Silicon Island reclamation works ongoing as of June 2024. (Source: The Star)

Penang Silicon Island, an ambitious reclamation project that is garnering international acclaim for its innovative approach to urban development and sustainability. Spearheaded by Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd (SIDSB), this initiative is set to transform the landscape, not just physically, but environmentally and socially in Penang as well.

At the core of Silicon Island’s vision is a bold commitment to reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainable mobility. The project’s pioneering 70:30 public-private transport modal shift aims to drastically decrease reliance on private vehicles in favor of more environmentally friendly alternatives such as public transportation and cycling. This strategic move is projected to achieve a substantial 44% reduction in transport-related emissions compared to conventional urban developments.

Datuk Szeto Wai Loong, CEO of SIDSB, underscores the holistic nature of Silicon Island’s sustainability strategy. Beyond transportation, the island will implement cutting-edge waste management systems. These include food macerators in every household to break down organic waste before it enters the sewerage system, thereby alleviating pressure on landfills and reducing methane emissions. Additionally, Silicon Island promotes composting of organic waste to produce natural fertilizers, further enhancing its circular economy approach.

Silicon Island is not merely a residential or commercial enclave; it aspires to redefine Penang’s identity as a global leader in green technology and sustainable living. Central to this ambition is the Green Tech Park, an industrial area powered entirely by renewable energy. This eco-friendly infrastructure is designed to attract ESG-conscious businesses, positioning Silicon Island as a hub for innovation in the electrical and electronics (E&E) manufacturing sector and beyond.

Water management is another cornerstone of Silicon Island’s sustainability framework. The island incorporates rainwater harvesting systems and dual-function sewerage treatment plants that recycle water for non-potable uses. These initiatives not only conserve water resources but also minimize the environmental impact of traditional water infrastructure.

In terms of green spaces, Silicon Island prioritizes public parks and gardens, allocating 17.5% of its total land area—162 hectares—to natural habitats and recreational areas. This commitment to greenery not only enhances the island’s aesthetic appeal but also promotes biodiversity and improves the quality of life for its anticipated 102,000 inhabitants.

Silicon Island’s efforts have not gone unnoticed on the global stage. The project has been awarded the prestigious 5 Diamond MGTC Low Carbon Cities 2030 Challenge Accreditation by the Malaysian Green Technology & Climate Change Corporation (MGTC), recognizing its exemplary commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable urban development.

Looking ahead, SIDSB remains focused on accelerating the development timeline for Silicon Island. With ongoing reclamation efforts and strategic partnerships, including with turnkey contractor SRS TC Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Gamuda Bhd, the project is poised to meet its ambitious goals of reclaiming substantial land by 2032.

To ensure the integrity of its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments, Silicon Island adheres to stringent urban development plans. These plans not only guide the physical construction and infrastructure development but also ensure compliance with national and international sustainability standards, including potential legislation under the Town & Country Planning Act 172.

(Source: The Star)

Penangites and visitors can now look forward to visiting the long-awaited reinstated moat at Fort Cornwallis, scheduled for full completion in July next year.

The milestone is a testament to the ongoing efforts to rejuvenate Fort Cornwallis and its surrounding assets, enhancing the site’s public appeal.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who visited the progress of the south moat of Fort Cornwallis in conjunction with the George Town World Heritage celebrations, said it is now undergoing testing and allowing the landscape to mature.

“The public is now restricted from entering, but the south moat can be viewed from the clock tower through a newly installed wire mesh fence. The works are still in progress.

“The reinstatement of the southern and western moats are scheduled to be completed by July next year, ” he told reporters after attending the pre-launch ceremony of the south moat.

The Fort Cornwallis initiative is led by the George Town Conservation and Development Corporation (GTCDC), a partnership between the Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI) and Think City, with Aga Khan Trust for Culture acting as the technical adviser.

The project follows the recommendation of the George Town World Heritage Site Special Area Plan and the Fort Cornwallis Conservation Management Plan.

Chow said the works for the west moat are now in progress. A food court, which is part of the Fort Cornwallis project, has been temporarily relocated.

“Once the west moat is completed, a new food court will be built alongside the Fort Cornwallis moat reinstatement next year,” he said, adding the overall project cost is about RM20 million.

Chow also lauded the cooperation between the relevant agencies in ensuring the project is carried out smoothly.

Meanwhile, Think City managing director Hamdan Abdul Majeed said his organisation has played a crucial role in this project.

“Over the past 15 years, we have supported the state’s transformation into a model of cultural preservation and urban revitalisation.

“The restoration of the moats combines Think City’s expertise in heritage rejuvenation,” he said.

Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, delighted with the progress of the overall project, expressed hopes to witness its completion.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

About Ceria D’ Eco Horizon

Ceria D’ Eco Horizon is a serviced apartment by Eco Horizon Sdn. Bhd. in Batu Kawan. Located along Bandar Cassia Expressway, this will be a new commercial addition to Eco Horizon master-planned development in Batu Kawan. It is diagonally opposite the IKEA store, just a mere minutes drive from the home of many MNCs and Penang 2nd Bridge.

This development comprises a 31-storey serviced residence featuring a total of 1,302 residential units with 8 levels of car parking podium. Some of the common facilities include a gym, swimming pool and multipurpose hall.

(*Photo taken in June 2024)

Find out more about Ceria D’ Eco Horizon

The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) is in the process of procuring the construction of a public market complex in Teluk Kumbar.

Its mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the purpose of building this market is to meet the daily needs of the local residents of Teluk Kumbar.

“Tender is scheduled to be called from July 15 until Aug 19.

“Construction of the market complex is expected to begin in November this year (2024) and will take about 20 months to complete,” he said in his speech at the proposed site in Jalan Teluk Kumbar (in front of SK Teluk Kumbar) this morning.

Present at the event were Bayan Lepas assemblyman Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz, southwest district OCPD Supt Kamarul Rizal Jena, and representatives of various departments, agencies and associations.

Rajendran said the development of the market complex would include separate sections for wet and dry goods, featuring a total of 48 stalls selling fish, meat, vegetables, fruits, general items, and non-halal products.

“Additionally, the 6,900sq m food complex will contain 38 food and beverage stalls (30 stalls and eight kiosks), accommodating up to 390 customers.

“Aligned with the state government’s initiative towards a ‘Cleaner, Greener, Safer, and Healthier Penang’, this market complex is designed with green features to achieve the ‘Certified’ rating of the Green Building Index (GBI),” he said.

Among the project components listed were parking spaces (113 car park lots, 38 motorcycle lots, and six bicycle lots), toilets, a changing room, an office, a garbage depot, and a multipurpose hall.

Azrul thanked Rajendran and MBPP for their assistance in realising the project.

“I am confident that the Teluk Kumbar market complex will benefit the local residents not only socially but will also stimulate the area’s economy.

“I am happy that the upcoming Teluk Kumbar market complex will be equipped with various facilities which provide convenience to the residents of Teluk Kumbar,” he said.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

PropertyGuru Group, Southeast Asia’s leading property technology company, is delighted to present the return of the highly anticipated People’s Choice Awards as part of the 11th PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia in partnership with iProperty 2024.

The People’s Choice Awards are special honours conferred upon Malaysia’s distinguished development companies based on their project quality, brand reputation, and consumer satisfaction. These categories are entirely voted for by consumers and audited by a third-party supervisor.

This year’s voting runs from 1 July to 14 July 2024, offering property seekers the opportunity to make their voices heard and vote for their favourite and trusted developers. Only residents based in Malaysia are eligible to cast their vote.

Voting for the People’s Choice Awards 2024 is now open via: https://peopleschoiceawards.asia/malaysia/vote/

By participating in the People’s Choice Awards at the 11th PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia in partnership with iProperty 2024, voters take part in Malaysia’s leading real estate awards programme.

The People’s Choice Awards are in addition to the competitive categories of the PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia in partnership with iProperty. The black-tie gala dinner and presentation ceremony will be held on 25 October 2024 at The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur.

Key dates of the 2024 edition:

• 1-14 July 2024 – People’s Choice Awards voting period
• 15-17 July 2024 – Live Judging Days
• 25 October 2024 – Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Empowering consumers

Kenneth Soh, country manager for Malaysia at PropertyGuru Group, said: “We are excited to present the latest edition of the People’s Choice Awards, an initiative empowering you, our esteemed consumers, to identify and recognise developers who have distinguished themselves in the property sector. By participating in the voting process, you assert your preferences and incentivise Malaysian developers to prioritise the best interests of consumers. The feedback from property seekers is crucial, and these awards honour those who successfully build spaces for the greater good of the community.”

Introduced in 2014, the People’s Choice Awards have been integrated into the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards programme since PropertyGuru Malaysia and iProperty, the country’s two leading property portals, set a new single benchmark for excellence in real estate in 2022.

To maintain the integrity of the voting process, the results are independently verified by the official balloting partner, HLB Ler Lum Chew, a member of the “2024 Network of the Year” winner HLB International, the esteemed global network of independent professional accounting firms and business advisers.

Fair, credible, transparent judging

An 18-member, professional judging panel will provide their fair, credible, transparent perspectives on the entries to the PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia in partnership with iProperty. The judges, comprising experts in real estate and various fields, will take part in the Live Judging Days from 15 July to 17 July 2024 to recognise the best developers, developments, and designs in 105 award categories.

HLB Ler Lum Chew is also entrusted with overseeing the entire judging process and ensuring that it is conducted with integrity and transparency.

The PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia in partnership with iProperty are part of the regional PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards series, which marks its 19th year in 2024. The series covers key markets across the region, spanning Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, and Oceania, with exclusive gala dinners and awards ceremonies that represent the most anticipated property events of the year.

Top winners in Malaysia in the competitive categories will get the chance to compete with their peers abroad for the coveted titles of “Best in Asia” at the 19th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, which will be presented on 13 December 2024 in Bangkok.

Organised by PropertyGuru Group (NYSE: PGRU), Southeast Asia’s leading property technology company, the 11th PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia in partnership with iProperty are supported by official portal partners PropertyGuru.com.my and iProperty.com.my; official ESG knowledge partners GreenRE and Malaysia Green Building Council; official magazine Property Report by PropertyGuru; media partners Kopi & Property, Marketing In Asia, Niaga Times, Penang Property Talk, The Grid Asia, The Malaysia Voice, and Top 10 Malaysia; and official supervisor HLB.

For more information, email awards@propertyguru.com or visit the official website: asiapropertyawards.com.

ABOUT PROPERTYGURU ASIA PROPERTY AWARDS

PropertyGuru’s Asia Property Awards, established in 2005, are the region’s most exclusive and prestigious real estate awards programme. The Asia Property Awards are recognised as the ultimate hallmark of excellence in the Asian property sector. Boasting an independent panel of industry experts and trusted supervisors, the Awards have an unparalleled reputation for being credible, ethical, fair, and transparent.

In 2024, the Awards series is open to key property markets around the region. The exciting gala events welcome senior industry leaders and top media, as well as reach property agents and consumers via live streaming. Recognising excellence within each Asian market with a variety of categories, including green and sustainable development, each local awards programme will culminate in the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, which takes place after the PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit during ‘PropertyGuru Week’ in December 2024.

For more information, please visit AsiaPropertyAwards.com