second half of 2025 unfolds, global real estate investment is undergoing significant transformation, driven by evolving demographics, economic shifts, and changing lifestyle preferences. Key investment opportunities are emerging in "migration corridors", where increased demand from remote workers seeking a better quality of life is leading to faster property appreciation. Concurrently, sustainability is a major driver, with a growing preference for eco-friendly developments incorporating:green technologiesenergy-efficient systemssustainable materialsThese preferences are aligning with environmentally conscious buyers and renters. The integration of smart home technologies, virtual reality tours, and blockchain for secure transactions is also becoming standard, with investors prioritizing properties that offer enhanced operational efficiencies and tenant experiences.The pandemic has reshaped urban versus suburban dynamics, with a notable shift towards suburban areas offering larger and more affordable living options, even as major cities retain their appeal. Investors are advised to assess growth potential in these suburban markets, particularly those with easy access to urban centers. Furthermore, understanding the regulatory environment and market stability of foreign markets is crucial. Countries with favorable foreign ownership laws, transparent tax structures, and stable political landscapes are increasingly attractive, necessitating thorough due diligence for secure and compliant investments. Finally, health and wellness trends are influencing property design, with amenities like fitness centers and green spaces boosting property value and appeal. In a volatile global economy, diversification remains a critical strategy, prompting investors to look beyond traditional markets to emerging economies in regions such as Africa and Latin America, which offer high growth potential due to their burgeoning middle classes and urbanization. Remaining agile and informed on these trends:migrationsustainabilitytechnologyregulatory environmentshealthdiversification These trends will enable investors to capitalize on the opportunities within the evolving global property market. Stay ahead of the curve with the latest insights on global property trends, migration-driven hotspots, sustainability, and emerging markets. Discover where the smartest investors are heading next — read the full August 2025 Newsletter today.DOWNLOAD NOWThe contents of this article were contributed by Taco Heidinga.Taco Heidinga is a global real estate leader with nearly 20 years of experience. He is the founder of Propcoach International, empowering professionals in 20+ countries. His Act, Attract, Impact method transforms careers through innovation and leadership.

Written by Muhazrol Muhamad, GVP, Head of Bumiputra Segment In July 2025, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) significantly reduced the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) from 3.00% to 2.75%, a move anticipated to profoundly impact Malaysia's property market. This OPR cut has led to lower base rates from banks, directly translating into cheaper monthly loan installments for homeowners, potentially saving RM70-RM75 per month on a typical RM500,000 home loan. This reduction significantly boosts housing affordability, particularly for the M40 segment and first-time homebuyers, offering a prime opportunity to secure more favorable financing terms for new launches under RM500,000, which currently constitute a substantial portion of new supply. While Q1 2025 saw a dip in transactions, the OPR cut is expected to renew interest from buyers, providing developers with a much-needed boost in take-up rates. Existing homeowners also stand to benefit from lower rates, with increased potential for refinancing to reduce costs or shorten loan tenures amidst rising competition among banks. However, this optimism is tempered by the fact that the OPR cut was a response to weaker global growth forecasts, and domestic factors like SST expansion and rising living costs may still cause some Malaysians to delay major purchases. Furthermore, investors should remain cautious due to oversupply in certain high-rise segments, particularly in Klang Valley, which could lead to uneven property appreciation. Ultimately, this OPR cut is seen as a turning point, making Malaysia's real estate market more affordable, competitive, and potentially more exciting for buyers, sellers, and developers alike. 

Written by Hamid R. Azarmi, Head of Business DevelopmentWith geopolitical tensions easing and the Strait of Hormuz remaining fully operational, markets have moved back toward stability. Oil prices have corrected to the $68–$70 range, providing a moment for investors to reassess energy positions. While short-term exposure to energy equities and ETFs has delivered, now is a sensible time to take profits and rotate toward longer-term structural plays. Areas such as infrastructure, clean energy logistics, and pipeline REITs are still poised for durable growth. Meanwhile, global equities have pushed higher as risk appetite returns. The rotation into industrials, materials, and select tech is gaining steam, particularly among companies with strong pricing power and international exposure. Investors may also consider increasing allocations to industrial metals like copper and nickel, which benefit from the ongoing buildout in data centers, EV supply chains, and energy storage infrastructure. In real assets, opportunities are resurfacing in logistics REITs and smart-city projects, where post-conflict clarity is restoring investor confidence. As we move deeper into Q3, maintaining balance is key. Keep core exposure to quality equities, consider moderate positions in commodities, and hold cash or short-duration fixed income as dry powder. While the news cycle has calmed, fundamentals are now the driver. This is an environment where disciplined positioning, not headlines, will determine returns. 

IQI Cares Brings Meaningful Support to Ahsana KL As part of its ongoing commitment to social responsibility, IQI Cares conducted a meaningful outreach initiative at Persatuan Kebajikan Ahsana Kuala Lumpur, a centre dedicated to providing care and shelter to those in need. The visit was more than a gesture—it was a reaffirmation of IQI’s dedication to building stronger, more compassionate communities. Contributions included two medical beds to enhance resident comfort, a newly installed door to improve safety, daily groceries to support ongoing needs, and a financial donation to assist with the centre’s operations. This initiative reflects IQI’s belief that even modest efforts can create profound impact. IQI extends its heartfelt appreciation to Ahsana KL for the warm welcome and opportunity to contribute to their vital work. Top-Performing IQI Agents Celebrate Success with Exclusive Incentive Trip to Bali In celebration of exceptional performance and dedication, more than 30 top agents from IQI were rewarded with an exclusive incentive trip to Bali, marking a memorable milestone in their professional journey. The trip served as both a recognition of their achievements and an opportunity to strengthen camaraderie among high-performing team members across regions. Against the island’s stunning landscapes, agents enjoyed a blend of cultural exploration, relaxation, and curated experiences, reaffirming IQI’s commitment to cultivating a people-first, performance-driven culture. This well-deserved getaway not only acknowledged their hard work but also inspired continued excellence and collaboration within the global IQI network. 

Written by Dave Platter, Global PR DirectorDave Platter's July 2025 newsletter highlights a significant resurgence of Mainland Chinese buyers in Hong Kong's super-luxury housing market. Between January and May 2025, these buyers accounted for approximately 70% of all Hong Kong home sales over HK$100 million, including prestigious addresses like Mount Nicholson and Barker Road. This trend indicates a strong recovery in the high-end sector, with 42 super-luxury home sales exceeding USD 10millionrecordedsofarthisyear,a17144,415 per square foot for a first-hand stratified unit in June. While overall Hong Kong home prices are still 28% below their 2021 peak, these recent high-value transactions signal a distinct pivot in the luxury market. Nelson Li, Director of IQI Hong Kong, attributes this momentum to proactive efforts over recent months, including bringing overseas buyers from regions like Thailand, Australia, Dubai, Japan, and Indonesia to Hong Kong. An anecdotal example of this strong demand is a mainland buyer swiftly purchasing a HK$1 billion house at Mont Verra in Kowloon Tong, even before another interested buyer from Dubai could finalize their money transfer, underscoring the intense competition for prime properties in the city.