This article first appeared in City & Country, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on July 29, 2019 - August 4, 2019

EXSIM Development Sdn Bhd will launch its first residential development in Selangor in September. The RM578 million The Arcuz @ Kelana Jaya, located in the vicinity of Kelana Jaya Medical Centre and the upcoming Station 6 of the Light Rail Transit 3 in SS7, Kelana Jaya, was privately previewed in April and is currently open for sale. To date, the development is 50% sold.

“This is our first residential project in Selangor. We have only done industrial developments in the state. We see this as a good opportunity for us to get a foot in the door at residential development here,” says head of corporate communications Michelle Siew.

The name “Arcuz” and the development is inspired by arcus clouds, a dense but low horizontal cloud formation that appears almost parallel to the horizon. EXSIM seeks to create the illusion of bringing the sky closer to the ground, elevating the residents’ spirits while keeping them down to earth.

Situated on a 2.02-acre leasehold parcel, the 47-storey single-tower project comprises 685 serviced apartments.

The units will have built-ups of 753 and 978 sq ft with a choice of two layouts — two bedrooms and one bathroom, and three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The selling price starts at RM930 psf and the maintenance fee, including sinking fund, is 38 sen psf.

Each unit will be partially furnished with fixtures such as air-conditioners, a water heater, kitchen cabinets and a shoe rack.

“We don’t want [to have] huge renovations taking place upon handover,” says Siew.

The developer will provide two levels of facilities, one at the podium and the other on the rooftop.

The podium facilities will include a swimming pool, a 6,800 sq ft two-storey gym, a sports arena and a 3,300 sq ft event hall. The rooftop facilities will consist of an air-conditioned sky lounge, a sky garden and a sky infinity pool.

Siew says people these days, especially the younger generation, want healthier lifestyles. They spend long hours in the gym or are active in sports. Hence, EXSIM is providing them with comprehensive sports facilities.

There will also be small lounges for residents to entertain guests, she adds.

“We have combined facilities for healthy living together with lifestyle facilities in one development. This is because we understand that when someone wants to stay in a so-called upgraded home, he or she needs something that can bring their lifestyle to greater heights,” she says.

There will be 1,250 parking bays. Each 2-bedroom unit will be allocated one parking bay while the 3-bedroom units will have two each.

The developer is targeting a younger generation of buyers. “These are the people who know the difference between needs and wants. You can find a home anywhere, but it you want something different, then you have the option of paying extra for a priority lifestyle,” she discloses, adding that there are also older buyers who are buying for their children as they want the latter to live in the vicinity.

According to Siew, one of the two unique concepts of The Arcuz @ Kelana Jaya is the sky facilities, which offer an amazing view of the skyline.

“Conventionally, developers will put mechanical and electrical tanks on the rooftop. But with the idea of having a fantastic skyline view, we decided to convert the area. So, we will install the tanks on a separate level,” she explains.

“These days, buyers are educated and smart, and know what they want. When they buy property, they want something extra,” she says.

The development’s other unique concept is its compact design and practical layout.

“This is very important because if we don’t put effort into planning the space ... there will be a lot of [unused] void area. It is reflected in the built-up, but you cannot fully utilise the areas,” Siew clarifies.

Hence, all the rooms are square so that it is easier for residents to put in their furniture.

Future plans

EXSIM was established in 2008 and its first project was Nouvelle Industrial Park @ Kota Damansara.

In 2010, the developer built The Treez Jalil Residences @ Bukit Jalil, its first residential development.

Last year, EXSIM launched its first mixed-use development, Millerz Square, in Old Klang Road, which is 80% taken up.

The developer will be handing over Nidoz Residences @ Desa Petaling, D’Nuri Residences @ Desa Petaling and Ceylonz Suites @ Bukit Ceylon next year. D’Nuri Residences @ Desa Petaling is the developer’s first Rumah Mampu Milik (affordable housing) project.

This year, EXSIM will also launch two commercial towers — Mossaz and Paxtonz — in Empire City Damansara.

Siew says the developer has a few joint-venture projects in Empire City Damansara. “We acquired a 65-acre parcel and we will be launching the projects in phases this year and next. We also have projects in Old Klang Road and Bukit Cahaya, Shah Alam.”

The developer has upcoming projects with a gross development value of RM18 billion while its completed and ongoing projects are worth RM8 billion.

It also has a joint-venture project in Penang. “This is our first project in another state, but that is still in the planning stage,” says Siew.

She adds that EXSIM used to focus on boutique developments, but has stepped up its game and moved on to bigger developments such as Millerz Square and projects in Empire City Damansara. “We still have boutique developments. Ultimately, it depends on the location and what sort of project we are doing. But, we are venturing into a different level now.”

EXSIM will continue in the property development business, especially in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, but there are plans to diversify into other segments.

In the meantime, it will continue to build high-rise developments. “For landed [property], we are looking forward to it. We have yet to develop a township. When we have the right land, location and opportunity, we will definitely go into [building a] township. But that would be maybe in another three to four years. High-rise development is in our blood, so we will definitely focus on that,” Siew concludes.

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