Tiger Tales

My Hometown: Nazir Ariff

The heritage properties, beaches, green enclaves and multicultural community that define the island of Penang in northern Malaysia have proved a winning combination for holidaymakers and the growing number of people looking to relocate here.

WHAT MAKES PENANG AN INVITING PLACE TO LIVE AND INVEST IN?
While a lot of cities are either good places to invest in or reside, Penang is both. Penang recorded Malaysia's highest total Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as of 30 April last year, far exceeding other states. It's also a very livable location and expatriates in particular enjoy the opportunity to reside on an island that has beautiful beaches, hills, fabulous food and living heritage.

WHICH ARE THE TOP PLACES IN WHICH TO INVEST: GEORGE TOWN? THE BEACH?
If they're adventurous, people should consider buying a beachside condo. If they're into heritage, then they should think about an older house within George Town. However, if these two options don't appeal, there are many other places to choose from. Ivory Properties has a portfolio of properties in different locations. Recently, some investors have renovated boutique heritage hotels in Penang's historic heart.

WHAT SETS YOUR COMPANY APART?
We believe we're the trendsetter in property in Penang and Malaysia as we have been committed to excellence in developing iconic buildings for a number of years. Our better-known developments include The View Twin Towers in Batu Uban, and the award-winning Moonlight Bay Villas and Condo Villas in Batu Ferringhi.

HOW HAS UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE STATUS HELPED TOURISM IN PENANG AND WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PROPERTY DEVELOPERS?
Being a past president and founding council member of Penang Heritage Trust, I would say it's really too early to comment as it has only been three years since Penang was inscribed on the prestigious heritage list. However, there have been more visitors flocking to the island's heritage sites since 2008 and we believe there will be more in years to come.

BEYOND YOUR CAREER, YOU'RE INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY. WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN ACHIEVEMENTS IN THESE TWO AREAS?
My various achievements in the business arena contributed to me being elected the Northern Region Chairman of the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI). The MICCI comprises international corporate leaders who conduct business in Malaysia.

As far as public service is concerned, over the years I have been involved in nearly 15 charitable organisations in Penang and Malaysia. I'm currently a trustee of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF Malaysia), president of the Penang Children's Protection Society and I also sit on the board of the Socio-Economic & Environmental Research Institute (SERI).

WHAT ARE SOME OF IVORY PROPERTIES' PROJECTS?
Ivory Properties is currently planning its Bayan Mutiara development, one of the biggest projects in Malaysia with a gross development value of S$4.1 billion/A$3.13 billion. Also in the pipeline are The Latitude, Island Resort, Garden Boulevard and The Residence @ Garden Boulevard. Our unique designs for these properties set us apart from the other developers.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD PROPERTY DEVELOPER?
A good property developer is one who is responsible and conscious of what they're building. They also keep concern for environmental preservation close to their heart and try not to disturb the environment too much. This is especially important in Penang as there are many environmental, cultural and historic sensitivities that need to be considered before construction commences.

ARE THERE ANY PLANS AT THE MOMENT TO DEVELOP HERITAGE-LISTED GEORGE TOWN?
So far, we have no plans to develop any heritage property in the historic city centre.

Penang

There are plenty of reasons to visit this scenic island on the Strait of Malacca. Here are Nazir Ariff's top tips for visitors

Best Places to Eat?
Penang is famous for its hawker food so the hawker centres are the must-visit places. Of course, there are also enticing restaurants like the Thirty Two at the Mansion on Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah. The setting in a restored colonial mansion is so Penang and the crab laksa is unique and delicious.

Best Ways to Relax?
I can't relax when I'm in Penang as I always seem to be working. I have to travel overseas to fully relax and I especially like watersports. For this reason, I vacation by the sea in the Philippines or Thailand. However, I recommend that tourists try the wide variety of watersports found along Penang's Batu Ferringhi Beach.

Best Spots for Sightseeing?
Penang is blessed with a variety of landscapes, from the views of the island from Penang Hill, to the beaches of Batu Ferringhi and the UNESCO heritage enclave of George Town. You need to visit all three if you wish to claim that you really know Penang.

Best Spot to Escape?
Penang is a small island so there aren't that many places that I can escape to. Wherever I go, I tend to bump into somebody I know. However, I've always liked Penang Hill and I think this is an ideal place for tourists to visit, especially as it involves a thrilling ride up into the coolness of the mountain air via the funicular railway.