16 April 2014,
Something breathtaking is coming to our city soon, gracing our skyline with lights and pampering city dwellers with contemporary delights. Introducing Novo Ampang, the next big and brightest thing in KL. Creative Home talks to the brains behind this spectacular development to get an insider view of this serviced apartment project.
Editor’s Review
Like a beacon within KL City, Novo Ampang’s first of its kind façade is illuminated by a series of unique ambient lights.
There’s really a lot to look forward to about Novo Ampang, the ultra modern, luxurious serviced apartment that promises a prestigious new address. Designed to be a landmark in KL city, Novo Ampang is Alfranko Group’s first and flagship development in Malaysia that offers a series of contemporary designer apartments along with lifestyle treats like an infinity rooftop swimming pool, troposphere bar and exclusive amenities. As we got a closer look at this development, hearing about it directly from Alfranko’s Board of Directors, there is in fact a lot more to appreciate about its design and features. In this interview we talked to Dato’ Sergei Melnikov, the Director of Alfranko and Mr. Tan Beng Hwa, Alfranko’s Chief Executive Officer about the project.
Can you tell us more about Alfranko Group?
Dato’ Sergei: Alfranko Group of Companies is a subsidiary of the Sezar Group, a European investment and development conglomerate with diversified interests and investments in Russia and now in Malaysia. I am happy to say that Alfranko Group, has, within a very short time, established a reputable track record in property development. In Moscow, we have successfully brought four projects to fruition, one of which is the illustrious Nikolin Park, a multi-award winning development. On top of this, Alfranko Group is also a major investor in Automobile Centre Moscow, one of the biggest all-in-one auto cities in Europe with an estimated worth of over USD 600 million.
How would you position Alfranko Group within Malaysia’s property industry?
Mr. Tan: At Alfranko, we strive to be one of the industry’s top players when it comes to quality and high-end developments. We are priming ourselves to be the industry’s benchmark for lifestyle properties. This said, with our first and flagship development – Novo Ampang in Kuala Lumpur, we are setting ourselves to be a major contender in the property industry in Malaysia.
“Designed to be a landmark in KL city, Novo Ampang is Alfranko Group’s first and flagship development in Malaysia that offers a series of contemporary designer apartments along with lifestyle treats like an infinity rooftop swimming pool, troposphere bar and exclusive amenities.”
What attracted you to Malaysia?
Dato’ Sergei: Malaysia is actually our first investment destination in South East Asia. Prior to setting up our business here, we have actually spent a few years researching and exploring the feasibility of investing in the property market here. We have looked into Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia, but finally decided that Malaysia would offer us the best platform. There are many factors why we chose Malaysia. The economy is stable, there are no major political issues and property prices are rather steady. The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program is also a major pull factor.
Mr. Tan: Also, we observed that the local high-end property market is steadily increasing as well. Compared to other neighbouring countries, it is safe to say that Malaysia still has the most competitive prices as compared to the other regions in SEA. Due to this, this country will attract many foreign investors – all of these elements are important for the success of Novo Ampang.
Can you explain more about Novo Ampang?
Dato’ Sergei: Novo Ampang is a 38-storey block of luxuriously stylish designer
apartments located along Jalan Ampang, designed to appeal to young urbanites working around the city centre. There is a total of 421 suites. It is slated for completion by 2017.
Mr. Tan: Novo Ampang is right opposite Gleneagles Medical Centre and walking distance to Great Eastern Mall. It is a strategic location along the prestigious Embassy Row. There’s easy access to the major highways of Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Ampang and the MRR2 and it is just a short drive away to KL’s CBD as well as KLCC and Pavillion. This location is also flanked by international schools and every kind of modern amenity that you can think of.
What was your masterplan’s concept for the development?
Mr. Tan: We engaged Veritas Design Group, an award-winning firm for this project. We have been extremely meticulous with the design of the property; to be honest we have gone through many versions of the design before we were able to settle with one that truly carries out the vision and essence of Novo Ampang – which should combine space, style and a signature appeal that makes it stand out amidst KL City’s skyline. Finally, we are happy with the final outcome – a towering structure with a façade that changes every day of the week. This is achieved using LED lights affixed to the façade’s design in different patterns, which when lighted up will illuminate the sky with a variety of effects.
Apart from the stunning façade, what other features are unique to Novo Ampang?
Mr. Tan: The Novo Ampang lifestyle is envisioned as a stylish Gen-Y way of living. Hence, we have included a wide array of contemporary lifestyle options, which include a swimming pool, pampering studio cum laundry (we are bringing in manicure services so patrons can do their nails while waiting for their laundry), state-of-the-art mini theatre and gymnasium overlooking the KL skyline, and a sky bar on the 31st floor with sweeping views of the city.
Dato’ Sergei: All this caters to a lively social lifestyle – after all, now you can invite your friends over not just for a home movie, but book the entire mini theatre and throw a cinema party instead. At the Sky Bar, you can also enjoy fine dining or some downtime at the cigar lounge too. Additionally, there are two retail lots conveniently located on the ground floor.
What about the home units?
Mr. Tan: There are 1 and 2-bedroom designer apartments with built-ups that range from 682 to 865 sq.ft. to choose from.
The fittings and design are all in line with what is stylish, comfortable and convenient – all requirements of a modern luxury lifestyle. For instance, every unit includes a his-and-hers basin and a uniquely-designed shower enclosure that includes a jet spa shower and rain shower.
Who will your target buyers be?
Dato’ Sergei: We expect about 60 per cent of the total units to be sold locally to young professionals and property investors, with the other 40 per cent to foreign buyers from Singapore and China.
Finally, how did the name Novo Ampang come about?
Dato’ Sergei: This was actually inspired from my hometown – a place called Novosibirsk in Russia. Coincidentally, Novo means “new” in Latin.
Mr. Tan: The other partners quickly caught on to it because it has a very nice ring to it. It’s easy to pronounce and remember. Since then, it has stuck and became the official name of this very unique condo.
Dato’ Sergei Melnikov
Director
Holds a Masters Degree in International Law (Ren Ming University of China). Dato’ Sergei Melnikov received his early education in Russia, China and later in the United Kingdom and USA.Dato’ Sergei Melnikov’s skills and exposure in international trade and knowledge of languages led him into a successful career in finance with international corporations, which include: JSHR Investment Co Ltd as Vice President; EuroAsia Import and Export Co. Ltd; Byford London (Ellite Style Moll Co. Ltd.) and Ellite Style Moll Co. Ltd. Director (Russian Department).
Mr. Tan Beng Hwa
Chief Executive Officer
Holds a Diploma in Quantity Surveying. Mr. Tan Beng Hwa began his career in 1986 as a Clerk-of-Works for one of the first condominiums in Bangsar. His passion for property development has led him to various positions, enabling him to gain valuable hands-on experience in almost every area of the industry. With more than 26 years of working experience in the property sector under his belt, Mr. Tan Beng Hwa has built a reputation for developing innovative marketing ideas that enable purchasers to own their dream properties. His impressive portfolio includes serving as Andaman Services’ CEO, the Marketing Director at Meda Inc Berhad and Group General Manager at Mahajaya Berhad.
Dato’ Sri Eddie Ang
Director, Shareholder
Dato’ Sri Eddie Ang is an affiliate member of the Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA). Starting his career in advertising, he achieved an enviable record for planning and executing a myriad of marketing programmes for multinational organizations before moving on to property development. As an entrepreneur, his success in handling over 30 development projects, has won him several awards. Dato’ Sri Eddie Ang is also the founder and Chief Executive Officer of One World Property Sdn Bhd, which was established in early 2010.
ALFRANKO DEVELOPMENT SDN BHD
B1-2-10, Solaris Dutamas,
No.1, Jalan Dutamas 1
50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
T +603 6206 1719
M +6010 220 NOVO
F +603 6206 1719
FB Novo Ampang
E info@alfranko.com.my
W www.alfranko.com.my ;
www.novo.com.my
