
Submissions open for Sheda Excellence Awards
KUCHING (May 28): Submissions for the Sheda Excellence Awards 2025 are now open.
Sarawak Housing Real Estate Developers' Association (Sheda) former president Datuk Alex Ting Kuang Kuo, who is event organising chairman, said the deadline for entries is July 11.
Alex and current Sheda president Augustine Wong launched the awards during a media appreciation event here last night.
Non-members of Sheda can also submit entries for the award.
'This highly-anticipated event is aimed at recognising outstanding achievements in the real estate industry. The Sheda Excellence Awards 2025 emphasise the significance of broad participation as this platform offers developers a unique opportunity to showcase their expertise in building technology, creative architecture and design, evolving marketing techniques, and property management services,' he said.
'These prominent awards are designed to encourage developers to consistently deliver best products to Sarawakians.'
The awards will be judged by independent adjudicators and leading industry professional from the Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia (ACEM) Sarawak Branch, Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Sarawak Branch, Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia (ILAM) Sarawak Chapter, Malaysia Institute of Planners (MIP) Sarawak and Sabah Chapter, Malaysia Institute of Architects (PAMSC) Sarawak Branch, Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM) Sarawak Branch, FIABCI Malaysia, and GreenRE Sdn Bhd.
For 2025, five main categories are open for submission – Landed Residential, Strata Development, Affordable Home Development, Commercial, and Master Plan.
'In alignment with the Sarawak government's green agenda, the Sheda Awards will continue to prioritise and recognise green designs and strategies,' he said.
The winners of the Sheda Excellence Awards 2025 will be celebrated at the Sheda Annual Dinner and Excellence Awards scheduled for Nov 1, 2025 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.
Alex added winners will be automatically shortlisted for the Malaysia Property Award (MPA) 2025, organised by FIABCI Malaysian Chapter, subject to MPA's terms and conditions.
For application forms, contact the Sheda secretariat by contacting [email protected] or 082-366334.
Among those present at the press conference were Sheda advisor Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok, Sheda Institute chairman Ahmad Zaidi, Sheda secretary-general John Yong, and Sheda deputy president Louis Ting. Alex Ting Kuang Kuo lead Sheda Excellence Awards
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