AME REIT to buy three freehold industrial plots in Johor-Singapore SEZ

JOHOR, 31 JULY 2026 —

KUALA LUMPUR (July 23): AME Real Estate Investment Trust (KL:AMEREIT) is purchasing three pieces of vacant freehold industrial land in i-Park @ Senai Airport City, Johor for RM50.2 million. The acquisition, executed by RHB Trustees Bhd on behalf of AME REIT, spans 8.87 acres and is the REIT's first purchase from a third party rather than its sponsor, AME Elite Consortium Bhd. This move marks a significant expansion of the REIT's presence in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), a region experiencing rising demand for premier industrial space.

Under a new build-to-lease initiative, the REIT plans to develop three detached industrial facilities on the newly acquired land into flexible spaces that can be customized to tenant requirements. Existing on-site infrastructure will allow for reduced time for incoming companies to develop their operation sites. This strategy enables the REIT to proactively create the type of industrial assets increasingly sought by the market, rather than competing for completed assets in an environment where acquisition yields remain compressed. According to chief executive officer and executive director of I REIT Managers Sdn Bhd, Chan Wai Leo, "This strategy enables us to proactively create the type of industrial assets increasingly sought by the market, rather than competing for completed assets in an environment where acquisition yields remain compressed."

The purchase represents a 5.2% discount on the market value appraised by an independent valuer. Upon fulfilling agreed conditions subject to administrative paperwork and regulatory approvals, the manager will be entitled to a vendor rebate that will further reduce its effective acquisition cost. The acquisition and subsequent facility build-out will be funded through a mix of Islamic financing facilities and internally generated funds. The transaction is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2026. AME REIT’s current portfolio comprises 41 industrial and industrial-related assets across Iskandar Malaysia, with a total value of over RM1 billion.

The management team of AME REIT has a strong track record of executing the REIT's strategy to expand its portfolio. Mr. Lee Chun Kiat, Manager, Business Development and Investor Relations, has been instrumental in originating and evaluating potential pipeline properties for AME REIT. Ms. Lee Ling Sien, Head of Real Estate, is responsible for AME REIT’s real estate management and operations, including tenant relationship management and property maintenance. Ms. Lim, Property Development Director of AME Development, oversees the development of industrial parks, including feasibility studies, land banking, and sales and marketing.

The acquisition is expected to have a positive impact on the Malaysian economy, particularly in the Johor region. The JS-SEZ is a key economic zone in Malaysia, with a strong focus on industrial development. The increasing demand for industrial space in the region is driven by the growth of the manufacturing sector, which is a significant contributor to Malaysia's GDP. The acquisition by AME REIT is expected to support the growth of the manufacturing sector, creating new job opportunities and stimulating economic activity in the region.

The stakeholders of AME REIT have welcomed the acquisition, citing the strategic location and potential for growth. According to Chan Wai Leo, the acquisition is a significant milestone for the REIT, marking its first purchase from a third party. The REIT's management team is confident that the acquisition will enhance the REIT's portfolio and provide long-term benefits to its unitholders. With the completion of the acquisition, AME REIT is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for industrial space in the JS-SEZ, supporting the growth of the Malaysian economy.

Looking ahead, AME REIT is expected to continue its expansion plans, driven by the growing demand for industrial space in the JS-SEZ. The REIT's management team is focused on creating value for its unitholders, through strategic acquisitions and developments. With its strong track record and experienced management team, AME REIT is well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities in the Malaysian industrial property market. As the Malaysian economy continues to grow, driven by the manufacturing sector, AME REIT is expected to play a significant role in supporting the growth of the sector, creating new job opportunities and stimulating economic activity in the region. Details not yet available on the specific plans for the newly acquired land, but the REIT's management team is expected to provide further updates in the coming months.

Related: AME REIT · i-Park @ Senai Airport City · Chan Wai Leo · Johor