Country Garden Pacificview Sdn Bhd executive director Datuk Daing A Malek Daing A Rahaman (second from the left) receiving a certificate of participation from Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar. With them are Star Media Group Bhd group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai (right) and chairman Datuk Fu Ah Kiow.

WHILE the change of government has affected several infrastructure projects with a direct impact on the development of the region, the future of Johor remains bright with its strategic location and other upcoming projects that enhance the connectivity of the region.

The proximity with Singapore, where thousands of people travel every day from Johor to the island and vice versa, has both presented a need as well as an opportunity to improve the connectivity and variety of transportation options.

Spread over 19,210 sq km of land, the prospect of Johor has been boosted by the establishment of the southern development corridor region, which has been named as Iskandar Malaysia.

The importance of Johor as a gateway to both local and international destinations has only been proven by the existing 15 highways serving the Johor state, with two of them the Johor Causeway and Second Link Crossing connecting Malaysia with Singapore.

While some projects have been halted, the region is expected to bounce back with ongoing and upcoming projects in various industries, including recent announcement on plans to set up tourism information centres in all 10 districts, as well as the reported discussions on a Chinese company to invest over RM1bil to set up a tyre manufacturing plant in the state.

StarProperty.my Awards: Jewels of Johor, recognising the resilience of Johor that holds tremendous potential for future development, is back for the second time this year.

Last year, Gamuda Land and Country Garden Danga Bay Sdn Bhd bagged the Excellence awards in the category of the Best Comprehensive Township and The Best Waterfront Development respectively.

The award winners include Eco World Development Group Bhd for their projects Eco Summer, Eco Botanic, and Eco Springs.

Ipark Development Sdn Bhd and UMLand Bhd were also among the prestigious awards recipient during last year event.

The registration of this year’s Jewels of Johor award is open now until July 25 (Wednesday). Register now at bit.ly/JewelsofJohor2018.