PETALING JAYA: UEM Sunrise Bhd
has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Singapore-based GuocoLand Ltd to jointly develop selected freehold landbank in Iskandar Puteri, Johor.
The collaboration, announced in a joint statement, will focus on UEM Sunrise’s land in Gerbang Nusajaya and Puteri Harbour, two key master plans within Iskandar Puteri.
The developers said they aim to enhance Iskandar Puteri’s investment appeal by improving connectivity, fostering talent development and creating a business-friendly ecosystem.
“With both companies backed by larger conglomerates with expertise beyond real estate development, the partnership will unlock new opportunities and contribute to Johor’s economic aspirations,” the statement said.
UEM Sunrise, the master developer of Iskandar Puteri, is a subsidiary of UEM Group Bhd, while GuocoLand, with investment properties worth S$6.58bil as of 31 December 2024, is a subsidiary of Hong Kong-listed Guoco Group Ltd.
GuocoLand is also a member of the Hong Leong Group.
UEM Sunrise officer-in-charge and chief financial officer Hafizuddin Sulaiman said both developers bring extensive experience in large-scale integrated developments, “making this collaboration a synergy of industry leaders.”
The partnership aims to forge strategic collaborations to catalyse development in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), reinforcing Iskandar Puteri’s position as a key economic hub.
Iskandar Puteri is Flagship Zone B of the JS-SEZ, with a focus on manufacturing, business services, digital economy, education, health, and tourism.
“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,” Hafizuddin noted.
GuocoLand group chief executive officer Cheng Hsing Yao highlighted UEM Sunrise’s strong local expertise in master planning and “well-located sites.”
“GuocoLand 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 said.
The MoU signing coincided with the opening of UEM Sunrise Gallery Iskandar Puteri, a dedicated space showcasing the developer’s vision for the area.
This includes a new master plan for Gerbang Nusajaya, featuring a forward-thinking industrial park and the development of a new interchange.
Strategically located near Senai Airport and the Port of Tanjung Pelepas, one of South-East Asia’s busiest ports, Iskandar Puteri is just 7.5km from Singapore’s Tuas checkpoint.
This proximity strengthens the JS-SEZ’s position as a trade and logistics hub, making it an attractive gateway for regional and international investments.
