ISKANDAR Investment Berhad (IIB), the master developer of Iskandar Puteri, via River Retreat Sdn Bhd, has entered into a strategic partnership with TM-Nxera, a joint venture of TM and Singtel, to empower the digital economy and build a sustainable future for the region.
The strategic partnership with TM-Nxera for the establishment of state-of-the-art sustainable, hyper-connected and AI-ready digital infrastructure in Iskandar Puteri marks a significant milestone in its journey towards the aspiration of becoming the Digital and Innovation Hub for Johor.
The proposed project will entail an approximate RM9 bil investment by the parties to develop the digital infrastructure for Iskandar Puteri.
“The decision by TM-Nxera to establish their state-of-the-art sustainable and AI-ready digital infrastructure in Iskandar Puteri is a major achievement for our community,” said IIB president and CEO Datuk Idzham Mohd Hashim.
“It goes beyond mere infrastructure development; it’s about nurturing innovation and fostering growth within our region.”
Meanwhile, Nxera and Singtel’s Digital InfraCo unit CEO Bill Chang said: “We are excited to partner with IIB to develop this critical digital infrastructure in Iskandar Puteri.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision to empower digital economies and communities across the region, and we are confident that it will unlock immense potential for businesses in Johor and Singapore.”
Meanwhile, TM Group CEO Amar Huzaimi Md Deris stated that the strategic partnership underscores their commitment to advancing technology and fostering innovation in Malaysia.
“Johor is a key destination for TM’s digital infrastructure expansion supported by our robust domestic and international connectivity,” he added.
“The partnership is a pivotal step in our mission to position Malaysia as a regional digital hub and towards our vision of becoming a Digital Powerhouse by 2030.”
The collaboration aligns with Malaysia’s national agendas, including the MyDIGITAL Blueprint, which emphasises the importance of digital infrastructure in driving a digitally-enabled government and economy.
It also supports the nation’s goal of attracting RM70 bil in investments by 2025, as outlined in the MyDIGITAL Blueprint and National Industrial Master Plan 2030.
The new digital infrastructure will create numerous benefits for Iskandar Puteri, unlocking opportunities and creating value in several ways.
It will increase investment opportunities by attracting new technology companies and stimulating tech-based investments. Additionally, it will upskill the workforce by providing opportunities for local talent to develop digital skills.
The infrastructure will be built with a focus on sustainability, aligning with IIB’s vision for a Net Zero Carbon CBD in Medini. This development will enhance the business ecosystem by facilitating the growth of various technology-driven industries within Iskandar Puteri.
Furthermore, it will increase subsea connectivity between Johor and Singapore, supporting the development of the digital economies in both regions. – June 19, 2024
