Qualampur: While the US mutual tariff declared on April 2 has unresolved equity markets and export-run areas, property leaders believe that disruptions can accelerate digital technologies, permanent construction practices and regional trade integration within ASEAN’s real estate scenario.
“Industry Countmakers: Abjorbing US Tariff Shockwaves” during a panel discussion called ASEAN Real Estate Conference and Architecture, Interior Design and Building Exhibition 2025, three major figures – Real Estate and Housing Developers Association (Rehda) President Datuk Han Sang, Real Estate Intellictmode Andesuse Bandesuse Bandesuse Bank, Anothity Infiess while new American tariffs-who are going to apply to August 1-bring a long-term uncertainty, they also offer potential long-term opportunities for the industry.
Ho said that Malaysian developers are working for soft demands in industrial, commercial and high-residence segments as exporters have talked about which will absorb high costs.
“The profit margin will be squeezed as the importers and exporters divided the burden,” he told the audience.
“With high prices, the purchase volumes will fall and investors will be more cautious. Slow sales means cash flow problem, and cash flow is reality; without it, there is no oxygen.”
Ho said that while most of the construction inputs are locally citrus, imported steel, aluminum and glass can be seen if the ringt is weakened then the price can see pressure.
The first area to feel a pinch, he said, “There will be export-driven industries that will withdraw factory expansion, reduce office space needs and curb retail development.
Nevertheless, he also flagged bright spots. “Tariffs on Chinese goods, can redirect manufacturing for ASEAN, and a weak ring can draw buyers from Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan to projects such as Penang Silicon Islands or Johor – Singapore Special Economic Zone.”
Lee saw similar patterns in ASEAN. Using Propertyguru’s platform data, he described three Reach stage reactions: initial blow, quick normalization and preference reconstruction.
“After the announcement, views on listing in Singapore fell, while Malaysia and Vietnam saw the younger dips,” he said.
“But people quickly recalled that housing needs a long period. What has changed is their behavior where buyers are moving towards more economical, value -operated houses.”
He highlighted the Linton Woods Project in Singapore, which despite the tariff sold 94% units, thanks to its proximity to the transport and employment hub.
“Integrated development is flexible,” Lee said. “The key is providing value and convenience.”
He said that faith in governance stems to cut Malaysia’s interest rate from Vietnam’s policy reforms, underlining the housing markets of the region.
From a macro lens, Tanuvidazja said that Tariff underlined the need to promote ASEAN and reduce dependence on external markets.
“The European Union has only 17% in the European Union compared to more than 40%.” “We need to use local currency settlements, harmonize the rules and create loop supply chains within the area.”
Describing ASEAN as “flexible”, he warned that volatility will remain during the current US administration: “Businesses should plan for disturbance, not a quick improvement. The next midtarm election in 2026 is the next real axis.”
He urged governments and developers to prepare for technical disruption.
“AI will change customer service, marketing and operation. We should resume workers for higher OLS skill roles such as architecture, design thinking, project integration, as low INS skill roles are at most risk.”
All three panelists emphasized innovation as a route through unrest.
Ho highlighted the integrated digital delivery (IDD), a platform that digitally united 180 industry stakeholders to cut errors and speed approval, already deployed in Singapore as a game.
“IDD reduces waste and aligns everyone from engineers to regulators,” he said.
“Penang’s recent 36, day like affordable housing withdrawal, reduce speeder approval, cost and pursue projects despite headwinds.”
Green technology also emerged as a competitive advantage. Lee pointed to the success of Vietnam in renewable energy during the first trade war.
He said, “This is our opportunity to lead with climate – sensitive design and ESG framework to suit the climate of Southeast Asia,” he said.
Looking beyond the domestic markets, Ho urged the Malaysian developers to revive their foreign promotion operations, targeting buyers from Hong Kong, China and Singapore.
“Our products are internationally recognized and have a competitive price by ASEAN standards,” he said. “Township, Malaysia may stand out, with stable governance and prizes.”
Tanuvidajja echoed the spirit: “The high tide will raise all boats, but only if ASEAN rows together.”
While uncertainty remains, the tone of the panel was carefully moved.
Tariff, he argued, forcing integration, intensifying digital devices and giving priority to stability can catalyze the next stage of ASEAN’s development.
“If you don’t change, you will be replaced,” Ho said. “This is a moment of becoming strong and strong for our industry.”
