KUALA LUMPUR, MY / ACCESS Newswire / May 22, 2026 / Hektar Asset Management Sdn Bhd, the Manager of Hektar Real Estate Investment Trust ("Hektar REIT"), is pleased to announce that Hektar Property Services Sdn. Bhd. ("HPS"), the exclusive property manager for Hektar REIT's portfolio of retail assets, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding ("MoU") with Universiti Teknologi MARA ("UiTM") to establish a framework for cooperation across academic, cultural and scientific disciplines.

From Left to Right: Dr. Faridah Najuna binti Misman, Deputy Rector of UiTM; Prof. Dr. Muhammad Hussain bin Ismail, Industry Network Centre Director of UiTM; Associate Professor Dr. Saunah binti Zainon, Rector of UiTM; Associate Professor Dr. Badrol bin Isa, Assistant Vice Chancellor of UiTM; Khairul Ariffin Ibrahim, Chief Operating Officer of Hektar Property Services Sdn Bhd; Mohamed bin Mohamed Hanafiah, Centre Manager of Subang Parade; Mohammed Sahir Johari, Centre Manager of Segamat Central

The MoU reflects a shared commitment between UiTM and Hektar REIT to strengthen academic and research collaboration on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. Under this framework, both parties will explore areas of collaboration including institutional exchanges between experts, the placement of UiTM undergraduate and postgraduate students for study, industrial training and research, as well as the organisation of symposia, conferences, short courses and related engagements. The collaboration will also facilitate the exchange of information and expertise in teaching, student development, and research.

HPS currently manages a portfolio comprising six retail malls and one hotel under Hektar REIT, spanning Kedah, Johor, Melaka and Selangor. These include Central Square, Kulim Central, Classic Hotel, Segamat Central, Wetex Parade, Mahkota Parade and Subang Parade.

This collaboration is expected to provide students with valuable exposure to real-world property and asset management environments, while enabling HPS to contribute meaningfully to talent development through industry engagement, knowledge sharing and structured learning opportunities.

The MoU was signed on behalf of UiTM by Associate Professor Dr. Saunah Zainon Ibrahim, Rector of UiTM Johor Branch, while HPS was represented by Encik Khairul Ariffin, Chief Operating Officer of Hektar Property Services. The signing was witnessed by Dr. Faridah Najuna Misman, Deputy Rector of Research and Industrial Linkages, UiTM Johor Branch, and Mohammed Sahir Johari, Centre Manager of Segamat Central, Hektar Property Services.

Zainal Iskandar, Executive Director & CEO of Hektar Asset Management

Zainal Iskandar, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hektar Asset Management, said, "This MoU represents an important step in strengthening the link between academic learning and industry practice. As property managers of a diversified portfolio, we see meaningful opportunities to provide students with exposure to operational realities across retail and hospitality assets, while supporting UiTM's efforts to strengthen industry exposure and practical learning outcomes."

He added, "We believe that the collaboration between academia and industry is essential in preparing young talent for the evolving demands of the workplace. Through this partnership, we aim to create practical learning opportunities, encourage knowledge exchange, and contribute to the development of future professionals in property management and related disciplines."

The signing ceremony was attended by representatives from UiTM, including members of the university's academic, administrative and student community, underscoring the collaborative nature of the partnership and its relevance to both institutional and student development.

Looking ahead, HPS remains committed to supporting initiatives that bridge academic knowledge with industry practice, while contributing to talent development, community engagement and long-term value creation across the Hektar REIT ecosystem.

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ABOUT HEKTAR REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST

Hektar Real Estate Investment Trust ("Hektar REIT") is Malaysia's first listed retail-focused REIT. The primary objectives of Hektar REIT are to provide unitholders with sustainable dividend income and to achieve a long-term capital appreciation of the REIT. Hektar REIT was listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad on December 4, 2006 and currently owns 2 million square feet of retail space and an education property across 4 states with total assets valued at RM1.39 billion. On 19 February 2025, the Manager has announced the proposed acquisition of an industrial property located in Bayan Lepas, Penang for RM30 million, marking Hektar REIT's dedication to diversification for yield-accretive non-retail assets, being the first industrial asset in its portfolio. Additionally, the Manager also announced the proposed acquisition of 90% equity stake of Terramark Sdn Bhd, a real estate backed vehicle with strategic land parcel in Chuping, Perlis earmarked for solar farm development, subsequently followed by the acquisition of KYS Melaka adjacent lands which are earmarked for future development by the Vendor/Lessee. Hektar REIT is managed by Hektar Asset Management Sdn Bhd. Hektar REIT's portfolio of diversified properties includes Subang Parade in Subang Jaya, Selangor; Mahkota Parade in Melaka; Kolej Yayasan Saad in Ayer Keroh, Melaka; Wetex Parade & Classic Hotel in Muar, Johor; Central Square in Sungai Petani, Kedah; Kulim Central in Kulim, Kedah and Segamat Central in Segamat, Johor.

For more information, please visit www.HektarREIT.com

For more information or inquiries, please contact:

Published by: Swan Consultancy Sdn. Bhd on behalf of Hektar Asset Management

For more information, please contact:

Jazzmin Wan
Email: j.wan@swanconsultancy.biz

Renee Toh
Email: r.toh@swanconsultancy.biz

SOURCE: Hektar Asset Management Sendirian Berhad