PETALING JAYA: When it comes to setting benchmarks and being different from the rest in the Malaysian League, Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) are the kings.
And the Southern Tigers are doing even more to further boost the club’s stature during their pre-season in Dubai by signing deals with companies and also partnerships with Arab-based clubs.
Led by owner and Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, the club have initiated meetings with companies to improve fan access and facilities, and to acquire the best fitness equipment.
Firstly, JDT have established a partnership with HID Global worth several million ringgit following talks between Tunku Ismail and the company.
HID Global is a leading access control management organisation who was involved in the last three FIFA World Cups and various continental events around the world.
“For starters, HID Global’s expertise will be used in the turnstiles for fan entry into the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium,” said a statement from JDT.
“The partnership ensures that the home of the Southern Tigers will be the first in Malaysia to use this internationally recognised system for fans’ access.
“JDT will be able to learn more about entry patterns to serve our fans better and provide the club with valuable data for future decision-making. Also, the system will be able to prevent fraud or duplication of tickets.”
Tunku Ismail also had discussions with Life Fitness on a partnership with JDT that will enhance the quality of the club’s gym equipment and enable an eventual commercial expansion of JDT gyms for the public.
JDT are looking at Life Fitness’s expertise and specialised gym brands for elite athletes, especially Hammer Strength, as used by major sporting organisations in America.
This will ensure the club continue to have cutting-edge technology that will benefit their players, from the JDT Academy to the first team.
Last but not least, JDT and Sharjah FC of the United Arab Emirates have agreed on a collaboration following a visit by Tunku Ismail to the club. Sharjah, currently second in the UAE Pro League, have offered JDT to use their training facilities for free.
