Newsrelease PISTONS

REHDA Institute Bridges Continents: Delegation Engages London Mayor’s Office and  Foster + Partners

Group photo of the delegation after visit to Gamuda Land UK (Purpose Build Student Accomodation) at Woolwich, London.
Leaders of the delegation include Dato Jeffrey Ng, Datuk Ho Hon Sang, Tan Sri Eddy Chen, Datuk SL Ng, Datuk NK Tong which was received by Gim Teck Yew (CEO) and Jess Teng (COO).

London, United Kingdom – 26 March 2026 – REHDA Institute has embarked on the Asia  Real Estate Leaders (AREL) Study Tour to the United Kingdom, covering London,  Bristol, Bath and Cambridge. The delegation was led by captains of industry, including  Dato’ Jeffrey Ng Tiong Lip, Datuk Ho Hon Sang, Tan Sri Datuk Eddy Chen, Datuk Ng Seing  Liong and Datuk NK Tong, reflecting a strong industry commitment towards global  knowledge exchange and leadership development. 

“This study tour builds on our objective of gaining critical international insights and  benchmarking best practices that can be meaningfully adapted to the Malaysian real  estate sector. As our urban landscapes continue to evolve in complexity, it is essential for  industry stakeholders to translate these learnings into practical strategies that support  more resilient, liveable and strategically developed cities,” said Dato’Jeffrey Ng Tiong Lip,  Chairman of REHDA Institute. 

As part of the London engagements, the delegation participated in the Urban Futures  Forum, organised by REHDA Institute and co-hosted by Foster + Partners. The session  featured Mr Toby Blunt, Senior Partner and Deputy Studio Head, Mr Bruno Moser, Senior  Partner and Head of Urban Design, and Mr Sunphol Sorakul, Director of Foster + Partners  Thailand. 

During the forum, Foster + Partners shared their global expertise in urban regeneration,  drawing on landmark projects such as the Bloomberg Headquarters in London, one of  the highest BREEAM-rated office buildings globally, as well as Canary Wharf Station and  the Battersea Power Station regeneration. These case studies underscored integrated  approaches to planning, design and long-term value creation in shaping sustainable and  resilient urban environments. 

Foster + Partners is a globally renowned architecture, urban design and engineering firm,  recognised for delivering landmark projects and shaping sustainable cities worldwide. 

The delegation was also received by the Office of the Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan,  represented by Mr Tom Copley, the Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential  Development. In his keynote address, Deputy Mayor Copley shared insights into  London’s housing policies, planning frameworks and the city’s ongoing efforts to address  housing affordability and supply challenges within a highly urbanised environment. 

In addition, the delegation visited Gamuda Land’s Purpose-Built Student  Accommodation (PBSA) development in Woolwich, located along Beresford Street  within the Royal Arsenal regeneration area. The visit was hosted by the senior  management from Malaysia led by Mr Gim Teck Yew (Chief Executive Officer) and Ms Jess 

Teng (Chief Operating Officer) as well as Mr Niall Farmer (Head of Gamuda UK), and  provided valuable insights into the planning, design and operational aspects of PBSA as  an emerging asset class within urban housing ecosystems. 

“Our experience in delivering PBSA in the UK reflects the importance of understanding  evolving urban living needs. These models can offer valuable reference points for  Malaysia, particularly in addressing youth housing and transitional accommodation,” said Mr Gim Teck Yew, Chief Executive Officer of Gamuda Land. 

The PBSA model demonstrates a professionally managed and amenity-driven housing  solution tailored for university students. Such concepts present potential applications in  Malaysia, particularly in advancing initiatives such as Youth Transit Homes (Rumah Belia),  where flexibility and community-oriented living are key considerations. 

For the Urban Futures Forum, organised by the REHDA Institute and co-hosted by Foster + Partners London, Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and Residential Development, delivered the keynote address during the forum.
REHDA Institute delegation was led by Trustees of REHDA Institute (Dato’ Jeffrey Ng Tiong Lip, Tan Sri Datuk Eddy Chen Lok Loi, Datuk Ng Seing Liong) and President of REHDA Malaysia (Datuk Ir Ho Hon Sang)

About REHDA Institute  

As a social enterprise and regional industry think tank focusing on housing-related issues,  REHDA Institute remains committed to exploring global best practices and facilitating  knowledge exchange. Through initiatives such as the Asia Real Estate Leaders (AREL)  Study Tour, the Institute continues to strengthen Malaysia’s human capital development,  enhance industry capabilities and contribute towards a more sustainable and inclusive  housing ecosystem. For more information, please visit our LinkedIn page ‘REHDA  Institute (Official)’ or go to www.rehdainstitute.com.

LEAVE A RESPONSE

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *