Eugene Mahalingam

Journalist at The Star (Malaysia)

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Articles

Slow start for hotel industry as international travellers remain cautious

1 week ago | thestar.com.my | Eugene Mahalingam

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian hotel sector has been off to a slow start this year, as economic uncertainties from ongoing geopolitical tensions continue to deter international travellers. Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) president Datin Christina Toh said “Business has been slow. Yes, we are seeing a lot of inbound travellers, especially from China, but it is not as many as initially expected.
Office market stable amid hybrid work, ESG trends

1 month ago | thestar.com.my | Eugene Mahalingam

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian office market is expected to remain stable this year, underpinned by demand for newer high-grade offices featuring sustainable designs and up-to-date specifications. Savills Malaysia Sdn Bhd group managing director Datuk Paul Khong said older Grade B and Grade C offices would struggle with major tenant retention issues and would continue to rely on lower rentals to stay competitive.
Investors look to steady REITs in uncertain times

1 month ago | thestar.com.my | Eugene Mahalingam

PETALING JAYA: As investors seek stability amid global economic uncertainties, property experts believe real estate investment trusts (REITs) have the capability to withstand the volatility. Rahim & Co International Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Siva Shanker firmly believes that REITs, in the next five years, will be “the darlings of the property sector”. “Times are changing. Gone are the days when we used to see the property sector rising or falling by 20% to 30%.
Stronger 1Q25 earnings expected for property companies

1 month ago | thestar.com.my | Eugene Mahalingam

PETALING JAYA: Following a solid earnings season in the final quarter of last year (4Q24), analysts and industry experts remain upbeat about the prospects of property companies in 1Q25. Seasoned investor Ian Yoong believes earnings for property companies should grow by 8% to 12% in 1Q25, mainly driven by land sales in 4Q24.
Lagenda plans maiden project in Negri Sembilan

1 month ago | thestar.com.my | Eugene Mahalingam

PETALING JAYA: Lagenda Properties Bhd, which recently acquired a new plot of land in Negri Sembilan, plans to launch its maiden development in the state by next year. Group managing director Datuk Jimmy Doh (pic) said the expansion into Negri Sembilan marks an important milestone in the property developer’s growth strategy. “We are in the process of carrying out the necessary planning submissions for the development as we expect to launch the project next year,” he told StarBiz.
Trump tariff shock rips up Germany’s China strategy under Merz | The Star

2 months ago | thestar.com.my | Eugene Mahalingam

BERLIN: German chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz faces the prospect of being forced into another pivot before he even takes office.
URA has potential to attract investments

2 months ago | thestar.com.my | Eugene Mahalingam

PETALING JAYA: Property experts and consultants believe that the Urban Renewal Act (URA), set to be tabled in Parliament in July, has the potential to attract investment opportunities and improve living conditions. Zerin Properties chief executive officer Previn Singhe noted that regional peers such as Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea and Australia have successfully implemented urban renewal policies to ensure their cities remain globally competitive.
Positive sentiment to drive real estate sector

2 months ago | thestar.com.my | Eugene Mahalingam

PETALING JAYA: The property sector is expected to continue growing steadily this year underpinned by positive market sentiment and investment opportunities following stable growth in 2024. Industry observers noted that Johor, especially, will continue to generate interest among real estate investors and buyers.
SMEs in rural areas still face challenges with adopting tech

2 months ago | thestar.com.my | Eugene Mahalingam

PETALING JAYA: Despite improving digital adoption, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) continue to face significant challenges in their automated transformations. SME Malaysia national president Chin Chee Seong said while more SMEs in Malaysia have effectively adopted digital tools since the pandemic, adoption remains uneven. “Larger and more tech-savvy SMEs, especially in urban areas, are using digitalisation to improve efficiency, reach more customers, and grow their businesses.
Practical ways to save

2 months ago | thestar.com.my | Eugene Mahalingam

PETALING JAYA: When it comes to saving money, especially for a rainy day, it’s easy for that budgeting plan that we worked so hard on to get derailed. Dr Joyce Chuah, chief executive officer of wealth and retirement planning consultancy Success Concepts, pointed out that saving money doesn’t have to be complicated. “With a few simple money-saving strategies, you can improve your finances on track without sacrificing too much,” she told StarBiz.