Insights in this article are drawn from the “Gen Z & Millennials Wealth Playbook” panel at Juwai IQI International Summit, featuring Sean (iHerng), Ong Yong Xun (JomStudy), and IQI Realty’s Joyce Yeoh & Jayden Ng.

Version: CN, BM

Millennials and Gen Z are reshaping financial behaviour with new attitudes toward wealth, risk, and lifestyle-driven goals. 

Their approach blends digital-first opportunities, flexible career paths, and a redefined sense of financial freedom. 

Financial freedom is also understood as enjoying work and life concurrently, where loving what you do shapes your mindset about money and investment goals.

However, education and self-awareness are essential to convert opportunities into sustainable wealth.

Key Insights:

• Parental support strongly influences young adults’ confidence, financial safety nets, and early investment choices, especially in property.

• Digital culture opens new income paths, with side hustles and personal branding becoming key to wealth-building.

• Young generations prioritize liquidity and flexibility while still viewing property as their long-term stability anchor.

• Financial freedom is now individualized, driven by lifestyle choices, time autonomy, and self-investment over traditional retirement.
  

1. The New Generation Driving a Shift in Wealth Mindset

Younger generations feel they have “nothing to lose” because many have financial stability from parents who own homes or provide down payments, allowing them to take bold entrepreneurial steps without fear.

This cushion shifts their focus from survival to growth and opportunity, in contrast to older generations who prioritized stable careers and basic needs. 

Early exposure to technology and abundant online information empowers Gen Z to start side hustles and build digital skills before investing in property.

Zero Ong, Founder of JomStudy

Digital asset management and liquidity are preferred initially, with property seen as a later, more stable investment. 

Gen Z’s comfort with tech shapes entrepreneurial, flexible careers and investment goals that differ from those of older generations, who focus primarily on property as the key wealth asset. 

A cultural shift in which personal branding and fast-paced income streams dominate younger generations’ financial goals.

2. Real Estate Trends and Buying Behaviour Among Young Adults 

Despite a shift toward digital assets, property remains a core investment with evolving buying patterns shaped by parental support and lifestyle preferences.  

Let’s be real, most first homes don’t happen solo. Many receive 30-40% help from parents. We call it a “FaMa Down Payment.”

Joyce Yeoh, IQI Real Estate Agent

Young buyers prioritize lifestyle, convenience, and social factors over traditional homeownership motives.

Convincing parents to accept smaller condos or non-traditional locations is a key sales challenge. 

Hence, agents must navigate family dynamics, often needing to persuade parents more than the buyers themselves. 

Property might not sound “sexy” compared to stocks or crypto but it’s still the OG of long-term wealth.

iHerng, IQI Real Estate Agent

Yet, affordability concerns often delay purchases among young buyers, risking future rental crises.

Besides, saving for a 10% down payment amid low salaries and rising property prices is the biggest barrier, making a side hustle a necessary precursor to property investment. 

In addition, digital skills and online business models offer accessible paths to build initial capital.

This approach aligns with young adults’ preference for liquidity and lower initial commitments. It signals a broader trend toward diversified, incremental wealth-building strategies. 

3. Investment Strategies and Risk Perspectives 

Young adults show mixed attitudes toward risk, diversification, and investment horizons, shaped by impatience and varying levels of financial literacy. Young investors face risks not from investing but from poor wealth management and misinformation.

Putting all eggs in one basket can work if you deeply understand the asset, particularly property.

Jayden, IQI Real Estate Agent

Investment Strategies

• A focused investment, going “all in” on what you know, can accelerate wealth building faster than diversification.
• Property remains viewed as one of Malaysia’s safest investments, with location emphasized as a crucial factor.
• This strategy challenges conventional diversification advice but aligns with the entrepreneurial mindset of millennials and Gen Z.
• Property’s illiquidity is seen as a strength that drives appreciation and long-term generational wealth.

Risk Perspectives

• Blindly chasing trends like crypto and trading without understanding fundamentals, driven by excitement, increases exposure to losses.
• Managing wealth responsibly by balancing risk and growth is more critical than pursuing fast returns.
• Impatience and susceptibility to scams in fast-paced digital markets remain major concerns.

4. Financial Goals and Definitions of Freedom 

Young generations view financial goals and freedom in more fluid and individualized ways, prioritizing lifestyle, time freedom, and personal fulfillment.

5. Process Improvements and Engagement Strategies

Content creation, personal branding, and education are vital tools to engage younger audiences and support their financial journeys. 

Authentic Content and Audience Connection

• Successful financial educators focus on authenticity, producing content that informs and inspires rather than chasing viral trends.
• Meaningful engagement builds community trust and long-term influence.
• Millennials and Gen Z value transparency and concise, straightforward communication in financial content.

Adapting to Digital Consumption Habits

• Short-form platforms like TikTok and YouTube have reshaped financial education by favoring quick, high-impact content.
• Educators must balance entertainment with depth, providing useful insights within limited attention spans.
• Effective content strategies integrate creativity with practical advice to sustain engagement.

Financial Education and Parental Influence

• Parents and educators significantly shape financial mindsets. Parental modeling of 9-to-5 mindsets often discourages ambition and risk-taking among youth.
• Exposure to curated social media lifestyles can distort perceptions of wealth, creating unrealistic expectations. 
• Expanding accessible, accurate information is key to empowering youth and closing the knowledge gap.

6. Challenges to Wealth Building 

Young adults face challenges from income constraints, impatience, misinformation, and shifting economic conditions.

Impatience and desire for quick returns often lead to risky behavior and exposure to scams.

Social media exposure creates unrealistic timelines for wealth and links short attention spans with poor investment discipline.

Income limitations and high property prices make saving for home ownership difficult.

Misinformation adds hidden risks, making critical thinking and due diligence essential. Cultivating a growth mindset from practical financial education can overcome these barriers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Be part of IQI’s new generation of real estate agents and shape your own path to success — where bold ideas and modern wealth creation meet!

Continue Reading:

1. How Gen Z Can Save Money to Buy a House Before 30 
2. Money Reality in Malaysia: Why Are People Struggling Financially? 
3. Can Malaysians Really Survive Without a Full-Time Job?

The post How Gen Z and Millennials Rewriting Wealth Playbook appeared first on IQI Blog.

Written by Dave PLatter, Global PR Director

The South China Morning Post last month wrote a fascinating article about how the rate-cutting cycle at the U.S. Federal Reserve affects investors.  

One of the experts cited in the article by Asia’s largest English-language news source was IQI’s own Co-Founder and Group CEO, Kashif Ansari.  

“The USA, UK, Canada, and the UAE all are in a rates-easing cycle,” he told the Post. “That gives borrowers more buying power as we go into 2026.  

“Typical mortgage interest rates this month vary from as low as 1.8% in Japan to as much as 6.5% in the USA, with offshore buyers who have no local income typically paying up to 2 percentage points more. 

For buyers looking at the USA, Mr. Ansari said many investors consider it a good time to purchase, especially if they can pay with cash. The rental market is robust and provides sustained rental yields, and with rates easing, they will be able to refinance later at a lower rate.  

Regarding the UK, he said, “The UK has a chronic housing shortage and lower interest rates than the United States. That also makes it an attractive rental market, especially if you can purchase a relatively high-yielding property. “ 

Mr. Ansari said Japan is attractive at the moment because the yen is weak and properties in the major cities deliver high yields.  

“But foreign investors in Japan should move with speed because some locals are calling for a foreign buyer ban, similar to Korea’s recently announced partial ban.” 

For more of Mr. Ansari’s insights on interest rates, please see the provided table.  

The post Where Investors Get the Most from Low Interest Rates appeared first on IQI Blog.

Written by Taco Heidinga, IQI Global Strategic Advisor

Dubai, UAE 

Dubai remains the Middle East’s haven for cross-border capital. Freehold zones and 99-year leasehold rights ensure clarity for foreign buyers, while off-plan projects and prime districts continue to see strong demand. Yields of 5–7% keep Dubai highly liquid and attractive despite warnings of corrections in oversupplied areas. 

Tokyo, Japan 

Foreigners face no ownership restrictions in Japan, and Tokyo is drawing strong global interest. Land prices rose at the fastest pace in 34 years in 2025, underpinned by infrastructure investment and resilient rental demand. Transparency and low borrowing costs reinforce Tokyo’s role as a long-term, stable market. 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

Malaysia recorded some of its biggest bond inflows in over a decade in mid-2025, signaling strong external confidence. Foreigners can purchase above RM1m thresholds (varies by state), with federal territories set at RM1m. Affordable luxury in KL, coupled with a national steel roadmap targeting full decarbonisation by 2050, highlights Malaysia’s appeal for both yield and sustainable growth. 

Bali, Indonesia 

Foreigners invest in Bali through PT PMA (company) structures or Hak Pakai (Right-to-Use). Arrivals reached 602,213 in May 2025, with hotel occupancy above 58%, reinforcing rental demand for villas and branded hospitality. Indonesia’s Golden Visa also adds policy support for long-term investors. 

Strategy for November 

Blend Dubai’s liquidity, Tokyo’s stability, Kuala Lumpur’s affordable growth, and Bali’s tourism-driven yields. This mix keeps you within clear foreign-buyer frameworks while capturing Asia’s most resilient opportunities for 2025 and beyond. 

The post Global Property Outlook 2025: The Next Investment Frontiers appeared first on IQI Blog.

Written by Irhamy Ahmad, Founder and Managing Director of Irhamy Valuers International

Malaysia remains one of Asia’s most car-reliant economies, with 535 vehicles per 1,000 people as of 2020—second only to Japan and well ahead of regional peers like South Korea and Thailand. The country’s Total Industry Volume (TIV) reached a record 816,747 units in 2024, a 2.1% increase year-on-year. As of August 2025, however, total registrations fell to 516,862 units, down 4% compared to the same period last year. Rising consumer costs and tighter credit conditions contributed to the dip, though Malaysia’s overall market fundamentals remain solid thanks to a growing middle class and limited public transport coverage in many areas. 

Domestic brands Perodua and Proton continue to dominate, together capturing over 60% of national market share with 2024 sales of 358,100 and 147,587 units respectively. Foreign automakers such as Toyota, Honda, and Chery are also holding ground, particularly in the compact and SUV segments. While 2025 may close with slightly lower volumes, the broader trajectory for vehicle demand remains upward. Stable economic growth, rising incomes, and shifting lifestyle needs are expected to keep Malaysia firmly in the fast lane of Asia’s automotive landscape. 

The post Malaysia’s Auto Market in 2025: Temporary Dip Amid Long-Term Demand Strength  appeared first on IQI Blog.

Written by Irhamy Ahmad, Founder and Managing Director of Irhamy Valuers International

Amid recent volatility in global commodities like gold, Malaysian investors continue to favor residential property as a core, long-term asset. Unlike speculative instruments, housing provides both intrinsic utility and investment value. In 2024, Malaysia recorded its strongest property performance in a decade, with 420,545 transactions totaling RM232.3 billion. While Q1 2025 saw a healthy market correction, demand for landed homes—particularly terraced houses—remains resilient, underscoring a deep cultural and financial preference for tangible assets. 

Bank Negara Malaysia’s July 2025 rate cut, bringing the OPR down to 2.75%, has further improved affordability. A typical RM500,000 home loan now costs RM70–75 less per month, making ownership more accessible. According to NAPIC, 65.3% of new launches in Q1 2025 were priced below RM500,000, meeting demand for affordable housing. As Malaysians navigate economic uncertainty, homeownership continues to offer both shelter and stability—cementing property’s role as a preferred investment pillar across market cycles. 

The post Malaysia’s Property Market in 2025: Stability Shines Amid Global Volatility appeared first on IQI Blog.

Written by Hamid R. Azarmi, Head of Business Development

As 2025 nears its end, three forces converge: slowing global growth, rising political uncertainty, and AI’s accelerating influence. Navigating this space demands both conviction and flexibility. 

Growth Deceleration 

The UN’s mid-2025 outlook projects global GDP growth of 2.4 % in 2025, down from 2.9 % in 2024. Notably, U.S. growth is forecast at 1.6 %, China’s at 4.6 %, and India remains a bright spot at around 6.3 %. 

Politics Amplifies Risk 

With key elections upcoming in the U.S., EU, and India, markets are bracing for policy surprises. Capital is shifting toward defensive assets as fiscal space narrows. 

AI: Engine, but also Concentration Risk 

AI continues to dominate returns: in 2025, much of the S&P 500’s gain is attributed to AI-linked firms. Global investment in AI infrastructure is rising sharply. While exact figures vary, Big Tech AI capital spending is now measured in hundreds of billions annually, and investors are increasingly cautious about overvaluation. 

Regulation Becomes a Frontier 

New laws such as California’s SB 53 and the EU’s AI Act mandate risk management, transparency, and accountability for deployed systems. Firms must now treat compliance as a core strategic constraint. 

What 2026 May Hold 

• Fiscal and monetary policy cues will be decisive 

• International alignment (or fragmentation) on AI regulation 

• Early signals from election outcomes 

In this volatile mix, success hinges on adaptability. Diversify across sectors, track regulatory developments, and prepare for markets shaped as much by law and politics as by earnings. 

Sources: United Nations DESA, Washington Post, European Commission, California Legislative Information. 

The post At the Crossroads: Navigating AI, Politics & a Global Slowdown  appeared first on IQI Blog.

Written by Shan Saeed, IQI Chief Economist 

The world economy stands at a macroeconomic crossroads—a juncture where fragility and instability remain embedded in the global financial tapestry. The parallels with the 1970s stagflationary decade are striking. Then, as now, the interplay of energy shocks, monetary missteps, and fiscal profligacy created a volatile economic milieu that tested even the most seasoned policymakers. Today, we confront a similar mosaic of monetary dissonance and market ructions unseen in a generation. The monetary-policy innuendos across advanced economies are surfacing with unmistakable clarity: central banks, having over-stimulated liquidity post-pandemic, now risk steering their economies toward sub-par growth trajectories and structurally higher inflation over the next two to three years. 

Financial repression is quietly becoming the lexicon of the decade. Both equity and fixed-income markets are bracing for seismic adjustments as the specter of a sovereign-debt recalibration looms large. Global debt ratios are hovering near vertiginous levels, while commodity prices—especially in energy and metals—continue their upward ascent, signaling that inflationary undertones remain far from transitory. If one were to meticulously regurgitate the 1970s playbook, the analogies are unmistakable: a world grappling with geopolitical realignments, tariff volatility, and policy contradictions, leaving investors increasingly discombobulated and convoluted in judgment. 

Key Strategic Questions for Global Investors 

1. What will be the epitaph of this economic cycle—renewal or reckoning? 

2. How will central banks orchestrate the next phase of inflation management? 

3. Why are institutional investors hoarding liquidity, preferring cash as a defensive moat?

4. Why has Dubai real estate emerged as a proxy global currency—a tangible hedge against fiat fragility?

5. How high could precious metals soar in the next 24 months as monetary credibility erodes?

6. Why are central banks aggressively accumulating gold at a record pace?

7. Which technology giants will sustain valuation leadership in U.S. equity markets?

8. How will China leverage its dominance in rare earths and AI technology to shape the next phase of global economic leadership? 

Dollar Index Outlook 2025: History Repeats — 1976–1981 Redux 

As my colleague Otavia Tavi aptly notes, conventional wisdom portrays a rising U.S. dollar as a flight to safety—a liquidity reflex in times of stress. While partially true, history suggests a deeper structural correlation: the dollar’s long-term cycles mirror the relative performance of U.S. assets versus the rest of the world. 

When the dollar appreciates, U.S. assets dominate global capital flows; when it depreciates, emerging markets ascend. Yet the current macro configuration challenges the orthodoxy. Persistent twin deficits, combined with asset overvaluation and fiscal laxity, render a sustained strong dollar macroeconomically untenable.  In essence, the U.S. cannot rectify chronic imbalances through a perpetually appreciating currency—quite the opposite. A weaker dollar increasingly appears to be the implicit, perhaps inevitable, policy choice to restore external balance and avert systemic dislocation.  Viewed through that lens, a dollar retracement could well become the catalyst for a structural reconfiguration of global capital flows, as financial gravity gradually tilts from the West toward the Rest. 

The post Global Economic Outlook 2025–26: Fragility Amid Flux — Echoes of the 1970s Resurface  appeared first on IQI Blog.