The Iskandarian August 2018 by The Iskandarian-WAVES Lifestyle

The Iskandarian

KDN : PP17797/06/2012(032765) Singapore MICA : MCI (P) 094/11/2017

ISSUE 72 | AUG 2018 FREE COPY Official Newspaper

The Iskandarian Iskandar Malaysia’s Official Newspaper, is a synergistic product by True Soul Media PLT & IRDA’s Social Development Division

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THE ISKANDARIAN ISKANDAR MALAYSIA’S OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER

The Iskandarian Monthly Drill

We interview CEOs & Chairmen with drilling questions

pg 9

To date, our occupancy is experiencing positive growth and we have been receiving positive feedbacks from our guests - Dean Rossilli

email: editor@theiskandarian.com

General Manager, Amari Johor Bahru

website/e-paper : www.theiskandarian.com

MB Dato’ Osman Sapian:

RM 38 3 Billion Investm en ts into Iskan dar Malaysia Ach ievable By 2025 Read on pg 2

* Image is for illustration only

Menteri Besar Johor Dato’ Osman Sapian (inset) attended a 4-hour briefing session at Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA)

Citrine Lakehomes Townhouse 90% Sold

- Sunway Citrine Lakehomes Phase 2 received enthusiastic response from purchasers

Read on pg 26

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MB Dato’ Osman Sapian: RM383 Billion Investments into Iskandar Malaysia Achievable By 2025 Johor MB spent four hours being briefed at IRDA’s office during his inaugural visit to the statutory body tasked with regulating and developing Iskandar Malaysia

he 4-hour briefing was to bring the Menteri Besar (MB) up to speed with the developments at Iskandar Malaysia. As the MB of the State, Dato’ Osman Sapian is automatically the Co-Chair of IRDA together with the Prime Minister. Marking his inaugural visit to Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), Dato’ Osman also launched the Iskandar Malaysia Experiential Centre (IMEx), a one-stop centre that offers information and experience on the initiatives of Iskandar Malaysia as a Smart City. Other than showcasing the Smart City concept to the MB, IRDA also showcased several initiatives, such as the Iskandar Malaysia Urban Observatory (IMUO), IM

Dato’ Osman briefed by Maimunah Jaffar, Head of Planning & Compliance and IRDA’s Chief Executive, Datuk Ismail Ibrahim

Circle of Sustainability, Wealth Sharing and Inclusiveness and their Low Carbon Society Blueprint that has NGOs and schools involved. “Iskandar Malaysia is the first region to establish the Urban Observatory which will be the centre for data collection and analysis for government, private sector and community use.

“ This will help decision-makers to more efficiently and accurately make decisions based on information that is precise, current and in real-time,” explained Dato’ Osman. “Through the IMUO, IRDA intends to work with other local councils and companies to coordinate important information that would be useful to their

planning and decision making process,” he added. From IRDA’s briefing, Osman revealed that investments into Iskandar Malaysia from domestic and foreign investors have been good. “From January to June this year alone, RM10.9 billion had been invested into Iskandar Malaysia. While the total cumulative investments from 2006 to June 2018 stand at RM263.95 billion,” he said. “Based on the investment figures, I am confident that the targeted investments into Iskandar Malaysia of RM383 billion by 2025 will be achieved,” Osman added. On its own, China tops the list of foreign investors at RM36.4 billion which represents 14% of the total accumulated

investments. ASEAN countries contributed 23.7 billion (9%) and RM13.6 billion (5%) came from the European Union. Other countries invested RM29.5 billion or 11% while local companies poured in RM160.8 billion or 61% into Iskandar Malaysia’s investment pie. In terms of sectors, Manufacturing leads the way in the Promoted S ec tors followed by Logistics, To u r i s m , Healthcare, Education, Finance and Creative. In the category of Other Sectors, Mixed Development tops the list followed by Residential Properties, I ndustr ial Proper ties, Utilities, Government and Emerging Technologies. by Shufiyan Shukur TI

Accident Free Work Week

PEGASUS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Gleneagles MEDINI

“In The Arms Of One Who Cares”

ohor State Executive Council Chairman for Consumerism, Human Resources and Unity Dr. S. Ramakrishnan officiated the Accident Free Week programme in conjunction with the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Week 2018 at the work site of Elata Vita in Setia Tropika. OSH Week is observed annually during the entire second week of July as a conscious effort to promote better awareness of occupational safety and health at the workplace as well as to educate employers and employees

that accidents can be avoided and injuries can be minimised through the Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control (HIRARC). The programme is an initiative by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). “As of June 2018, DOSH Johor has conducted around 20,703 checks on worksites and machineries and based on those checks, 1199 notices and 73 compounds for offences as well as 38 filed cases for workplace health

Care United Gives Aid

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distribution was made possible due to a number of kind sponsors. “We w a n t e d to reduce Dory Chew handing over the the burden food aid to one of the families of these are United families, and decided to J o h o r provide a pack of rice, Bahru had cooking oil, evaporated successfully milk, chocolate malt organised their 3rd drinks, canned food and Food Aid Project worth other food essentials RM10,000 in Ulu Tiram, in the food hamper,” Johor to selected 200 said Dory Chew, Vice needy families. The President of Care United

Johor Bahru. Their monthly Food Aid Project to needy families will continue till December. In October, Care United will organise the Children Science Carnival which will be held at Dewan Besar & Dewan Kenangan, Kompleks Tan Sri Rahmat, followed by the annual Golden Years Celebration on 17th November 2018 for an estimated 300 senior citizens from homes across Johor Bahru. - by Nurfarahin Zahiridin TI

Exco Dr. S. Ramakrishnan having a word with the site workers of Elata Vita in Setia Tropika

and safety offences,” said Dr. S. Ramakrishnan. The launching programme was also attended by DOSH Johor

Director Ir. Hj. Saiful Azhar bin Mohd Said and SP Setia Berhad’s Divisional General Manager Stanley Saw. - by Edey Suresh TI

Bigger and Better MATTA Fair Johor for Holidaymakers

his year’s Johor Bahru MATTA Fair will experience an entirely new venue with a more picturesque environment at the Danga Bay Convention Centre, on the banks of the Straits of Johor. All set for MATTA Fair 2018 “We have 30 travel “We are expecting a bigger agencies, three hotels and resorts, two waterparks and eight related turn out for JB with a projected services taking up a total of 150 revenue of RM14 million for the booths spread over 46,544.50 participants,” Kathryn said. This next Johor travel fair square feet of exhibition space,” said Kathryn Lee, Johor Chapter will be from 3rd – 5th August 2018 Chairperson and MATTA Fair Johor at Danga Bay Convention Centre, Johor Bahru. - by Shufiyan Shukur TI Bahru Organising Chairperson

Published by True Soul Media PLT [No.51-B, Jalan Impian Emas 5/1, Taman Impian Emas, 81300 Johor Bahru] Printed by Twinstar Synergy Sdn. Bhd. [Lot2A, Jln 13/2, Seksyen 13, 46200, Petaling Jaya, Selangor] Copyright of articles, contributions and photos which are published by The Iskandarian is the property of True Soul Media PLT. The Iskandarian does its best to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of its contents, the publisher cannot accept any responsibilities for errors, mistakes and inaccuracies. The publisher reserves the rights of this product and no part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the permission of the publisher.

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Regency: New Look

egency Specialist Hospital (Regency) celebrated a key milestone by unveiling its new image that shows its growth from a humble beginning into its progressive tertiary form. With its fresh new look, Regency and its sister hospital, Mahkota Medical Centre will now share the same logo as the two brands come together. Managing Director of Regency Specialist Hospital Chin Wei Jia explained the new vision for Regency to become the most comprehensive care hospital not only in Johor but also in South East Asia by bringing together the most competent medical capabilities and state of the art medical facilities to better serve its patients. “Under the umbrella

Chin Wei Jia (left) with Datuk Ismail Ibrahim during the rebranding launch

of HMI Group, we have our training and education arm, HMI Institute of Health Sciences, our latest acquisition, StarMed Specialist Centre, the first ambulatory care centre in Singapore,” said Chin. She also added that the hospital will be adding a new block which will house its Centre of Excellence, purpose built Cancer Centre and a dedicated International Patient Care

Centre, as well as increased capacity to better serve its patients. Datuk Ismail Ibrahim, Chief Executive of IRDA added that this sector will continue to create job opportunities for local talents and businesses as well as providing the locals with a comprehensive exposure of the latest healthcare research and advance technology. - by Amin Khairuddin TI

The Meaning of Yellow

Helen Gray Helen Gray has lived and worked in Asia for over 25 years. Her passion for photography has led her to explore and record her impressions of many countries. Through her website (www.helengray. net), she provides information on places to visit in the region and focuses on the history of Johor

t is not unusual to find an English person wandering around a graveyard in England because they are simply looking for the graves of their long lost ancestors! But visiting a Muslim cemetery is a bit more of a challenge if one cannot read Arabic or Malay script, so this is what I have learnt. Just as in an old English graveyard, Muslim graves are lined up in one direction. In an English graveyard, bodies are positioned with the feet oriented to the east. This is thought to be so the body faces the new day. In a Muslim cemetery, one’s face is oriented towards the Mecca. In both places though, there is a sense of calmness in the surroundings due to the ordered nature of the

graves and the placing jurisdiction of trees and greenery all of the State of Johor. around. T h e If you walk around the grounds of graves of the the Mahmoodiah Royal family of Sultan Hussein are Mausoleum in Johor Bahru, in the Muslim Cemetery on you will see several types of Jalan Kubor in Singapore. graves, but as ostentation Sultan Hussein was a cois not encouraged, the signatory with Temenggong graves are all very similar. In contrast, the Mahmoodiah R o y a l Mausoleum itself is painted bright yellow and white, Mahmoodiah Royal Mausoleum and definitely makes a statement. It was Abdul Rahman and Sir built in 1895 to house the Stamford Raffles, on the body of Sultan Abu Bakar treaty which gave trading rights in Singapore to and his descendants. The bodies of the British in 1819. The Sultan Abu Bakar’s father Muslim cemetery has been ( Temenggong Daeng neglected for some time, Ibrahim, r.1806-1825) and his but one can still find graves grandfather (Temenggong surrounded by yellow tiles, or tombstones draped in yellow cloth. S o , yellow is the traditional colour of Malay royalty and if you see the The Muslim cemetery colour yellow Abdul Rahman, r.1855- on any Muslim graves, then 1862) are not in Johor these are the graves of Bahru, but are housed in Malay royalty. If you drive the yellow Johor Royal up Frasier Hill in Singapore, Mausoleum in Singapore, keep a look out for more in Telok Blangah. Despite royal graves as this land their apparent location was once the family home in Singapore, they are of Temenggong Abdul actually on land under the Rahman. TI

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Traffic Woes, Everyone Knows! The growing traffic concerns between JB – SG borders

s the developments in Iskandar Malaysia begin to mature, the economic situation of the region also improves which in turn creates jobs as well as investment opportunities. However, there are still many locals who make the trip across the border to look for greener pastures and the numbers are still growing. One must ask, is the Causeway capable to handle the new load of traffic coming its way? Perling state legislative assembly member, Cheo Yee How organised a townhall session with the public to address the growing issue and concerns regarding the building up of traffic between the borders of Johor Bahru and Singapore, in particular,

the Customs Immigrations and Quarantine (CIQ) Complexes at Johor Bahru – Woodlands (Sultan Iskandar Complex) and Gelang Patah – Tuas (Sultan Abu Bakar Complex). Also invited to the townhall session were representatives from the Customs and Immigrations Department of Johor so the public could address related issues directly to them. Cheo said that he was very concerned with the situation at both checkpoints and wish to address this issue as this is one of the many instructions from the Home Ministry. “The victims of the situation here are not only the public or the road users but also the personnel manning each station at

the checkpoint,” he added. He informed the public as well as the press that he and state legislative assembly member for Stulang, Andrew Chen have formed two task forces to initiate, analyse, and report the current traffic situation to the new leadership at the Home Ministry. This is just the initial effort of the new government. Azura Muhammad Kefli, Head of Immigrations at the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex said, “We have done all we can to help ease the traffic conditions at both checkpoints. We are working with poorly planned infrastructure. Add impatient and stressed motorists to that equation and one can never solve the traffic problem”.

Getting a Grip on LEP 2.0 Facilitating commerce and industries in the region with support from the state government

un Dr Mahathir made his first official working visit to Japan just after being sworn in again as the seventh Prime Minister of Malaysia. What was not a surprise was the pledge that he put forward to rejuvenate the Look East Policy (LEP) which was first introduced in 1982. Over the years, the focus of the policy had slightly shifted, whereby instead of focusing on developed nations that have proper procedures and protocol, the former government has left behind the essence of the initiative to transfer technology and knowhow, and instead getting short-end deals from other prospect regions. Malaysia once embraced the Japanese working culture in the form of systems adopted in work places such as the 5S system (Seiri – Sort, Seiton – Set in order, Seiso – Shine/Sweep, Seiketsu – Standardise, Shitsuke – Sustain) where it has significantly been impacting the operations at a workplace. The Iskandar Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IMCCI) organised a dialogue about the rejuvenation of LEP 2.0 with its members in conjunction with their business. Two panellists who took

Newly minted exco Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali with IMCCI President Salikon Sarpin

questions regarding the topic were represented by Salikon Sarpin, President of IMCCI, and Professor Dr. Sufian Jusoh, Assistant Director of the Institute of Malaysia and International Studies (UKM). Hj Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali, Chairman of the Information, Entrepreneurship Develop¬ment, Cooperatives and Creative Economy committee attended the session as well. The business pitching session saw four businessmen and women sharing their experiences and business processes when dealing with the Japanese government and businesses. Prof Dr. Sufian mentioned

that the government must put down firm guidelines and benchmarks to the policy. This will ensure that we don’t get played out or suffer losses when dealing with international commerce and businesses. “The new government will make sure that all policies made will not leave our country on the short-end of the stick,” said Sheikh Umar. He pledged to organise a similar event at state level to ensure that everyone in the state will be able to enjoy and reap the benefits of the relationship between Malaysia and Japan. - by Harish Mustak TI

State legislative assembly members, Customs and Immigration heads came together to address the issues faced by the commuters

Cheo’s office also did a public survey on social media and received over 850 respondents. From the survey, some of the key points collected that relate to traffic issues were inconsistent counter schedules, lack of traffic control, system failure, and attitude and inefficiency of personnel. R egarding personnel

25/8: 30th Year for Drums Festival International troupes set to perform in Johor

Over 300 drummers are expected to perform this year (pic by: Wilson TS Teo)

ounded in Johor Bahru by cultural activists, Tan Chai Puan and Tan Hooi Song, this year’s Drums Festival will mark the 30th year of its existence with troupes from China and Singapore joining the celebrations to show off their best. Over 300 drummers are expected to storm the stage of Pasir Gudang Indoor Stadium where the festival will be held this year. Malaysia famous troupes such as the hands percussions will also be performing. 5th International 24Festive Drums Festival is held in conjunction with the 30th

Science Café comes to Roost Building a thinking community in JB

he first of many in series of uniquely curated questions and answers got together known as the Science Café, had finally made its way to our little town of JB. Aimed at cultivating a thinking community, the

programme is supported by ThinkCity and educational bodies including UTM and Reading Malaysia. Taking home at Roost Café in downtown JB, the inaugural talk featured Dr. Adreas Kalckert from the School

behaviour, both departments encourage the public to report any discrepancies faced, with details to aid investigations. “We are open to any reports regarding our operations and we take it positively so we can improve of standards,” said Dairin Umsir, Head of Immigration at the Sultan Iskandar Complex. - by Harish Mustak TI

of Psychology, University of Reading Malaysia with his talk ‘My Body and Me: the Psychology of Your Body’, where he explained various interesting facts about how the mind perceives ownership of one’s physical being.

year celebration of the inaugural 24Festive Drums Festival. “In conjunction with the 30th year celebrations, we have split the festival to 2 mega showcases on the 24th and 25th of August. The festival is usually a one night affair in the previous years,” said Tan Chai Puan or better known as CP Tan. “I wish to see JB as the home city for all the drummers in the world. The dream can be made possible with the progress of the Drums Festival,” he added. Education Minister Dr. Maszlee Malik will be officiating the 30th Anniversary Festival. - by Edey Suresh TI

“The mind can be manipulated by illusions that can create a certain effect of ownership and this includes body or physical illusions,” explained Adreas. Many packed the tiny café and brought friends and family for a unique educational experience. This monthly event will soon expand down south, with Skudai soon seeing the next educational and brain stimulating Science Café. - by Amin Khairuddin TI

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Pay with Boost! plastic currency while emphasising on secure online commerce and business transactions. Officially launched in January 2017, the mobile e-wallet is endorsed Try Boost for hassle free transactions by the National Bank and is rapidly growing oost ( A x i a t a to be one of the nation’s most Digital) held an favoured e-wallet. Officiating the introductory briefing in collaboration briefing was Tourism Johor with Tourism Johor to Director Abdul Malik Haji create awareness on using Ismail, Boost Commerce their application for online and Shareholder Director Eric Chong, and Strategic transactions. Boost e - w a l l e t Partnership Director Aiza application allows users to Ahmad who presented her do away with paper and keynote speech at the event.

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Keeping the Promise

The briefing aptly named “E-Wallet – Cashless Society in Tourism Industry” signifies Tourism Johor’s interest in adopting the digital solution offered by Boost. “The majority of the people nowadays depend a lot on the digital and electronic communication systems to obtain latest information and new knowledge, especially the youth who are considered very tech-savvy,” said Abdul Malik in his speech. The app currently has been adopted by 2,000 business owners in Johor. by Harish Mustak TI

ato’ Osman Sapian said in a press conference that the state government has already fulfilled 85% of its election manifesto while the remaining 15% is still under discussion and will be carried out within the 100 days period. The State government is currently providing incentives of RM500 and RM1000 to diploma and undergraduate students respectively. The Menteri Besar’s term has also been limited to two terms. Osman also claimed that previously, there was

Press conference after the launch of KPJ Johor Specialist Hospital new tower ward

mismanagement in terms of affordable housing quota where it was given on political basis, but now the state is working on equally distributing the affordable homes. Moreover, the state is also planning to give out a health card worth RM500 to those from the B40 segment

which will benefit almost 360,000 citizens. A new logo and motto is also expected to be announced shortly. Plan 20192030 (Johor Bestari, Johor Berprestasi Tinggi) which comprises 8 key thrusts is said to serve as the guideline for the state’s next year budget. - by Nurfarahin Zahiridin TI

Columbia Asia Iskandar Puteri Turns 8

olumbia Asia Hospital – Iskandar Puteri brought cheer and hope for the autistic and less fortunate children by donating RM10,000 during their 8th Anniversary celebration in the hospital. The proceeds collected was channelled to two charity centres namely Calvary Victory Centre Special Education for Autism and PKK Children Orphanage Home which is under the same roof of ‘Pusat Kebajikan Kalvari Johor” as part of the hospital corporate social responsibility programme.

The run provided a wide array of races, including, 5km Run and 2km Run (Family) for individual runners or families to choose from. Each eligible participant received a runner pack of a set of t-shirt, a finisher medal and a goody bag. The race received good support from collaboration partners; LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort, Amari Johor Bahru, Celebrity Fitness, Greenland kids (Gkids) Theme Park, Millesime Hotel, Nestle, 100 Plus, and The Iskandarian; who was the official media and many more who were part of the race.

Entering its 8th year in operation, the hospital created a milestone by opening an expansion building to their existing hospital to accommodate the demand. To commemorate the official opening, the hospital organised a series of Health Awareness activities, workshops, health talks by Consultants, yoga session, zumba dance, health and dental screenings, and more. The hospital also offered several health promotional packages such as Cataract Package, Child Dental Treatment Package, Cardiac

Pulut Kuning cutting ceremony by General Manager Rahani Yaacob (3rd from left) along with the staff of Columbia Asia Iskandar Puteri

Screening Package, Get Fit, Lose Weight Package, Hepatitis B Vaccination and many more to foster good health and wellbeing.

For further information, please contact Columbia Asia Hospital – Iskandar Puteri at + 60 (7) 2339999. - by The Iskandarian TI

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New Tower for KPJ An RM8 million project investment in becoming one of the best private hospitals in the region

PJ Johor Specialist Hospital (KPJ) (KPJ Johor) launched its new tower which was officiated by Dato’ Osman Sapian, Menteri Besar Johor. The opening of the new tower can fit in 31 new beds; summing up to 274 licensed beds in the whole hospital. It will create 50 new job opportunities for nurses and support staffs as well as three specialists adding up to 948 staffs.

They also aim to have 200 more new staff once the tower is fully operational in 2020. “We aspire to increase our number of inward patients to 23% from around 21,000 last year to 26,000 this year,” said Dato’ Amiruddin bin Abdul Satar, President & Managing Director KPJ Healthcare Berhad in his speech. “Apart from the new wards, we will also facilitate a conducive

emergency and accident unit on the 2nd Floor” added Amiruddin during the press conference. They hope that with the opening of the new tower, they can meet the demand for 2 beds per 1 room especially for patients from middle income class and insurance card holders. The renovation work is estimated to start early next year and finish by the fourth quarter of 2019.

New President for RCJB

eoh Cheng Siang was installed as the new President for the Rotary Club of Johor Bahru (RCJB) at the Annual Installation Dinner, replacing Datuk Teo Shiok Fu for Rotary year 2018-2019. The Johor royal family has always been a strong supporter of the Rotary Club and gracing the installation event was the Tengku Temenggong Johor YAM Tunku Idris Ibni Sultan Ibrahim. “It has been a great honour and privilege to serve as the 66th President for RY2017-18 from 1st July 2017

to 30th June 2018. My team and I had a busy and active year carrying out various community service projects, improving the lives of the needy and underprivileged in our community with a focus on children’s welfare, education and environment,” said outgoing President Datuk Teo Shiok Fu. With the installation as the 67th President of RCJB and the introduction of a new theme which is to “Be the Inspiration”, Teoh said, “I am deeply honoured and privileged to have been elected as the 67th President of this great club, and pledge

Dato’ Kamaruzzaman Bin Abu Kassim, President and Chief Executive Johor Corporation gave a token of appreciation to Dato’ Osman Sapian, Menteri Besar Johor

Meanwhile, during the press conference, Osman in his statement said, “The state government will always support and promote the

health tourism industry in Johor to ensure Johor in becoming a health tourism hub in the region”. - by Nurfarahin Zahiridin TI

Ponderosa’s Security Nabs Cable Robbers

F President Teoh (left) with YAM Tunku Idris

to “Be the Inspiration” to lead the club members in projects to improve the lives of the needy in the community and enjoy the fun and fellowship of being a Rotarian.” - by Harish Mustak TI

our members of Ponderosa’s Security team namely Raja Muniandy, Mazlizan, Dan Bahadur and Giri Jivan successfully caught intruders into the golf course in the early hours of the day. The intruders entered the golf course at around 3.15 am and were armed with a machete, an iron cutter and knives. “This is not the first time that ground cables were stolen from the golf course. Thus looking at the

Heroic security guards

trend of past occurrences, our Security personnel laid an ambush and successfully apprehended the robbers who were handed over to the police,” said Ivan Teo, the General Manager of the Resort.

The four staff members were given recognition in the form of certificates of merit. S e c u r i t y is of paramount importance at Ponderosa Golf & Country Resort. It works closely with the neighbourhood police, who patrol the clubhouse area regularly. It also owns a patrol buggy where security personnel rounds the golf course especially during night golfing. - by The Iskandarian TI

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drill

MO N T H LY DR I L L w Intervie by the Editor

Director

A senior executive with over 24 years of industry experience across 8 countries with 12 of those years are in managing hotels as a Regional and General Manager which has included refurbishments, pre-opening, rebranding, multi-unit operations and owner relations. Proficient in sourcing an experienced management team, developing key business strategies and product development, with a strong focus on Customer Satisfaction, Associate Development, Sales and Marketing and Business Relationships, Dean is focused on achieving results though a comprehensive understanding of the market, working closely with the senior team to identify effective strategies to drive the business, positive engagement with owners, investing in the development and career progression of his managers and associates through training programmes, workshops and appreciation events.

How does it feel to manage Johor Bahru’s hottest hotel in the city centre?

It was definitely a great opportunity. When I was offered the opportunity to join ONYX Hospitality as an Area General Manager with direct responsibility for the 5 Star Amari Johor Bahru in March this year, I did not hesitate to accept the position as I knew this role would be exciting yet challenging. The growth of our brands within Malaysia over the coming 3 years is significant which was a key factor for accepting this role. Since the opening in May 2017, Amari Johor Bahru has been standing tall amongst the rest of the hotels in Johor due to the brand name which is well known for world class standards and warm Asian hospitality that is complimented by the company’s Thai heritage. But we must not rest on our laurels, as it is vital that we remain focused and maintain the level of service that is effectively the best not only in Johor but within Malaysia. So far, it has been a journey of exciting challenges in the last 5 months.

How has Amari been performing to date?

We have been performing extremely well. Initially, people did not know about our brand except for those who have travelled to other Amari properties in Thailand. It took a well designed and executed marketing campaign to launch the Amari name out into the market locally. With the support of our owners, UMLand Sdn Bhd and being managed by ONYX Hospitality Group, we worked together to face the current healthy competition and position Amari Johor Bahru as a prevailing hospitality player in Johor. To date, our occupancy is experiencing positive growth and we have been receiving positive feedbacks from our guests, patrons, partners and our stakeholders. With the unique positioning of the hotel especially its location between the rich heritage district, the CIQ and the bustling shopping malls in the city, we

Dean Rossilli

are confident of a strong performance in the coming years and for the rest of 2018. Moreover, recently, we appointed an experienced Cluster Executive Chef from an international hotel brand in Singapore and our award-winning Thai Chef joined us last year in December. Our Thai food has been the talk of the town as our guests and customers keep coming back for our Thai specialities. This is also a significant plus point for us as we are not just focused on offering beautiful accommondation but excellence in food, beverage and services.

How would you describe the travel and tourism market in Johor Bahru?

One cannot deny that the travel and tourism industry in Johor Bahru is rapidly expanding. It is clearly evident that a steady stream of major local and foreign investments have been a focal point in this southern part of Malaysia. With Iskandar Malaysia’s emerging develpoments and with the events organised by the Tourism bodies in relation to strengthening the travel and tourism market in Johor Bahru, the city is developing into an international tourist destination with all the advantages and facilities it has to offer. The modern infrastructure and transportation has been a key part in developing the tourist market. In addition, with more international hotels joining the landscape over the next five years, this will further broaden the exposure of Johor within the region and lead to a healthy competition. Last year and now in 2018, we have seen an influx of tourists from Singapore and other Asian countires due to the increased accessibility of direct flights from Senai International Airport. With the development of international theme and water parks, major entertainment attractions which are culturally based, it will definitely enhance Johor as one of the top tourist spots in Malaysia. With this in mind, we must all work together with

G ener a l Mana ger Amari Johor B a hr u

various tourist sectors, government bodies, travel agents and the Malaysian Hotels Association Johor chapter in providing a first class service culture and take innovative opportunities that are untapped to position Johor Bahru as a top player in the hospitality industry.

Is getting talent and retaining them a challenge?

This is truly the key challenge in the long term development of our industry here in Johor. As we all know, the attraction of Singapore and the currency exchange has always been a key source for the limited people resources within our market. It is also alarming to see the frequent movement of staff jumping from one hotel to another because of slightly higher pay. Identifying talented and passionate people who have career aspirations is key to the growth of our businesses. I believe that with effective training programmes combined with good staff benefits and guiding them to a rewarding career development, then we may be able to retain our staff over the long term. Sometimes, it may not be the dollars and cents, but if they are happy working for the company, they will stay on despite being offered somewhere else. We must take care of our staff in order for them to take care of our guests, hence, it is an absolute neccesity to train our staff and pave the way for them to become future leaders i.e. managers and heads of department. With the upcoming openings of the OZO Medini and Shama Medini, we shall be able to provide our staff cross training & exposure and career development within these 2 properties. Furthermore, we have properties opening in Penang and Kuala Lumpur in 2020. They other key area for staff development is providing our “high flyers” cross exposure to other Amari properties in Thailand for international experience.

What is the best compliment you’ve ever received? We succeed through the great efforts of our team. Compliments and praises are for the entire Amari family and we have received numerous compliments especially on TripAdvisor and through our feedback forms on our website with regards to how many of our staff have gone the extra mile to take care of our guests through the service they have rendered. Since I have been here, I have met many of our repeated guests and customers and they always like to talk about our food, ideal location and most of all, warm and friendly staff.

Which platform gets you more customers?

Online travel agents like booking.com, agoda. com, traveloka, hotelbeds, Ctrip, etc is an important platform to increase our customers. If the price offer is right and competitive to other 5-star hotels within our area, we are able to retain a sustainable amount of bookings through OTA’s. Our hotel website is another important source for online room bookings. It is extremely important to have a user-friendly website with clear and revelant details incorporating great offers and packages for customers to make their bookings.

With more hotels mushrooming in JB, how do you stay ahead of the game?

By not compromising in our service standards and facilities. It is crucial that we constantly focus on the development of our people and upgrading of our facilities to keep ahead in this fast moving industry. It’s essential to stay relevant through understanding what the market requires and its demands, changing trends of the guests and continuously ensuring that the latest technology is always available. Amari Johor Bahru is our first property in Malaysia and it is paving the way for other Amari hotels that will open in Malaysia by 2020.

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A U G 2 0 18

E D I S iN

ture a e f l a Speci piece band on six FAZZ

AUG 2018 | Page 2

The Iskandarian | WAVES Lifestyle

editor’s I note

have a feeling that this year’s Merdeka will be extra special and significant to every Malaysians due to the new government in place thanks to the people’s choice. Everyone wants justice and in that crusade, Denzel Washington is coming back in action in The Equalizer 2 as Robert McCall to serve unflinching justice to those affected. Since the first film was superb, I really can’t wait to watch its sequel. Disney’s Christopher Robin is back but as a grown up stuck in a job with an uncertain future and it’s in Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore and Tigger’s hands to step out of the forest to be there for their childhood friend.

Priya Manikam waves.lifestyle@gmail.com

We bring you two exiting dining options in the form of 3 flavours under one roof at Amaya Food Gallery at Amari Johor Bahru and some good ol’ Texas fried chicken which made its first debut down south in City Square mall. Liked reading what Western Australia has to offer so far? Continue your read for more fun activities for the whole family to enjoy and who knows; since the school break is around the corner, you may want to start planning your holidays. As always, for those wishing to share their fashion collection, travel tales, or like us

to review your restaurant/hotel for a staycation, drop me an e-mail at waves.lifestyle@gmail. com and be featured. For more news, do access www.theiskandarian.com The Iskandarian wishes all Muslim readers Selamat Hari Raya Haji and all Malaysians Selamat Hari Merdeka!

Priya

MUSIC UPDAtes

An Insight into FAZZ By Priya Manikam

uirky, whimsically flamboyant and inspired by Broadway, six-piece band FAZZ never fails to entertain with their unique mélange of cabaret, vaudeville, rock & roll and jazz. Formed in 2012, FAZZ is an award winning and independent band based in Malaysia, well-known within the local music scene as an exciting live band that occasionally features support members. FAZZ delivers their brand of entertainment by fusing story-telling with theatrical stagecraft, hence their circus-like characters and modern-day poetry. With a repertoire of both memorable originals and uniquely deconstructed covers, they are a popular live act to feature at restaurants, bars and event openings. The band has also been invited to play overseas at cultural festivals and live houses in Japan, South Korea and Singapore. So who is FAZZ? The band members are made up of Yoh Lin (Lynn) as the Lead Vocal, Grace Cho on the Piano, Farouk on E Double Bass, Jason Lim on the Trombone, Trumpet by Ad, and Drums by Jone Yeoh. In 2012, Grace and previous singer Kevin Vong conceptualised the idea of having a stage performance with Broadway stylistic approach. Farouk and Jone joined the band after that; and their strong punk rock heavy rock background became the foundation of their not-so-convenient style of Jazz! A couple of years later Ad and Jason came in with a personality that fits the modern age Bruno Mars-esque persona. And whilst the band was growing, the search for a strong vocal to cut through the bands’ dynamic

and loudness was where Lynn came into the picture! When asked what does FAZZ stands for, the band aptly described that FAZZ is termed as a fast-paced jazz, which is also fusioned with a hint of craziness, and jokes that it could one day be a genre or a musical style! Who knows, it probably will! Each member derives their inspiration from a various sources. For Grace its Korean old-pop, Classical music, and even Disney tunes. Jone is currently inspired by Buddy Rich & Brian Culbertson. Farouk draws his inspiration from Tokyo Jihen and Dream Theater. For Jason it’s Robert Glasper, Tom Misch and J Dilla. Ad - Chri Botto, Adam Rapa and Luckychop. Finally, Lynn’s inspiration comes from Musiq, Maxwell and Floetry What sets FAZZ apart is that their music has a unique and distinctive style, which contains addictive rhythms that naturally inspires listeners to move to the beat. To date, FAZZ has released two singles and two albums which include original compositions and lyrics. ‘Blame’, a hybridizedfusion track, is their best known song and it has received the most media coverage. Listen to FAZZ’s latest album here: https://WMM.lnk. to/Passage If you would like this funky band to perform at your next event or be a part of any cultural events that would definitely keep your audiences swaying, contact Toybox Projects Sdn Bhd at info@toyboxprojects.com and logon to www.toyboxprojects.com for more details. TI

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news

peggy loh

My johor stories

Our resident writer, Peggy Loh, actively writes in her blog www.peggyloh.com about matters that are close to her heart. She can be reached at write2peggyloh@gmail.com

‘Speak Out for Engineering’ Nationals Hosted here has been adapted over the years to allow for greater participation but the original aim of ‘communicating effectively’ remains the main emphasis. In 2004, the competition changed its name to ‘Speak Out for Engineering’ Presentation Competition that aims to promote the skills to communicate mechanical engineering subjects by describing and explaining these topics Bhoshaga Mitrran A/L Ravi Chandran through verbal and visual communication. from University Tenaga Nasional, This competition was also discussing his topic, ‘AI: Why The Future designed to promote interest in the art of Should Embrace It?’ communication. While this competition is open to hat is the use of an excellent engineering idea if you fail to Affiliates, Associates and Young Members communicate it effectively of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers to your client?” This is the (IMechE) who have been professionally question young engineers, university registered for ten years or less, the undergraduates and lecturers must consider competitors are usually university students if they wanted to become successful and lecturers. This year, the seven shortlisted engineers. To help budding engineers develop competitors to make their final verbal and visual communication skills presentations were representatives from to explain technical engineering ideas to University Tenaga Malaysia, University of a non-engineering audience, the Young Nottingham Malaysia, Taylor’s University, Members Section in the Malaysia Branch INTI International University, University of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Malaya, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia organises an annual competition to train Campus and University of Southampton Malaysia. and challenge them in these skills. The champion stands to win £300 The competition dubbed, ‘Speak Out for Engineering’ or SOfE, has been and a 4-week Personal Public Speaking held in Malaysia annually in a national level Mentorship worth RM1,000 by Breezi Speaking, a public speaking training competition for the past ten years. Established in 1964 to challenge company, while the runner-up will win £200 young engineers to prove they could and a 50% discount voucher for a similar communicate effectively, this competition 4-week training with Breezi Speaking. All the competitors will also receive a 50% discount voucher for the 4-week Personal Public Speaking Mentorship by Breezi Speaking. The top two speakers will also represent Malaysia to compete in the IMechE SOfE 2018 South East Asia regional competition. I read this information with interest from an email received from the Student Chapter of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers at University of Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Young Members Section, Malaysia Branch chairman, Achugovind Kumar Southampton Malaysia. [Left] with the champion speaker, Muhammad Syafiq This background Nor Azmi. information was received

Group shot at the end of the event with the top two winners seated on the front row

along with an invitation to join the panel of judges for this competition. I was pleasantly surprised but they felt strongly that the experience of a non-engineering person like me would complement the judging panel which is made up of engineers who are in the industry and in education. This will also be the first time for the University of Southampton Malaysia to host the national level competition for SOfE and the first such event to be held in the region of Iskandar Malaysia. The email continued with more details of the competition and the judging criteria. It also explained that the presentations will have mechanical engineering content in its broadest sense – like its purpose, research, design, feasibility and practicality, which should be made clear and comprehensible to a person with a non-engineering, Englishspeaking background, like me. I read the entire email again and gave it some serious thought before I replied and accepted their invitation to join their panel of judges. Early that Saturday morning, I reached the EduCity Multi-Varsity Complex with a smooth drive from the city to Iskandar Puteri and found my way to the University of Southampton Malaysia, lecture theatre. The campus was relatively quiet due to their summer holidays and I was later told an enthusiastic team of Year One undergraduates gave up part of their holidays to organise and host this event. I was warmly welcomed by the university’s Director of Foundation Programme & Head of Quality Assurance, Assistant Professor Dr. Ng Jo-Han, who introduced me to my fellow judges. Azalea Badrulshah, an IMechE associate member and Design Engineer with one of the most innovative engineering companies in the industry, Dyson, Rotarian Lee Soo Tong, the Past President of the Rotary Club of Johor Bahru and J. Kannan, Chief Executive Officer of Kolej Teknologi Suria, a vocational education college, both also engineers by profession. I was honoured to be numbered among them and while I may not have similar credentials, my practical experience in effective public speaking with different audiences, does count for something. But I have the most important role in this panel because unless the competitors managed to effectively communicate their technical ideas to me – the non-engineer – then they would not have achieved their goal.

After all, this was the main objective of SOfE and I was ready to being intellectually stimulated by these young talents who were brimming with wellresearched technical ideas and bursting to impress us in the competition. So with three engineers and Azalea and Kannan, who are both experienced Toastmasters, we made quite a formidable 4-member judging panel. One after another, the competitors presented their ideas on topics like, AI: Why the Future Should Embrace It?, Print Me A House, Electronic Fluency Devices: Snuffing the Stutter, Enhancement on Tire Sidewall Cutting Machine, Artificial Intelligent Applications, The Internet of Things: What’s In It for You?, and The Future of Electric Vehicles. During the judges’ deliberation, the scores tallied showed a unanimous decision with similar comments on their strengths and weaknesses. Before the prize presentation, Kannan, represented the panel to give the judges’ comments to help the competitors improve on their areas of weakness. Nixshal Nantakumar, from University of Southampton Malaysia, made a special impression on the judges when he discussed the merits of Electronic Fluency Devices designed to help people who suffer from stuttering. It was especially meaningful because his topic was based on his personal experience. Muhammad Syafiq Nor Azmi from University Malaya who presented, ‘The Internet of Things: What’s In It For You?’ emerged as champion while Bhoshaga Mitrran A/L Ravi Chandran from University Tenaga Nasional, who discussed, ‘AI: Why The Future Should Embrace It?’ was runner-up. As for me, I think I did a good job as a credible judge. TI

Muhammad Syafiq Nor Azmi from University Malaya, presenting on the topic, ‘The Internet of Things: What’s In It For You?’

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The Iskandarian | WAVES Lifestyle

Meet Me Half Way – Part 2

Rose Osman has intuitive skills in hacking potentials in human energy for success and healing. She coaches through One-toOne sessions, group sessions and via E-courses on Udemy.com.

yourpersonalmotivator BucketOfRoses www.roselifecoach.com

ommunication through emotions is abstract. That means there is no solid ground that says, ‘here’s the logic’. We feel what we feel when we socialise with others and emotions construct our ability to take in and give out what we feel. This is the beauty of experiencing Emotional Intelligence. However, the problem in most of the relationships is that we take in too much and give out too little. We are not well-trained to surf the emotional waves; particularly the nervousness that we feel. This is why we choose to suppress our emotions instead of talking about it.

Go Beyond the Nervousness Nervousness that arises from the emotional awareness is an indication that the emotional waves is in motion. With the nervousness, no one could see what is good for them in their relationships. It’s like trying to see your reflection through the ripples of water. Without clarity, solutions become distorted. Most people act out of nervousness and hope they could shake it off. That’s not how Emotional Intelligence works. In any emotional connection, particularly in confrontations, one must go beyond the nervousness. To do so, we must be patient and wait for the emotional waves to subside before we

make any decisions pertaining to the relationship. Time is the Only Solution Time is an ally when it comes to emotional bonding and confrontation. We take time to bond on an emotional level and we take time to resolve conflicts. Be patient in communicating your feelings. It is about getting your emotions out in a healthy way that could save you and your relationship. Always remember that there is no clarity the moment you feel an emotional sensation in your body. Only time will show you clarity. Meanwhile, speak about how the two of you feel and then meet each other half way. TI

An Energy Coach and A Personal Motivator. Rose Osman uses her knowledge and intuitive skills in energy to coach people to live a joyful life through her coaching programmes on personal & career growth, relationship, love and health.

MOVIES

Source: The Walt Disney Company, Malaysia

DISNEY’S CHRISTOPHER ROBIN

n the heartwarming live action adventure Disney’s “Christopher Robin,” the young boy who embarked on countless adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood with his band of spirited and lovable stuffed animals, has grown up and lost his way. Now it is up to his childhood friends to venture into our world and help Christopher Robin remember the loving and playful boy who is still inside. Now grown up, Christopher Robin is stuck in a job where he is overworked, underpaid and facing an uncertain future. He has a family of his own, but his work has become his life, leaving little time for his wife and daughter. Christopher has all but forgotten his idyllic childhood spent with a simple-minded, honey-loving stuffed bear and his friends. But when he is reunited with Winnie-the-Pooh, now tattered and soiled from years of hugs and play, their friendship is rekindled, reminding Christopher of the endless days of childlike wonder and make believe that defined his youth, when doing nothing was considered the very best something. Following an unfortunate mishap with Christopher Robin’s briefcase, Pooh and the rest of the gang including Piglet, Eeyore and Tigger, step out of the forest and venture into London to return the crucial possessions because best friends will always be there for you. Voices: Jim Cummings (“Winnie the Pooh”) as Winnie-the-Pooh; Chris O’Dowd (“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children”) as Tigger; Brad Garrett (“Everybody Loves Raymond”) as Eeyore; Toby Jones (“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”) as Owl; Nick Mohammed (“The Martian”) as Piglet; Peter Capaldi (“Dr. Who”) as Rabbit; and Sophie Okonedo (“The Secret Life of Bees”) as Kanga.

Genre: Action-Thriller Release date: 30th August 2018 Cast: Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Ashton Sanders with Bill Pullman and Melissa Leo

Genre: Live Action Adventure Release date: 16th August 2018 Cast: Ewan McGregor, Hayley Atwell, Bronte Carmichael, Mark Gatiss Director: Genndy Tartakovsky Producer: Brigham Taylor, Kristin Burr Executive Producer: Renée Wolfe, Jeremy Johns Screenplay by: Alex Ross Perry and Allison Schroeder (credit is not final) Stor by: Alex Ross Perry (credit is not final) Based on Characters Created by : A.A. Milne With the Voices of : Jim Cummings, Chris O’Dowd, Brad Garrett, Toby Jones, Nick Mohammed, Peter Capaldi, Sophie Okonedo

THE EQUALISER 2

enzel Washington returns to one of his signature roles in the first sequel of his career. Robert McCall serves an unflinching justice for the exploited and oppressed – but how far will he go when that is someone he loves?

Director: Antoine Fuqua Producer: Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Denzel Washington, Alex Siskin, Steve Tisch, Antoine Fuqua, Mace Neufeld, Tony Eldridge, Michael Sloan Written by: Richard Wenk Executive Producers: Molly Allen, David Bloomfield

Source: Sony Pictures Malaysia

AUG 2018 | Page 4

The Iskandarian | WAVES Lifestyle

travel 2018 AUG

dar Calen ts n of Eve 1st – 3rd Aug

Singapore Garden Festival

1st Aug– 12th Aug The Great Singapore Sale

3rd – 5th Aug Johor MATTA Fair @ Danga Bay Convention Centre

9 Reasons to Spend Your Holidays in Western Australia with Your Children– Part Two Quokka on Rottnest Island

4th Aug Charity Food & Funfair @ Persatuan Cerebral Palsy Johor 29th Johor Joint Run @ Forest City G.P

6th Aug Bob Dylan Live in S’pore @ The Star Theatre, Buona Vista, S’pore

8th Aug Halsey Live in S’pore @ The Star Theatre, Buona Vista, S’pore

9th Aug Singapore National Day

17th – 19th Aug NATAS Travel Fair @ Singapore Expo

18th – 20th Aug 27th MELTA International Conference @ Berjaya Waterfront Hotel

21st Aug Boyzone @ Singapore Indoor Stadium

22nd Aug Hari Raya Haji

24th – 26th Aug Modern Living Home Fair 2018 @ Persada Johor

25th & 26th Aug Mega Career & Post Graduate Fair @ Persada Johor

25th Aug Merdeka Fun Run 2018 @ Sunway College

By Priya Manikam waves.lifestyle@gmail.com

Family fun at breathtaking beaches f your family prefers the relaxing, wide expanses of the sea, then WA’s beaches are the perfect fit for you! Crystalclear waters, pristine white sand, and abundant sunshine can be found all year round on WA’s coastline. Perth’s iconic Cottesloe Beach even has smooth terraced lawns and majestic Norfolk pines, perfect for a laidback afternoon with the family. Frolic in the sand or indulge in water-based activities like swimming, snorkelling and surfing at more of WA’s immaculate beaches – Bathers Beach (Fremantle, Perth), Hameline Bay (South West), Middleton Beach (Albany, South West), Scarborough Beach (Perth), and Shell Bay (Coral Coast). Meet the native animals of Western Australia Rich in biodiversity, WA boasts a plethora of native Australian mammals, some of which are even unique to the state! One of these animals is the renowned quokka of Rottnest Island; part of the kangaroo and wallaby families, the quokka has been dubbed the world’s happiest animal due to their approachable and gentle nature. Also, Caversham Wildlife Park in Swan Valley, a mere 30 minutes’ drive from Perth, is one of the largest collections of WA’s cutest inhabitants. Feed the kangaroos, cuddle with koalas, gawk at wombats, and even listen to keeper talks by the park rangers on the weekends. Streets, shopping, and sightseeing WA is not only a hub of adventure and new experiences, but is also excellent for families to admire the sights and experience street culture. With its outdoor markets, alfresco

25th Aug Mega Wine Party @ Chijmes, Singapore

31st Aug National Day

Block your dates for this month!

If you need more information on the above mentioned events, drop us an email at: waves.lifestyle@gmail.com

Enjoy mouth-watering seafood

Fresh crayfish! dining, and an active waterfront, Elizabeth Quay is the perfect playground for both adults and children to enjoy a casual day out. Every weekend, Fremantle Market also hosts approximately 150 traders in a beautiful bohemian building, selling food, homeware, art products, jewellery, toys, and clothing for all ages, plus more!

Cottesloe Beach in Perth, Western Australia Meanwhile, those in search of quainter finds like curiosities and vintage items will be spoilt for choice at Leederville and the Inglewood Night Market. Scrumptious delights straight to your

table Blessed with a lengthy coastline, diverse soil types, and sunny climate all-year long, WA yields a profusion of fresh produce, seafood, and highly-prized black truffles – a gourmet’s delight! No matter which town or city you find yourself in, there are ample family-friendly eateries that serve up a variety of fresh food. Perth alone will leave you thoroughly satiated – the city has more restaurants per capita than any other capital city in Australia, many of which have received accolades for their commitment to excellence in food. Stay at family-friendly accommodation Be it a weekend getaway or an extended holiday, WA offers plenty of family-and children-family accommodation for you to choose from. Most of them are strategically located in close proximity to eateries, shopping outlets, and facilities that will keep the entire family entertained. Alternatively, there are plenty of self-catering accommodation options where you can be hands-on with your food and cook your own meals! The next time when planning a family holiday is in the works, include Western Australia as one of your desired destinations to experience extraordinary adventure and family fun time, which will leave remarkable memories for you to cherish! Be sure to check out one of these accommodation options when planning your family holiday – All Suites Perth, Country Comfort Inter City Perth, Four Points by Sheraton Perth and Smiths Beach Resort. For more information about Western Australia, kindly visit http://www. westernaustralia.com. Courtesy of Tourism Western Australia TI

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work

Moonlighting: Right or Wrong? – PartTwo

Lack of Career Progression and Flexibility to Staying Employed: Randstad Employer Brand Research

ven though having attractive salary and benefits is the number one criteria that employees in Malaysia look for in an ideal employer, the most common reason they chose for why they would leave their current company is in fact the lack of career progression opportunities. Out of the 37% of respondents who said that they plan to leave their current employers, 44% said limited career path as the key reason, followed by insufficient compensation (41%) and work-life balance issues (31%). Besides salary and benefits, the research also found that men are more likely to stay with their employers if they have good career progression opportunities. This further suggests that men are more motivated to deepen their capabilities and expand their knowledge to command better career opportunities and a higher salary. Uncertainty in career progression is influenced by several factors such as having insufficient challenges at the job and misalignment on career expectations. The findings suggest that employers should focus more on understanding the employees’ motivations if they want to improve their retention rate. Flexibility is the key to staying employed The research further suggests that employees in Malaysia understand that they need to stay competitive to maintain their employment status, as companies continue to undergo digital transformation and business restructuring. Six in 10 employees are open and flexible to change at work to ensure their employability and this indicates that they are

adaptable to changes in job responsibilities and are willing to embrace new technology to help them be more productive. This is followed by upskilling (49%) and working flexible hours (45%). How employees in Malaysia stay employable: 1. Being open and flexible to change (60%) 2. Keep skills up-to-date through training and courses (49%) 3. Working flexible hours (45%) 4. Be sociable with colleagues, managers and professional network (43%) 5. Willing to switch career (37%) Technology in the workplace in Malaysia can impact both men and women differently. The results suggest that men are more adaptable in the workplace when compared to women, with a higher percentage being more eager to adopt the latest technicals and technologies (men – 39%; women – 32%). On the contrary, women are more likely to focus on developing their soft skills or seek career opportunities through networking. The Employer Brand Research captured the views of 3,308 employees and job seekers in Malaysia between the ages of 18 and 65. It provides insights into the perceptions and drivers of choice of employees and job seekers to inform employers of their human resources capital strategies. The Employer Brand Research is completed by Kantar TNS, a global insights and consultancy agency. Interviews were conducted online between November and December 2017 with controlled samples to ensure a nationally representative survey sample of the online population in each country (age and gender). TI

Ashikin Abd Rahim Legal Adviser MECA South Sdn. Bhd. shikin@meca.com.my

he law recognises the mutual trust and confidential re l at i o n s h i p o r fiduciary relationship between the employer and employee wherein the employee is expected to perform his duty duly and faithfully and failure to do so will cause a possible termination of the employee by the employer. Logically, this activity of side income is a private act and just like any other private acts, as long as it doesn’t affect the Company or (in legal terms; as long as the mutual trust and confidential relationship between an employee and employer is maintained and sustained throughout the whole employment), then the Company shall have no power to control over employees in such matters. Regardless of the abovementioned concerns, it is very common for a Company to have a written

policy on moonlighting procedures or maybe just a single clause in the handbook on conflict of interest. Either way, these written clauses can be very helpful in the future, in case things are out of control. You can never stop them from involving in moonlighting but what you can do as an employer is to control and regulate. Therefore, implement policies on moonlighting where you highlight the need to have an approval from the Management before engagement of side income or employment in any other form of business activities. If you want to impose this side income policy on employees, then it is better to hit the nail on the head by making it clear on the do’s and the don’ts in the written policy such as imposing the need to have an approval first regardless of whether the act (engagement of side income) affects the Company’s interest or otherwise or when is the exact time that you allow them to conduct the side income activity – e.g. during or after office hours?

These are meticulous considerations for guidelines of side income policy that you may need to think of, before communicating it to the employees at large. In case of uncertainties, always welcome inquiries from your employees instead of letting them hear it on the grapevine. The aim of this policy is to let your employees know that you are fine (or otherwise) with this new trend in working environment, and you encourage them to seek a declaration of approval before proceeding with the additional side income. Above all that, ensure that there is constant awareness of your existing policy and update it if necessary. To have side or additional income is not wrong NEITHER right since it depends on the nature of the main job as well to determine this question, but in the long run, the written policies are beneficial for you and your employees. TI

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invest

Accumulating Wealth Tips & Tricks

A Brighter Second Half?

fter two months of correction, we’ve finally seen some rebound for the Malaysia stock market. In the second week of July 2018, the Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) had gone up for five consecutive days and closed at 1722, forming a beautiful bullish engulfing pattern for the weekly chart pattern; signaling that a rebound may continue. There are a few reasons that this happened, such as lower valuation surfacing after the recent overselling, rising

Sports

Leisure

Tey Bin Yuen Binyuen is the founder of BY Enrich Resources and the author of ‘Life beyond the Comfort Zone’ and ‘Profit from Share Investment’. His books are available in major bookstores in Malaysia, Singapore or online http://www.teybinyuen.com/ profitfromshareinvestment

Disclaimer: The companies or strategies mentioned in this article are meant for study purpose only. It doesn’t constitute any ‘buy’ or ‘sell’ recommendation. Please consult your financial professional if you want to make any decision.

oil price, more transparency with the new government’s reforms, and etc. In terms of technical view, Consumer and Technology are the only two segments that are in the bull market. On the global scene, the trade war between the US and China had officially started on 6th July 2018, but both countries’ stock markets have shrugged off the significance of the newly implemented tariff. First, the Dow Jones Industrial (DJI) Index went up for a few consecutive days and stood at above 25000 at the closing of second week in July 2018, while the Nasdaq Composite Index has broken new highs. The Shanghai Composite Index, too, had gone up from its lowest at 2691 on 6th July 2018 and closed at 2831 on 13th July 2018. This divergence shows that the markets have somehow factored in the trade war scenario earlier. Nevertheless, investors remain on edge for a potential retaliation from either side. Meanwhile, good economy data, such as low unemployment rate in the US, stronger US dollar and oil price, coupled with the start of the earnings season has seen a growing optimism in the market. With the mix market expectations as abovementioned, are we seeing a brighter second half? Let’s look at our portfolio’s performance. As we can see, the portfolio has showed a gain of 195% since November 2015. In June 2018, we have seen Comfort (2127) and Jaycorp (7152)’s quarter results. After reading their report, we have decided to sell Jaycorp and hold Comfort. Sold JAYCORP (7152) Jaycorp’s revenue has fallen for the last two quarters, with its latest quarter earnings turning negative. According to its quarter report, this is due to a ‘decrease in demand from the overseas market and the strengthening of the Malaysian Ringgit

(MYR) against the United States Dollar (USD)’. I felt the reason given is too little to justify the losses, and it does not give any hint if the trend would continue or provide clear earning visibility. With very limited information available, we sold 40000 shares of Jaycorp at 0.825. The losses incurred in the sales were RM25800, as our entry price was RM1.47. Hold COMFORT (2127) Comfort’s 1QFY19 net profit fell at 27.6% YoY to 7.3 million, although its revenue is higher compared to the previous year’s corresponding quarter. According to its quarter report, the group made a tax provision of 2.3 million, which was not provided in 1QFY18. In addition, the higher raw nitrile price and natural gas price, plus the strengthening of the Ringgit against the USD have weighted on its earnings. Nonetheless, its revenue shows stability and its earning is better than the last quarter by 54%, due to the deferred taxation of RM5.2 million provided in the previous quarter. Overall, Comfort’s longterm prospects remain intact due to: 1. Future expansion plans to include eight new production lines and a warehouse 2. Strengthening Greenback 3. Resilient global demand for rubber gloves 4. Seen as a laggard for much lower PE of around 15 compared to other big players like Topglove, Harta and Kossan With the sales proceed of RM33000 from Jaycorp, and RM2400 dividend received from Heveaboard plus with the cash brought forward, our new cash level is at RM54525. So, back to the question – are we seeing a brighter second half? With all the dramas that we’ve experienced globally and locally in the first half this year, politically or economically, plus the receded uncertainties lately, I have started seeing the incipient light of the day. TI

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play

Flavours of Asia at Amaya Food Gallery The only place that offers 3 flavours from 3 different countries all under one roof

Andy Oh, the new award-winning Cluster Executive Chef with his team

maya Food Galler y at Amari Johor Bahru invites you to experience its “Flavours of Asia Buffet Dinner”. Its new award-winning Cluster Executive Chef, Andy Oh, and his team have combed the kitchen of Asia to bring fragrant flavours from Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore from 1st July to 30th September 2018. With only RM108 nett per person on Thursday and Friday, enjoy endless choices of food from 3 countries all under one roof.

Also, crab lovers might want to dine at Amaya on Saturdays as the buffet also includes a scrumptious serving of 500grams of Sri Lankan Chili Crab for 2 people at just RM148nett per person. Senior citizens aged 60 and above will enjoy 50% off as well as kids from 6 to 12 years old. Tantalise your taste buds with appetisers such as Caesar Salad, Rojak, GadoGado, traditional Thai snacks and Seafood on Ice such as New Zealand Mussels, Clams, Prawns

the taste of Singapore and Malaysia are also among the must-try dishes at Amaya. Next, the M alay food section by Chef The signature dish, Tom Yum Goong Rosfaizah, has Amaya Food Gallery is also her very own recipe of Kambing Caramel, Beef Rendang and Ikan proud to introduce its new awardPanggang in Banana Leaf and winning Cluster Executive Chef, Sotong Bakar with Tamarind Andy Oh, the talented Penangite. With over 32 years of experience, Sauce. All good things must come Andy has extensive international to a sweet end, so stop by the exposure, bringing with him a dessert station and series of highly acclaimed awards. With a highly skilful indulge in mouthwatering sweet team combined with extremely temptations such experienced leader like Andy, no as Peanut Butter doubt that Amaya Food Gallery’s Crunch Tartlets, Flavours of Asia Buffet are among B u t t e r s c o t c h the best buffet dinner in town. For reservations, please Cheese Ca k e, Black Forest Torte, call 07-2668888 or email Mango Sticky Rice fnbcoordinator.johorbahru@amari. and etc; baked by com. Amari Johor Bahru is located Pastry Chef Syeriff at 82C, Jalan Trus, Johor Bahru. - by Fresh Seafood on Ice; The Appetizer Nurfarahin Zahiridin TI Hafizal and team. and Scallops before indulging in Roasted Lamb Shoulder, Beef Steak and more at the BBQ station. Amaya Food Gallery is famously known for its super tasteful Thai dishes. Don’t forget to try Tom Yum Goong, Kaeng Som-Cha-Om Tod Goong (Spicy and Sour Fish Curry with Prawns and Dill Pattie Omelette), Phad Cha Talay (Seafood with Green Peppercorn, Garlic and Basil Leaf ), and more prepared by its talented Thai Chef Kanokwan Pungjaroenkijiku (or Gina). Chicken Rice, Pie Tee, Black Pepper Stone Crab, Penang Char Kway Teow and Nyonya OtakOtak (Steamed Egg Custard with Spices and Fish) which represents

“Crunch Time” at City Square

Popular crunchy fried chicken franchise, Texas Chicken ventures down south; opening its first outlet in Johor

t is crunch time at City Square as the mall sees itself being home to another popular fast food chain; the Texas Chicken. Being the first outlet opened in the southern region, Envictus International Holdings Limited (Envictus Group) – a local franchisee, brings the bold flavours and signature menu items to excite the taste buds of Johoreans. “Johor Bahru City Square is the kind of location every restaurant dreams of. The outlet will be right in the heart of the city, close to corporate offices, local and international colleges, and just minutes away from the CIQ checkpoint between Malaysia and Singapore,” said Dato’ Jaya Tan, Chairman of Envictus International Holdings.

Texas Chicken located at level 3, City Square

Another fan favourite is the allAmerican Honey-Butter Biscuits which are made from scratch and freshly baked all day long. The restaurant is open for business and is expected to fit 111 guests at one time. Be sure to test out Texas Chicken’s crunch factor with its other menu items such as Crunchy Chicken Tenders, Mexicana Burger and Wrap, Jalapeno Bombers and much more. - by Harish Mustak TI

Some of the featured menu items at Texas Chicken

“There is an active and busy city scene here, filled with people who appreciate great-tasting chicken along with superior service and convenience. We look forward to exceeding their expectations at Texas Chicken,” added Dato’ Kamal Tan, Group Chief Executive Officer of Envictus Group. Envictus Group already operates multiple Texas Chicken restaurants in Malaysia’s Klang Valley, Penang, Kedah, and Negeri

Sembilan. The City Square Mall outlet is only the beginning. The franchisees also plans to open another outlet at the SouthKey Mid-Valley Megamall in the near future. A popular menu item at Texas Chicken that fried chicken lovers wouldn’t want to miss is the Spicy Chicken which is doublemarinated and hand-breaded to ensure maximum spicy crunch and deliciousness in every bite.

Envictus International Holdings Limited (Envictus Group) representatives enjoying their crunchy fried chicken

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PROPERTY INSIGHT

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Country Garden Races Ahead With Record High on Fortune Global 500 List 2018 pg 25 PROPERTY

RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS

APARTMENTS

VILLAS

CONDOMINIUMS

OFFICE/RETAILSPACE

Datoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Osman Sapian launched Medini 9 Medini Iskandar Malaysia (MIM) confident MSC-rated Medini 9 will achieve 80% immediate occupancy

pg 25

Read this article on our website

Launching

Seri Austin

Ayera Residences by Tropicana

13th Anniversary Celebration with CSR effort

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MIM Confident MSC-Rated Medini 9 Will Achieve 80% Immediate Occupancy Medini 9, a 21-storey premium office offers 15 storeys of office space, five levels of podium car park and a ground floor dedicated for retail and 2 levels of car parks

ultimedia Super Corridor (MSC) certified Medini 9, a 21-storey premium office tower at Medini City was launched by Menteri Besar Johor Dato’ Osman Sapian. The premium office tower comprises of two wings with each wing having 15 storeys of office space, five levels of podium car park and a ground floor dedicated for retail, making 21 floors in total. In addition there are two levels of basement car parks, delivering a total of 540 car park bays. Boasting 812,000 square feet of gross floor area and over RM300 million of gross development value, Medini 9 is currently the tallest completed corporate office in Medini City’s MSC Cybercentre. Built according to Multimedia Super Corridor-status specifications, Medini 9 has both smart and green features such as integrated fire alarm and monitoring system, sophisticated security system, cantilevered glass ponds and solar power for the common areas. With all these high-tech specifications Medini 9 is also a Green Building Index (GBI) certified building. The diamond-shaped building took 31 months to complete and rises 95 metres from the ground and built without any incident or fatality. “We are looking at an occupancy rate of 80% and some of the tenants are here with us at the launch,” said Dr. James Tee, Managing Director and Chief Executive of Medini Iskandar Malaysia, the owners of Medini 9.

The tenants include Ernst & Young, Iskandar Investment Berhad, technology and services companies, OK Blockchain Centre, edotco (a telecommunications infrastructure services and solutions provider), DayThree Brandt International, Aegis, Eximus, Geodis, DHL, CO3, Fujikura and online shopping mall, SGShop. There are also two games developers, Deluxe Game and Okakichi from Japan. “Medini 9 reflects our aspiration to create a flagship building that is both smart and green and meets sustainability standards,” Dr. Tee added. The current tenants’ profiles underscore the high-tech positioning of Medini 9. “We have Telekom, Axiata, Time and Maxis providing a minimum of 100 megabit per second upload and download speeds,” said Dr. Tee and he believes that the high-tech offerings of Medini 9 is a decider for potential tenants to choose the building for their operations as it was for the current occupants. Medini City is 2,230 acres and has a development timeline of 30 years. “But already we have 40 high-rise buildings coming up and every year two or three parks are launched, offering greenery and water features for the recreational use of the people that will work and live here,” Dr. Tee said. The retail space on the ground floor of 15,000 square feet is aimed at attracting businesses with a lifestyle appeal such as alfresco F&B, specialty cafes, a bank, medical clinic and other

Country Garden Races Ahead With Record High On Fortune Global 500 List 2018

ith a record revenue of US$33.6 billion last year, real estate developer Country Garden Holdings Co Ltd (“Country Garden” or “the Group”) (stock code: 2007.HK) moves up 114 notches to 353rd spot in The Fortune Global 500 list 2018, marking two consecutive years that the Group was on the list. In 2017, the Group saw its revenue jumped 46% year-on-year to achieve a record high of US$33.6 billion. Country Garden joined seven other Chinese companies that saw the biggest jumps this year such as China Energy Investment

(up 175 spot), Alibaba (up 162 spot), and Tencent (up 147 spot). Commenting on the Group’s ranking, Country Garden Chairman and Founder Yang Guoqiang said, “At Country Garden, I have always emphasised that quality and sound management are our lifelines. Our achievements today are the results that every one of the 180,000 employees in China and abroad had put into every single detail in the company’s operations with the spirit of craftsmanship.” The Fortune Global 500 is an annual ranking of companies’ revenues. This year, China has 120 companies in the list, just behind

Menteri Besar Johor Dato’ Osman Sapian (3rd from left) cuts the ribbon and officiates the launch of Medini 9

complementary amenities that will serve not only tenants but the community surrounding Medini 9 as well, said a spokesperson. Dato’ Osman Sapian when officiating the launch of Medini 9 said that the government will focus on coordinating economic structural reforms to ensure that productivity is better than that achieved by the previous government. “Medini City has been positioned as the central business district of Iskandar Puteri and as such meticulous planning, systematic implementation of infrastructure and projects are the keys in the development of a city that is competitive against other cities around the world in the climate of globalisation,” said Osman. “I understand that Medini City has been given the status of MSC Malaysia Cybercentre. With this status, Medini will be able to compete further and along with their vision of Medini as a smart city, it is also well positioned to be a hub of innovation, complementing US with 126 companies, and ahead of Japan with 52 companies. Since its founding in 1992, Country Garden has evolved from a little-known property company that started with a residential project in Shunde District in Foshan located in the Guangdong province into an international real estate developer with over 1,900 residential projects across the globe. Some of these notable projects include Forest City in Iskandar Malaysia and Ryde Park in Sydney. In China, the Group has property developments spanning over 700 cities and towns across China. Over the years, the Group has shifted its focus from the development of residential properties in the suburbs of the first- and second-tier Chinese cities to the development of premium residences at the heart of third- and fourth-tier Chinese cities.

the Iskandar Malaysia eco-system,” said Osman. This eco-system includes Johor’s administrative capital of Kota Iskandar, the educational hub of EduCity and the marina of Puteri Harbour where a ferry service operates to the Indonesian islands of Karimun Besar and Batam. A service to Singapore has been on the cards for a while now. “Hopefully Medini 9 will further enable Medini to continue contributing and support the growth of Johor in which various jobs and educational opportunities for Johoreans with specific skill sets, will be generated as more companies, both local and foreign come in to establish their operations here,” he concluded. Also present at the launch were Iskandar Puteri’s Mayor, Hj Adib Azhari Daud, diplomats, senior management of Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB), CEOs of private corporations, GLCs and State Government officials. - by Shufiyan Shukur TI The Group has started to implement its forward-looking strategy by entering into cityindustry integration and long-term apartment rentals. The strategy complements the Group’s intention to offer end-to-end solutions to meet the various needs of homeowners and business owners through the access to financial, property m a n a g e m e nt , co m m e rc i a l, entertainment, healthcare and education, which is envisioned to spur economic transformation of a neighbourhood and city adjacent to the project site. Merely into its second year, the strategy has yielded positive results with the rollout of more than 10 science-tech towns which are homes to 1,700 companies including 52 of the world’s leading 500 companies such as Cisco and Midea. - by The Iskandarian TI

Quick Reads

More unsold homes It was reported that the Malaysia property market is expected to see a surge in supply of residential properties in the near future as the number of unsold residential units from launched projects that are under construction and those yet to be constructed, have climbed in 1Q2018. The National Property Information Centre (Napic) 1Q2018 property market status report showed there were a total of 144,927 unsold residential units under construction and those that have not started construction. Compared with 1Q2017, the total number has increased 5% or 7,026 units from 137,901 units then. The number of unsold units includes Small Office Home Office (Soho) and serviced apartment units. States that recorded the highest number of unsold under construction units were Johor (37,637 units), Selangor (24,345) and Kuala Lumpur (14,074). Johor saw a total of 26,181 unsold serviced apartment units under construction and 5,407 units of terraced houses still waiting for buyers. TI

Johor in for a Golden Age After receiving several investment plans and initiatives from the Federal government over the past few years, Johor is in for a Golden Age for the next 10 years. Besides Iskandar Malaysia, which has received accumulated investments of RM262bil, the state government wants to bring development to other areas beyond Johor’s southern region. Johor International Trade, Investment and Utilities Committee chairman Jimmy Puah Wee Tse said they had identified Muar, Segamat and Tangkak districts in the northern part as the Northern Johor Economic Growth Corridor. “Johor State Investment Centre (JSIC) and Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) have been working closely to attract investors into Johor, which will help boost the economy,” said Puah. Property developers are predicting demand for houses and commercial space to benefit from the overwhelming high-paying technology jobs available in the area. TI

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Citrine Lakehomes Townhouse 90% Sold

Sunway Iskandar Citrine Lakehomes townhouses, the first townhouse concept in Medini

unway Iskandar’s launch of the Sunway Citrine Lakehomes Phase 2 had received an enthusiastic response from purchasers, with 90% of the townhouses being snapped up in the first week of its launch. The townhouses are Sunway Property’s first townhouse development in Johor, and its success follows the successes of the property developer’s highly-rated townhouse series in the Klang Valley, and Penang. The most recent was the townhouse development in Sunway Wellesley, Penang, which was 100% sold out, and the townhouse development in Sunway Montana, Klang Valley which was also 100% sold out. Sunway Iskandar Chief Executive Officer, Gerard Soosay said, “Our team worked on a new layout

of the town houses which we are confident will be a game changer for the Johor Market. The three-storey townhouses offer a unique living space which is singular in design. The feedback we have received from the buyers is that it is a good choice for multigenerational living within a green environment.” The three storey townhouses are a spacious 26’ X 76’ with built up size 1500sqft and starts from RM 590,000 nett. The homes are contemporarily designed, with wide living rooms and a 10 ft. garden. Multigenerational families have the option to purchase a combination of an upper and lower unit together so that they can stay together, yet have full-privacy. The townhouses are nestled within the gated and guarded community of Citrine Lakehomes which is next to the 20-acre Emerald

Cosy, spacious living space and a peaceful living environment at Sunway Citrine

Lake Garden and comes equipped with a community centre and outdoor gym. In addition, the development is right next to the current Johor’s newest hot spot, Sunway Citrine Hub, which currently houses a robust community life with its brand new outlets – such as Jaya Grocer, Mr DIY, Awesome Brew, Old Town Café’, Morganfield’s, first Sunway Pharmacy in Johor, Heaven’s Door, Awesome Brew, Me Book, and soon to be opened Sushi House, Starbucks and etc. Sunway Citrine Hub’s designer offices which range from 800-1,000 sq ft has been fully-sold to owners and are now available for leasing. The development also offers the first Sunway International School (SIS), which has been opened since January 2017 and offers the first Canadian International Baccalaureate (IB) programme in

the southern region. Currently, the school has 400 students from preschool to grade 12. The development will have easy access to the first Sunway International School (SIS) and its upcoming projects such as SJK (C) Cheah Fah (1 km), 2 kilometres away from Sunway GRID Hub, Sunway Hotel, Sunway X-Park and Sunway Big Box Village. Sunway Big Box Village is a sprawling development with 500,000 sqft that features retail village. The Big Box Village will consist of large warehouse-like structure with big brands that gives a unique experience to customers in Johor. In terms of connectivity, the development is within walking distance to the Causeway Link Bus Stop at Sunway Citrine Hub. The Causeway link buses transports

Sunway Citrine Lakehomes enterance

passengers from Sunway Citrine Hub to Singapore via the Coastal Highway Second Link (CHSL). Sunway Iskandar is Sunway Group’s largest integrated township yet, spanning across 1,800 acres. The low-density integrated township in Medini, Iskandar comprise 40% greenspace. Just 5km away from Malaysia-Singapore Second Link via Coastal Highway Southern Link (CHSL, the township is surrounded by Iskandar Malaysia’s latest catalytic developments such as Legoland Theme Park, Puteri Harbour, EduCity, Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios, Sunway International School (SIS) and more. For more information on Sunway Iskandar, follow Sunway Iskandar on Facebook or log on to www.sunwayiskandar.com or visit the new sales gallery at Sunway Citrine Hub. - by The Iskandarian TI

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Ayera Residences by Tropicana Tropicana Danga Cove unveils their latest double storey park homes in Iskandar Malaysia

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13th Anniversary Celebration for Seri Austin UMLand Seri Austin marks its 13th year with special offers

yera Residences is the first landed project by the developers Tropicana Danga Cove (TDC) in the southern region of Iskandar Malaysia. Recently unveiled at a public launching event, Ayera Residences residential project is set within the 227 acres of Tropicana Danga Coves township development. In partnership with Iskandar Waterfront Holding (IWH), the 48 acres freehold project has already received positive feedback from the public prior Auspicious launching of Ayera Residences by to its Phase 1 exclusive preview that Tropicana Danga Cove happened on 1st July 2018. Strategically located between Flagship Phase 1 of the development consists of 179 double storey terrace houses which A and D of Iskandar Malaysia, Ayera Residences includes two land sizes, 20’ x 70’ and 22’ x 70’. is surrounded by mature townships like Bandar Each unit has its own pocket garden and Baru Permas Jaya and Bandar Seri Alam. Barely 10 minutes away is the Johor is carefully designed to maximise functionality and versatility of space. Homeowners will also Bahru city centre and accessibility to Ayera get to enjoy a peace of mind living within the is made easy via the Eastern Dispersal Link (EDL), JB East Coast Highway, and Pasir Gudang guarded neighbourhood. Highway. Starting from RM586k, this exclusive urban enclave not only offers a vibrant and green environment to live in but also rebates, for a limited time only. For further enquiries on the project, please contact Tropicana Danga Cove Property Gallery at +6073823355. Tropicana Danga Cove sales reps explaining the property location to - by Maisarah prospective buyers Ismail TI

Cake Cutting Ceremony by EXCO Hj Mazlan Bujang and KK Wong

eri Austin celebrated their 13th Anniversary recently in conjunction with Hari Raya doubling the merriment. Along with UMLand Seri Austin CEO cum Group Director of UMLand Townships, KK Wong and the management team, over 500 business associates as well as Johor State Executive Council Chairman of Public Works, Infrastructure and Transportation, Hj Mazlan Bujang joined the festivities. “Seri Austin has experienced exceptional growth and development over the past years proven by the number sales and recognitions received from various organisations, media and authorities,” said KK Wong in his welcoming speech. He shared that there

was a special promotion for the first 30 purchasers of Tower 1, D’Lagoon Apar tment, a luxur y residential development alongside a lake. “Prices will start from RM491,800 onwards and with our strategic location within the popular growth corridor of Tebrau, we are confident D’Lagoon buyers will enjoy further capital appreciation”, said Wong. EXCO Mazlan Bujang who officiated the celebration congratulated KK Wong on the well done effort and pointed out commendable initiative by the township such as the recently opened Seri Austin – Setia Bridge linking Seri Austin Township to Setia Business Park, Eco Business Park and Seelong. He also joked that the

capital appreciation at Seri Austin is very good as he is also a purchaser at the award winning township. KK Wong added that moving forward; UMLand Seri Austin will look to offer more affordable homes. “Our focus will remain on offering top-grade residential houses with affordable pricing and a conducive eco-environment that encourages healthy living”. Commenting on the property market as a whole, KK Wong added that after GE14, things are looking positive and the market might get healthier. UMLand Seri Austin also donated RM 5000 to Persatuan Kebajikan Baitul Maghfirah, a home for underprivileged children as part of their CSR initiative. by Edey Suresh TI

Moving into Bora Residences Tower A

Tropicana Danga Bay (TBD) successfully completed and handed over the keys to buyers of their Tower A project

ropicana Danga Bay (TDB) in collaboration with Iskandar Waterfront Holdings (IWH) had proudly officiated the Vacant Possession (VP) of its Tower A - Bora Residences. The VP exercise has commenced since Q1 2018 and to date has handed over close to 80% of its total units sold to its proud owners. Contrary to many other projects within Flagship A of Iskandar Malaysia, Bora Residences has sold more than 80% and instilled much confidence despite the slowing down of market and demand for service residences within the vicinity. The developer believes that the positive feedback and reassurance from the public and its owners are supported by the premium quality and delivery of the product itself which is the key priority of the

zero hassle on renovation, and several more attractive packages for the handful of units remaining.

For further inquiries on Bora Residences, kindly contact Tropicana Danga Bay Sales Gallery at +6072341585. TI

Equipped with great facilities

development. With a variety that ranges from 694 sqf to 1,550 sqf, Bora Residences is catered to buyers’ needs and requirements in terms of sizes with panoramic views of the city and lake. Besides that, the developer is also offering buyers the option of purchasing a ready-to-move-in, fully furnished unit, with

Launch gimmick of Bora Residences completion and handover of Tower A

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