SET-listed MBK Plc will invest 6.5 billion baht to expand its retail and housing businesses during 2016-18.

Chief executive Suvait Theeravachirakul said 2 billion baht will be spent this year and 4.5 billion in 2017-18.

Of the budget this year, 1 billion will be used to build a new facade for MBK shopping mall and its skywalk and 1 billion will go to develop two housing projects, Park Riverdale and Riverdale, in Pathum Thani's Bangkadi district, and a low-rise condominium at the Nine shopping centre on Rama IX Road.

For the remaining 4.5 billion baht, 2 billion will be spent on improvements at MBK and 2.5 billion will be poured into the ongoing construction of the two housing projects and the condo project. Plans also call for a new high-rise condominium on Sukhumvit Soi 101.

Mr Suvait said MBK is adopting a customer relationship management system to connect all business units for deep analysis and respond to customer needs. It will encourage all businesses to work as one, including for strategies and operations, by using technology to increase the organisation's potential and capability.

Such synergy can lower costs, improve the back-office operation and systems, and build a solid foundation for the shared service centre, which will enhance its competitiveness.

The budget will also be allocated to the central system, technologies, and other supporting activities to encourage management cooperation between units.

Moreover, MBK plans to open more sukiyaki restaurants in Bangkok.

The company has no plans to build hotels this year, even as its hotel business recovered since the end of last year. MBK's Pathumwan Princess Hotel in Bangkok had an 80% occupancy rate last year while the Sheraton Krabi Hotel was renamed Dusit Krabi Hotel last year.

"We will maintain consistent business growth by stressing the three business units of shopping, food and real restate," Mr Suvait said.

MBK expects to grow its revenue by 5% this year. Revenue rose 21% last year to 12.21 billion baht with net profit rising 14% to 1.81 billion baht.

Shopping malls, food, and real estate are the top three contributors to MBK's growth amid the economic slowdown.

Somphol Tripopnart, MBK's managing director for shopping centres, said it will continue to improve the MBK shopping mall by bringing in new famous brands and creating a new vibe for shoppers.

Last year the mall had 100,000 visitors per day, with 40% Thais and 60% foreigners, mostly from India, Germany, France, Britain and Australia.

MBK will adopt a great array of marketing activities to drive sales, including online marketing through social media to align with the lifestyle and interests of consumers today. Some marketing roadshows will be held in Asean countries.

The company also introduced two new zones, Outlet in Town and The Foodies, as new magnets to draw visitors to its shopping centre.

MBK shares closed yesterday on the Stock Exchange of Thailand at 14.50 baht, unchanged, in trade worth 5.13 million baht.