Yap (left) and Ho celebrate the partnership.
KOTA KINABALU (June 9): Golden Land Berhad (GLB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Maple Hospitality Group (MHG) to introduce the MapleSuites brand in Sabah.
Through this collaboration, GLB’s The Playground@Kota Kinabalu will be the only project in Sabah operating under the MapleSuites brand, positioning it as a distinctive lifestyle-driven hospitality destination that integrates modern short-stay living, lifestyle experiences and long-term investment value.
The partnership combines GLB’s aspirational development vision with MHG’s proven hospitality management expertise to create an integrated hospitality ecosystem in Kota Kinabalu while enhancing the long-term value of GLB’s Sabah assets.
Built to cater for the growing demand for urban short-stay living, The Playground@Kota Kinabalu is designed as a commercial suites development blending lifestyle, hospitality and community-focused experiences.
“The project reflects GLB’s broader expansion strategy in Sabah, underpinned by rising tourism demand, expanding business travel, and growing investor interest in services accommodation.
The Playground@Kota Kinabalu is set to become an iconic landmark in Kota Kinabalu.
“The Playground@Kota Kinabalu reflects our aspiration to create a development that goes beyond conventional real estate by integrating culture, lifestyle, hospitality, and long-term value creation,” said GLB chief executive officer Stewart Yap during the MoU signing on Monday.
He said by aligning with a strong hospitality operator such as MHG, GLB is able to enhance the long-term value proposition of its Sabah assets while strengthening its presence in East Malaysia.
He said that The Playground@Kota Kinabalu is located in Sembulan with a total investment of about RM230 million.
The project is ongoing and is expected to be completed between 36 to 48 months, depending on the arrival of building materials.
Founded in Sabah in 1982, GLB began its journey in the timber industry under the name Tanah Emas Telupid Sdn Bhd.
It later diversified into plantation operations in 1986, laying the foundation for its long-term growth and expansion.
The spacious and comfortable bedroom layout.
Following years of strong business performance, the company was listed on the Second Board of Bursa Malaysia in 1996 as Tanah Emas Corporation Berhad before graduating to the Main Board in 2009 under its present name.
In 2016, GLB expanded into property development with the launch of Midtown Plaza Sandakan, marking the Group’s entry into the real estate sector.
GLB has since evolved into a diversified developer with a growing portfolio of residential, commercial and light industrial developments across Malaysia, guided by its “Built on Trust” philosophy.
The Group’s growing development portfolio includes Golden Gateway, Penang; D’Sini Residences, Setia Alam; Taman Lavender Residences, Bentong; and its latest landmark development, The Playground@Kota Kinabalu.
An important milestone for the Group is GLB’s renewed strategic focus on Sabah, marking a return to its roots while contributing positively towards Sabah’s economic growth, tourism industry and urban development landscape.
Meanwhile, MHG has been recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the country’s ‘Largest Short-Stay Management Company Chain’ and currently manages over 3,000 rooms across major tourism and business destinations in Malaysia.
It operates three hospitality brands under its ecosystem — MapleHome, MapleSuites, and MapleReserve — serving market segments ranging from affordable accommodation to boutique lifestyle hospitality and luxury experiences.
The signature bathroom designed to impress.
MHG co-founder Danny Hor said MapleSuites caters to modern travellers seeking stylish, seamless and convenient short-stay experiences with hotel-style comfort.
“Sabah represents a strong growth corridor for the hospitality industry, driven by increasing tourism demand and rising interest in quality short-stay accommodation.
“We believe strategic collaborations such as this allow us to deliver better hospitality experiences while creating long-term value for property owners, guests and the wider tourism ecosystem,” he said.
