MUST READ. CIMB made a very comprehensive research report on Iskandar Malaysia, it includes the history of Iskandar Malaysia, succeed factors, future development, population growth and etc. Special thanks to CIMB.
CIMB 做了一份很详细有关Iskandar的报告包括Iskandar的由来，成功因素，未来发展，人口增长等等。很值得一读。
Download, click on the link below
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BwfJxIcYYUKPblVYTFI3cG5ZMWM/edit?usp=sharing&embedded=true
Wednesday, 27 March 2013
Tuesday, 26 March 2013
More Traffic Camera added (Johor to KL)
For those who travel back to their hometown from Johor or Singapore (vice versa) using North-South Highway, you may now view the traffics camera along the highway.
Just click on the link which located as highlighted above. Then scroll the page down after clicking the link, you will see the traffic cameras along North-South Highway like the sample below:
Just click on the link which located as highlighted above. Then scroll the page down after clicking the link, you will see the traffic cameras along North-South Highway like the sample below:
Have a safe and nice journey home everyone!
Friday, 22 March 2013
Guidelines For MACS Application
Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS)
In line with supporting the economic development of Iskandar Malaysia, MACS was developed to cater to fast-track immigration clearance for non-Malaysian investors, business persons and professionals.
MACS enhances border integrity and security by utilising the combination of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and biometric verification technology. Through a streamlined application process at the MACS Application Counter, applicants will be issued with a sticker embedded with a RFID chip that will be attached to the passport.
MACS enhances border integrity and security by utilising the combination of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and biometric verification technology. Through a streamlined application process at the MACS Application Counter, applicants will be issued with a sticker embedded with a RFID chip that will be attached to the passport.
MACS holders benefit from faster immigration autogate processing via access to dedicated entry and exit MACS lanes and will also be excluded from the requirement of completing the immigration arrival card (IMM.26). Consequently, entry and exit to/from Malaysia records shall be made online and the usage of passport pages for stamping will be minimized.
Spouses and dependents of MACS holders are also entitled to apply this facility with the condition that they have been issued with the relevant immigration pass.
MACS is simply a form of fast-track facilitation and does not act as an immigration pass or visa. Visitors are still required to obtain visa (if applicable) and will be issued with relevant immigration pass. Singaporean Frequent Travellers are still required to obtain the relevant long term immigration pass.
Spouses and dependents of MACS holders are also entitled to apply this facility with the condition that they have been issued with the relevant immigration pass.
MACS is simply a form of fast-track facilitation and does not act as an immigration pass or visa. Visitors are still required to obtain visa (if applicable) and will be issued with relevant immigration pass. Singaporean Frequent Travellers are still required to obtain the relevant long term immigration pass.
ELIGIBILITY
MACS applicants who are involved with the development of Iskandar Region Projects are required to meet the terms and conditions as follows:
MACS applicants who are involved with the development of Iskandar Region Projects are required to meet the terms and conditions as follows:
- Non-Malaysian citizens who are sponsored by a Malaysian company (or company based in Malaysia) and directly involved the in the development and projects/ activities related to Iskandar Region;
- In possession of an international passport with minimum validity of two (2) years;
- Not listed in the Immigration Suspect List;
- Has been issued with a relevant long term immigration pass (if applicable - relevant to category B applicants); and
- Entry Visa (if applicable - relevant to visa required citizens)
APPLICATION
Application forms are available online at Immigration Malaysia’s web site at www.imi.gov.my.
Completed application forms must be printed, verified by the Malaysian sponsor and endorsed by the IRDA representative (only applicable for MACS – Iskandar Malaysia applicant).
Submission of application forms (and relevant supporting documents) shall be made to the respective MACS One Stop Center. MACS – Iskandar Malaysia applicants are required to submit the completed application forms at IRDA’s office.
For more details, log on to http://macs.imi.gov.my/
Application forms are available online at Immigration Malaysia’s web site at www.imi.gov.my.
Completed application forms must be printed, verified by the Malaysian sponsor and endorsed by the IRDA representative (only applicable for MACS – Iskandar Malaysia applicant).
Submission of application forms (and relevant supporting documents) shall be made to the respective MACS One Stop Center. MACS – Iskandar Malaysia applicants are required to submit the completed application forms at IRDA’s office.
For more details, log on to http://macs.imi.gov.my/
天天过长堤的新新人
天天过长堤的新新人
周文龙／报道 龙国雄／摄影(2012-04-23)
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| 林国雄（右二）从新山来本地工作，每天得花四五小时在来回路上。 |
下午5时15分，林国雄（39岁）已经在不停地看手表，留意着下班的时间了。
15分钟后，他已经来到了奎因街的长途巴士站，排队等着买赶往新山的巴士车票。
“今天我的运气不错，排在队伍的第一位。只要待会儿车一来，我马上就能上车了，无需大排长龙。”见到记者时，他笑着对记者说。
的确，10分钟后，林国雄后面开始出现长长的，达数十公尺的人龙，等车的人从大人到小孩，从上班人士到学生都有。而他们的目的和林国雄一样，那就是回家——新山的家。
新加坡和新山只有柔佛海峡的一水之隔，两地人民关系也相当密切，常有不少新加坡人到新山游玩，更有好多住在新山的新山人，天天往返新加坡工作，却没选择在新加坡居住，当起每天往返新山和新加坡，在两地工作生活的“新新人”。
据统计，住在马来西亚新山一带，每天往返新马两地的“新新人”约有15万人，包括4万名工人、5000名学童，以及10万名驾车人士。这些来往新加坡和新山的“新新人”，为两地关系勾画出一幅热络、频密及繁华的城市奇景。
林国雄在新加坡工作已经18年，目前是实践剧场的宣传经理。他说，自己每天回家有如“长征”，必须搭车到新加坡关卡，排队过了关卡，再上车到柔佛新山，然后又下车排队过马来西亚关卡，才算踏上“国土”。
“之后，我还得搭车到新山拉庆总站，从那里再转换多一趟车，才终于能回到家。整个旅程至少得花两个半小时。所以我常跟朋友开玩笑说我很‘幸福’，天天都飞台北，因为我每天来回路上所花的时间，几乎等于我飞台北的时间了。”林国雄自嘲说。
他也说，自己每天清晨6点45分出门，将近10点才到公司上班。他回家时，5点30分下班，回到家里却已经是晚上8点多了。轮到晚上剧团有演出时，他回到家时常常都是凌晨一两点，只睡4个多小时，马上又得起床准备出门了。
车费足以在本地租房间
另一名受访的“双边人”廖兆宜（36岁），住在新山Pelangi一带，离柔佛关卡只有15分钟车程，回家行程没有林国雄般辛苦，但他说，自己每天也得花3小时在路程上。
廖兆宜在本地工作12年了，目前是一名网络工程师，工作时间较具弹性，一般都是过了9点才进办公室。
他说：“比起我的一些朋友，他们每天五六点就要起床，每天过着起早摸黑排队过关的紧张生活，我算是比较幸运的一个了。至少我可以避过拥挤时段，在人群比较少的时候排队过关卡，人没有这么累。”
对每天开车上下班的李秀文（34岁）而言，她的“痛苦”并非在挤车，而是在开销方面。
李秀文原是马来西亚《光明日报》的记者，11年前在本地娱乐杂志《U周刊》的招聘下，成为《U周刊》记者后，每天驾车往返新加坡工作。
她说：“我是土生土长的新山人，过去一直都在新山读书和生活，从未想过来新加坡工作。在新山当记者时，我多次采访了长堤塞车情景，对在新加坡读书或工作的人的辛苦是感同身受。当时，我还想：他们何必两国奔波，让自己这么辛苦呢？想不到现在我却成为他们的一分子。”
李秀文每天驾车来往新加坡，得花费新币21.20元通关费，花费不小。如果再加上车油和其他车子维修费用，估计她每月的交通费约五六百新元，几乎可以在本地租一个房间住了。
她说：“刚开始在新加坡工作时，我是采用‘停车转搭公共交通’（Park and Ride）方式，把车子驾到靠近新山关卡的酒店，再搭车过关卡。但4年前新的柔佛关卡启用后，我这招行不通了。而且我的身子现在比较差，不太适合长途跋涉，所以只好忍痛花钱驾车来上班。”
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| 傍晚时间，奎因街的长途巴士站就会排起长龙。 |
社交圈子不在这里
工作回家花费的时间长了，个人的休闲时间相对也就少了。李秀文和廖兆宜都觉得，他们的生活和社交圈子大多在新山，新加坡朋友一般都只限于工作上的朋友而已。
廖兆宜说：“我一般都是工作后就回新山，很少有时间跟新加坡朋友聚会。再说我做的是网络工程行业，我们这一行的人也习惯上网聊天。”
每天驾车到新加坡的李秀文说，她的一切活动也在新山，对新加坡认识有限。“比如我对新加坡道路就认识得很少，大概只知道怎么从我家去到大巴窑上班，还有去市区白沙浮一带，可说是新加坡道路的白痴。”
另一方面，每天来往新加坡和新山，精神上的损耗也不小。尤其是每天过关卡时，经常面对着长长人龙或车龙，堵在人群或车群中好几个小时，这种精神上的损耗确实累人。
林国雄就说，曾有一度因受不了长途跋涉，认真考虑放弃这里的工作。他说：“几年前发生马士沙拉末（Mas Selamat）事件时，局势比较紧张，新加坡关卡查得特别严。我们每天排队进出关卡至少等上一个多小时，人龙差点要排出关卡大厦。”
林国雄说，由于等候时间太长，排队人群心烦，难免发出怨言，偶尔起小哄发泄一下，“一些持枪的守卫立即紧张起来，有如镇暴队般地喝令大家肃静，令大家心里更加烦躁。”
说起这些不太愉快的过关经验，林国雄说：“我和其他10万多名马来西亚人一样，只不过是为了改善生活而每天往返两地的普通民众，为什么要搞到每天过关卡都感觉好像是逃犯？”
家乡的味道
林国雄其实是有能力在本地居住的，但为什么他仍选择每天辛苦地进出新加坡呢？
问起林国雄这问题，他沉思了一会才回答：因为家乡的味道。
家乡的味道！？
“没错，尽管我每天上下班行程疲累，但我始终没搬到新加坡住的一个原因，就是这家乡的味道。这味道来自新山的咖啡、面包、煮炒，还有夜里还开着的大牌档，甚至人与人的交往。”
林国雄说，他其实是喜欢城市的，出国旅行也喜欢去大城市玩，但数次住在新加坡朋友的组屋时却感到不自在：“晚上楼上的马桶拉水声，隔壁的人走路和说话声音，还有楼下的摩托车声，都觉得刺耳，整个晚上难有宁静。”
而回到新山后，却让他得以放下新加坡的紧张节奏，心灵得到沉淀，可以静下来，做一些他喜欢做的事，比如制作面包等。
林国雄说，在新加坡工作了18年，但他清楚知道，新山才是他的家园。
“我住在新山，感觉到新山人有一种说不出的亲切感。偶尔走在街上，看到不认识的新山人，我们都能随意聊天，人与人之间的互动很密切。同样地，我也觉得新山的东西好吃。这或许就是蔡澜所说的，只要把你的生活节奏放慢，你就会发现，生活中很多琐事会显得更美好了。”
也有新加坡人住新山
近年来，马来西亚政府着力打造柔佛依斯干达特区，计划把这地区变成马来西亚半岛南部最发达的地区，以及居住、娱乐、环境和商业完美融合的国际化大都市。
随着依斯干达特区房地产发展日益稳健，一些在新加坡工作的外国人也选择在新山买房子筑家园，使依斯干达成为“小联合国”。
业界人士透露，新加坡在新山置业的人数，在5年里将增加一倍。特别是与新山捷运系统衔接的新加坡地铁汤申线（Thomson Line）于2018年建成后，将有更多新加坡人考虑到新山买房。
谈到新加坡人住新山，也当“新新人”的现象，李秀文说，她确实留意到新山发展商近来推出房地产项目，不少价位超出多数新山人的预算，主要针对新加坡买家。
“这些房地产项目相信吸引了不少新加坡买家。如果新加坡去年没有推出新条例，限制拥有组屋的新加坡人买第二个房子的话，相信到新山买房子的新加坡人会更多。”
林国雄也听闻一名新加坡朋友，前阵子因为这里的房子集体出售，之后决定全家搬到新山居住，买了洋房和车子，宁愿每天花近1小时越过长堤工作。
不过针对新加坡人住新山的现象，林国雄却觉得，这对新山人来说并非稀事。
“新山与新加坡除了有地理关系，其实长久以来也有着历史与血缘的联系，彼此的互动性强。新山出现越来越多新加坡人，或新山人纷纷到新加坡工作求学，这都是我们两地人习以为常的事情了。”
尽管这些年维系两地的历史情感已逐渐消失，两地人民的互动也渐渐围绕着利益。但林国雄却认为，新加坡和新山仍摆脱不了彼此的亲密关系，彼此可以和谐合作，让“新新关系”日日更新。
依斯干達2012吸資204億
2013 5大主題激勵產業領域
2013-03-17 16:31
http://property.sinchew.com.my/node/1958
對2013年的產業市場來說，基本有5大主題或焦點：分別是：1.成立產業投資信託，釋放零售產業的價值、2.改善依斯干達大馬的基本設施，吸引更多海外直接投資、3.延長與銜接新的輕快鐵路線，建立馬新高鐵系統、4.推行政府資產再發展計劃，例如發展樹膠研究院附近地帶、建立大馬城等，以及5.合併與收購或落實私有化計劃，加強一些產業發展商的潛能。
產業投資信託具吸引力
產業投資信託包括零售產業投資信託，潛在強大吸引力，主要是盈利可觀、回酬保持偏高，同時，也可作為業者的對衝通貨膨脹工具。
大型資本的零售產業投資信託，表現超越馬來西亞的產業投資信託公司，包括吉隆坡綜合指數，其中一些交易，甚至比新加坡產業投資信託理想。
大馬零售產業投資信託的表現，比新加坡零售產業投資信託擁有較大的成長潛能，我們預計投資者的強大購興與享有稅務獎掖，鼓舞更多企業推出零售產業投資信託，以釋放產業價值。
不少首要的購物商場乃私營企業，或是由產業發展商/財團擁有，這意味有大批的資產將注入現有/新的產業投資信託，巴生河流域擁有價值124億令吉的零售產業投資信託廣場，總出租面積達到1千710萬平方尺，另外，接下來3年將有1千270萬平方尺的新零售空間加入供應市場。
依斯干達去年吸資204億
龐大的投資流入依斯干達大馬經濟走廊，2012年首11個月，投資額達204億令吉，使到累積投資增至1千零51億令吉（各個領域），在677億令吉的投資流量，其中64%來自本地投資者，其餘的36%來自海外投資。2006年以來，去年流入依斯干達大馬的投資最強勁。
另外，本地與海外發展商紛紛進入依斯干達經濟走廊，尤其是Medini最為明顯，土地售價已達到每平方尺200令吉的高位，比一年前的每平方尺38令吉翻了幾倍，這可能是Legoland、公主港室內主題公園、沿海公路以及柔佛Premium Outlets先後完工，產生一股發展催化劑，也是努沙再也的主要產業計劃。
不少發展商通過Medini進駐
Medini是吸引力的中心，雖然這裡是租賃契約土地，不過，已有不少產業發展商通過Medini進駐依斯干達大馬經濟走廊，Medini是唯一提供特別獎掖的區域，分別有10年免稅期、可自由取得資金與勞力供應資源；同時，豁免土著與海外固打限額（分別是40%與50%、UEM置地的公主港與East Ledang也豁免實行該項措施）。
新加坡發展商Ascendas與大亨林榮福，已進軍UEM置地（UEMLAND，5148，主板產業組）的格邦努沙再也，中國產業發展商碧桂園集團也參與依斯干達Waterfront的Danga Bay產業計劃。
Ascendas集團準備耗時9年、分3個階段興建工藝園，料將推動依斯干達大馬的商業產業計劃，工藝園佔地368英畝，包括量身訂造工廠、空置地供量身訂造工廠用途，半獨立式建好工廠、獨立式建好工廠及商業產業。
努沙再也工業地的需求相當令人鼓舞，儘管過去幾年，該地區的地價已大幅上漲，每平方尺40令吉，比2009年的24令吉高。
碧桂園9億購Danga Bay首要濱海地皮
中國的碧桂園集團以每平方尺376令吉，或9億令吉，向依斯干達Waterfront控股，收購Danga Bay的首要濱海地皮，為依斯干達大馬的土地交易，設定新的價格指標。
碧桂園集團計劃總值180億令吉的綜合產業發展計劃，整個計劃分3階段推行，產業類型包括豪華俱樂部、商業大樓、購物商場、高檔共管公寓以及服務公司。
產業售價偏高仍受追捧
依斯干達大馬經濟走廊最新推出的產業售價保持偏高，UEM置地的Imperia@Puteri Harbour、Teega@Puteri Harbour，分別以每平方尺725令吉，以及750令吉的售價推出，與巴生河流域一些產業價格不相上下；另外實達集團（SPSETIA，8664，主板產業組）在新山（靠近新柔長堤）推出的Setia Sky 88計劃，以每平方尺1千令吉推售，奠下新的指標售價，意外的是，本地與海外買家的購興保持鼓舞。
前來依斯干達大馬的旅客，在Legoland、公主港家庭主題公園開張營業後，吸引更多的遊客。在學校假期的週末，Legoland的訪客達到每週1萬5千人。
UEM置地成最大受惠者
柔佛的許多酒店投宿率幾乎滿座，Traders酒店與286個客房的Legoland開張啟用後，加上2013年新的水上主題公園，預料將改善依斯干達大馬目前供應有限的酒店狀況。
在依斯干達大馬，產業價格上漲，最大的受惠者是UEM置地，因為該公司擁有最大的土地資源，在努沙再也擁有1萬1千英畝；另外，擁有4千英畝的依斯干達濱海區，也是主要的開發商，最近收購Medini與週邊地區1千470英畝的雙威集團也不例外，CREST建築（CRESBLD，8591，,主板產業組）是依斯干達另一家發展商，擁有大約3千英畝的土地。（參考圖表1&2）
新輕快鐵線放眼2015完工
格拉那再也輕快鐵線延長工程的興建，於2012年2月開始進行，至今已完成30%，至於延長安邦線工程則於不久前展開，整個工程預計耗資70億令吉之間，放眼2015年完工，延期1年推行主要是收購土地的事項有拖延，延長路線將經過首邦市―USJ、蒲種與Glenmarie，終站是布特拉高原，預料這些地區的未開發土地與相關發展商將成主要的受惠者。
政府再發展計劃獲注目
政府一些獲市場高度注目的再發展計劃包括：位於雙溪毛糯樹膠研究院地段的發展，佔地2千330英畝，發展總值100億令吉，在這之前，公積金局屬下的Kwasa私人有限公司，以每平方尺22令吉，或23億令吉的代價，收購一塊地段，並分割成幾塊介於20至200公頃的土地，視用途而定，以加速推行發展工程。
樹膠研究院地段的成功發展，也因為建設交通中心樞紐，以及開闢一塊佔地160英畝的綠色公園，視大藍圖獲州政府的批准程度。
位於新街場的大馬城，佔地460英畝，發展總值150億令吉，包括興建1萬7千間的單位、當中4千間為可負擔價位的房屋，工程仍未展開；不過，基於其所在的策略性地點（連接吉隆坡市中心最後一塊土地），加上興建捷運站及單軌火車等銜接系統，相信市場需求保持可觀。
佔地22英畝的武吉免登市中心，發展總值50億令吉，前為半山芭監獄的綜合產業發展計劃，地主為城市發展局控股。
其他再發展計劃包括位於葛京路的地段，莫實得控股（BSTEAD，2771，主板貿服組）以1億零700萬令吉，或每平方尺190令吉，向母公司武裝部隊基金局收購該片土地，準備發展類似珍珠白沙羅格式的城鎮。
結語：
鑒於產業領域價值深具吸引力，一些發展商可能選擇收購同業的股權，而不是直接購買土地，大股東可能掌握機會將被低估的資產私有化，在巴生河流域、檳城與依斯干達大馬擁有地產的業者，被私有化的機會較高，屆時，產業市場的財團將重新排名，並展現新的面貌。
Borders （边城故事） - Special Tie Between Johor (Bahru) And Singapore
Very nice and informative documentary videos that describe the unique relationship between Johor (Bahru) and Singapore. Narrative in Chinese with English subtitle.
Thursday, 21 March 2013
Sample of Tenancy Agreement (Residential)
If you are going to rent out your properties (residential) and you wish to prepare the tenancy agreement by yourself, below are 2 samples of tenancy agreement which I found very comprehensive.
You may modify it to suit your rental needs. Don't forget to get stamping from LHDN (Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri) after both parties (landlord and tenant) have signed the agreement.
Any terms or clauses that you are not so sure or unclear, please seek professional legal advice if deemed necessary. Please do read carefully.
Hope this helps, and happy being a landlord!!!
(For Use In Malaysia Only)
https://www.dropbox.com/s/m0caaheg0rzv9ri/sample-simple-agreement.doc
https://www.dropbox.com/s/c324d3rj4su1n1h/TenancyAgreementTemplate.docx
More universities attracted to Iskandar education hub
Jonathan Dyson16 March 2013
http://www.universityworldnews.com/article.php?story=2013031508355321
A growing number of international universities are setting up operations on the 243 hectare site that will be part of Iskandar Malaysia, a new eco-city and trading zone with districts for tourism, health care and education, designed to help regenerate Johor state.
Around 16,000 students are expected to attend universities and schools at EduCity once the project in Nusajaya is completed, transforming the region into a ‘global hub’.
Mohd Hisham Kamaruzaman, acting chief operating officer of Education@Iskandar Sdn Bhd – a subsidiary of the government-owned company Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB), which is responsible for developing EduCity – told University World Newsthat the student village and sports complex will be ready by August, in time for the next academic year.
These parts of the scheme were originally due to be completed last year. Hisham said that phase one of the student accommodation was completed, with more than 200 students in residence since August 2012.
Three institutions have already begun full-time operations – Britain’s Newcastle University, Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) and the University of Southampton’s Malaysia Campus, which started in September 2012, as well as Marlborough College Malaysia, a branch of the British boarding school.
Reg Jordan, CEO and provost of NUMed, said that while its target market is Malaysia, the institution expects that by 2020 30% of students will be from outside the country, mostly from Asia.
“With over 60% of educational demand expected to come from South East Asia and the Asian region by 2025, it is the right time for EduCity to take the lead and cater to this,” said Siti Hamsah, a deputy director general in the Ministry of Higher Education.
Hisham added that the proportion of the nationalities of the students would vary across institutions. At Marlborough School in Malaysia, 60% of the students are expatriates, mainly from the UK and Europe, residing in Singapore.
He anticipated that African students would also be drawn to EduCity campuses.
More institutions
Hisham said four other institutions had started operations at a temporary campus in Johor Bahru, capital of Johor state – Netherlands Maritime Institute of Technology, which is to open in EduCity mid-year, Britain’s University of Reading Malaysia Campus, and Raffles University Iskandar – a joint venture between Singapore’s Raffles Education Corporation Ltd and Education@Iskandar Sdn Bhd. The new Raffles American School in Nusajya will transfer to EduCity in 2015.
Most partner universities are operating on a long-term rental agreement for their teaching facilities, while student accommodation and the sports complex – which will feature a 14,000-seat stadium and an Olympic-length swimming pool – will be shared by institutions.
Ministry of Higher Education Director General Rujhan Mustafa told local media last month that the initial investment of setting up a branch campus in Malaysia is around RM20 million (US$6.5 million) while operational costs could be up to RM100 million (US$32 million) in the first year, rising to RM200 million (US$64 million) for the second to fifth years.
Other institutions are expected to begin operations at EduCity by 2017 and more could sign up. "We are currently talking to several institutions from Malaysia and abroad that are interested in setting up a branch campus in EduCity," Hisham said. Proposals have been received from universities in China and Japan.
Top-notch universities
However, IIB CEO Syed Mohamed Syed Ibrahim told a press conference after the ground-breaking ceremony of the University of Reading Malaysia campus in February that the state investment company would not rush to bring in more universities from other countries for the sake of filling up space.
“We have to be selective and go only for the top-notch universities, to maintain the highest standards for EduCity as the leading educational hub in the region,” he said.
The ministry’s Siti Hamisah said the project went way beyond being a collection of impressive buildings that will house world-class academic institutions.
“EduCity project in Nusajaya will find its true impetus for growth from two areas: universities’ ability to operate in an environment that is outside their familiar region and, second, adapting to a different and diversified culture,” she said.
Hamisah argued that this challenge has maybe “drawn several excellent educational institutes to EduCity”, and opportunities for such cultural adaptation would grow as the complex is fully operational.
“With EduCity, Malaysia will help produce a rich base of stimulating research, knowledge-led industry best practices and other cutting-edge skills for the new age and generation,” said Hamisah.
Flexibility issues
However, concerns continue to surround the project, particularly the level of flexibility universities will have to make key decisions about their own institutions.
NUMed’s Jordan said that changes to some elements such as entry qualifications or fees, normally managed internally at UK universities, require approval from Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education, which was “frustrating”.
The approval process for courses is also complex.
Jordan said that in order to introduce its bachelor of science programme, NUMed had to go through a seven-month process, first seeking approval from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency, which he described as a "rigorous process", and then having the programme registered with the ministry before final approval was given to advertise the course.
“It is always a big risk taking a proven business model from one environment to another,” he said, but added: "Overall, we are optimistic about the EduCity project. We believe the vision can be realised and it will really come to fruition within the next 10 years."
Hisham said that over time, greater flexibility would be given to institutions. "Universities will be allowed to do self-accreditation in due course, once they have satisfied and complied with the standard set by the regulatory bodies,” he said.
Academic standards are being monitored and maintained by the relevant regulatory bodies, including the ministry and qualifications agency, while institutions themselves – as with all tertiary education institutions in Malaysia – will be monitored by the ministry.
Around 16,000 students are expected to attend universities and schools at EduCity once the project in Nusajaya is completed, transforming the region into a ‘global hub’.
Mohd Hisham Kamaruzaman, acting chief operating officer of Education@Iskandar Sdn Bhd – a subsidiary of the government-owned company Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB), which is responsible for developing EduCity – told University World Newsthat the student village and sports complex will be ready by August, in time for the next academic year.
These parts of the scheme were originally due to be completed last year. Hisham said that phase one of the student accommodation was completed, with more than 200 students in residence since August 2012.
Three institutions have already begun full-time operations – Britain’s Newcastle University, Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) and the University of Southampton’s Malaysia Campus, which started in September 2012, as well as Marlborough College Malaysia, a branch of the British boarding school.
Reg Jordan, CEO and provost of NUMed, said that while its target market is Malaysia, the institution expects that by 2020 30% of students will be from outside the country, mostly from Asia.
“With over 60% of educational demand expected to come from South East Asia and the Asian region by 2025, it is the right time for EduCity to take the lead and cater to this,” said Siti Hamsah, a deputy director general in the Ministry of Higher Education.
Hisham added that the proportion of the nationalities of the students would vary across institutions. At Marlborough School in Malaysia, 60% of the students are expatriates, mainly from the UK and Europe, residing in Singapore.
He anticipated that African students would also be drawn to EduCity campuses.
More institutions
Hisham said four other institutions had started operations at a temporary campus in Johor Bahru, capital of Johor state – Netherlands Maritime Institute of Technology, which is to open in EduCity mid-year, Britain’s University of Reading Malaysia Campus, and Raffles University Iskandar – a joint venture between Singapore’s Raffles Education Corporation Ltd and Education@Iskandar Sdn Bhd. The new Raffles American School in Nusajya will transfer to EduCity in 2015.
Most partner universities are operating on a long-term rental agreement for their teaching facilities, while student accommodation and the sports complex – which will feature a 14,000-seat stadium and an Olympic-length swimming pool – will be shared by institutions.
Ministry of Higher Education Director General Rujhan Mustafa told local media last month that the initial investment of setting up a branch campus in Malaysia is around RM20 million (US$6.5 million) while operational costs could be up to RM100 million (US$32 million) in the first year, rising to RM200 million (US$64 million) for the second to fifth years.
Other institutions are expected to begin operations at EduCity by 2017 and more could sign up. "We are currently talking to several institutions from Malaysia and abroad that are interested in setting up a branch campus in EduCity," Hisham said. Proposals have been received from universities in China and Japan.
Top-notch universities
However, IIB CEO Syed Mohamed Syed Ibrahim told a press conference after the ground-breaking ceremony of the University of Reading Malaysia campus in February that the state investment company would not rush to bring in more universities from other countries for the sake of filling up space.
“We have to be selective and go only for the top-notch universities, to maintain the highest standards for EduCity as the leading educational hub in the region,” he said.
The ministry’s Siti Hamisah said the project went way beyond being a collection of impressive buildings that will house world-class academic institutions.
“EduCity project in Nusajaya will find its true impetus for growth from two areas: universities’ ability to operate in an environment that is outside their familiar region and, second, adapting to a different and diversified culture,” she said.
Hamisah argued that this challenge has maybe “drawn several excellent educational institutes to EduCity”, and opportunities for such cultural adaptation would grow as the complex is fully operational.
“With EduCity, Malaysia will help produce a rich base of stimulating research, knowledge-led industry best practices and other cutting-edge skills for the new age and generation,” said Hamisah.
Flexibility issues
However, concerns continue to surround the project, particularly the level of flexibility universities will have to make key decisions about their own institutions.
NUMed’s Jordan said that changes to some elements such as entry qualifications or fees, normally managed internally at UK universities, require approval from Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education, which was “frustrating”.
The approval process for courses is also complex.
Jordan said that in order to introduce its bachelor of science programme, NUMed had to go through a seven-month process, first seeking approval from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency, which he described as a "rigorous process", and then having the programme registered with the ministry before final approval was given to advertise the course.
“It is always a big risk taking a proven business model from one environment to another,” he said, but added: "Overall, we are optimistic about the EduCity project. We believe the vision can be realised and it will really come to fruition within the next 10 years."
Hisham said that over time, greater flexibility would be given to institutions. "Universities will be allowed to do self-accreditation in due course, once they have satisfied and complied with the standard set by the regulatory bodies,” he said.
Academic standards are being monitored and maintained by the relevant regulatory bodies, including the ministry and qualifications agency, while institutions themselves – as with all tertiary education institutions in Malaysia – will be monitored by the ministry.
What to do before deciding to move to Iskandar Malaysia
What to do before deciding to move to Iskandar Malaysia
It may be a good move to make Irda your first port of call
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/specials/bt-supplements/what-do-deciding-move-iskandar-malaysia-20130321
ISKANDAR Malaysia, a region of 2,217 sq km just north of Singapore represents an important economic and geographical region for Malaysia.
To Singapore, it is potentially a hinterland, provided conditions are right.
In 2005, the Federal Government of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur and the state of Johor agreed that there had to be a focused and developmental approach to realise the region's full potential.
The plan was to eliminate uncoordinated and duplicated development and grow a sustainable metropolis.
Malaysia's state investment arm Khazanah Nasional was tasked to study this and came up with a conceptual plan which became known as the South Johor Economic Region concept plan.
This was later changed to Iskandar Development Region (or Iskandar Malaysia) in honour of the late father of the current Sultan of Johor. The Iskandar Regional Development Authority Act was passed in Parliament and came into force in 2007. Khazanah was mandated to play a catalytic role in its development.
National priority
The Iskandar Regional Development Authority (Irda) is the federal government body set up pursuant to the Irda Act and is responsible for the development of Iskandar Malaysia.
In Malaysia, land matters are governed by individual states. Iskandar is a joint development with two co-chairmen - the Prime Minister of Malaysia and the Chief Minister of Johor. This arrangement says a lot about the intent and purpose of the project, that it would be one of national priority for Malaysia.
The Irda Act requires local planning authorities to incorporate and follow the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) which is the master plan for Iskandar.
Local authorities cannot act in any manner inconsistent with the plan and must bring structure plans and local plans within the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 within the plan.
Land use, zoning, allowable plot ratio and allowable residential density must conform with the plan. Such planning issues are unified in the CDP and are not arbitrary. A good architect or planner will be able to advise developers.
For purchasers, especially when buying off the plan, caveat emptor applies as would be the case anywhere else. Many of the projects in Iskandar are on greenfield sites.
Iskandar Malaysia has an enviable and well-thought-out master plan and Irda is responsible to enforce it for the good of all stakeholders.
Land is a state matter with the State Authority of Johor having power over it. Land law is codified in Malaysia under the National Land Code - a Torrens-based system much admired for its concept of indefeasibility as opposed to the older English system of registration of deeds.
Malaysia has one of the most liberal policies for land ownership by foreigners.
The applicable restrictions are relatively minor compared to jurisdictions permitting only land use rights or what is more commonly known as hak pakai/hak guna (defined as the "right to use") for foreigners. Having said that, one can be confused with the regulations and so here are a few pointers:
Many land titles have express conditions requiring all dealings (including a proposed transfer or land charge) to be approved by the state authority and such a condition applies to both Malaysians and foreigners.
In addition, a foreigner or majority foreign owned company must obtain state authority approval to acquire land in Malaysia except for those approved for industrial use. This industrial use must appear as a title condition.
There are additional rules of course. The state of Johor does not permit foreigners to buy double-storey shophouses or single-storey houses, whether linked, terraced or detached.
Three-storey shophouses, double-storey houses, vacant bungalow land, condominium units and service apartments are permitted so long as they each cost RM500,000 (S$199,384) or more.
The state also charges RM10,000 for each successful application for approval. Purchases of industrial properties must be made in the name of a locally incorporated company. This, however, does not apply to residential and commercial properties.
Purchasers, both foreign and local, are advised to engage qualified and experienced lawyers as land matters are by their nature fraught with potential legal issues.
These could be ownership and title issues, caveats or court proceedings affecting land or interests in land. This is a universal problem even if Malaysian land rules permit and welcome foreign ownership.
Bumiputra policies
Malaysia has an entrenched policy of increasing and preserving bumiputra ownership and participation in the economy. This is a national policy seen in almost every sector although progressive liberalisation has lifted many of these equity restrictions.
The manufacturing sector welcomes wholly owned foreign ownership and lately many service sectors including health care and education have followed suit.
An astute investor will always clarify equity ownership issues upfront before proceeding. There remain areas where non-bumiputras and foreign investors alike have to work with bumiputras, notably in government procurement and oil and gas sectors.
In the same vein, property developers should be mindful when purchasing land valued at RM20 million or more.
If the vendor is a bumiputra or a government agency, such a sale is seen as divestment by bumiputra interests and the approval of the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) of the Ministry of Finance is required. It will usually approve the sale on condition of 30 per cent bumiputra equity participation in the project.
These same EPU guidelines and approving condition apply to acquisitions of companies where properties comprise more than 50 per cent of the companies' total assets and are valued more than RM20 million.
A change in control of these companies owned by bumiputras or government agencies will require prior EPU approval.
It is unknown if there is a clear policy with specific criteria suspending or waiving this EPU requirement in relation to land in Iskandar or specific flagship areas in Iskandar. It has been reported that early foreign investors in Medini enjoyed this waiver.
The EPU requirement signals that it is important to know who your vendor is because the guidelines do not apply where the vendors are non-bumiputra concerns. However, when it comes to investments, Malaysia is pragmatic. There are indications that Irda is prepared to support an appeal for waiver on a case-by-case basis.
There is global and keen competition for investments and Malaysia has an established track record of welcoming investors with generous incentives.
Economic benefits
These incentives apply to promoted activities - activities in both manufacturing and services which offer sufficient economic benefits to Malaysia. The under-pinning legislations are the Promotions of Investments Act and specific exemptions pursuant to Section 127 of the Income Tax Act.
To be sure, incentives apply throughout Malaysia but a promoted region like Iskandar enjoys more generous reliefs and incentives.
For example, pioneer status which relieves an enterprise from income tax on its profits could see the limit of statutory income which is exempted from tax increased from the usual 60-70 per cent range to 100 per cent. The period of exemption could also be extended from five to 10 years.
Likewise, investment tax allowance could be increased from 60 per cent of qualifying capital expenditure to 100 per cent of such expenses.
However, in the nature of incentives they are discretionary and invariably measured against the economic benefits such investments will bring to the domestic economy. A pre-packaged incentive plan for a catalytic project will obviously attract better incentives.
Foreign investors should confer with Irda sooner rather than later on their business plans to have a feel of the level of incentives they can expect to avoid disappointment. Many things in Malaysia are going up the value chain and while land is plenty, labour is not.
One of the early ideas behind Iskandar is the formation of a one-stop fast-track agency. Foreign investors look for efficiency in getting approvals for their projects. Irda is that agency and this is part of Irda's charter.
In fact, it is legally enshrined in the Irda Act which describes Irda as the principal coordinating agent or authorised agent for relevant government entities to receive, process and expedite requisite approvals and administrative actions. It also empowers Irda to render administrative services and assistance to the state authority of Johor.
Irda is responsible for not just planning and building. Its facilitation role extends to incentives and the myriad of applications, permits and approvals to set up shop.
While it is outside Irda's powers to approve these, it will be reassuring to investors that it is committed to assist and coordinate various government agencies to produce an outcome which is welcoming and benchmarked against the most efficient in the world.
A confluence of events has brought about the increased confidence in Iskandar as a viable metropolis. Singapore is planning way ahead to accommodate growth and expectations of its people.
Across borders
A metropolis without the construct of national boundaries is the idea behind Iskandar. Does the idea of people working, living and playing across two countries seem so hard in this part of the world?
Politicians can pave the way, proper legal framework can facilitate and infrastructure dollars will help connect, but at the end of the day, the people-to-people relationship makes the difference between the concept and the metropolis.
When lives are intertwined and people actually live, work and play across boundaries, Iskandar Malaysia will succeed.
Nice Developments
Tropicana Danga Bay
Dijaya is expanding its Tropicana brand within the vibrant Iskandar Malaysia area of Johor, Tropicana Danga Bay. At the centre of this mixed development is Tropez Residences, a trio of world-class residential towers designed for discerning home owners who seek a place at the epicentre of the next major economic region in Malaysia. The development offers 16 types of luxury residential units, with built-up areas ranging from 463 to 1,722 sq ft. Residents will have access to open-air sky lounges, a private environment deck, swimming pools, playground and gymnasium, while safeguarded by comprehensive security features. Just nearby is the dazzling Tropicana Danga Bay waterfront, offering cosmopolitan retail and dining options across its interconnected skybridges. Tropez residents will also dwell within easy highway access of all the important commercial centres of Johor, as well as the Causeway to Singapore.
Tebrau Coast
Meanwhile, IWH is also building the 1,025-acre prime development of Tebrau Coast along the Tebrau River and the Straits of Johor, facing a magnificent view of Singapore. The mixed development, with a GDV of RM20bil, will include bungalows, semi-Ds, luxury super links, sophisticated condominiums and luxury serviced apartments. In addition, the development will boast a commercial centre, shopping galleria and an iconic waterfront recreation area. The newly-opened Eastern Dispersal Link will ensure swift access to and from the North South Expressway and the Customs and Immigration checkpoint to Singapore.
Tanjung Puteri Waterfront
Tanjung Puteri Waterfront, Johor Bahru is a 157-acre commercial mixed development straddling both sides of the Causeway to Singapore. This makes it the Southern Gateway to Malaysia, a prime waterfront real estate location with a GDV of RM24.5bil. The development will offer offices, SOHO, serviced apartments, hotel, cultural and art centre, retail outlets, and more. When completed, JB Tanjung Puteri Waterfront will offer an estimated 41 million sq ft of built-up space.
Marina & Beach Resort @ Desaru
At the south-eastern corner of the peninsula lies Marina & Beach Resort @ Desaru, a strategically placed project spread across 310 acres and offering 2,100 units of residences including villas, clusters, apartments, hotel rooms and a marina residential village. Desaru, on the southeast coast of Johor, is seeing rapid growth as a result of a large integrated resort being developed by Khazanah, the country’s sovereign wealth fund, as well as the opening of the new Senai-Desaru highway shortening drive time from both Johor Bahru city and Singapore.
The Gateway
Rising upon a 6.53 acre plot of land located along the main coastal highway, the twin tower project known as The Gateway comprises two identical 34-storey residential blocks linked at the top by a skywalk, symbolising the two columns of an archway. The twin blocks rise from an additional six-storey-high podium featuring commercial retail outlets, car park and an environment deck. Between the twin blocks is a landscaped central boulevard with water features, which leads to the riverside development known as The Venice
The Venice
The Venice is a signature master development along Sungai Danga, blending classical and contemporary designs, which draws its inspiration from the canals, gondolas and streets of Venice, Italy. This integrated development creates a compelling and dynamic environment for leisure, entertainment, meeting and convention activities, and includes a lifestyle street mall, boutique hotel, serviced apartment, leisure mall, flexi suites and SOHO units. Visitors will be drawn to the exciting western-style retail and all-day dining options all along its architectural canals.
Danga Heights
Surrounded by mature residential districts, Danga Heights is yet another exciting development by IWH, covering 330 acres on an undulating landscape in the prime suburb of Skudai. Flanked by the Skudai Highway and accessible from Jalan Kempas Lama and Jalan Bukit Kempas, Danga Heights is poised to become Johor Bahru’s newest uptown lifestyle address.Danga Heights has a GDV of RM25bil and offers a myriad of commercial shopoffices, shopping mall, theme street malls, hotels and stylish high-rise residences. Sophisticated SOVOs (Small Office, Versatile Office) and a contemporary Commercial Centre complimented with an exciting thematic Street Mall comprise the first phase of Danga Heights. This 45-acre, Mixed development will be the gem within the mature township of Kempas, creating a vibrant community filled with bustling businesses and swanky homes.
Courtesy from "rizalhakim"
Dijaya is expanding its Tropicana brand within the vibrant Iskandar Malaysia area of Johor, Tropicana Danga Bay. At the centre of this mixed development is Tropez Residences, a trio of world-class residential towers designed for discerning home owners who seek a place at the epicentre of the next major economic region in Malaysia. The development offers 16 types of luxury residential units, with built-up areas ranging from 463 to 1,722 sq ft. Residents will have access to open-air sky lounges, a private environment deck, swimming pools, playground and gymnasium, while safeguarded by comprehensive security features. Just nearby is the dazzling Tropicana Danga Bay waterfront, offering cosmopolitan retail and dining options across its interconnected skybridges. Tropez residents will also dwell within easy highway access of all the important commercial centres of Johor, as well as the Causeway to Singapore.
Tebrau Coast
Meanwhile, IWH is also building the 1,025-acre prime development of Tebrau Coast along the Tebrau River and the Straits of Johor, facing a magnificent view of Singapore. The mixed development, with a GDV of RM20bil, will include bungalows, semi-Ds, luxury super links, sophisticated condominiums and luxury serviced apartments. In addition, the development will boast a commercial centre, shopping galleria and an iconic waterfront recreation area. The newly-opened Eastern Dispersal Link will ensure swift access to and from the North South Expressway and the Customs and Immigration checkpoint to Singapore.
Tanjung Puteri Waterfront
Tanjung Puteri Waterfront, Johor Bahru is a 157-acre commercial mixed development straddling both sides of the Causeway to Singapore. This makes it the Southern Gateway to Malaysia, a prime waterfront real estate location with a GDV of RM24.5bil. The development will offer offices, SOHO, serviced apartments, hotel, cultural and art centre, retail outlets, and more. When completed, JB Tanjung Puteri Waterfront will offer an estimated 41 million sq ft of built-up space.
Marina & Beach Resort @ Desaru
At the south-eastern corner of the peninsula lies Marina & Beach Resort @ Desaru, a strategically placed project spread across 310 acres and offering 2,100 units of residences including villas, clusters, apartments, hotel rooms and a marina residential village. Desaru, on the southeast coast of Johor, is seeing rapid growth as a result of a large integrated resort being developed by Khazanah, the country’s sovereign wealth fund, as well as the opening of the new Senai-Desaru highway shortening drive time from both Johor Bahru city and Singapore.
The Gateway
Rising upon a 6.53 acre plot of land located along the main coastal highway, the twin tower project known as The Gateway comprises two identical 34-storey residential blocks linked at the top by a skywalk, symbolising the two columns of an archway. The twin blocks rise from an additional six-storey-high podium featuring commercial retail outlets, car park and an environment deck. Between the twin blocks is a landscaped central boulevard with water features, which leads to the riverside development known as The Venice
The Venice
The Venice is a signature master development along Sungai Danga, blending classical and contemporary designs, which draws its inspiration from the canals, gondolas and streets of Venice, Italy. This integrated development creates a compelling and dynamic environment for leisure, entertainment, meeting and convention activities, and includes a lifestyle street mall, boutique hotel, serviced apartment, leisure mall, flexi suites and SOHO units. Visitors will be drawn to the exciting western-style retail and all-day dining options all along its architectural canals.
Danga Heights
Surrounded by mature residential districts, Danga Heights is yet another exciting development by IWH, covering 330 acres on an undulating landscape in the prime suburb of Skudai. Flanked by the Skudai Highway and accessible from Jalan Kempas Lama and Jalan Bukit Kempas, Danga Heights is poised to become Johor Bahru’s newest uptown lifestyle address.Danga Heights has a GDV of RM25bil and offers a myriad of commercial shopoffices, shopping mall, theme street malls, hotels and stylish high-rise residences. Sophisticated SOVOs (Small Office, Versatile Office) and a contemporary Commercial Centre complimented with an exciting thematic Street Mall comprise the first phase of Danga Heights. This 45-acre, Mixed development will be the gem within the mature township of Kempas, creating a vibrant community filled with bustling businesses and swanky homes.
Courtesy from "rizalhakim"
Tuesday, 19 March 2013
Bandar Seri Alam
至达城 Bandar Seri Alam Public Amenities
Educations
- Masterskill University College of Health Sciences
- University Kuala Lumpur
- University Technology Mara
- HELP University
- Mara Science Junior College
- Pegasus International School
- Excelsior International School
- Malaysia Arts School
- Japanese School
- Nam Heng Chinese Primary School
- Sekolah Agama Bandar Seri Alam
- Sekolah Kebangsaan Seri Alam 2
- Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Dato'Penggawa Timur
- Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Bandar Seri Alam
- Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Seri Alam 2
- Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Seri Alam 1
- 宽柔中学第二分校有望在来届大选前，落户吗哂至达城。
http://www.foonyew.org.my/x/portal.php?mod=view&aid=829
Facilities & Amenities
- Amansari Residence Resort
- Regency Specialist Hospital
- Tesco Hypermarket
- Today's Market
- 24-Hour McDonald Drive Thru Restaurant
- Big Valley Ranch Resort cum Tourist Destination
- Natural Lakes and Parks
- Octville Golf and Country Club
- Commercial Centre with 5 Premier Banks
Courtesy from Bro "Skyloft"
Top 10 Iskandar News in 2012
Top 10 Iskandar News in 2012
A number of remarkable milestones and achievements have been materialized in Iskandar Malaysia in year 2012. In fact, since the southern economic corridor was launched 6 years ago, 2012 was regarded as tipping point year for Nusajaya (Flagship Zone B), one of the 5 key Flagship Zones in Iskandar. Here are the pick of the 10 most significant news in Iskandar for year 2012.
 |  |  |  |
1. Iskandar Malaysia hits RM100 billion investment target
Iskandar Malaysia has surpassed the target investment of RM100 billion as cumulative committed investments has reached RM105.14 billion in various sectors with 42 per cent being realised as at end-November 2012.
2. Official Opening of Legoland Malaysia, the 1st Legoland Theme Park in Asia
Legoland Malaysia, the sixth Legoland Park in the world, opened its doors to public on 15-Sep-2012. The first international theme park in Malaysia has more than 40 rides, shows and attractions spread over 76 acres. A Water Park and Hotel are already under construction for opening in 2013 and 2014.
3. Official Opening of Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park
Themed Attractions and Resorts Sdn Bhd has officially launched Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park on 6-Dec-2012 offering unique playtime experiences for the whole family with SANRIO HELLO KITTY TOWN, The Little Big Club and LAT’s Place. Since opening its doors on 26th October, SANRIO HELLO KITTY TOWN and The Little Big Club have received overwhelming response from visitors.
4. The Opening of Marlborough College Malaysia
On 23rd August 1843 Marlborough College in the UK opened its doors to welcome its first cohort of pupils. Almost 169 years to the day, the first overseas campus of Marlborough College has opened in Iskandar Malaysia on 27-Aug-2012. 350 pupils joined members of the Common Room for the first day of school.
5. Iskandar Malaysia is ranked 4th best investment destination
The Financial Times-owned fDI magazine has ranked Iskandar Malaysia as the fourth best investment destination of Global Free Zone of the Future 2012/2013, behind the Dubai Airport Free Zone, the Dubai International Financial Centre and Shanghai's Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone.
6. Iskandar Malaysia Hosted 8th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF)
Heads of States, global leaders and delegates from all around the world converged in December 2012 at the8th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) in support of greater collaborations between Muslim and non-Muslim communities. Held in Johor Bahru, Malaysia on 4-6 December 2012, the three-day forum was officially opened by The Honorary Dato’ Najib Tun Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia and Patron of the WIEF Foundation.
Iskandar Malaysia is proud to be the host as for the first time the forum been held outside the capital city of the host nation since the inaugural forum in 2005. The first WIEF was held in Kuala Lumpur in 2005, followed by Islamabad (2006), Kuala Lumpur (2007), Kuwait City (2008), Jakarta (2009), Kuala Lumpur (2010), and Astana, Kazakhstan (2011). Themed ‘Changing Trends, New Opportunities’, the annual event attracted more than 2,100 delegates, and 120 speakers and artists from 86 nations exceeding the initial target of 1,500 delegates from 50 nations. Jointly hosted by the Government of Malaysia and Government of the State of Johor, the 8th WIEF also celebrates the tipping point of Iskandar Malaysia signaling the completion of major projects under its first phase of development.
7. Singaporean billionaire Peter Lim to build RM3.5 Billion Motorsports City in Iskandar
A partnership between Singaporean billionaire Peter Lim's FASTrack Autosports Pte Ltd and Malaysia’s UEM Land Berhad was inked in December 2012 to build a RM3.5 billion Motorsports City in Johor’s Iskandar region. A special purpose company Crimson Carnival Sdn Bhd is set up for this JV with 70% own by FASTrack Autosports and 30% by UEM Land.
Located at Gerbang Nusajaya and spreading over 270 acres of land, this Motorsports City is an integrated multi-purpose hub that houses a 4.5 km Grade 2 GT double loop circuit, a 1.2 km kart circuit and off-road circuit for drag racing, karting, motorcycling, truck racing and off-road expeditions. There will be car showrooms, a driving school, bonded warehouses, R&D centres, museum, weekend homes, a clubhouse, a car bar, and other F&B and entertainment outlets. Other facilities for corporate events, conferences, and motoring exhibitions will also be included in the development.
A long-term development expected to span 10-15 years, the Motorsports City will create about 8.25 million sq ft of GFA, promising over 5,000 new job opportunities. Over time, land will be allocated for the construction of a mini-township, comprising houses, apartments, shopping malls and other amenities, to cater to those living and working in the Iskandar region.
This will be Mr Lim's second project in the Iskandar region after Vantage Bay, a RM10 billion integrated development in Johor Bahru. The waterfront project is a gated city with its own hospital to be managed by Singapore's Thomson Medical Hospital, as well as apartments, hotels, shopping malls, convention centres and office buildings.
8. Malaysia and Singapore To Jointly Develop An Integrated Tech Park in Iskandar
Singapore-based Ascendas Land International Pte Ltd has entered into a joint venture agreement with UEM Land Berhad in October 2012 to develop an integrated eco-friendly tech park in Nusajaya. Ascendas and UEM Land will hold 60% and 40% stakes in the joint venture respectively. With a projected investment value of S$1.5 billion (RM3.7 billion), the integrated tech park is located at Gerbang Nusajaya within the Nusajaya regional city in Iskandar Malaysia. The 519-acre freehold tech park is the closest industrial site to Malaysia-Singapore Second Link checkpoint and directly accessible by a comprehensive network of main roads and highways to major international airports and seaports. When fully completed, it is expected to host a business community of over 34,000 people.
9. Coastal Highway Fully Operational
The Coastal Highway which links Johor Bahru and Nusajaya was officially opened to motorists in April 2012. The 14.6km toll-free expressway, built at a cost of RM900 million, could accommodate 90,000 to 120,000 vehicles at one single time. The highly anticipated Coastal Highway cuts travelling time between Johor Bahru City Centre and Kota Iskandar to only 12 minutes.
10. Eastern Dispersal Link Fully Operational The RM977 million Eastern Dispersal Link (EDL) Expressway, one of the most eagerly awaited expressway projects in Johor Bahru, was officially opened to motorists in February 2012. The 8.1km expressway connects the end of North-South Expressway at Pandan to the Sultan Iskandar Complex, i.e. the new Custom, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex in the Johor Bahru City Centre. The journey now only takes about 10 minutes, compared to over 45-minutes using the existing Tebrau Highway. EDL has indeed been the tipping point for the transformation of Johor Bahru City Centre.
Iskandar Malaysia has surpassed the target investment of RM100 billion as cumulative committed investments has reached RM105.14 billion in various sectors with 42 per cent being realised as at end-November 2012.
2. Official Opening of Legoland Malaysia, the 1st Legoland Theme Park in Asia
Legoland Malaysia, the sixth Legoland Park in the world, opened its doors to public on 15-Sep-2012. The first international theme park in Malaysia has more than 40 rides, shows and attractions spread over 76 acres. A Water Park and Hotel are already under construction for opening in 2013 and 2014.
3. Official Opening of Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park
Themed Attractions and Resorts Sdn Bhd has officially launched Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park on 6-Dec-2012 offering unique playtime experiences for the whole family with SANRIO HELLO KITTY TOWN, The Little Big Club and LAT’s Place. Since opening its doors on 26th October, SANRIO HELLO KITTY TOWN and The Little Big Club have received overwhelming response from visitors.
4. The Opening of Marlborough College Malaysia
On 23rd August 1843 Marlborough College in the UK opened its doors to welcome its first cohort of pupils. Almost 169 years to the day, the first overseas campus of Marlborough College has opened in Iskandar Malaysia on 27-Aug-2012. 350 pupils joined members of the Common Room for the first day of school.
5. Iskandar Malaysia is ranked 4th best investment destination
The Financial Times-owned fDI magazine has ranked Iskandar Malaysia as the fourth best investment destination of Global Free Zone of the Future 2012/2013, behind the Dubai Airport Free Zone, the Dubai International Financial Centre and Shanghai's Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone.
6. Iskandar Malaysia Hosted 8th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF)
Heads of States, global leaders and delegates from all around the world converged in December 2012 at the8th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) in support of greater collaborations between Muslim and non-Muslim communities. Held in Johor Bahru, Malaysia on 4-6 December 2012, the three-day forum was officially opened by The Honorary Dato’ Najib Tun Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia and Patron of the WIEF Foundation.
Iskandar Malaysia is proud to be the host as for the first time the forum been held outside the capital city of the host nation since the inaugural forum in 2005. The first WIEF was held in Kuala Lumpur in 2005, followed by Islamabad (2006), Kuala Lumpur (2007), Kuwait City (2008), Jakarta (2009), Kuala Lumpur (2010), and Astana, Kazakhstan (2011). Themed ‘Changing Trends, New Opportunities’, the annual event attracted more than 2,100 delegates, and 120 speakers and artists from 86 nations exceeding the initial target of 1,500 delegates from 50 nations. Jointly hosted by the Government of Malaysia and Government of the State of Johor, the 8th WIEF also celebrates the tipping point of Iskandar Malaysia signaling the completion of major projects under its first phase of development.
7. Singaporean billionaire Peter Lim to build RM3.5 Billion Motorsports City in Iskandar
A partnership between Singaporean billionaire Peter Lim's FASTrack Autosports Pte Ltd and Malaysia’s UEM Land Berhad was inked in December 2012 to build a RM3.5 billion Motorsports City in Johor’s Iskandar region. A special purpose company Crimson Carnival Sdn Bhd is set up for this JV with 70% own by FASTrack Autosports and 30% by UEM Land.
Located at Gerbang Nusajaya and spreading over 270 acres of land, this Motorsports City is an integrated multi-purpose hub that houses a 4.5 km Grade 2 GT double loop circuit, a 1.2 km kart circuit and off-road circuit for drag racing, karting, motorcycling, truck racing and off-road expeditions. There will be car showrooms, a driving school, bonded warehouses, R&D centres, museum, weekend homes, a clubhouse, a car bar, and other F&B and entertainment outlets. Other facilities for corporate events, conferences, and motoring exhibitions will also be included in the development.
A long-term development expected to span 10-15 years, the Motorsports City will create about 8.25 million sq ft of GFA, promising over 5,000 new job opportunities. Over time, land will be allocated for the construction of a mini-township, comprising houses, apartments, shopping malls and other amenities, to cater to those living and working in the Iskandar region.
This will be Mr Lim's second project in the Iskandar region after Vantage Bay, a RM10 billion integrated development in Johor Bahru. The waterfront project is a gated city with its own hospital to be managed by Singapore's Thomson Medical Hospital, as well as apartments, hotels, shopping malls, convention centres and office buildings.
8. Malaysia and Singapore To Jointly Develop An Integrated Tech Park in Iskandar
Singapore-based Ascendas Land International Pte Ltd has entered into a joint venture agreement with UEM Land Berhad in October 2012 to develop an integrated eco-friendly tech park in Nusajaya. Ascendas and UEM Land will hold 60% and 40% stakes in the joint venture respectively. With a projected investment value of S$1.5 billion (RM3.7 billion), the integrated tech park is located at Gerbang Nusajaya within the Nusajaya regional city in Iskandar Malaysia. The 519-acre freehold tech park is the closest industrial site to Malaysia-Singapore Second Link checkpoint and directly accessible by a comprehensive network of main roads and highways to major international airports and seaports. When fully completed, it is expected to host a business community of over 34,000 people.
9. Coastal Highway Fully Operational
The Coastal Highway which links Johor Bahru and Nusajaya was officially opened to motorists in April 2012. The 14.6km toll-free expressway, built at a cost of RM900 million, could accommodate 90,000 to 120,000 vehicles at one single time. The highly anticipated Coastal Highway cuts travelling time between Johor Bahru City Centre and Kota Iskandar to only 12 minutes.
10. Eastern Dispersal Link Fully Operational The RM977 million Eastern Dispersal Link (EDL) Expressway, one of the most eagerly awaited expressway projects in Johor Bahru, was officially opened to motorists in February 2012. The 8.1km expressway connects the end of North-South Expressway at Pandan to the Sultan Iskandar Complex, i.e. the new Custom, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex in the Johor Bahru City Centre. The journey now only takes about 10 minutes, compared to over 45-minutes using the existing Tebrau Highway. EDL has indeed been the tipping point for the transformation of Johor Bahru City Centre.
http://www.iskandar.asia/insight/top-10-iskandar-news-in-2012.html
Causeway Link Singapore Bus Service Route & Schedule
Click the link....
CW1 Larkin Bus Terminal <--> Kotaraya <--> Kranji MRT Station
CW2 Larkin Bus Terminal <--> Queen Street
CW3 Perling Mall -- Bukit Indah -- Jurong East Bus & MRT Interchange
CW3S Terminal TUTA <--> Singapore
CW4 Pontian - Gelang Patah - Jurong East
CW4S Sutera Mall <--> Gelang Patah <--> Jurong East
CW5 Johor Bahru Customs <--> Newton Circus
CW6 Bukit Indah < -- > Boon Lay
CW1 Larkin Bus Terminal <--> Kotaraya <--> Kranji MRT Station
CW2 Larkin Bus Terminal <--> Queen Street
CW3 Perling Mall -- Bukit Indah -- Jurong East Bus & MRT Interchange
CW3S Terminal TUTA <--> Singapore
CW4 Pontian - Gelang Patah - Jurong East
CW5 Johor Bahru Customs <--> Newton Circus
CW6 Bukit Indah < -- > Boon Lay
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