Designed as technology biz gateways for global tech giants, it will be specifically catered to the needs of local and regional digital start-ups and growth businesses
by AUFA MARDHIAH / pic credit: catchagroup.com
ISKANDAR Waterfront Holdings Sdn Bhd (IWH) and Catcha Group Sdn Bhd have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore building Internet Cities and technology business hubs across South-East Asia.
IWH and Catcha said in a statement today that the Internet Cities will be designed as technology business gateways for global tech giants from the US, China and other major economies who are targeting South-East Asia.
They will also specifically cater to the needs of local and regional digital start-ups and growth business, with a focus on allowing them to participate in and take advantage of catalytic programmes and infrastructure, as well as to be connected to the global technology ecosystem.
“This is a great collaboration between two leaders in their respective fields. Catcha’s involvement across multiple technology companies gives them unique insights into what tech companies need for growth. IWH is the premier master developer for the region and we look forward to creating the blueprint for a world class internet city with them,” IWH chairman Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan said in the statement.
Meanwhile, Catcha CEO Patrick Grove (picture) saw a huge opportunity in exploring for the project with one of Malaysia’s renowned developers.
“Technology and digital companies are increasingly becoming the largest and fastest growing tenants in commercial spaces, yet today’s projects still do not cater to the specific needs that Internet companies and technology workers need. We see a huge opportunity to explore together with one of the leading master developers in Malaysia,” he said.
The collaboration will allow the team to research successful Internet Cities and tech hubs in Paris, Silicon Valley and Shenzhen for ideas and inspiration.
In Malaysia, they said Johor and Kuala Lumpur are the first choice for the project.
As the technology and digital sector now employs over 150,000 people in the region and constitute over 20 million ft of commercial space in the region, the collaboration is a huge opportunity to dedicate a city or zone targeting the sector.
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