This article first appeared in City & Country, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on February 1, 2021 - February 7, 2021

Suntrack Development Sdn Bhd CEO James Tan studied civil engineering at the University of Warwick in the UK before returning to Malaysia and joining the company. He recounts his time there and how it has shaped the company’s brand DNA and projects, especially its latest offering, Tuai Residence. 

“In university, one of the first things that struck me [in the sports union] was the equal opportunities policy, which was all-inclusive,” he recalls. 

“I thought it was very profound and applied the same philosophy in our company and developments. Thereafter, I started studying more about retirement villages and felt inspired by geriatrician Dr Bill Thomas’ approach, MAGIC, which stands for multi-ability multigenerational inclusive communities,” says Tan. 

“We would like this all-inclusive, fairness [approach] to be expressed in our products … it has inspired our latest project, Tuai Residence in Setia Alam, which will be built to suit all generations in the community,” he tells City & Country in a Zoom call. 

The developer promises to deliver a project that promotes multigenerational living and offers plenty of suitable facilities. Located on a 6.6-acre site and facing Eco World Development Bhd’s township, Eco Ardence, Tuai Residence has a gross development value (GDV) of RM190 million. 

Tuai Residence is freehold and has a total of 330 units. “The development is low density, with only 50 units per acre, and is set to be completed in 2023. Construction works commenced in March last year,” says Tan. The company plans to launch the development in 2H2021, depending on market conditions and the Covid-19 situation.  It had a soft opening in July last year, with a take-up of  35% so far. 

The units in the 29-storey residential tower have a 3-bedroom 2-bathroom layout with built-ups of 1,100 to 1,200 sq ft (Types A and B) and prices range from RM495,000 to RM550,000 (about RM450 psf). “The units are sizeable and suitable for families,” he opines. 

Tuai Residence forms part of a RM750 million, 23.3-acre master plan in Setia Alam. “We acquired this tract about four years ago. Tuai Residence is under Phase 1. There will be four phases altogether comprising Tuai Residence (Phase 1), Tuai Timur (Phase 2), affordable housing (Phase 3) and a commercial development (Phase 4),” says Tan. 

“The names, design and overall composition of the developments have not been finalised and are still in the planning stages, but we would like to maintain our vision of equality in them. It will appear like a retirement village but appeal to all ages, we hope. 

“Our target market for this project is seniors and also the sandwich generation, adults with ageing parents — for example, they could be in their 40s and their parents could be in their 70s — as well as downsizers. “But we have been getting expressions of interest from purchasers across the board. They are mostly owner-occupiers and some investors who find our tenant base unique. The response has been encouraging.”

Besides facilities that are suitable for all ages, Tuai Residence is wheelchair-friendly and ramps are provided for the convenience of residents. “There will be a healthcare [provider] on site. The senior citizens who live in Tuai Residence will have access to daily medical checks-ups. For this, we have partnered with Australia’s Cality Care for homecare services, nurses and care on site,” says Tan. 

“In the long term, we would also like to own an aged care residential building and collaborate with an aged care partner, licensed under the Ministry of Health (MoH). We would like to fill the gap.” 

The units in Tuai Residence will have high ceilings, dry and wet kitchens, ample-sized balconies and yards. “It is crucial for us that there is ample space for the residents, for the children and even for the grandparents, so that they can grow into these homes,” says Tan. 

Facilities include a raised swimming pool to keep toddlers safe, fenced playground, antibacterial wall paint, a clubhouse café, a residents’ lounge with billiard table and six activity and meeting rooms. 

“The communal spaces take into consideration placemaking strategies and are carefully designed and curated to encourage social interaction among residents of all ages. We will build a safe link-bridge to connect the first floor to the clubhouse and future retail shops [which are still in the design stage],” reveals Tan. 

He highlights that the project is situated in a prime neighbourhood. “Tuai Residence is located within the township of Setia Alam next to the Eco Ardence township, and is about 30 minutes from KL city centre. For leisure strolls and grocery shopping, Setia City Mall and Tesco Setia Alam are just short drives away. The development is also connected via the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), Shapadu Highway and the Guthrie Corridor,” says Tan. 

Nearby schools and educational institutions include SK Setia Alam, SJK (C) Pin Hwa, SMK Setia Alam, Tenby Schools Setia Eco Park, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) and Universiti Selangor (Unisel). Hospitals and medical institutions such as Shah Alam Hospital, Columbia Asia Hospital Klang and TGDD Medical and Dental Clinic are close to the development. 

Suntrack Development was established in 2002 and has delivered several residential and commercial projects in Cheras, Kajang, Serdang, Bangi and Cyberjaya. It launched the strata-titled development, Kanvas Soho, in Cyberjaya in 2014. With a GDV of RM230 million, the twin-towered 30-storey project offers 646 SoHo (small office/home office) and 18 retail units with built-ups that start from 485 sq ft and prices from RM260,000. 

The company also launched The Riyang at Happy Garden in 2017. Located on a 2.03-acre plot, the project has a GDV of RM251 million. The 35-storey residential tower comprises 212 spacious units, with eight units on each level serviced by five lifts (to reduce waiting time). Both Kanvas Soho and The Riyang are fully sold. 

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