Kota Kinabalu: KTI Group aims to support Sabah’s development as an international education hub through the provision of purpose-built accommodation for University Malaysia Sabah (UMS) students, staff, Hospital University Malaysia Sabah (HUMS) staff and affiliates of UMS, including overseas exchange students.
Group Executive Officer Wilson Loke said the company saw significant potential in addressing the shortage of quality and strategically located accommodation, especially with Kayana Heights at Ayuria Place, Alamesra located about two kilometres from the main campus.
He said the development was intended to supplement existing accommodation while providing affordable housing options that could also create opportunities for investors and house owners, particularly given its proximity to educational institutions.
“We are looking more into education, stepping into education to build, live up and actually break the barrier,” he said at the Memorandum of Agreement signing ceremony between KTI Development Sdn Bhd and UMS on MondayHe also said KTI hoped to continue working towards developing the area into an education hub that would contribute to Sabah’s future.
Wilson explained that Ayuria Place comprised more than 2,100 units, with more than 800 units currently being developed under Blocks A1 and A2 and is aimed for completion by 2027. Further phases would be opened once sales reached a certain level.
He point out that demand for student accommodation was growing much faster than the available supply, with student numbers increasing by between 500 and 1,000 annually while new accommodation capacity had not been expanding by even 100 units a year.
“The gap is largely due to the time required to construct new housing,” he added, emphasising the need for more purpose-built accommodation close to educational institutions.
KTI Group hopes that the signing of this MoA marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration that benefits the entire UMS community and both organisations.
Meanwhile, Group Branding and Marketing Senior Manager Julian Koay said accommodation was an important factor in attracting international students to Sabah, particularly those from China, who may be accustomed to better housing conditions at home.
He said potential international students had shown interest in Sabah’s education programmes when the offerings were promoted overseas, but accommodation concerns could influence their decision to study elsewhere, including Kuching or Kuala Lumpur.
This collaboration is about working hand-in-hand to strengthen Sabah’s education facilities, particularly in meeting the needs of the international market,” he said.
Kayana Heights, part of the Ayuria Place development, is expected to provide furnished residences with security features, Wi-Fi connectivity and practical amenities, while the residential operations are professionally managed under a co-living concept.
