Collaboration and Sharing in KL

SCA (WA) 2026 Senior Leaders Retreat - Kuala Lumpur

More than 30 senior leaders from 19 organisations across Western Australia came together in Kuala Lumpur for the 2026 SCA (WA) Senior Leaders Retreat.

The retreat provides an opportunity for principals and senior decision makers within the strata sector to step away from day-to-day operations and engage in meaningful discussion on the challenges, opportunities and future direction of strata management, while strengthening professional connections across the sector.

A key focus of the retreat was education and open discussion on issues currently shaping the sector. Tim MacKenzie HFSSP from Macquarie led an in-depth session reviewing strata sector data and benchmarking insights, prompting valuable discussion among attendees about business performance, operational pressures and the evolving expectations of clients and communities.

Legal developments were also a significant component of the program, with Mark Atkinson HFSSP and Carolyn Meighan providing reviews of recent strata cases and their implications for practice. The discussion extended beyond strata law, exploring the broader considerations principals must make regarding the health and safety of their employees.

Delegates were also entertained, and many re-named, by Malaysian strata lawyer and advocate Mr David Chan from Chan & Partners, who delivered a memorable session on strata laws in West Malaysia and provided insight into how similar challenges are approached in another jurisdiction.

The delegation was also joined by the Board of the Strata Owners Association of Malaysia, who shared practical experiences of strata management and the challenges facing strata communities in Malaysia. The mention of a 13-hour AGM was met with audible concern from the room.

Nicole Thum and Elisa Hanim joined the delegation to discuss the work undertaken by Think City across Malaysia, working with communities to transform urban locations and support sustainable city development. Some of the examples shared demonstrated the remarkable impact that thoughtful urban planning and community collaboration can have.

The education sessions culminated with a detailed presentation from Mark Atkinson HFSSP, followed by a panel discussion chaired by Andrew Chambers HFSCM and featuring Carolyn Meighan, Inge Schaefer FSSP, Nick Swallow FSSP and Tim MacKenzie HFSSP. The panel explored the practical considerations for businesses and the potential direction of the sector as these issues continue to evolve.

One of the most meaningful experiences for the group was a visit to the Dignity for Children Foundation. The Kuala Lumpur based organisation is dedicated to providing education, support and lifelong skills to children from marginalised and disadvantaged communities. The work being undertaken, and the community built around the program, was deeply inspiring for many in the delegation.

Alongside the formal sessions, the retreat provided a number of opportunities for delegates to connect in a more informal setting. The Splash en Blanc welcome function saw attendees dressed in white for drinks and canapés by the pool, creating a relaxed setting for networking and conversation.

Delegates also experienced some of Kuala Lumpur’s most iconic locations, including a visit to the Petronas Twin Towers. A cultural tour of the city included the Batu Caves as well as visits to mosques, Chinese, Sikh and Buddhist temples, providing insight into the diversity of Kuala Lumpur’s communities and history.

Throughout the retreat, the most valuable aspect remained the opportunity for open and honest conversation between senior leaders in the strata sector. The environment encourages sharing ideas, discussing common challenges and considering how the sector can continue to evolve and strengthen in Western Australia.

SCA (WA) extends its thanks to our Platinum Sponsors whose support makes this event possible: Taubmans by PPG, Perrott Painting, Macquarie Group, EnergyTec, Body Corporate Brokers (BCB), and CHU Underwriting Agencies.

The Senior Leaders Retreat continues to grow each year and remains an important opportunity for leaders within the strata sector to connect, reflect and collaborate.