I read an interesting article in Thestar online this morning. The Sultan of Johor said,“Johor stands in a season of transition. Being high-growth, socially progressive and strategic, the state is well-poised to assume greater significance in the overall journey of the nation.” I do think this will happen and it’s a matter of time. The Sultan elaborated on some of his points which I will summarise below. I am not sure if many are reading long articles these days. Let’s look at some facts and potential from this active participation from the Sultan of Johor in the growth of Johor.
Johor Bahru is right next to Singapore and Singapore is the most expensive if not one of the most expensive cities in the world today.
Many countries have two competing cities, examples include Beijing and Shanghai, Melbourne and Sydney, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, and New York and Los Angeles.
Some key catalytic projects included the Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD), the High Speed Rail (HSR), the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS Link) and Coronation Square. (2.6ha and RM3 billion Coronation Square, will contain serviced apartments, an office tower, a hotel, retail podium, a medical suite and a banking tower.)
Sultan of Johor: “If JB wants to be regarded as an international city, then it has to act and think like an international player.”
When HSR comes into fruition, KL – JB is a mere 90 minutes.
Sultan of Johor: “JB has the advantage of learning from KL. We will improve on the strengths and pick up what’s missing in the federal capital and the Klang Valley.”
Based on Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)’s numbers, Johor captured the biggest percentage of all approved investments in Malaysia in 2015; RM30 billion involving 104 projects as at September 2015. Earlier article about MIDA: Real estate approved investments in Malaysia dropped 70 percent
Johor grew by 17.7% between 2012 and 2014, making it one of the fastest growing states.
Currently, a middle-class Johorean household earned an income of RM5,197 in 2014, up from RM3,650 in 2012.
Many doubted the mammoth Forest City project in Iskandar Malaysia yet today it is a reality with one of the best man-made beaches open to the public. Earlier article about Forest City: Forest City. GDV down but it’s full steam ahead
Long time ago, I wrote an article about Iskandar. Read here: Nothing in Iskandar yet for me but does not mean it’s NOTHING to me Today, I still do not own anything in Iskandar but seriously, as long as JB keeps growing and Singapore continue to grow as per their planned population growth, I think it’s clear that building underground or even reclamation will not be as effective and efficient as using JB as the platform of mutual growth. Will be visiting JB again in June after the weekly visits 3 years ago. Looking forward to feel the vibrancy of new developments. Perhaps enjoy a cuppa or two as well with some JB friends.
written on 23 March 2016
Next suggested article: The ageing Singaporean population equation and Iskandar
