JOHOR BAHRU: JLand Group Sdn Bhd (JLG) has targeted investments of about RM40 billion within the next three years for the second phase of its data centre development project known as StepWest.
JLG group managing director Datuk Akmal Ahmad said the projection is based on the strong investment interest secured in phase one StepEast.
Akmal was speaking to the media at the launch of Ibrahim Technopolis (IBTEC), a 2,950-hectare (7,290-acre) integrated development that is expected to drive the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), earlier this week.
Akmal said StepWest is an expansion of StepEast and is located within IBTEC.
He said StepEast has secured more than RM30 billion in investments, with 11 international data centre investors from countries including China, the United States, Singapore and Malaysia.
As for IBTEC, expected to be completed in 2047, JLG expects it to contribute RM37.2 billion to Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP).
Separately, in a statement, JLG said IBTEC will propel higher-value industries in a connected platform by bringing together medtech and life sciences, advanced manufacturing, logistics, data centres, and agritech.
With research and development capabilities, sustainable practices and a powerful digital backbone, IBTEC is well-positioned to elevate Johor's industrial base towards more complex, higher-value activities.
The statement said IBTEC proves JLG's evolution from a conventional developer into a full, end-to-end real estate ecosystem orchestrator.
At the launch, senior general manager (strategic partnerships and business development) Faezah Ayub said IBTEC will focus on robotics, data centres, life sciences, knowledge and training centres, research and development, machinery, food technology, logistics and warehousing, and biotechnology.
At the same event, IBTEC director Faizal Hussin said the company aims to complete its LIVILAB building, which is located within IBTEC, by 2030.
LIVILAB is designed by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) and spans 215,000 square feet.
JLG is the real estate and infrastructure arm of Johor Corporation (JCorp).
