Steady recovery expected for Malaysia’s REIT sector

According to reports, the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter for the Malaysian real estate investment trusts (REITs). Seen as one of the “recovery play” sectors, thanks to the reopening of the Malaysian economy, REITs are generally expected to see improved earnings this year.

Analysts predict that in 2022, retail and industrial REITs could be among the outperformers as shoppers return to malls and factory spaces can witness increased demand from manufacturers. Healthcare REITs on the other hand are also expected to enjoy a better year, driven by the potential recovery in medical tourism and the improved demand for healthcare services.

To help our listeners better understand the REIT market as well as to get an outlook of how this sector is performing and its trends, moving forward, we speak to Dato’ Stewart LaBrooy, Hon. Sec of the Malaysian REIT Managers Association (MRMA) & Chairman of Alpha REIT Managers Sdn Bhd.

An association which was established in May 2010, MRMA acts as a collective representation of the Malaysian real estate investment trusts. It creates a platform for the Malaysian REIT industry to develop common standards and benchmarks against international best practices and is currently represented by 18 full members consisting of 17 listed REITs and two unlisted REITs as well as five associate members.

During the conversation Stewart shares his thoughts on:

The MRMA and its history, in addition to his own firm, Alpha REIT.
Why schools are attractive REIT sectors for investors to look into.
Singapore’s popular REIT market and how Malaysian REITs compare.
The shift in investment flow into Malaysia in recent months and what this will look like in the near future.
How the ESG agenda is impacting investments in REIT.
The outlook for REITs in the retail, hospitality & office sector in the next 12 to 24 months.
Key trends in REITS both regionally and globally.