Recognizing and rewarding impactful developments in Iskandar Malaysia via TIMA
May 15, Johor Bahru – The Iskandar Malaysia Accolades (TIMA 2016/17) forum and award ceremony honoured a total of 23 developers and service providers for projects and landmarks that exhibit Iskandar Malaysia’s vision in positioning it as a smart region. Divided into seven main categories; “Most Balanced Community”, “Most Liveable Residence”, “Most Conducive Workplace”, “Most Happening Place”, “Most Impactful Investment”, “Most Relaxing Environment” and “Value Champion”, the awards were given to projects, services and best practices that are in line with Iskandar Malaysia’s vision, targets and objectives related to sustainability and social equity.
The brainchild of Iskandar Regional Development Authorities (IRDA), the awards portray six Smart City Iskandar Malaysia dimensions in focus namely Smart Environment, Smart Economy, Smart Governance, Smart People, Smart Living and Smart Mobility. The event was also organized in conjunction with Iskandar Malaysia’s 10th anniversary celebration. Johor’s Chief Minister, Dato’ Mohamed Khaled Nordin in his speech said that the Iskandar Malaysia is the manifestation of the federal and state government’s vision to develop a world-class ‘Strong and Sustainable Metropolis of International Standing’.
“In 2012, Iskandar Malaysia was declared a pilot Smart City project. Based on economic opportunities, the Smart City initiative for Iskandar Malaysia was endorsed by the government in the Global Science and Innovation Advisory Council in May 2012. The rationale for Smart City agenda was five-pronged; induces multiplier effect for economic growth and job creation nationwide towards achieving a better lifestyle, alignment with initiatives listed in the 24 approved and endorsed blueprint, alignment with other on-going projects and initiatives in Iskandar Malaysia, an easier and more efficient lifestyle and business environment based on technology and create high motivation towards achieving Iskandar Malaysia’s vision”, he said.
Meanwhile, highlighting the accomplishments for the past 10 years, Datuk Ismail Ibrahim; IRDA’s Chief Executive said that from 2006 to 31 March 2017, Iskandar Malaysia has recorded total cumulative committed investment of RM227.67 billion that includes investments in key infrastructure and catalytic projects. Of this amount, 61% is from local investments, testifying strongly to the confidence in Iskandar Malaysia.
On TIMA, Ismail commented that the recipients of the awards will be placed in Iskandar Malaysia’s history book as the first to be recognized for their contributions to the quality of life. “TIMA will be among the many events that we intend to hold as part of our planned engagements with the investor community to intensify developments across the nine promoted economic sectors in Iskandar Malaysia. These initiatives will be guided by the ‘Comprehensive Development Plan ii Iskandar Malaysia 2014 – 2025, which spells out in detail the strategies devised for the next decade of this enthralling journey,” Ismail added. Earlier, the forum that was moderated by Safuan Yusof; IRDA’s Urban Observatory Director held prior to the award ceremony focused on Smart City Iskandar Malaysia; Smart Living; Smart People; Smart Economy and Smart Environment.
