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Written by Irhamy Ahmad, Founder and Managing Director of Irhamy Valuers InternationalThe East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is more than a railway project, it is a game changing economic reshaping Malaysia’s east and west coast connectivity. Stretching across 665 kilometres from Kota Bharu, Kelantan, to Port Klang, Selangor, the ECRL is built to serve both passenger and cargo, with a dual-track electric rail system capable of speeds up to 160 km/h for passengers and 80 km/h for cargo. Once completed, it’s set to boost everything from logistics and real estate to industrial growth and tourism.One of the impacts of the ECRL is on real estate. New stations and transport hubs in areas like Mentakab, Kuantan, and Dungun are increasing interest in nearby land and property. Improved accessibility is attracting investors and developers to previously remote locations. Property prices are expected to rise, especially near transit-oriented developments (TODs), where mixed-use projects are likely to thrive. In Terengganu, for example, TODs are being planned around the six ECRL stations, and this could pave the way for new townships and lively urban centres in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER).Strategic ports such as Kuantan, Kemaman, Kertih, and Tok Bali are set to benefit immensely from the ECRL. By connecting these ports to Port Klang via an efficient land bridge, the rail link reduces logistics costs and transit times for cargo shipments. Kuantan Port is expected to grow into a key regional transshipment hub, while Kemaman and Kertih ports, will support industries like oil, gas, and chemical. Tok Bali, with its proximity to agriculture and fisheries activities, can leverage the ECRL to access wider markets, boosting local economies.To support the integration of rail logistics, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) is working on policies to encourage cargo companies to move away from road transport. The idea is to reduce road congestion, reduce accident risks, and improve the flow of goods. The policy is expected to be implemented when the ECRL becomes operational, which is projected for early 2027.Supporting this logistics revolution are ECER industrial parks strategically located along the ECRL route. These include the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP), Kertih Biopolymer Park, Pahang Technology Park, Kuantan Fish Processing Park and the Tok Bali Industrial Park. These parks are tailored to attract high value industries such as manufacturing, biotechnology, food processing, and petrochemicals. This creates a shared advantage, streamlined logistics for businesses and broader development for the region.Beyond logistics and real estate, the ECRL is also opening new frontiers in rail tourism. With scenic routes through lush forests, rivers, and coastal towns, the ECRL offers a unique travel experience that could rival other scenic railways in Asia. The development of Recreational Vehicle (RV) tourism in ECER is another innovative initiative. By establishing RV parks near ECRL stations and tourist attractions, Malaysia aims to draw local and foreign tourists seeking flexible, land-based travel experiences.In conclusion, the ECRL is not just a rail line it is an economic artery. Its impact on real estate, ports, industry, and tourism will be long-lasting, contributing significantly to the goals of balanced national development under the Shared Prosperity Vision.As Malaysia accelerates into a new era of connectivity, the ECRL is laying the tracks for a more connected, balanced, and prosperous Malaysia.click for more info!

Written by Muhazrol Muhamad, GVP, Head of Bumiputra SegmentThe latest NAPIC Q1 2025 Snapshot shows that affordable housing continues to dominate Malaysia’s new residential supply.In the first quarter of 2025, 12,498 new residential units were launched nationwide. Of this total, a significant 22.5% (2,809units) were priced below RM300,000, while 42.8% (5,350 units) fell in the RM300,001 to RM500,000 range. Combined, this means that 65.3% of all new launches were priced under RM500,000, clearly showing that affordable options remain widelyavailable.Price Is Not the Main BarrierFor years, many first-time buyers and young families have cited high prices as the primary obstacle to homeownership. But with nearly 2,800 units launched under RM300,000 and more than 5,000 under RM500,000, the evidence shows that affordable homeownership is well within reach.Where Are These Homes Being Launched?The top three states with the most new residential launches in Q1 2025 were: - Johor: 3,194 units - Selangor: 2,129 units - Negeri Sembilan: 1,838 unitsThese are not fringe or rural areas—they are active growth zones with expanding infrastructure and vibrant job markets.What Else Does the Data Show?Of the total launches: - 72.8% (9,102 units) were landed homes - 27.2% (3,396 units) were high-rise propertiesMalaysian buyers have long shown a strong preference for landed homes over high-rise living. With nearly three-quarters of all new launches being landed units, the good news is that these preferred options are still widely available.Final ThoughtsThe first quarter of 2025 confirms one thing: affordable homes are out there, but they won’t last forever. With construction costs rising and demand building up, prices may not remain this accessible.Click for more info!

Written by Dante Azarmi, Head of Business DevelopmentAs we move into the second half of 2025, global financial markets are increasingly shaped by evolving interest rate policies. Central banks—having tackled the inflationary pressures of the early 2020s through aggressive tightening—are now entering a more cautious phase of monetary adjustment. For investors, understanding these shifts is crucial to preserving value and seizing new opportunities in a transitioning environment.Understanding the Rate LandscapeThe Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, and other major monetary authorities have signaled that while inflation is moderating, rate cuts will be gradual and data-dependent. Real interest rates remain positive across most developed economies, and yields on government bonds continue to offer attractive, low-risk returns. However, geopolitical uncertainties and regional growth disparities underscore that a one-size-fits-all investment strategy is no longer sufficient.Implications for Asset ClassesEquities: Growth stocks may remain under pressure as higher rates reduce the present value of future earnings. In contrast, value and dividend-paying stocks—especially in sectors like utilities, consumer staples, and financials—could regain investor favor.Bonds: Duration risk is back in focus. Investors should consider short- to intermediate-term bonds and inflation-linked securities to manage volatility while still earning yield.Real Estate: Higher financing costs are putting pressure on valuations in some markets. However, segments with strong rental demand and limited supply—particularly data centers, logistics hubs, and sustainable housing—remain resilient. Real estate continues to offer long-term value as a hedge against inflation and a stable source of passive income. Key regions with demographic growth, urban renewal, and infrastructure investment are especially promising for future appreciation.Alternatives: Asset classes such as private credit, infrastructure, and commodities offer valuable diversification and may provide protection against macroeconomic shocks.Strategies for Income and BorrowingFor income-focused investors, laddered bond portfolios and high-yield savings accounts remain reliable. Borrowers should evaluate variable-rate debt and consider refinancing if interest rates begin to reverse later in the year. Fixed-rate products continue to offer predictability amidst economic uncertainty.Rebalancing with PurposeNow is an ideal time to reassess portfolio allocations. Are your investments aligned with current macroeconomic realities? Do your holdings match your risk tolerance and time horizon? Purposeful rebalancing—rather than reactive decision-making—is essential for long-term success.Interest rate dynamics in 2025 present both challenges and opportunities across global markets. By staying informed and agile, investors can position themselves to capitalize on these shifts while mitigating avoidable risks. Real estate remains a standout: a tangible, income-generating asset class with enduring appeal. As always, a balanced blend of prudence and adaptability will be your greatest asset in navigating the road ahead.Click for more info!

Written by Dave Platter, Global PR Director“Of all countries in the Middle East, the UAE has the least to fear,” said Kashif Ansari in his recent commentary for Gulf Today.He was responding to the global trade turbulence set off by President Trump’s sweeping new tariffs. Ansari, Co-Founder and Group CEO at IQI, pointed to the UAE’s strategic alignment with the U.S. as key to its resilience.“The UAE has moved quickly to partner with the Trump administration,” he said. “The Emirati government even committed to investing $1.4 trillion into the U.S. economy over ten years and let President Trump present that investment as a major “win” in a White House announcement.Ansari is probably right that this diplomacy helped the UAE avoid the harsher tariffs imposed on others. The U.S. imposed only a 10% customs duty on the Emirates. That is much less than on China.“Jordan faces tariffs of 20%, Algeria 30%, Iraq 39%,” he wrote. “Even the EU faces a 20% tariff.”But the UAE’s strategy has other legs just as successful as its diplomacy with the U.S. For example, the country has done an excellent job of diversifying its trade ties. This geographic spread protects the UAE from overexposure to any one market. The UAE isn’t betting everything on Washington, he said.“Trade with the U.S. totaled $34.4 billion in 2024, but trade with China reached $95 billion,” Ansari said. “With India, it was $84 billion. The European Union adds another $68 billion, and Sub-Saharan Africa another $64 billion.”Even the oil market’s volatility is less of a threat than it once was. “The Emirates have successfully diversified the economy away from petroleum,” Ansari explained. “Non-oil GDP has grown by 46% over ten years and now accounts for about three-quarters of output.”Visible examples of that transformation are everywhere. “Look at the Burj Khalifa, Emirates Airline, Jebel Ali Port, and Dubai Mall,” said Ansari. “They are icons of the UAE’s real estate sector, global trade, and consumer spending.”Another sign of the UAE’s momentum is its growing appeal among global elites. “In 2025, the flow of wealthy individuals moving to Dubai and Abu Dhabi is set to accelerate,” he said. “The UAE ranks year after year as a top-10 destination for international property investment, even ahead of much larger countries.”He pointed to a long-term shift underway. “The population of residents with assets exceeding $100 million doubled over the past 10 years and will double again in the next decade.”This influx, he added, “stimulates development, drives demand for private banking, and helps the Emirates diversify the econo my even further through investments in startups, tech, and green energy.”Ansari’s conclusion is that the UAE has built itself into an essential node of global commerce. In the new world of tariff battles, the Middle East is not a sideshow; it is a crossroads.Click for more info!

Written by Shan Saeed, IQI Chief EconomistMarkets are volatile, and investors are puzzled. The magnitude of recent market reactions has not been seen in a generation. While public markets face sharp selloffs, private investors are often more insulated from Wall Street's turmoil. This divergence is more relevant than ever. The Nasdaq recently endured its worst day since 2022, with over $1 trillion in market value wiped out in just six hours."The market is going through a period of transition," President Trump acknowledged—a diplomatic way of warning that public investors should brace for continued turbulence.Hard Economic Truths Can emerge QuicklyU.S. stocks rose 14% from their April lows as signs emerged that trade tensions with China may ease.Supply chains cannot be rewired quickly without significant disruption.Stay optimistic on developed market (DM) stocks, but expect near-term volatility.The underlying U.S. economy and corporate earnings remain solid, bolstered by transformative forces such as AI.Favor short- and medium-term fixed income maturities in the U.S. market.THE AI MARKET IS HEATING UPAI Innovation Race: Top 5 Countries with the Most AI Patents China leads the global AI race with an astonishing 300,510 patents, accounting for over 50% of all AI-related intellectual property. The country is investing heavily in deep learning, natural language processing (NLP), and computer vision—cementing its leadership in AI-powered industries. The United States follows with 67,773 patents, maintaining its edge in AI research and foundational technologies with strong commercial applications. Japan ranks third, focusing on robotics, smart cities, healthcare, and autonomous systems with 26,429 patents. India is rapidly emerging as a key player, with 25,991 patents driven by initiatives like the National AI Mission and significant progress in AI applications across agriculture, healthcare, fintech, and language tech. South Korea rounds out the top five with 23,666 patents, pushing advancements in consumer electronics, smart factories, and 5G.The global AI race is reshaping the future of technology.Which country will lead the chargeover the next decade?click here for more info!

Written by Taco Heidinga, IQI Global Strategic Advisor Savvy property investors are always looking for emerging opportunities. Whether you're seeking capital growth, lifestyle value, or a foothold in an appreciating market—Summer 2025 offers compelling choices across continents. Here's our pick of where to look next—including some surprising under-the-radar gems.ITALY - A Timeless Investment With Fresh MomentumItaly is no longer just a dream destination—it's also becoming a strategic investment choice. With property prices still undervalued compared to other Western European nations and an unmatched lifestyle offering, Italy is drawing increasing attention by the wealthy.Key reasons why Italy stands out in 2025:• Stable Eurozone entry point: Safe investment within the EU, ideal for diversification.• Golden Visa alternative: Attractive residency options for non-EU buyers.• Tourism rebound: Rental yields rising in key areas like Rome, Florence, and the coasts.• Tax incentives: Generous flat tax schemes for high-net-worth individuals and retirees.Spotlight on Sardinia: We're proud to announce that Immobiliare Sarda has joined the JUWAI IQI network as our exclusive local expert. This experienced team offers direct access to premium Sardinian properties—luxury coastal villas, traditional farmhouses (stazzi), and off-market land deals.Sardinia offers:• Crystal-clear waters and untouched nature• Low purchase prices compared to mainland hotspots• Strong second-home rental demand from Northern Europeans• A quiet, long-term growth trajectory with limited supplyOther Emerging Investment Gems Around the WorldMALAYSIA (Penang, Johor, KL)• MM2H visa allows long-term residency• Modern infrastructure with low entry prices• Strong rental market in key expat hubsTURKEY (Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir)• Currency devaluation makes property highly affordable forforeign investors• High rental yields in short-term and long-term markets• Citizenship-by-investment still activeGEORGIA (Tbilisi, Batumi)• Zero residency requirement for ownership• High ROI in new developments• Growing popularity with regional investors and digital nomadsSecret Tip: Albania and Montenegro• EU accession candidates, offering long-term appreciationpotential• Dramatic Adriatic coastlines at a fraction of Croatian prices• English-speaking local agencies and low purchase taxesSecret Tip: Albania and Montenegro• EU accession candidates, offering long-term appreciationpotential• Dramatic Adriatic coastlines at a fraction of Croatian prices• English-speaking local agencies and low purchase taxesFINAL THOUGHTSIn a globalized world, smart property investorsthink across borders. The key is to balancelocation, regulation, currency risk, and markettiming. With teams like Immobiliare Sardanow on board, JUWAI IQI is uniquelypositioned to offer local insight backed byglobal reach.If you’re ready to explore high-growthdestinations and discover your nextinvestment—whether for income, capital gain,or lifestyle—reach out to our team for tailoredguidance.Click Here For More Info!View the file

Written by Junaid Hamid, Head of IQI Karachi PakistanRESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE IN PAKISTAN: MARKET ANALYSIS 2025Pakistan’s Housing Market 2025: Navigating Gaps and GainsPakistan’s residential property market in 2025 remains shaped by a persistent housing deficit. With a population surpassing 241 million and a 19% rise in households since 2017, the demand faroutpaces supply.• Current Inventory: 36.2 million units• Deficit: Over 2.1 million basic units; up to 27 million when factoring in substandard housing• Urban Impact: Major cities face acute shortages, while some secondary cities still show temporary oversupplyRental Sector SnapshotRental housing supports millions:• 11.9% of households nationwide, jumping to 23.8% in urban areas• Rents in key cities are rising by about 10% annually• Yields remain attractive—Islamabad leads with 6.75%, Karachi follows at 6.21%Investment returns remain attractive in the rental sector despite economic challenges, with gross apartment rental yields averaging 6.24% nationwide. Islamabad offers the highest yields at 6.75%, followed by Karachi at 6.21%.Market MovementsHome prices continue to climb, influenced by inflation and construction costs:• Karachi: Houses +10.54% YoY; apartments +3.82%• Islamabad: High prices despite some corrections• Multan & Gujranwala: Emerging hotspots with rapid appreciationRise of ApartmentsUrban densification is fueling vertical living:• Karachi: 55% growth in mid-tier apartment supply projected• Islamabad & Lahore: Strong demand for upscale and mid-market apartments• Factors: land scarcity, shifting lifestyles, and developer preference for multi-unit projectsChallenges AheadThe market faces significant hurdles:• Affordability: Widening gap between income and housing costs• Financing: Limited mortgage options and high interest rates• Costs: Rising material and labor prices• Speculation: Investor-driven demand overshadows end-user needsLooking ForwardDespite challenges, fundamentals remain promising:• Economic stabilization and interest rate cuts could ease access• Urban growth and younger demographics will sustain long-term demand• Policy reforms, innovative financing, and PPPs are critical to closing the supply gapPakistan’s real estate market in 2025 offers both risks and rewards. While structural imbalances persist, strategic investments—especially in location and housing type—can deliver solid returns as the country continues its urban transformation.Click here now for more info!Download

Written by Somsak Chutisilp, Country Head of ThailandCONSUMER CONFIDENCE AND ECONOMIC DRIVERSThe Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) fluctuated throughout 2024 but showed a strong rebound in Q4, signaling renewed optimism among consumers.This rebound is supported by government economic initiatives and the continued recovery of the tourism sector, both of which are expected to positively impact the retail market in 2025.Retail Expansion and New SupplyInvestment in both existing and new retail centers continues to generate consumer interest and engagement. In 2024, several major retail center renovations were completed, and new openings added over 185,000 square meters of net new retail supply.With tourism and retail closely linked, the rise in international tourist arrivals has especially benefited established enclosed malls in downtown Bangkok.Looking ahead, the enclosed mall format is expected to contribute another 200,000 square meters of supply, which will test current occupancy rates amid growing competition.Innovation and Consumer Trendsin a highly competitive retail landscape, both developers and brands are focused on delivering innovative products and exceptional customer experiences.According to Oxford Economics, Bangkok consumers allocate up to 40% of disposable income to discretionary spending, with the largest share going toward food and beverage (F&B).The F&B segment remains the dominant category for new international brand entries, with Japanese brands leading the way. Meanwhile, European brands continue to maintain a strong presence in the fashion and accessories segment.With consumer demand expected to stay strong in core retail locations, many overseas brands are eyeing Thailand as a key growth market in 2025.Click here now for more info!Download