Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman (centre) performs the ground-breaking ceremony at SP Setia multi-million project in Melbourne, called Parque, with SP Setia President and Chief Executive, Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin (right) and the Victorian State Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith. Pictures by Kate Morris.
The Malaysian government hopes that more companies would emulate SP Setia Bhd’s example and venture overseas “not to just enhance our country’s image and international standing, but also boost our nation’s competitiveness”.
Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, said SP Setia could not have chosen a more beautiful site to launch Parque, the RM800 million exclusive apartment development in pictureque St Kilda Road.
“Standing here, giving my short speech under this 150-year-old elm tree in this magnificent park is truly surreal and memorable,” he said at the ground-breaking ceremony here Monday.
Also present were Malaysian High Commissioner to Australia, Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad, the Victorian State Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith, and Consul-General here Datuk Dr Mohd Rameez Yahaya.
Anifah said SP Setia, a leading developer in Malaysia, has also successfully stamped its mark on the international real estate scene with the RM39 billion Battersea Power Station development in London, the largest project by value in Europe.
“I recall telling Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during the official launch of the Battersea Power Station redevelopment project that it would spur more Malaysian investments overseas.
“Today, here in Melbourne, we are witnessing another milestone for SP Setia — the ground-breaking ceremony for the Parque in one of the nicest spots in Melbourne,” he said.
Anifa said he had been told that 99 per cent of Parque had already been sold, a testament to the SP Setia’s brand.
The Foreign Minister said SP Setia’s maiden project in Melbourne, Fulton Lane, which has a gross development value of RM1.5 billion, was under construction and would be completed in 2015.
In welcoming the minister, SP Setia President and Chief Executive, Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin, who was described as the company’s “spiritual leader”said it was delighted and pleased to be investing in Melbourne.
“It’s my favourite city, of course after Kuala Lumpur, and I could easily retire here,” he said, to the applause of the guests.
Earlier, the SP Setia choir, flown in from Kuala Lumpur for the occasion, sang to the delight of the guests.
Making his second appearance at a Malaysian function in as many months, ageing Malaysian-born crooner Kamahl showed he is still in fine voice. — BERNAMA