Will KL Real Estate Continues To Flourish?

As always, there are sceptics, and there are optimists. If one were to talk to any of the major real estate developers or property experts about the prospects of properties surrounding KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Center) where no other than the famous Petronas Twin Towers being the central focal point, they would most likely draw to the same conclusion, that is, KLCC properties will continue to flourish, despite the potential global economic slowdown, US sub-prime crisis and Malaysia's political uncertainties. Some experts admit that there could potentially be a slowdown in KLCC's property market too, but it remains to be one of the most exciting real estate markets globally.

As for the sceptics, here's the matter of fact, prices of KLCC high-end properties have risen by an average of 50% to 100% over the past one to two years! Therefore, it's no longer a question of if but how far can it go!!

Recent property transactions in KL seem to further bolster the excitement ahead. YTL Corporate, a major conglomerate, bought a piece of freehold land valuing at RM2,000 (USD625) per sq feet at Jalan Stonor, near KLCC. Another developer, Sunrise, dubbed the "king" of condominiums due to their strong brand name establised in Mon't Kiara, has today proposed to buy a piece of freehold land fronting KLCC at RM2,588 (USD809) per sq feet! The said land is currently housing the large commercial building Wisma Angkasa Raya. It's also interesting to see that both transactions happened after the March general election!

It is also worthy to mention earlier this year, German-based Union Investment Real Estate AG bought en bloc an uncompleted 41-storey office tower in the city from Bandar Raya Development for slightly more than RM439 million (USD137m). The other noteworthy one was by Kuwait Finance House, one of the most aggressive foreign players in the Kuala Lumpur property market. It bought buy half of the yet to be built 45-storey Menara YNH from YNH Property for RM920 million, setting then a new benchmark of RM1,230 (USD384) per sq feet.

Hot on the heels is the announcement by KL City Hall (DBKL) the approval for upcoming development of more skyscrapers around KLCC comprising office blocks, hotels and serviced apartments over the next few years. Among them is a a skyscraper soaring to about 60 storeys to be built as an extension to the Petronas Twin Towers. It will be located next to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Others include a 60 storey building at KL Sentral, 40 storey building at Stadium Merdeka and the 70-storey building next to Twin Towers housing a hotel, service apartment, condominum and retail.

Well, that's great but the question is, is this sustainable or could this be a potential bubble in the making? In my opinion, much depends on how the Malaysian Government, relevant authorities and the property developers market KLCC properties as a global brand. After all, being the "best kept secret" is not going to augur well for anyone. It fair to say that past marketing efforts had been rather futile until 2007. In addition, further liberalisation of investment policies have to be continuously fine tuned in an efficient manner, so that it eases the process of buying properties in the country. The Malaysia My Second Home Campaign has been rather successful but needs further improvement and consistency in implementing policies. Also, the country has to be continuously benchmark against other more developed as well as emerging property markets out there so that Malaysia will remain relevant and continue to gain competitive edge over the others.

If the above can be achieved, I am sure it will be a rewarding journey for those who make the early jump. However, potential can only be fulfilled when concerted efforts are being put in place, which is not this country is reknowned for in terms of past efficiency and effectiveness.

It will be nice to see Malaysian properties competing against the best of the world!

Calling For "One" Nation, "One" Identity, Here In My Home

"Malaysia, truly Asia" is the tagline that Malaysia tourism uses to promote Malaysia as a choice of tourism destination and has indeed achieved a large degree of success globally. Malaysia, as we all know, is a country made up of multiple ethnic races, mainly the Malays, Chinese, Indian and other indigenous natives. The Chinese and Indian came about as a result of a large influx of immigrants in the 18th and 19th Century due to the commodity boom.

Unlike other nations particularly the developed western nations such as USA, Canada, UK and Australia where there was also a large amount of immigrants over the years particularly in the late 20th century, Malaysia Government adopted the policy of race-based development, or better known as the affirmative action policy since 1969. This was deemed "necessary"by the Government as the solution to curb the imbalance in income distribution among the different ethnic races. Whilst undeniably this policy has contributed to the development of certain race-based community, it has failed to achieve the desired target and objectives in the long term, that is, to address the real hardcore issues of all Malaysians. Such policy in fact leads the nation continue to be divided by race, and this has become such a sad chapter in Malaysia's cultural and economic development as a whole.

Many Malaysians, including myself, would like to see an end to this non-effective and outdated affirmative action policy. The results of Malaysia's recent General Election is a testimony of that wish!

In today's world of globalisation, people are constantly on the move, so much so that in my opinion there is now lesser of a need to differentiate ourselves as which race but merely a global citizen!

Recently, a group of individuals made up of famous local artistes and other famous personalities ranging from arts activists, sportsmen to corporate individuals, have voluntarily get together to promote racial unity and "hope" in the form of a song. Among those involved included Afdlin Shauki, Awie, Ning Baizura, Jaclyn Victor, Reshmonu, Atilia, KLG Sqwad, Altimet, Suki, Daniel Lee, Tony Fernandes (boss of Air Asia!!), Maya Karin, Singletrackmind, Stephen Chua, Shebby Singh, Sharifah Amani, Amber Chia and Ida Nerina.

The song was orchestrated predominantly in English, but with a multi-lingual twist. Here's the video of the song...go check it out now:



Well, it's not the best choreography out there but i think the important and simple message is well delivered!

Calling for One Nation, One Identity, "Here In My Home"!

Network Marketing: Is It Your Cup of Tea?

Conceptually, Network Marketing or Multi-level Marketing (MLM) offers a very sound way of making money through LEVERAGING...it is like having a bunch of McDonald's franchisees working for you...absolutely one of the best around! That's why there are so many MLM companies everywhere trying to offer a DREAM to people but unfortunately, it became a broken dream for many...

While MLM does offer great potential (making lots of money), i have to caution you that it's not everyone's cup of tea. Often it involves the bold steps of doing things differently and one must be able to take rejections and failures positively, persevere and never give up! For many, it is easier said than done...many network marketeers cannot last more than 3 to 6 months!

Also, it is important that one needs to be prepared to act as a true leader cum motivator of your team. Your growth is obviously limited if you are merely a follower!

Besides, efficient and quality service provided to your customers is also critical, just like any form of business.

Some of the criteria i would suggest to consider when selecting a good MLM company include:
- Sound and visionary management, who has also demonstrated great support for its people
- Genuine products with excellent quality
- a consistent roadmap to introducing new products (This is because every single product out there will reach maturity one day sooner or later)
- Excellent incentive scheme (but beware, stay away from GET-RICH-QUICK-SCHEME!)
- If one is relative new to the industry, best to join someone (directly or indirectly) or a group who has consistently demonstrated leadership skills cum a strong motivator. Even if one doesn't succeed, there are plenty of learning experience to benefit from!
- Opportunity for market expansion, such as overseas expansion and product diversification.

Does it need to be a proven business? Well, most people think it is wiser to join a new or relatively new start up due to the exponential growth potential. However, it can't be a proven business if it's a new start up for sure. So one takes a greater risk for a potentially bigger rewards. Of course, the reverse holds true too! I guess there is no hard and fast rule...it's all an element of how much risk one is ready to take. Although it may be safer to join a Network Marketing business that is age old and proven, the potential rewards may be lesser depending on the level of market maturity. At the end of the day, i believe there is a market as long as there is an opportunity for market expansion and room for new or supplementary products.

Indeed, one can truly enjoy financial freedom if becomes successful in Network Marketing.

What do you think? Do share with me your views.

Beauty and the Beast.....An Emotional Week

Out of the norm, I would like to take a moment to write about my thoughts on the two natural disasters that have rocked Asia this past couple of weeks...

First it was the typhoon that blew Myanmar apart, then it was the catastrophic China's earthquake at Sichuan that took more than 40,000 lives.....these are simply devastating!

As I watched in horror the gruesome live pictures, stories and recordings of the events through TV, newspaper and internet, i couldn't hide my emotions at times watching the disaster unfold.

Special tribute has to be extended to China's People's Liberation Army, the medical team and volunteers who worked tirelessly to the rescue work and keeping the situation under control. The army, in particular, has demonstrated great efficiency, dedication and unselfish commitment to managing the wreckage and rescuing people, many from the brink of death!

I am not sure how long it will take for the victims who lost their homes and/or families to recover from this tragedy...it could in fact be many months or even years before their lives could return to normal again.

Sadly, as a foreigner, there's nothing much i could do except for providing some assistance in monetary form. I have decided today to make a charity donation to both Myanmar and Sichuan disaster relief fund. In fact, this is my biggest single contribution to-date and i certainly have no regrets!

I hope you will do the same too.

Cherish your lives and your loved ones while you can! Life can be short!

How High Can Crude Oil Price Go?

Over the past one year or so, we have seen the price of crude oil shooting off the roof, from a mere $25 to the record high $123 per tonne! Have you ever thought the possibility of crude oil prices to Hit $200? What sort of impact will this have on global inflation? As so many essential items are linked to crude oil, we can imagine the potential crisis that could emerge from this unthinkable event? Too far fetch, you think?

Well, Goldman Sachs, the famous global investment banker, has predicted that the price of crude oil will hit $200 as early as by the end of 2008! Yes, you hear it right, this is the same folks who predicted that the price would hit $100 a year ago!!

Already many countries are experiencing high inflation, and in some countries, food crisis could become a real threat too!

Inflation certainly reduces one's purchasing power with every dollar...so whatever retirement savings you have today most likely will erode further in its value and as such, questions will be asked how long can these money survive? Some research indicates that retirement savings fund tend to vanquish within 3 years after retirement....it is a startling statistic indeed!

What's the solution? Simple, you have to make sure that your funds grow at a rate significantly greater than the inflation rate, so that your real purchasing power will not erode over time. Putting the money in the safest form of cash instruments such as Fixed Deposit simply won't work! In simple terms, one has to learn how to take some calculated risk and invest your money wisely. I really think there is no other way unless you run some form of business that generates tonnes of money every year!

One of the safest asset class for investment is GOLD. Gold prices have in fact risen in tandem with the rise in crude oil, as people generally perceive gold as one of the most defensive form of investment and a safe heaven. Like all investments and commodities, the price of gold is ultimately driven by supply and demand.

Let's look at how well Gold has performed over the past 5 years...


Simply Astonishing!

Looks like I will hold on to my gold investment for some time to come, perhaps with the intention to increase my portfolio too!

If you would like to invest in gold, i recommend you to check this out....
Buy gold online - quickly, safely and at low prices