News & Articles Well-planned developments can thrive in Johor's JS-SEZ
Well-planned developments can thrive in Johor's JS-SEZ
22 Jan 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: REAL estate projects that integrate commercial, residential, retail, hotels, malls and recreational components, such as theme parks, are poised for success in Johor, especially within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
"A successful real estate development combines thoughtful planning, innovative design, and sustainable practices, creating spaces that meet stakeholders' needs while delivering long-term economic, social, and environmental value," said Samuel Tan, founder and chief executive officer of Olive Tree Property Consultants.
Tan said that strategic location is a critical factor, highlighting the importance of proximity to schools, hospitals, malls, and recreational areas, as well as a commitment to green building practices.
Tan Sri Lim Wee Chai, founder and executive chairman of Top Glove Corporation Bhd, pointed to i-City in Shah Alam as a shining example of a mixed-use integrated development that can succeed in JS-SEZ.
"i-City merges commercial, residential, and entertainment spaces with sustainability and community engagement at its core," Lim said, adding that similar projects could flourish in Johor due to its growth-friendly environment.
"The i-City development stands as a model of success. It has consistently delivered profitability while contributing immense value to the community. Its sustainability and ongoing positive impact reflect the strength of the project and the company behind it," Lim said.
Lim suggested that i-City's concept could be replicated in other states, serving as inspiration for elevating local projects to international standards.
"Replicating such developments is feasible, but achieving global recognition comes with challenges," he said, likening it to competing in the Olympics.
"Success demands precision, adaptability, and excellence," he told Business Times after the launch of Sky i-City in Shah Alam on Saturday.
Lim stressed the importance of collaboration between the government and private sector to drive growth.
"For instance, the Selangor government is actively attracting investments, solidifying its position as a leading destination for domestic and international investors in Malaysia. While Selangor has achieved much through strong leadership and effective strategies, there is always room for improvement," Lim added.
Monica Ong, director of i-City, Malaysia No. 1 Digital City, highlighted Sky i-City as a testament to the development's commitment to sustainable tourism.
The attractions and hotel accommodations in i-City are expected to draw five million visitors in 2025, significantly boosting Selangor's economy, where tourism contributes 26.5 per cent to the state's gross domestic product.
In alignment with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, i-City aims to attract tourists from key markets such as the Middle East, Singapore, India, and China, supporting the national goal of welcoming 35.6 million international visitors and generating RM147.1 billion in tourism revenue.
Ong said the latest attraction, Sky i-City, complements i-City's existing offerings, including SnoWalk, Digital Sport Arena, MySports, the CNN-acclaimed City of Digital Lights, and two prominent hotels: DoubleTree by Hilton i-City and Wyndham Garden i-City.
Sky i-City, a 60-metre-tall structure, features a 600-metre glass slide—the first of its kind in Malaysia.
This thrilling attraction offers loops, twists, and panoramic views of the Klang Valley skyline, along with a fully transparent observation deck with a glass floor.
"Sky i-City is an embodiment of i-City's innovative spirit and dedication to creating exceptional experiences, further solidifying our position as a leader in sustainable tourism," Ong said.
"A successful real estate development combines thoughtful planning, innovative design, and sustainable practices, creating spaces that meet stakeholders' needs while delivering long-term economic, social, and environmental value," said Samuel Tan, founder and chief executive officer of Olive Tree Property Consultants.
Tan said that strategic location is a critical factor, highlighting the importance of proximity to schools, hospitals, malls, and recreational areas, as well as a commitment to green building practices.
Tan Sri Lim Wee Chai, founder and executive chairman of Top Glove Corporation Bhd, pointed to i-City in Shah Alam as a shining example of a mixed-use integrated development that can succeed in JS-SEZ.
"i-City merges commercial, residential, and entertainment spaces with sustainability and community engagement at its core," Lim said, adding that similar projects could flourish in Johor due to its growth-friendly environment.
"The i-City development stands as a model of success. It has consistently delivered profitability while contributing immense value to the community. Its sustainability and ongoing positive impact reflect the strength of the project and the company behind it," Lim said.
Lim suggested that i-City's concept could be replicated in other states, serving as inspiration for elevating local projects to international standards.
"Replicating such developments is feasible, but achieving global recognition comes with challenges," he said, likening it to competing in the Olympics.
"Success demands precision, adaptability, and excellence," he told Business Times after the launch of Sky i-City in Shah Alam on Saturday.
Lim stressed the importance of collaboration between the government and private sector to drive growth.
"For instance, the Selangor government is actively attracting investments, solidifying its position as a leading destination for domestic and international investors in Malaysia. While Selangor has achieved much through strong leadership and effective strategies, there is always room for improvement," Lim added.
Monica Ong, director of i-City, Malaysia No. 1 Digital City, highlighted Sky i-City as a testament to the development's commitment to sustainable tourism.
The attractions and hotel accommodations in i-City are expected to draw five million visitors in 2025, significantly boosting Selangor's economy, where tourism contributes 26.5 per cent to the state's gross domestic product.
In alignment with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, i-City aims to attract tourists from key markets such as the Middle East, Singapore, India, and China, supporting the national goal of welcoming 35.6 million international visitors and generating RM147.1 billion in tourism revenue.
Ong said the latest attraction, Sky i-City, complements i-City's existing offerings, including SnoWalk, Digital Sport Arena, MySports, the CNN-acclaimed City of Digital Lights, and two prominent hotels: DoubleTree by Hilton i-City and Wyndham Garden i-City.
Sky i-City, a 60-metre-tall structure, features a 600-metre glass slide—the first of its kind in Malaysia.
This thrilling attraction offers loops, twists, and panoramic views of the Klang Valley skyline, along with a fully transparent observation deck with a glass floor.
"Sky i-City is an embodiment of i-City's innovative spirit and dedication to creating exceptional experiences, further solidifying our position as a leader in sustainable tourism," Ong said.
Source: NST.com.my