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PETALING JAYA: Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB) views the Covid-19 pandemic as an opportunity and a growth driver for its digital initiatives.

Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB) president and CEO Datuk Khairil Anwar Ahmad told StarBiz in an email interview that the pandemic has resulted in digital adoption going on a quantum leap at all levels, from the consumer to industry levels.

In line with this development, he said IIB is now involved with creating a new ecosystem in Iskandar Puteri to adapt to the new demands in digital and emerging technologies such as blockchain, drones and robotics, smart cities and sustainable living.

IIB is the strategic developer of Iskandar Puteri in Johor. Khairil said, for example, Iskandar Next, which was launched in October 2020, came about due to the acceleration of the shift towards new emerging technologies and the need for digitalisation amidst the Covid- 19 pandemic.

Towards this end, he said as part of the Iskandar Next initiative the company has also taken the opportunity to spearhead the growth of Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0) related businesses to build a sustainable business ecosystem in Iskandar Malaysia.

Iskandar Next or Iskandar New Economic Experience and Talent, is an innovative advanced technology platform initiated by IIB and its group of companies to spur digital innovation, budding next-generation technology economic activities and talent development in Iskandar Malaysia.

“This initiative involves the development and promotion of a state-of-the-art digital ecosystem that facilitates entrepreneurship, knowledge-sharing and talent enhancement,” he said.

He said Iskandar Next is important as an advanced digital ecosystem for next-generation technologies that would enhance Iskandar Malaysia’s brand as the region’s commercial and digital hub at the southernmost tip of Asia.

Khairil said after more than 15 years in the business, IIB can quickly adapt to the changing economic landscape and face challenges by exploring new business models and new ways of doing things relevant to the current market conditions.

On another note, he said IIB would be launching a mega development project sometime early this year, billed as the most significant development plot in Iskandar Malaysia known as Wawari.

“IIB has pre-planned and set aside 2,900 acres of prime land in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, to be developed into an ‘integrated sustainable living’ area over six phases in the future.

“This area will bring together commerce, residences, nature and culture with even an addition of a mangrove conservation area to enhance the value proposition of this area.

“It is the first in Johor, a mixed development project based on mixed-income housing. This project promotes sustainable development, and heritage and environment preservation for a harmonious blend with culture and nature among the residents of Wawari,” Khairil noted.

On IIB’s achievements since its inception 15 years ago, he said, among others, IIB has played a significant role in luring new investments and collaborations, creating more than 7,000 new jobs and business opportunities at Iskandar Puteri.

“We have brought RM5bil investments into Iskandar Puteri. On the education side, various institutions have to date invested RM750mil in the education sector. IIB currently has 11 institutions of education partners, located at Educity. EduCity is the catalyst that altered the education landscape in Malaysia and created positive multiplier effects for the economy.” he added.

IIB is an investment holding company incorporated in November 2006 to catalyse the strategic development of Iskandar Malaysia. Its shareholders are Khazanah Nasional Bhd, Employees Provident Fund and Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor.

Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2022/01/10/iskandar-investment-on-a-digital-drive