Eco Botanic Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eco World Development Group Berhad, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Southampton Malaysia (UoSM) today for the development of UoSM’s new campus at Eco Galleria in Eco Botanic City, Iskandar Puteri.
The building, which will be larger than UoSM’s flagship building in Gelang Patah, Johor, is to cater to the growing student population as well as fit into UoSM’s goal of further developing its portfolio of high-quality education, research, and enterprise in Iskandar Malaysia.
UoSM’s new campus will have a built-up area of 150,000 sq ft and is scheduled to begin operations in 2021. It will house offices, amenities, a library, lecture theatres, as well as laboratories.
The new campus will also support the introduction of new programmes in Business, Engineering, Computer Science and will provide students with a range of flexible delivery models, collaborative research opportunities as well as corporate engagement.
The UK-based University of Southampton is among the top 100 global universities in the world, based on the QS World University Rankings 2020. The university opened its first Malaysia campus in EduCity in 2012 and offers premier undergraduate degrees in engineering. Over the past 10 years, UoSM has received continuous support from EduCity and Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) to help ensure the growth of their student numbers.
Dato’ Chang Khim Wah, President and Chief Executive Officer of EcoWorld Malaysia says that they are delighted to play a part in promoting Malaysia as a centre of educational excellence.
“We are very excited to welcome UoSM to Eco Botanic. Since the launch of Eco Botanic in 2013, we have worked tirelessly towards improving not only the infrastructure of the township but its amenities which complements the outstanding education and student experience currently offered by the university,” he says. “We are delighted that our efforts have borne fruit as evidenced by the large number of local as well as international residents and businesses that now call EcoBotanic home.”
He adds, “UoSM’s decision to expand into Eco Botanic City which is located right next to EduCity further underlines Malaysia’s success in establishing Iskandar Puteri as a world-class destination for learning. Over the years, extensive physical infrastructure and substantial investments have been made by IIB to promote the region as a hub for education, creative industry, tourism and leisure, and health and wellness. This has enabled the entire area to flourish and as one of the key developers here, we intend to play our part to contribute positively towards the Government’s vision of making Iskandar Puteri one of the most liveable cities by 2025.”
The 13.48 Eco Galleria is inspired by the fashionable high streets of Britain and is set to deliver an outstanding shopping, dining and entertainment experience upon its completion in 2020.
Professor Rebecca Taylor, Pro Vice-Chancellor (ASEAN) and Chief Executive Officer of the University of Southampton says that the university is eager to move into Eco Galleria as Eco World is known for quality and sustainable developments, which will provide UoSM students with a holistic educational and living experience during their course of study.
“This will help draw in more students in support of their quest to achieve their 10-year target of having approximately 2,000 students in just five years,” she says. “Our students will get to study, live and socialise in the same vicinity. Both Eco World and UoSM deliver world-class services, which is a great foundation on which to build a strong partnership. Eco World has also expanded a lot of efforts to ensure a thriving community here and we look forward to future possible collaborations where we can showcase our students’ works at Eco Galleria.”
The MOU was witnessed by the guest of honor YAB Dato’ Dr. Sahruddin Jamal, Chief Minister of Johor. Also present at the signing ceremony was Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) Chief Executive YBhg Datuk Ismail Ibrahim, Johor Women Development and Tourism Committee Chairman YB Liow Cai Tung, EcoWorld Malaysia Chairman Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin, EcoWorld Malaysia Executive Director Dato’ Voon Tin Yow, EcoWorld Malaysia Director Dato’ Haji Obet Tawil, EcoWorld Malaysia Deputy President & Deputy Chief Executive Officer Dato’ S. Rajoo, Eco Botanic Divisional General Manager Datuk Hoe Mee Ling, University of Southampton Pro-Chancellor Colin Smith, as well as University of Southampton Chief Operating Officer Dr. Mizarina Abu Bakar.
EcoWorld Malaysia is a public listed Malaysian company involved mainly in property development. It has secured approximately 8,126.4 acres of land bank with a total gross development value of RM87.5 billion.
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