Petaling Jaya: The Sunway Mall has estimated a 5% increase in 2025 in Malaysia’s growing tourist sector and according to GDP development launch.
CEO HC Chan (Picture) Said that Sanve Malls recorded a 5% increase in 2024 and remains optimistic about maintaining this trajectory despite the global economic and geopolitical challenges.
“2024 has also been a good year. As far as the Sunway Mall is concerned, we have experienced an increase of 5% compared to the previous year. As we move in 2025, although the global economic and geopolitical situation remains challenging, we are still convinced that we are still confident that it is both appropriate and obtained,” he told the Sunbies.
Chan said that, according to tourism Malaysia, the country aims to attract 31.3 million international tourists in 2025, producing RM125.5 billion in tourism receipts.
“Travel Malaysia for the year 2026, target receipts have 35.6 million international visitors and RM147.1 billion expectations, targets and even more sets.”
Chan admitted the competitive landscape in the industry, stating: “There are more than 700 malls in Malaysia, which made the industry highly competitive. But we are happy to note that the tourist number is continuously growing at a good rate. We are ready to visit Malaysia the year 2026, which will further promote this field.”
He said that when tourism flourishes, all the concerned industries including shopping malls, hotels, theme parks and restaurants will benefit.
“Tourism is becoming increasingly important in running Malaysia’s economy.
He said, “We are optimistic about post-pandemic recovery and continuous growth of the tourism sector,” he said.
In addition, Chan hopes that Malaysia’s GDP growth remains at 5%, as the retail and mall industry is closely associated with economic performance.
“With high GDP development, we perform better. That’s what we hope to see,” he said.
Chan also shared that Sunway Mall is expanding its footprint with three new malls in the next two years to bring a total of 12 shopping malls for its 12 shopping malls in Malaysia.
The upcoming mall is Sunway Square, Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, Bandar Sunway; Sunway Pier, Port Clang, Selangor; And Sunave Ipoh Mall, Sanve City Ipoh.
“So over the next few years, we are going to mall 12 shopping in Malaysia.
“And we will be one of the largest mall owners and operators of the shopping mall in the country,” he said.
Total installed malls and pipeline projects are currently standing in 7.7 million square feet net lateable area, with places in major urban markets to serve the surrounding communities.
“I think we are confident that we will continue to maintain market leadership in the shopping mall industry,” he said.
He said that Sunave Malls have developed beyond traditional retail, focusing on experienced purchases rather than only functional purchases.
“Consumers no longer visit the mall to buy things – they come to enjoy the experience.”
“This is why the F&B sector is now more than 30% of our offerings.
“When combined with holidays, entertainment and other lifestyle elements, it makes about 50%. This is the one that separates us from the rest.”
Additionally, Chan said that most Sunway malls are part of integrated development.
“We are not only a shopping mall operator, we are an integrated developer, with malls, offices, residence, theme parks, educational institutions and even with hospitals,” said Chan.
For example, the sunwine velocity integrates many businesses. There are already around 5,000 habitats around the mall, which contribute significantly to leg traffic.
“When all the main occupations of Sanve come together, we are strong.
“This makes our business model unique.”
Chan Malaysia is an advisor to the Shopping Mall Association, after serving two conditions as President, advocates the interests of industry at both national and international levels.
He is also an advisor to the Asian Shopping Centers Council and sits on the Industries Advisory Board of Sanve University Business School.
