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.


