Astaka and Kimlun break ground on Arden, Johor's newest landmark within JS-SEZ
Strategically located within the newly established Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), Arden is set to become a defining feature of Johor Bahru's skyline. The 68-storey tower will soar to 260 metres, making it the second tallest building in Johor Bahru, after The Astaka, also developed by Astaka Holdings.
With a gross development value (GDV) of RM800 million, Arden is a freehold project comprising 618 upscale serviced residences with built-ups ranging from 797 to 1,700 square feet. Units are priced between RM1,300 and RM1,500 per square foot, and completion is targeted for 2030.
Astaka has appointed GDP Architects Sdn Bhd — the firm behind landmark developments such as Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, TRX Residence, EQ Hotel Kuala Lumpur, and The Astaka — to lead the architectural design of Arden.
Designed for modern, urban living, Arden will feature more than 50 thoughtfully curated facilities, including sky dining, a KTV lounge, family-oriented amenities, co-working spaces, and an indoor golf simulator. A key highlight is its Hotel Stay Management model, offering property owners a fully integrated solution for short-term leasing. This includes professional unit management, housekeeping services, and dedicated guest lobbies — a concept that has already attracted strong interest from overseas buyers seeking both lifestyle flexibility and investment returns.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on May 19, officiated by Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) Mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad, to commemorate the start of construction.
"Arden is set to be a remarkable addition to Johor Bahru's skyline. It will not just be a skyscraper, but also a symbol of our rapid growth and commitment to becoming a world-class city," said Mohd Haffiz.
"As one of the major projects in Johor Bahru since the formation of the JS-SEZ, Arden stands as a testament to the confidence investors have in our city's potential. We look forward to witnessing this landmark project accelerate Johor Bahru's transformation into a vibrant and prosperous city."
Astaka Holdings executive director and chief executive officer (CEO), Allen Khong described Arden as a milestone collaboration with Kimlun, following successful joint ventures such as Menara MBJB and Aliva Mount Austin.
"I am proud to highlight that this project brings together two renowned, Johor-based real estate players dedicated to world-class developments that deliver exceptional value to residents and investors."
Khong extend his appreciation to the Johor State Government and MBJB for their continued support.
Kimlun CEO Pang Khang Hau added that the company is proud to partner with Astaka once again as a JV partner and the main contractor on another transformative project that will redefine Johor Bahru's skyline.
Launched in 2014, One Bukit Senyum is an ambitious 11.85-acre freehold integrated development, envisioned as Johor Bahru's future Central Business District (CBD). Its location — just 800 metres from the CIQ complex and 600 metres from the future Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link — makes it a prime beneficiary of cross-border infrastructure enhancements and deepening Johor-Singapore economic ties.
The development's momentum is further supported by the JS-SEZ agreement, signed in early 2024, and progress on the RTS Link, both of which are expected to significantly boost trade, connectivity, and investment flows between the two regions.
Phase 1, The Astaka, was completed in 2018, comprising two towers standing 65 and 70 storeys high. At 1,020 feet above sea level, it remains the tallest residential building in Southeast Asia, with buyers hailing from over 15 countries, including Singapore, Indonesia, China, Germany, Japan, and Finland.
Phase 2, the 15-storey Grade A Menara MBJB, was completed a year ahead of schedule in January 2020 and now houses the Johor Bahru City Council's headquarters.
Phase 3, currently in progress, will be developed in stages starting with Arden, followed by a lifestyle shopping mall and a five-star hotel, reinforcing One Bukit Senyum's role as a transformative anchor of Johor Bahru's urban and economic evolution.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
Vietnam's passport ranking rises to 84th in the world, unlocking new opportunities for global travel and integration
Vietnamese passport holders can now enter 51 destinations without a traditional visa - on par with several other developing nations. -- Photo: HANOI (Vietnam News/ANN): Vietnam's passport has climbed seven places to rank 84th out of 199 countries and territories in the Henley Passport Index for the third quarter of 2025, up from 91st earlier this year and 87th in 2024. The improvement, announced on July 22 by UK-based Henley & Partners, signals stronger global confidence in Vietnam and presents broader opportunities for its citizens in tourism, trade, and international integration. The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a visa, or with simplified procedures such as e-visas, visas on arrival, or electronic travel authorisations (ETAs). Vietnamese passport holders can now enter 51 destinations without a traditional visa - on par with several other developing nations. Though still ranked in the lower-middle tier globally, the recent jump reflects growing trust in Vietnam's foreign policy, administrative transparency, and international reputation. It is also one of Vietnam's most significant upward moves since Henley & Partners began tracking global passport access nearly two decades ago using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Vietnamese citizens can currently travel visa-free or with simplified entry to several Asean countries, including Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines, as well as to destinations in Africa, South America, Central Asia, and South Asia, such as Kenya, Panama, Kyrgyzstan, Iran, and the Maldives. In South-East Asia, Vietnam's passport ranks above Laos (92nd) and Myanmar (93rd), while Singapore remains at the top worldwide with visa-free access to 195 destinations. According to tourism and policy experts, a passport's ranking reflects more than mobility, it serves as a 'soft measure' of a country's political stability, global standing, and the trust placed in its citizens. The improvement also mirrors Vietnam's efforts in bilateral diplomacy, upgrades in e-passport systems, and negotiations for visa waivers with countries across Asia, Africa, and the Pacific. Experts also noted the broader impact on outbound tourism. Visa-free access stimulates demand for international travel and enables Vietnamese tour operators to design more diverse and high-end packages. Better passport access allows students, businesspeople, and workers to engage internationally with greater ease, enhancing Vietnam's role as a contributor to global culture, trade, and diplomacy. As Vietnam continues to modernise its passport system and expand diplomatic ties, the rising passport ranking not only reflects progress but also serves as a gateway for millions to explore the world and represent their country with pride. According to the National Statistics Office, more than 4 million Vietnamese citizens traveled abroad in the first half of 2025, marking a 53.9% increase compared to the same period in 2024. - Vietnam News/ANN
The Sun
9 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysia looks to Thailand, Japan for year-round fruit production
KLANG: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) is turning to Thailand and Japan as models for research to enable year-round production of seasonal fruits in Malaysia. Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu highlighted ongoing efforts by the Department of Agriculture (DOA) and the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) to develop new seed varieties. 'We are carrying out R\&D, especially by DOA and MARDI, to produce new seeds and so on. The MARDI durian, for example, was produced recently in Kuala Kangsar. Delicious. High quality,' he said during the launch of the National Campaign to Eat More Local Fruits and Vegetables. The event also marked the closing of FAMA Fest 2025 in Selangor. Mohamad stressed the government's commitment to promoting local fruits, including a mandate for official functions to serve only Malaysian-grown produce. 'During my visit to Thailand as the Minister of Defence, I was served food based on local fruits and vegetables throughout my time there. The same goes for Japan, almost 100 per cent local,' he added. Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) chairman Aminuddin Zulkipli reported strong results from FAMA Fest, with sales exceeding RM800,000 from 50 entrepreneurs and over 40,000 visitors. Since 2017, the event has driven economic growth for agri-entrepreneurs, with 2024 figures reaching RM8.8 million nationwide. – Bernama
New Straits Times
9 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Humanoid robots embodiment of China's AI ambitions
SERVING craft beer, playing mahjong, stacking shelves and boxing, the dozens of humanoid robots at Shanghai's World AI Conference (WAIC) this weekend were embodiments of China's growing AI prowess and ambition. The annual event is primed at showcasing China's progress in the ever-evolving field of artificial intelligence, with the government aiming to position the country as a world leader on both technology and regulation as it snaps at the United States' heels. Opening the event on Saturday, Premier Li Qiang announced China would set up a new organisation for cooperation on AI governance, warning the benefits of development must be balanced with the risks. But in the cavernous expo next door, the mood was more giddy than concerned. "Demand is currently very strong, whether in terms of data, scenarios, model training, or artificial construction. The overall atmosphere in all these areas is very lively," said Yang Yifan, R&D director at Transwarp, a Shanghai-based AI platform provider. This year's WAIC is the first since a breakthrough moment for Chinese AI this January when startup DeepSeek unveiled an AI model that performed as well as top US systems for an apparent fraction of the cost. Organisers said the forum involved more than 800 companies, showcasing over 3,000 products – the undeniable crowd pleasers being the humanoid robots and their raft of slightly surreal party tricks. At one booth, a robot played drums, half a beat out of time, to Queen's "We Will Rock You" while a man in safety goggles and a security vest hyped up a giggling crowd. Other droids, some dressed in working overalls or baseball caps, manned assembly lines, played curling with human opponents or sloppily served soft drinks from a dispenser. While most of the machines on display were still a little jerky, the increasing sophistication year-on-year was clear to see. The Chinese government has poured support into robotics, an area in which some experts think China might already have the upper hand over the United States. At Hangzhou-based Unitree's stall, its G1 android – around 130 centimetres (four feet) tall, with a two-hour battery life – kicked, pivoted and punched, keeping its balance with relative fluidity as it shadowboxed around a ring. Ahead of the conference's opening, Unitree announced it would launch a full-size humanoid, the R1, for under US$6,000. Most high-tech helpers don't need hardware though. At the expo, AI companions – in the form of middle-aged businessmen, scantily clad women and ancient warriors – waved at people from screens, asking how their day was, while other stalls ran demos allowing visitors to create their own digital avatars. Tech giant Baidu on Saturday announced a new generation of technology for its "digital humans" – AI agents modelled on real people, which it says are "capable of thinking, making decisions, and collaborating." The company recently ran a six-hour e-commerce broadcast hosted by the "digital human" of a well-known streamer and another avatar. The two agents beat the human streamer's debut sales in some categories, Baidu said. Over 10,000 businesses are using the technology already, the department's head Wu Chenxia told AFP. Asked about the impact on jobs – one of the major concerns raised around widespread AI adoption – Wu insisted that AI was a tool that should be used to improve quality and save time and effort, which still required human input. For now, few visitors to the WAIC expo seemed worried about the potential ramifications of the back-flipping dog robots they were excitedly watching. "When it comes to China's AI development, we have a comparatively good foundation of data and also a wealth of application scenarios," said Transwarp's Yang.
