SENI Mont' Kiara draws inspiration from the arts

Ireka Development Management Sdn Bhd's president and CEO, Lai Voon Hon (LVH) and senior vice president of sales and marketing, Judy Loo (JL) devote some time out of their demanding schedules to entice the readers of HomeGuru with the development of SENI Mont' Kiara.

Q. How would you describe SENI Mont' Kiara in your own words?

LVH: SENI Mont' Kiara represents the pinnacle of luxury developments under the i-ZEN brand of luxury property collection within the international community of Mont' Kiara, Kuala Lumpur (KL).

SENI as the name suggests is inspired by the arts. When we conceptualised SENI, we approached it as one might in producing a masterpiece, with a lot of room for appreciation of value.

Q. Tell us about the team behind this stunning development.

LVH: We introduced and brought together a strong team of consultants such as award-winning architects, an internationally renowned landscape architect and interior designers in symphony with our project requirements, and each play a significant role in creating this masterpiece development.

Spacious luxury residences with views of the KL city are designed to befit the modern living lifestyles of our home owners and residents who are well-heeled.

SENI Mont' Kiara represents ‘The Art of Fine Living' with its five-acre Modern Tropical resort landscape, a true rarity in KL. Highly acclaimed Karl Princic, the man behind Asia's best resorts weaved a work of art by creating riveting scenes of luxury, serenity and soulfulness. Not to mention the 100-year old frangipani trees sited on the pool deck that fit into the artistic living of this prestigious residential resort. We felt that the landscaping and external environment of the condominium will play a part in enhancing the SENI community, in line with the desire of our home owners and residents who are well-travelled and frequent the best resorts in the world. Hence the resort-style living concept was introduced not only to be admired but also to enjoy.

Q. Are you a fine arts aficionado? What inspired you to create an abode that puts much focus on art?

LVH: I don't claim to be an arts aficionado but I do have a passion for collecting art such as paintings and sculptures. From my collection of art pieces, I know that the value of a good piece of art do appreciate over time and felt inspired to create a development such as SENI that will appreciate over time.

Q. How have the yields of SENI been so far? Have there been more foreign buyers than local?

JL: Mont' Kiara has established its niche as an international enclave of surrounding sleek high-rises and luxurious family homes.

Since 2005, Ireka has developed over 2,000 i-ZEN concept properties in the prestigious neighbourhood of Mont' Kiara.

With proven high rental yield and return on investment, Mont' Kiara is the preferred address for expatriates for its walkability to international schools, shopping and dining districts which adds value and attracts investment to SENI.

For the professional tenant, SENI is conveniently situated next to key transport links, where proximity to services and amenities are essential.

Currently, our i-ZEN properties in Mont' Kiara typically result in proven rental yields between 6% and 10%, and occupancy rate of up to 80%. Ireka provides leasing and sub-sales assistance to its condo owners via a partnership with real estate agency One Real Estate Sdn Bhd. The agency also helps customise accommodation according to the needs and budgets of tenants.

Over 70% of SENI owners and investors are foreigners with some currently residing in Malaysia. The international community in SENI is made up of entrepreneurs and professionals in the financial sector.

Q: Is Art Salon proving to be a hit with prospective buyers from the foreign market?

JL: We have endeavoured to bring the arts to our clients and towards that end we are providing a permanent art gallery to our residents within SENI, a first in a Malaysian residential development. Since July 2011, the opening of SENI Gallery has played host to local artists such as Jolly Koh, Tommy Chen and Gary Lim. SENI Gallery is recognised as a dynamic space for contemporary art and will continue to feature diverse art exhibits, and support and promote the local art scene.

(Please note, however, that since the relocation of the SENI sales office, Art Salon is no longer operating on behalf of the art gallery. For two years, Art Salon @ SENI Gallery has played host to various high profile exhibitions through its strong local connections and collaborative programmes.)

Q. What has the reception been like among Singaporean property buyers?

JL: In Phase 2 of SENI Mont' Kiara (Block Picasso), there are final release units available with three and four-bedrooms and most enjoy panoramas of KL city and resort landscape. The final phase of SENI Mont' Kiara is nearing completion by end of 2011. We are currently offering Singaporean investors with an attractive investment package at 6% nett guaranteed rental returns (GRR) for the first three years. The take-up rate has been encouraging.

SENI Mont' Kiara residences range from 2,900 sq ft to 3,714 sq ft of air-conditioned living spaces. For more information on this development, visit www.senimontkiara.com.my.

Ireka Development Management Sdn Bhd will be featuring SENI Mont' Kiara at the Malaysia Property Showcase 2011 at the Orchard Hotel in Singapore on 3-4 December 2011. Details on the event are available here.