With 25 years of experience in construction and property development, Yap leverages his expertise to navigate market trends, focusing on high-end projects and luxury accommodations in Malaysia.
MALAYSIAN property investors often struggle with high-rise apartments that fail to generate enough rental income to cover mortgages.
Poor management and inconsistent short-term rentals further erode property value, making it difficult to achieve optimal resale – a disadvantage for both owners and investors.
Bangsar Heights Pavilion (BHP), a subsidiary of the Bangsar Heights Group, brings over 30 years of expertise to Malaysia's thriving property market.
Under the leadership of its chief executive officer and executive director Aaron Yap, BHP is transforming the landscape of property investment by focusing on development, operation and services.
Property investment is a long-term commitment, with short-term investments spanning three to five years, medium-term investments lasting 10 years, and long-term investments stretching over decades. Investors opting for short-term rentals should treat it as a business venture.
Revolutionary property investment model
As an international hotel and branded residences developer, BHP follows a ‘backward impact strategy’ to create a comprehensive investment ecosystem aimed at maximising return on investment. Yap has identified the key elements of a successful project:
> Prime location selection: Prioritising bustling urban centres and commercially viable land with untapped potential.
> Value creation: Leveraging BHP’s expertise to maximise value and ensure sustained long-term growth.
> Cutting-edge design: Developing high-end buildings with sophisticated architectural features.
> Partnership with premium brands: Collaborating with globally recognised hotel and serviced residence brands for superior property and lease and serviced management, safeguarding asset value.
> Comprehensive services: Supporting investors throughout the investment process to ensure long-term success.
BHP project director Gan You Lam (far left), Bangsar Heights Group chairman Datuk Seri Dr. Robert Lim (second from left) and Yap (third from left) are pictured with the globally renowned Hyatt Group. Right: Yap (fourth from left) with his team at The Star Property awards.
Strategic alliance
BHP partners with globally recognised hotel and serviced residence brands, leveraging resources through flexible rental and hotel-serviced models.
BHP’s latest project, Quayside JBCC in Johor Baru, exemplifies this approach with two international brands—Hyatt Place and Oakwood—operating within the same building. Hyatt Place manages a four-star hotel, while Oakwood oversees premium serviced residences.
Within a year of its launch, 95% of 482 Oakwood-managed residences were sold, with 80% purchased by international buyers from diverse regions, including Japan, Korea, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia and others.
This strong global demand underscores Quayside JBCC's exceptional appeal, driven by its comprehensive design and positioning.
Hassle-free property management for owners
Investors seek profitability and stability in property investments. Yap's philosophy highlights the importance of a balanced strategy.
BHP’s international branded serviced residences and hotels offer the dual benefit of property ownership and business investment.
A strong brand presence ensures high occupancy and stable returns. By integrating market demand with adaptable lease and serviced arrangements, consistent income is achievable.
This approach not only preserves but also enhances property value, perfectly aligning with Sun Tzu's principle in The Art of War: “advance to attack, retreat to defend.”
Diverse revenue streams
BHP redefines investment by integrating retail, F&B outlets and digital advertising facades to expand revenue channels.
By combining the power of capital markets to provide leverage, BHP lowers investment barriers and creates a seamless blend of property, business and finance, maximising profitability through its innovative investment models.
Balancing interest of all parties
BHP acknowledges that hotel properties or serviced residences involve multiple stakeholders, including developers, operators and owners. To ensure long-term, stable operations, BHP strives for a win-win outcome where all parties benefit.
Prime land bank
BHP possesses prime land in strategic locations, poised to develop more high-end branded projects in the coming years. This includes:
> Jalan Sultan Ismail (KLCC) – a premier destination for five-star luxury hotels
> Changkat Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur – an internationally renowned bar street and nightlife hub
> Johor Bahru City Center – an exclusive locale by the RTS Link Station
> Mount Austin, Johor Baru – a bustling commercial district.
Malaysia's property market
According to Knight Frank's “Real Estate Highlights First Half of 2024” report, Malaysia's residential property market improved in Q1 2024, recording 62,823 transactions valued at RM25.25bil, a 16.6% increase.
The high-end condominium market in Klang Valley showed significant growth, with increased sales and new projects.
Johor Baru's high-rise market is also on the rise, boosted by the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, which is expected to further enhance demand.
Knight Frank’s research also highlights Malaysia as a key overseas investment destination, with Penang as a hub for foreign companies.
The Malaysian Industrial Development Finance (MIDF) research indicates that decreasing housing oversupply and a stable overnight policy rate of 3% are improving market prospects, while the RTS and Johor-Singapore Economic Zone (JSSEZ) enhance the outlook.
Visionary leadership
Yap has dedicated 25 years to construction and property development, gaining extensive experience in China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai. His expertise has enabled high-end projects and unlocked new market opportunities.
Over the years, he has refined his skills in construction, development, and strategic partnerships, effectively adapting to market trends and leveraging his knowledge to strategise.
Currently, the market is saturated with short-term rental properties, leading to price wars and declining quality, which depress overall property values. Lower entry barriers for new projects have intensified competition.
However, Yap has noted that established 4- and 5-star international hotels remain resilient despite the pandemic, as high entry barriers deter new entrants.
As Malaysia progresses toward becoming a high-income nation, both travellers and locals are raising their expectations for short-term accommodations, boosting demand for personalised and luxurious experiences.
Transitioning from market expansion to refined management, BHP aims to address gaps in property construction, investment and management, developing a unique full-scenario model to establish more high-end international hotels and branded residences in Malaysia
BHP’s award-winning Quayside JBCC – a freehold retail, hotel and serviced suites commercial building in the heart of JB city, is attracting a huge number of foreign investors.
Experience Quayside JBCC through this video tour.
Find out more information at: BHP website and the Quayside JBCC website.
