Cheah (at front, fourth from left) briefing Onn Hafiz (third from left) and the Johor state exco on the Free Commercial Zone development in Sunway City Iskandar Puteri, Johor.
JOHOR BARU: Sunway and Singapore-based real estate group Equalbase jointly held a groundbreaking ceremony for 103°, a RM8bil sustainable Free Commercial Zone (FCZ) development for the logistics industry here.
Spanning 55 hectares (135 acres), 103° Equalbase Sunway (103°) will be the first fully carbon-neutral free commercial zone.
The integrated warehouses will also be equipped with rooftop solar panels to generate sufficient electricity, fostering a greener future.
As part of its sustainability commitment, 103°, will strive to attain prestigious certifications such as Malaysia’s Green Building Index Gold rating.
103° was named after Johor’s geographic coordinates at a longitude of 103° east of the prime meridian.
The gross development value (GDV) of RM8bil highlights the significant growth projected over a span of 10 years. This mission is further propelled by Equalbase Group’s comprehensive investment management division, Northmod.
Sustainable centre piece
The groundbreaking ceremony held in Sunway City Iskandar Puteri was graced by Johor Menteri Besar as the guest of honour and highlighted the significance of this milestone in sustainable building. The development will be built in four phases, with phase one scheduled for completion by 2025.
Sunway Group founder and chairman Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah said, “Sunway is committed to making Sunway City Iskandar Puteri the focus of Malaysia’s southern development corridor and cementing Johor’s status as one of the most economically advanced states in Malaysia.
“This latest addition to the vibrant ecosystem of our integrated township here is set to create at least 13,000 job opportunities for the people of Johor and achieve gross development value amounting to more than RM8bil.”
Equalbase chief executive officer Nicholas Bischoff said, “Equalbase and Sunway Group share a common vision to build sustainable developments for the betterment of future generations.
“The project 103° in Sunway City Iskandar Puteri’s Free Commercial Zone signifies shared achievements, meaningful collaboration, and a deepening connection with our customers and partners.
“We are privileged to have Sunway as our joint venture partner for this first-of-its-kind sustainable development.”
The development is expected to cater to a diverse range of industries in the region, including fast moving consumer goods, retail, e-commerce, automotive, pharmaceutical and technology.
The facility’s strategic location lends itself as a key hub for sustainable space, contributing to the growth of both regions and catering to clients across Asean.
The geographical advantage further establishes 103° as a focal point for sustainable logistics activities.
Nature’s capital city
With a GDV of more than RM30bil over 809.4 hectares (2,000 acres) of land, Sunway City Iskandar Puteri was designed as a world-class city balanced with the beauty of nature, making it a truly “Nature’s Capital City”, where the city meets nature in Johor.
The low-density integrated township comprises 40% green and open spaces and is the only green building index (GBI) silver-certified township in Johor.
Located 5km away from the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link via the Coastal Highway Southern Link (CHSL), it features six precincts that are well designed and planned to be in perfect harmony with nature.
The township retains natural elements such as Sunway Emerald Lake, mangrove reserves, the 7km Pendas River and the Straits of Johor.
This master plan brings a luxurious city lifestyle alongside nature with spacious homes and more landscaping for all residents to enjoy with a plot ratio of one.
Fruitful partnership
Established in 1974, Sunway Group is one of South-East Asia’s largest conglomerates with core interests in real estate, construction, education and healthcare, with a unique build-own-operate business model.
While Equalbase provides global-standard sustainable commercial and industrial logistics facilities and fosters collaborative partnerships to drive community development.
