Malaysia’s leading property developer UEM Sunrise has announced a major collaboration with Singapore-listed GuocoLand, marking the first Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) MOU between private companies from both countries. The signing ceremony took place on Feb 27, during the opening of the UEM Sunrise Gallery Iskandar Puteri, which showcases the group’s vision for the development.
The MOU will see UEM Sunrise and GuocoLand jointly develop selected freehold land in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, in efforts to stimulate growth within the JS-SEZ. Iskandar Puteri, known as Flagship Zone B of the JS-SEZ, specializes in various sectors such as manufacturing, business services, education, health, and tourism. The agreement also aims to enhance Iskandar Puteri’s appeal for investment by focusing on improving connectivity, talent development, and creating a business-friendly ecosystem.
For those looking to invest in overseas properties, there are currently many projects available for sale around the world. The collaboration between UEM Sunrise and GuocoLand will cover land in key master-planned areas of Iskandar Puteri, including Gerband Nusajaya and Puteri Harbour. These sites are strategically located near Singapore, Senai Airport, and the Port of Tanjung Pelepas, making them ideal for long-term economic growth and positioning Iskandar Puteri as a robust business and investment hub.
According to Hafizuddin Sulaiman, CFO of UEM Sunrise, “This partnership is not just about development, but also about shaping a thriving end-to-end, future-ready economic hub that fuels long-term growth, creates jobs and strengthens the JS-SEZ ecosystem.” The collaboration between the two companies is part of a larger vision to position Johor as a dynamic and forward-thinking economy, adds Datuk Hisham Hamdan, Chairman of UEM Sunrise.
GuocoLand CEO Cheng Hsing Yao also shared his thoughts on the partnership, stating that the Singapore-listed property group “will bring along our experience in real estate development and asset management, as well as an understanding of the needs of companies from Singapore, Malaysia, and China that wish to establish a presence in the JS-SEZ.” He believes that their combined expertise will enable them to shape Iskandar Puteri and the wider JS-SEZ through innovative developments.
When it comes to investing in a condo, securing financing is a crucial factor to consider. Thankfully, Singapore provides a variety of mortgage choices. Nevertheless, it is important to stay informed about the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) framework. This framework sets a limit on the amount of loan a borrower can take based on their income and current debt obligations. To make informed decisions about financing options and avoid over-leveraging, investors should have a good understanding of the TDSR and seek guidance from financial advisors or mortgage brokers. Additionally, keeping an eye on new condo launches can also open up more financing opportunities for interested investors.
Prior to this collaboration, UEM Sunrise has been a key player in Iskandar Puteri’s urban development, with developments such as the Aspira series and Senadi Hill residential townships, as well as commercial and retail hubs. The group is also working on an upcoming 380-acre industrial park in Gerband Nusajaya. The growth in Iskandar Puteri is expected to be driven by incentives and support schemes introduced by the governments of Malaysia and Singapore, such as special tax rates, stamp duty exemptions, and capital allowances, aimed at increasing investments in the JS-SEZ.