REDEFINING MALAYSIA’S REAL ESTATE LANDSCAPE

UEM Sunrise Bhd, the township and property arm of UEM Group Bhd (UEM Group), aims to redefine Malaysia’s real estate sector with a focus on sustainable living and future-ready developments.

This ambition is exemplified by its groundbreaking master development in Johor, where 2,428ha of land are optimised to meet residential and industrial needs.

Guided by its “Form to Future” philosophy, the company is committed to positively impacting its surrounding communities, the environment and the economy, so that future generations inherit a thriving landscape.

The philosophy, which is in line with Khazanah’s “Advancing Malaysia” strategy, aims to create inclusive, adaptable communities designed for everyone, with a dedication to sustainability at its core.

According to UEM Group managing director Datuk Amran Hafiz Affifudin this approach is also aligned with the group’s domestic investment agenda.

“With all our subsidiaries, we strive to create lasting value through sustainable practices, and for UEM Sunrise, that means focusing not only on enhancing the quality of life for residents but also fostering resilient and inclusive environments that empower communities and stimulate economic growth by attracting domestic and foreign investments, generating skilled jobs and spurring job creation,” he said.

Industry collaboration

Under its “Form to Future” philosophy to create spaces that bring sustainable value to communities, UEM Sunrise is transforming Iskandar Puteri, Johor into an innovation and green technology hub.

In its efforts to rejuvenate Gerbang Nusajaya, the company partnered with Itramas Corporation and China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) to establish a Renewable Energy Industrial Park.

This initiative advances Malaysia’s renewable energy agenda and positions Johor as a leading state in the green industry.

Sufian: Our aim is to integrate technology and accessibility to create environments that offer a combination of convenience, sustainability and community-driven facilities.

UEM Sunrise chief executive officer Sufian Abdullah says the RE Industrial Park is part of the 1GW hybrid solar power plant project, a flagship catalytic initiative under Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) that is being undertaken by UEM Lestra Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary and green industries arm of UEM Group.

“This partnership brings together a powerful combination of local and international expertise to advance Malaysia’s renewable energy landscape, supporting the NETR and positioning Johor as a hub for green technology,” said Sufian.

“It is an exemplary project that aligns with Malaysia’s ambition to strengthen its renewable energy sector and attract foreign direct investment.

“By enhancing Malaysia’s solar supply chain and fostering cooperation with leading global RE manufacturers, we aim to make the RE Industrial Park a pivotal player in the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy.”

He added that the partnership has also attracted several global leaders in RE who are setting up local manufacturing and research and development (R&D) facilities in Malaysia.

“These facilities will produce solar modules, combiner boxes, battery storage solutions and other essential components, boosting local manufacturing capabilities and creating jobs, while establishing Johor as a centre for green industry innovation,” he said.

Environmental impact

UEM Sunrise has also set ambitious goals including achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and hitting significant environmental milestones by 2030.

“The company is advancing toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, harnessing cutting-edge technologies, specialised expertise and robust resources to drive the rapid adoption of renewable energy, green mobility and smart, sustainable cities,” said Sufian.

“By 2030, we aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by implementing energy-efficient and eco-friendly building technologies. “At this juncture, we are integrating modular designs, solar technology and sustainable materials across our projects to make green living accessible and affordable.”

He said that UEM Sunrise has even implemented a construction waste management system that focuses on waste segregation by category and emphasises minimising the ecological impacts of its projects while contributing to environmental preservation.

“To date, our tree planting programme at SIREH Park – a 139ha natural heritage site in Johor – has seen over 10,500 trees planted together with our partners, inching closer to the target of 25,000 trees by 2028, which will sequester approximately 300,000kg of carbon dioxide annually.”

In-demand developments

In line with its sustainable practices, UEM Sunrise’s developments are also designed to meet growing demand in strategically connected regions.

The establishment of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and Gerbang Nusajaya’s robust connectivity have played a pivotal role in driving demand for UEM Sunrise’s residential developments, enhancing the appeal of Iskandar Puteri.

The JS-SEZ provides connectivity advantages that boost cross-border trade and economic opportunities. UEM Sunrise’s developments, including Aspira Hills and Aspira LakeHomes, are also located near key infrastructure such as the Gerbang Nusajaya Interchange, offering quick access to the Tuas Checkpoint, Singapore by reducing travel time to just 15 minutes.

UEM Sunrise strives to create lasting value through sustainable practices by attracting investments, generating skilled jobs and spurring job creation, says Amran.

“The heightened demand was evident in our recent previews, where all units for Aspira Hills and Aspira LakeHomes were fully booked, with buyers queueing overnight to secure their homes,” said Sufian.

“This connectivity, coupled with anticipated economic growth driven by JS-SEZ, makes our properties an ideal choice for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.”

Additionally, Gerbang Nusajaya’s strategic location within JS-SEZ enhances its value as a hub for economic and social activities. With ongoing developments, like the Johor Baru Court Complex and Kota Iskandar, the company’s projects are well-positioned to meet the rising demand for residential and commercial spaces that offer easy access to both Malaysia and Singapore.

Creating smart urban living environments

Sufian added that the company is dedicated to enhancing the living experience across its developments by continuously advancing infrastructure, integrating seamless technology and incorporating smart city features.

“A core example is our progress in Iskandar Puteri, where we are expanding Nusajaya Tech Park with eco-friendly infrastructure and strategic connectivity improvements.

“This includes our Gerbang Nusajaya Interchange, which directly links to Singapore, enhancing accessibility and establishing the area as a key commercial hub.”

To further demonstrate its commitment to smart living, UEM Sunrise is advancing sustainable and connected urban spaces in Klang Valley.

This is exemplified by The Connaught One, a transit-oriented development in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.

Fitted with modern design elements, it offers sustainable solar-powered amenities and flexible living spaces that cater to a post-pandemic lifestyle, co-working areas and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, reflecting the company’s dedication to creating connected and smart urban living environments.

“Our aim is to integrate technology and accessibility to create environments that offer a combination of convenience, sustainability and community-driven facilities.”

“Digital infrastructure across our developments enables energy efficiency, advanced water management systems and modern security measures.

“These enhancements not only improve the quality of life for residents but also set a new benchmark in sustainable and resilient urban developments,” concluded Sufian.