This venture has seen the completion of 26,000 residential units, with a primary emphasis on the inaugural artificial island spanning approximately 567ha 

by AKMAR ANNUAR 

THE Forest City project, initiated in 2015, has evolved into a testament to innovative urban development over the past seven years. 

This venture has seen the completion of 26,000 residential units, with a primary emphasis on the inaugural artificial island spanning approximately 567ha, according to Forest City’s developer Country Garden. 

As the project has unfolded, a community of 9,000 residents now calls Forest City home, marking a significant milestone in the realisation of this futuristic urban enclave. 

Within the artificial island, an impressive 283ha have already undergone transformation, representing a substantial 15% of the total Forest City project area. 

This milestone not only underscores the tangible progress achieved but also sets the stage for the grander vision yet to unfold. 

Forest City’s commitment to creating a holistic and vibrant community extends beyond residential development. 

The burgeoning cityscape boasts a comprehensive array of amenities and facilities, enhancing the quality of life for its residents. 

Among these amenities are two hotels, providing not only accommodation but also serving as focal points for social and business interactions within the community. 

Adding to the attraction of Forest City is its investment in leisure and recreation, exemplified by two international standard golf courses. 

These world-class facilities not only cater to golf enthusiasts but also contribute to the overall aesthetic and recreational appeal of the artificial island. 

The inclusion of such amenities under-scores the project’s commitment to fostering a balanced and enriched lifestyle for its residents. 

One of the standout features of Forest City is its claim to fame in the realm of construction innovation. 

The city is home to the largest industrialised building system (IBS) prefabrication factory in Malaysia, a distinction duly recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records. 

This facility streamlines construction processes, ensuring efficiency and promoting sustainable building practices. 

The incorporation of advanced construction methodologies positions Forest City as a frontrunner in the global landscape of urban development. 

Education forms a cornerstone of Forest City’s commitment to holistic community development. The Shattuck St Mary Forest City International School offers an American curriculum. 

It not only elevates the educational standards within the city, but also attracts local and foreign families seeking an international learning environment for their children. 

The school’s presence adds an intellectual dimension to Forest City, contributing to the diversity of the community. 

For those seeking aquatic adventures, Forest City has introduced a water park that has quickly become a local favourite. 

This recreational spot not only provides a refreshing escape but also serves as a communal space where residents can forge connections. 

 

The water park stands as a symbol of Forest City’s commitment to creating not just a residential space but a dynamic and engaging community hub. As Forest City continues to evolve, the realisation of its goals becomes increasingly evident. 

The artificial island, conceived as a modern marvel, is now a reality, with 15% of its vast expanse already developed. 

The integration of hotels, golf courses an IBS prefabrication factory, an international school and a water park underscores Forest City’s commitment to creating a multifaceted urban experience that crosses traditional boundaries. 

As the community grows and the cityscape transforms, Forest City stands as a testament to the power of urban planning and the potential for creating spaces that inspire and connect. 

In a recent development, Johor has emerged as a key player in economic development, particularly with the recent attainment of Special Financial Zone (SFZ) status by Forest City. 

This move is anticipated to emulate successful global models and plays a crucial role in Johor’s pursuit of achieving developed state status by 2030. 

The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and SFZ memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Singapore and Malaysia is scheduled for signing on Jan 11 this year. 

The elevation of Forest City to an SFZ is viewed as a strategic initiative that holds the potential to propel Johor’s economic growth. Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi highlighted the significance of the JS-SEZ and SFZ as catalysts for the state’s development, emphasising the need for prompt execution of the high-speed rail (HSR) and light rail transit (LRT) to complete Johor’s ecosystem as a primary investment destination.To ensure Johor’s economic growth aligns with the goals set for 2030, empowering investment missions and enhancing regional cooperation are considered paramount. 

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Effandi Yusoff, an expert in economic development, emphasised the transformative potential of the SFZ designation. 

He envisioned the move placing Malaysia on the international financial map, fostering growth in the financial and banking sectors, and benefitting government bodies, industries and the public at large. 

Mohd Effandi anticipated collaboration between Forest City’s SFZ and Singapore, drawing parallels to successful cooperative models observed between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. 

“This collaborative effort is poised to establish a ‘dual-core engine’ in the Asean region, leveraging Forest City’s strategic advantage and well-established infrastructure. 

“Efforts by governments and private sectors, supported by investor-friendly policies, are expected to create an environment conducive to international investments,” he said in a statement. 

Foreign investments, according to Mohd Effandi, will not only drive economic growth but also facilitate knowledge transfer, contributing to Malaysia’s knowledge-based economy. 

Aligned with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, the SFZ initiative is projected to attract global industry players committed to environmental sustainability, reinforcing Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable development. 

Similarly, international real estate and banking veteran Faez Jumabhoy viewed the SFZ development in Forest City as a potential driver of foreign direct investment (FDI) if incentives are appropriately programmed. He sees the SFZ complementing Singapore, benefitting from Johor’s accessible location via the Second Link Expressway and robust air and sea-port infrastructure.

Faez applauded the government’s efforts to strengthen Malaysia-Singapore bilateral ties, expecting it to alleviate some cost-of-living pressures in Johor.

Highlighting successful examples like Singapore and Zurich, Switzerland, Faez suggested that government-sponsored SFZs and Special Economic Zones (SEZ) are more likely to succeed. 

He believed that ongoing global government-to-government relationships nurtured by the Malaysian government will promote greater access and cooperation, easing inflationary pressures on real estate in land-scarce Singapore. 

Faez underscored Malaysia’s strategic advantages, such as excellent air and seaports, in attracting foreign investors when bundled with the right set of incentives and policies. 

He cited recent examples like the visitor visa policy with China and India and the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme as potential support for residential property in Johor. 

While acknowledging Forest City as a long-gestation project, Faez expressed confidence that, with the correct elements and over time, it can succeed. 

He emphasised the potential multiplier effects on the domestic market and economy, welcoming viable, ethical and strategic foreign investments into Malaysia. 

Drawing parallels with the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone in Penang, he envisioned similar successful development in other zones in Malaysia when effectively planned and implemented. 

Looking ahead, the Forest City project holds the promise of further expansion and refinement. 

“The development on the first artificial island is poised to continue, ushering in new phases that will contribute to the city’s maturation and evolution,” Country Garden told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR). 

---

• This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition