Focus On Negri Sembilan - 14 September 2014

StarSpecialTHE STAR Sunday 14 September 2014

Pioneering a unique education style > 7 The art of living well > 22

FOCUS ONNEGRI SEMBILAN

Rich past,promising future

2 FOCUS ON NEGRI SEMBILAN StarSpecial, Sunday 14 September 2014

NEGRI Sembilan is a unique state with an interesting past. Being so close to Kuala Lumpur, it has long been the strong supporter of the nation’s growth. It is now ready to shine with exciting developments mainly in its services (medical, entertainment, transportation), education, property and tourism sectors.

In this inaugural issue of Focus on Negri Sembilan, we explore the state’s accessibility and its growth in two main sectors – education and property – areas that are fundamental to a state’s progress.

Schools and institutions of higher learning are finding the state beneficial in terms of it being fertile ground for recruiting students (both from within and without the state), as well as favourable in terms of state infrastructure and accessibility.

Similarly, the environment is conducive to property development in terms of bigger land banks, cheaper land prices as well as buyers’ demand for different property types. The state has recently seen a major property boom across large parts of Seremban and Nilai, with styles and amenities comparable to properties in the Klang Valley.

Negri Sembilan is a state with many hidden gems and people ready to take up the lead in the country’s development. This supplement is just a glimpse into its many treasures and we hope that these pages will inspire you to further explore all that the state has to offer.

Introducing Focus on Negri SembilanMajor shift for Minangkabau state By GREGORY BASIL &PRISCILLA RAJAN

THE state of Negri Sembilan has a rich Minangkabau heritage that dates back

to the 14th Century. This is still evident to this day as it is the only Malaysian state that has some of the customs and architecture brought over by the Minangkabau people of Sumatra.

Its industrial sector is now developing at rapid pace and Negri Sembilan is becoming a major destination for investors from across the world.

As the Klang Valley becomes increasingly crowded and expensive, Negri Sembilan offers the perfect alternative.

Its location within proximity of the capital Kuala Lumpur, the administrative capital of Putrajaya, the MSC hub of Cyberjaya as well as the international airports, has made the state a prime target for investment, living, education and real estate development.

The Negri Sembilan state government has also expressed its support for investors, many of whom are exploring incentives, such as tax exemptions, waivers on assessment tax and quit rent for selected projects, and special water rates from the federal government.

The state government is receptive to the needs of investors, both local and international, and will open more industrial areas in Nilai, Seremban and Port Dickson.

The opening of these industrial areas will contribute to the industrial sector, which is expected to drive annual investments to approximately RM1bil.

Investments coming into the state are pretty impressive. The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) website’s figures for proposed domestic investment for Negri Sembilan from January to May this year is set to be at RM2.64mil, with foreign investment set at RM5.98mil.

Industrial parks

The Halal Development Corporation’s Halal Parks facilitate the growth of the Malaysian halal industries where halal-oriented businesses can work together in a community with the necessary infrastructure and support services.

HDC aids the parks in

attracting foreign companies and multinational corporations to invest in the parks that are spread across the country.

There are various opportunities for investors, including the purchase and leasing of land, tax incentives, factories, warehousing and logistics.

In Negri Sembilan, the Pedas Halal Park has an investment value of RM20mil and continues to create opportunities for halal businesses, networking and growth.

Similarly, there are other industrial parks in the state that offer the best in terms of infrastructure and facilities.

These include the 15-acre (6ha) Techpark@Enstek in Bandar Enstek, Tuanku Jaafar Industrial Estate, Senawang Industrial Park, Nilai Industrial Estate and the Arab Malaysian Industrial Park in Nilai.

The Negeri Sembilan Investment Centre states that in terms of industries, transportation equipment, electronics and electrical products, wood and wood products, and machinery are the mainstays of the sector.

According to a report early this

year, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said that the state is looking to open a new industrial park in the western part of the state this year to accommodate the rising demand from investors.

Negri Sembilan already has many multinational companies investing in the state from countries such as Japan, France, and the United States and that will continue to be a pull for other companies looking to invest other than the existing attractions of their business friendly policies and incentives.

The state has now become a premier destination for major investors and big names such as Kellogg’s, Samsung, Nestle and Coca Cola who are making their presence felt in Negri Sembilan.

Quality livingat affordable costs

When compared with states such as Selangor, Penang and Johor, Negri Sembilan still presents its residents with an affordable standard of living.

This more affordable cost of

living is a major pull for many and has contributed to the state’s population influx.

According to Chor Eng Choon, group executive director of BBN Development Sdn Bhd, developers of Putra Nilai, the cost of land in Negri Sembilan is still cheaper than in the Klang Valley and for property developers and investors looking to start a business in Malaysia, this is a huge advantage.

Colin Tan, group managing director of Hatten Group, the developer of UNICITY, a campus mall in Seremban 3, says that towns in Negri Sembilan are expected to grow in the coming years.

“Seremban is a prime example

of a city that is set to grow into a pivotal Malaysian city hub within the next 10 years.

“According to a Department of Statistics Malaysia census, Seremban’s population was at 536,147 in 2010 but now the population stands between 600,000 and 700,000. This increase has made developers and investors take notice of its strategic positioning, high profitability and sustainable growth,” he says.

A burgeoningtownship

Although once considered a sleepy town, Nilai has grown into one of Negri Sembilan’s most important townships. In recent years, the town has seen major property developers and educational facilities set up shop here.

Nilai is set to become one of the country’s major education hubs and now boasts both local and international educational institutions such as Nilai University, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, INTI University and Manipal International University.

Nilai’s major advantage is its prime location – within the golden triangle of the Southern Growth Corridor that encompasses Putrajaya, Cyberjaya and the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and KLIA2 in Sepang. In addition, it is only 30km from the Kuala Lumpur city centre.

“The town also boasts an extensive road and infrastructure network and is connected by major highways, including the North South Highway, the Nilai-KLIA Expressway and the Lekas Highway.

“Apart from the highways, Nilai can easily be accessed by the Express Rail Link in Salak Tinggi and the KTM commuter that stops at the Nilai station,” says Chor.

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StarSpecial 3Sunday 14 September 2014


UCSI International School Bandar Springhill’s Olympic-sized swimming pool.

The Students Boarding House is cosy and comfortable.

A teacher guiding students during a lesson.

An academicexperience like no other

THERE is no doubt that finding a great school is every parent’s goal; a great

school in a booming township with access to major townships and amenities is a parent’s dream come true. UCSI International School Bandar Springhill is all that and more.

Located just an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur is the lush township of Bandar Springhill, within proximity to Seremban, Port Dickson, and the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Bandar Springhill is a calm and serene township and it is the ideal location for the UCSI International School.

UCSI International School Bandar Springhill is the only International Baccalaureate (IB) World School in Negri Sembilan and offers IB programmes at Primary Years, Middle Years and the Diploma (Pre-University) levels.

“Our academic standards are rigorous and we support our students in rising to this high standard of academic quality. Not only are our teachers experts in their fields, they are truly student centred in their approach to pastoral care,” says Kathryn Jean Farrell, principal of UCSI International School Bandar Springhill.

The school’s expansive campus offers students a wide range of first-rate facilities, including full boarding. It also employs 100% professional expatriate teachers who are qualified, certified and experts in all core subjects under the IB curriculum to deliver lessons to the students.

The IB advantage

The IB Organization offers students high-quality international education programmes in a community of schools worldwide.

IB offers four programmes for students between the ages of three and 19.

These programmes help students develop their intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills that will enable them to live, learn and work in a world that is globalising rapidly.

The IB programme is unique because it encourages students to be internationally minded and is reputed for its high-quality international education over the past 40 years.

The programme is made available to students from a wide variety of schools, including national, international, public and private.

It instills a positive attitude towards learning where students are encouraged to ask challenging questions, reflect critically, develop research skills and learn to participate in community services.

IB students strive to be:• Caring• Thinkers• Inquirers• Balanced• Reflective• Principled• Risk-takers• Open-minded• Knowledgeable• Communicators

The IB learner profile represents these 10 attributes that

are valued by IB World Schools. UCSI International School and other IB World Schools across the world believe that these attributes will create individuals and groups that are responsible members of local, national and global communities.

To greater heights

An IB education presents students with a host of opportunities. It serves as an education passport to prestigious universities across the world because of its global recognition status. IB programmes are recognised across the world, ensuring IB students’ increased adaptability and mobility.

The curriculum and pedagogy of the IB programmes focus on international perspectives of learning and teaching and at the same time, insist that students fully explore their home culture and language.

A large number of students who graduate from the IB Diploma Programme find that it enhances their opportunities at tertiary institutions as the IB works hand-in-hand with universities all over the world to create individuals that are ready for further learning and discovery.

The core components of the IB programmes encourage students to participate in creative and service-oriented activities in addition to emphasising the importance of reflection on both personal and academic levels.

Professional and experienced educators

UCSI International School Bandar Springhill takes pride in its teachers who are essential to the success of the school’s learning community.

As an IB World School, UCSI International School Bandar

Springhill adheres to rigorous international standards when hiring its teachers.

The school boasts professional expatriate teachers from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, South Africa, Sweden, Ukraine and Italy who

are engaged to deliver the IB programmes. This international mix of teachers caters to students from all over the world and ensures that the students are greatly enriched by the culturally diverse, full-boarding experience that UCSI offers.

The students will also learn to embrace new challenges with the full support of these pedagogical experts.

“UCSI International School is an amazing place to learn and teach. Our teachers bring with them international awareness and experience.

“They personally embody international-mindedness – a fundamental concept of the IB programmes. In addition, they are fully qualified teachers and they have had specific training from the IBO to elevate their professional growth,” says Farrell.

The IB teachers also participate in a wide variety of professional development opportunities to constantly update their knowledge and share their expertise with colleagues from across the world.

Top-notch facilities

The full boarding experience that the school provides allows students to fully immerse themselves in their studies and school culture.

Through the boarding experience, students will also learn to have better time management and organisation skills, develop social skills and independence among students.

Students at the boarding school are supervised round-the-clock by boarding parents who live on campus. The hostels are located in the same building as the international school and boys and girls live on separate floors.

Access to each floor is only possible with an access card. As safety is a top priority at the school, CCTV cameras are in operation 24 hours in the school and across the campus.

UCSI also takes pride in the many modern facilities it offers to its students.

The school has an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a nine-hole golf course, a football field, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, a gymnasium and a student lounge with a table tennis board and pool table.

In addition, the boarding parents also organise a number of activities for boarding students, including visits to the city, beach outings, bowling tournaments, mountain biking and hikes.

“We have created a school culture in which students feel cared for, challenged and supported. The key to developing and sustaining this school culture is the teachers who are committed to a holistic approach to student success,” says Farrell.

A wholesome learning experience is what students can hope to gain when they enrol at UCSI International School.

The lush campus environment at Bandar Springhill and the many state-of-the-art facilities at the school allow students to lead a healthy and active life while the IB education provides students with worldly views.

This is a winning combination and certainly a pull for parents who intend to provide their children with a world-class educational experience in Negri Sembilan.

n For more information,call 06-653 6814, [email protected] or visit www.ucsiinternationalschool.edu.my/sh/



Prep school students interacting with their teacher.

The Dining Hall, which was used for parent consultations with head of department on the first day of school.

British-Malaysian boarding school set for success

EPSOM College in Malaysia’s very first term, which began at the start of this month, saw

nearly 150 students enter the new campus grounds in Bandar Enstek.

Leading up to the first day of school, Epsom College in Malaysia (ECiM) interviewed and tested almost 300 children who applied for admission to the school.

According to Jane Smith, deputy head and head of Prep School, getting to three quarters of the way to the original target of 200 students has been tremendously encouraging.

This number provides a good-sized group of students for each class, enabling children to make friends and the school to offer all its academic and co-curricular programmes.

“We expected interest as Epsom has a good reputation for high-quality education, and there was a tremendous response from parents and students.

“The three biggest groups of students that applied and were offered places are those going into Years 9, 10 and 12, which are when the IGCSEs and A-Levels are. The fact that parents and students are enthusiastic about the new school for these critical years is a great vote of confidence in ECiM,” she says.

A rounded education

Epsom College is renowned for being a top-quality British boarding school, and ECiM is set to continue this legacy.

Epsom has a celebrated science programme, stemming from its historical link to the medical profession and its roots in the Victorian-era school built for the children of doctors who had died from the diseases they were hoping to cure.

As such, the science provision in ECiM is excellent in terms of curriculum, teaching staff and facilities – there are nine science laboratories in operation, with a provision for nine more.

But this does not mean that science is given a priority to the detriment of anything else.

“Any school can develop a reputation in one area, which is what originally happened with Epsom. But just as Epsom UK has broadened its provision over the years so too will we provide a truly rounded education. Our education programme has great breadth and depth across all subjects,” says Martin George, ECiM’s headmaster.

Adds Smith: “If one of our students is gifted, we will stretch them to their full potential. If a student is not outstanding in a particular field, they will be provided a breadth of opportunity so they can be as successful as it is possible across the curriculum.”

Supporting this development are higher education and career counsellors who work with students to guide them on to what they want to do in the future.

ECiM also provides students learning support where needed – there are special education needs (SEN) staff available as well as English as an additional language (EAL) teachers.

“Students must possess a certain level of English understanding to access the curriculum, but because this is a college in an international context, there will be students that require some additional support in this area,” explains Smith.

Creating a culture

In expanding to Asia, Epsom has certainly brought a culture of high-quality international education, vibrant student community and broad academic and personal development. But George makes it clear that ECiM does not mean to mirror Epsom UK.

“We are building on Epsom UK’s strengths and developing new ones for ourselves. We are offering a new and dynamic programme to Malaysia, and this is exciting for us as academics and for the students as well,” he says.

ECiM will take the fundamental

aspects of the Epsom tradition and build on them with a Malaysian flavour.

Many of ECiM’s new students are previously from local schools, so going to a traditional British boarding school may present a potential culture shock.

However, says George, once students and staff get over the adjustment period, they have a unique opportunity to set the culture of the school.

“The staff too is coming into the school new and starting from scratch. But they are all highly experienced teachers who will contribute to the development and shaping of the various academic programmes, which is an exciting prospect for all of us,” he continues.

Though the first day of school was on Sept 2, ECiM’s academic staff has been interviewing and assessing students for its new intake and its support staff has been working to ensure that the campus and academic programmes were ready by the start of term.

Having academic staff in the country from the beginning of the project is vital to its success.

“We made sure that everything is of the best possible quality

for the school and meets international standards, students’ needs and curriculum requirements,” adds Smith, explaining that as experienced teachers who know what actually works in a school, they had the unique opportunity to provide some input into the design of the school’s facilities.

The academic staff was also there to speak to parents about what ECiM can offer their children. Education is one of the United Kingdom’s biggest exports, which is why parents often look abroad for education.

Having a British boarding school in Malaysia means such quality education is available close enough to home that parents can still experience their children growing up and have a part in their children’s milestones.

In ECiM, there will be constant reporting back to parents about their children’s progress, as the school believes that education is a collaborative undertaking between the school, parents and students.

“This school expects a lot of parental support. Parents get involved in the community and will be actively involved in their children’s schooling, which

benefits the children as well. We find that parents also want to learn about modern education practices and about what their children are experiencing,” elaborates George.

The leading edge

Epsom’s status as a leader in education means that it is expected that the school sets a high standard that educators and even other schools can aspire to emulate.

This can be seen in several aspects of ECiM – its world-class facilities, its link with Epsom UK and the incredible range of opportunities available to students and staff.

“Our link with Epsom UK gives our school a dynamic quality that other schools may not have – a link with a traditional British school that has an excellent reputation. And any head would dream of facilities such as those at ECiM,” says George.

He also elaborates on recruitment of academic staff: ECiM took only exceptional recruits who were British educated and have experience in British curriculum education.

Most of the academic staff comprises expatriate teachers, with the Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin teachers being highly qualified local teachers.

The high standards of ECiM’s teachers and programmes may ultimately play a role in raising the Malaysian education scene to new levels as other schools in the country develop themselves further.

“Good schools are continually assessing and improving themselves, so schools at the top end of the spectrum will encourage other schools to improve further. Being newly set up, ECiM will keep evaluating itself. We have to be reflective or there is a danger of becoming complacent. As time goes by, the school’s growth will drive this reflection,” says Smith.

Despite being new, ECiM already has some influence; local teacher training colleges have contacted the school about opportunities for their trainee teachers to become teaching assistants at the school.

ECiM sees this as a worthwhile undertaking, as it will not only help develop new teachers for the country, it will also be a unique experience for the students and aid in their overall development.

Ultimately, ECiM is set to achieve great heights. “A school responds to the students and staff it has – you get where you want to go with the people you have, which goes back to admissions and recruitment,” says George.

“It is a challenge, but building the school from the ground up is also an incredibly exciting and fulfilling experience. All our students and staff are ready for success.”

Epsom College in Malaysia is a premier British boarding school on Malaysian shores.

StarSpecial, Sunday 14 September 2014 FOCUS ON NEGRI SEMBILAN 7

An artist’s impression of Matrix Global Schools.

Felix E.B. Lee (front centre) is the chief executive officer of Matrix Global Schools.

Pioneering a unique teaching styleMATRIX Global Schools

(comprising Matrix International School

and Matrix Private School) is affiliated with Ellesmere College UK, a 130-year-old British residential school.

The agreement involves Matrix Global Schools importing Ellesmere’s specially designed teaching methodology using interactive computer tablets.

Currently being developed for use in Matrix Global Schools and Ellesmere College, this interactive addition to the curriculum is unique to the region as it is based on the concept of collaborative/co-operative learning.

The Matrix Global Schools campus is a feat of innovation and design that took two years of detailed planning and is now

close to completion. Built into the school’s

Cambridge IGCSE curriculum are two unique programmes – computer programming as well as video and filmmaking.

Digital photography and filmmaking are incorporated in all subjects and the programme places Matrix Global Schools on the education map.

“One needs to always be able to use the computer to fast-track and improve the current tasks at hand.

“We need to create and not merely utilise current programmes and applications,” says Chris Frankland, the principal of Matrix International School, who has been in Malaysia for more than 30 years and is well-versed in Malaysian

culture and education through his previous appointment asthe director of CfBT Education Trust.

“The objective of this is to show our children the wonders of the smart gadgets that we possess and their capabilities,” says Charline Evans, head of Primary of Matrix International School, who is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and Commerce.

“All we can say at this juncture is that we will be different and fun. This is going to be a wholly different international school,” says Mandy Spence, head of secondary Matrix International School, who has more than 19 years of experience in international education.

Matrix Private School consists of the Matrix Primary and Secondary school. It is designed to be unique and epitomises the life skills philosophy, which includes inter-personal skills and oratory skills.

Lessons are delivered through an experiential learning approach also practised by Matrix International School.

It also hones the testing skills required by the national KSSR and KSSM curriculum.

The curriculum will be adjusted wherever possible to ensure the provision of key life skills that are required outside school and in the workforce.

This is seen in the music curriculum where students are introduced to various genre of music.

Cooking classes are also conducted within specially designed kitchen classrooms where children become familiar with food presentation, serving skills and serving etiquette.

“The objective is to equip our children with the social skills they will need to confidently enter the adult world and workforce. We like to say that we send our students out of class,” says Felix E.B. Lee, chief executive officer of Matrix Global Schools.

Another hallmark of Matrix Private School is the provision of Mandarin education.

In fact, the school is in the final stages of its plan to make the school a recognised and authorised test centre to conduct the International Chinese Proficiency Test for the Office of Chinese Language Council International (Hanban) in Beijing.

This is a collaboration with the Kongzi Institute, Universiti Malaya.

Special classes are also conducted daily to coach the private school students in English, mathematics and science in accordance with the Cambridge IGCSE Curriculum.

Matrix’s intention is to create a bridge between the Matrix Private School and Matrix International School so that the education of Matrix Global Schools represents one campus that shares the same mission and vision.

Matrix Private School students are given the option to graduate as an international student via this bridge with Matrix International School.

“The objective is to make international school education available to as many students as possible,” says Lee.

Matrix Global Schools has also recently launched two scholarships worth RM500,000 each with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Seremban and Nilai.

The purpose of this endeavour was for the school to be part of the business community and ensure that the education provided to students is in line with the expectations of the business leaders of the local communities.

Matrix International School is having its Open Day onSept 17.

n For more information, visit www.matrixschools.edu.my


World-class education a big draw NILAI is one of the fastest

growing satellite townships outside of the Klang Valley.

Situated just 35 minutes south of the Kuala Lumpur city centre and 15 minutes from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, it has become one of the top townships for young families that want to raise children away from the hustle and bustle of the capital and its overcrowded suburbs.

With the Express Rail Link and Komuter stations linking Nilai to Kuala Lumpur and other key destinations, commuting has become much easier for the residents of Nilai.

Aside from affordable housing, a main attraction for many families is the availability of world-class educational institutions in the vicinity.

Nilai has been developed as an educational hub and boasts many universities, both private and public, which also gives the township a healthy student population.

Among the many institutions that are proud to call Nilai home is Nilai University (Nilai U), which was founded in 1997. The university is home to more than 3,000 local and international students.

Starting off as Nilai College, this institution gained full university status in 2012 and is now a major player in the private education landscape.

Nilai U features a Centre for Foundation Studies and five dedicated faculties in allied health and the sciences; business; hospitality and tourism; humanities and social sciences; and engineering, science and technology.

The Centre for Foundation Studies offers pre-university programmes in the fields of science and business.

The one-year foundation

programme is one of the fastest ways for a student to get into a degree programme of his choice.

The university also offers a wide range of diploma, degree and postgraduate programmes through its five faculties.

Some of the more popular programmes among applicants are the Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, BSc (Hons) in Biotechnology and BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance.

All programmes delivered by Nilai U are validated by the Ministry of Education and accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency.

Nilai U’s popularity can be attributed to its administrators who have spared no expense in

providing its students with world-class learning facilities.

The many facilities at the university include a purpose-built hangar with two aircraft, workshops and laboratories for each programme, and a well-stocked resource centre.

Nilai U has also made a name for itself as an institution that offers plenty of opportunities for students to gain enhanced certifications through a myriad of training programmes conducted by reputable institutions such as Dale Carnegie, Outward Bound School and Mizuno School of Golf.

The campus at Nilai U also features various sporting amenities, including outdoor basketball, volleyball, tennis

and futsal courts and indoor badminton courts.

Nilai U has also been named as the sports focus centre for fencing, making it one of the few centres where students can learn this niche sport from certified professionals.

The lush campus is a picture of serenity and features gender-segregated accommodation and round-the-clock security. All these factors make Nilai andNilai U the perfect choice for students who want to pursue a tertiary education.

Nilai U’s sister institution, Nilai International School (NIS), accommodates the needs of pre-school, primary and secondary students.

Situated adjacent to the university campus, the ultra-modern international school prepares students for the ICGSE examinations.

This internationally recognised qualification allows for easy transfer of credits to other institutions offering the same IGCSE syllabus and also for easy application to foreign universities.

NIS also features boarding facilities (for students above the age of 13) and employs a requisite number of expatriate teachers.

It utilises smart board technologies in all classrooms, which are temperature controlled.

Each class is limited to 15 students to ensure that all students receive plenty of attention from the teaching staff.

Having both NIS and Nilai U in the area has certainly boosted the town’s appeal to families with school-going children as well as making investment in properties a far more attractive proposition.

n For more information on NIS, call 06-850 2308 or visitwww.nis.edu.my

Nilai University’s 105-acre (42.5ha) campus is surrounded by greenery and provides students with a peaceful environment to pursue their tertiary education.

Nilai International School offers the internationally recognised IGCSE syllabus.

Starting off as Nilai College, this institution gained full university status in 2012 and is now a major player in the private education landscape. Nilai U features a Centre for Foundation Studies and five dedicated faculties.



A township with plenty to offerIN the heart of the southern

growth corridor, enveloped by the steadily growing city

of Putrajaya and the MSC status township of Cyberjaya, is Putra Nilai.

One of the largest townships in the area, spanning 2,522ha, Putra Nilai is a pioneering residential and commercial development just minutes from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Just like the southern growth corridor, the township of Putra Nilai has been meticulously planned with excellent infrastructure.

It is a thriving commercial hub that offers residents modern amenities, plenty of job opportunities and most importantly a living environment with safety features.

The development of Putra Nilai is amid natural wetlands, tree-lined avenues and landscaped parks to give its residents the feel of living in a green city.

The Putra Nilai advantage

As the main developers of Putra Nilai, BBN Development Sdn Bhd takes pride in Putra Nilai, which is a well-planned and comprehensive integrated township that has plenty of amenities to offer its residents.

Chor Eng Choon, group executive director of BBN, says that when buyers purchase a property from BBN, they can be assured of a property that is of high quality that can bring about great capital appreciation in the long run.

“Putra Nilai has become an extension of the greater Klang Valley. Plenty of improvement on infrastructure has been carried out, such as the widening of the North-South Highway.

“Putra Nilai is in a strategic location within close proximity to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Putrajaya, Cyberjaya and Kuala Lumpur making the township accessible through a number of major highways,” he says.

The existence of other big names in the Malaysian property market such as Sime Darby, Mah Sing, IOI Properties, Lion Group and UM Land will expedite the development of the southern corridor of the Klang Valley and contribute to the region’s immense growth.

BBN also targets buyers from the Klang Valley who are looking to leave the busy city life for a

greener and more peaceful living environment.

As property prices in the Klang Valley are not within every buyer’s income range, Putra Nilai offers a very attractive alternative as its property prices are lower and there is room for appreciation.

Chor is optimistic about the growth of the property market in Negri Sembilan.

“Nilai’s main pull is its strategic location and this has lured many buyers from across the country. We can also see more and more investors setting up shop in Negri Sembilan and this will mean an

increase in its population.“Coupled with the endorsement

of the state government, it is foreseeable that the property market in Negri Sembilan, particularly in Nilai, will continue to experience a tremendous growth and remain robust in the years to come.”

Developments in Putra Nilai

BBN Development Sdn Bhd is currently working on four new developments in Putra Nilai.

“Our first development is called the Lodge Residence, which is a

Upcoming developments by BBN Developmentl Alpinia Residence

The Alpinia Residence is the first serviced apartment by BBN Development. Its starting price is RM280,000 with the option of one, two or three bedrooms.

The Alpinia Residence is located within close proximity of four universities – Nilai University, INTI International University, Manipal International University and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia.

It is targeted at young families and also those who are looking for investment opportunities.

Facilities available:• Swimming pool• Gymnasium• Playground• Multi-purpose court• Multi-tier security system

• Waived legal fees on the sales and purchase agreement• Waived two years of Unifi fees

New high-end projects

This project will include cluster houses, semi-detached houses and bungalows. All units will be gated and guarded and will face the golf course.

Residents will also have access to the development’s clubhouse.

l Nilai Icon CityThe Nilai Icon City is a

high-rise residential block with full condominium facilities. The project will also include various commercial developments, including autocity.

Education• Government primary and secondary schools• A private school• Four universities

Commercial centres• Various food and beverage outlets• Banks• Hypermarkets such as Tesco and Giant

Recreation venues• Nilai Springs Hotel• Nilai Springs Golf and Country Club• Airport Indoor Sports Complex• Dataran Nilai• Taman Awam Nilai

Facilities and amenities at Putra Nilai

An artist’s impression of Lodge Residence.

INTI University is one of the many institutions of higher education in Nilai.

student hostel located right next to Nilai University. The price for these hostel units starts at RM65,000.

“This is a low-entry investment opportunity for investors who want to capitalise on the growing student population in the area, which is soon expected to reach 50,000,” says Chor.

“We also have a double-storey semi-detached development, known as the Beta Residence. The Beta Residence’s built-up area is at 2,940sq ft while its land area is from 4,000sq ft. It caters to residents who enjoy resort living in a quiet, green environment that is both gated and guarded.”

For those who prefer a touch of luxury, BBN offers them the 18th Bungalow@Nilai Springs Heights.

These double-storey bungalow

units has a built-up area from 4,900sq ft and a land area from 6,000sq ft.

These gated and guarded bungalows are developed at the edge the Putra Nilai’s prestigious golf course, The Nilai Springs Golf and Country Club.

“The fourth development that we are currently working on is the South Bayu Residence. It comprises gated and guarded town villas and sky villas that have a built-up area from 1,150sq ft and is targeted at first-time buyers. The unique feature of the South Bayu Residence is the 7.3 acre(2.9ha) lake that is adjacent to it,” says Chor.

“We are very proud to have a variety of products that cater to the demand of different types of buyers and our target market consists of first-time house buyers, the local residents and workforce within the vicinity and house owners who are looking to upgrade the homes,” says Chor.

18th Bungalow@Nilai Springs Heights offers residents a touch of luxury.



Connectivity to Negri Sembilan has been made easy been made by the various modes of public transport that ply the states.

> FROM PAGE 2

Top spot for leaders in educationTHE growing population in Negri Sembilan has necessitated more educational facilities in the state. As education is fundamental to an evolving population, it is only fitting that the state has educational institutions that are second to none.

Education at its best

The Negri Sembilan state government has recognised the state’s tremendous potential and has great plans of turning the state into a Valley of Knowledge.

In addition to the public schools available across the state, big names such as Epsom College in Malaysia, Nilai International School in Bandar Enstek, Matrix Global School and Zenith International School in Seremban and UCSI International School in Bandar Springhill offer residents plenty of choices for an exceptional educational experience.

UCSI International School is the only school in Negri Sembilan to offer the International Baccalaureate programme, while Epsom College in Malaysia is the first British-styled boarding school in the country and is the 157-year-old establishment’s first sister college outside the United Kingdom.

Matrix Global School, meanwhile, boasts a specially designed teaching methodology that uses interactive computer tablets based on the concept of collaborative and cooperative learning.

The increasing numbers of universities in Negri Sembilan have also contributed to the increase in the state’s population. Negri Sembilan has a total of 25 institutions of higher learning, including private universities and colleges.

One such example is Nilai University. With its 105-acre (42.5ha) campus, the university has all the facilities of a world-class university, including spacious lecture theatres, study rooms, a library, various laboratories and even a hangar for its aeronautics students.

In addition, the university also has a range of sports and recreational facilities to ensure that the students have a holistic tertiary educational experience.

Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), which is located in Putra Nilai, is a promising public Islamic university.

Being a one-of-a-kind university that pioneers Islamic science, USIM attracts students from all over the world who want an exceptional Islamic science education.

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), one of the country’s largest universities, has a campus in Seremban 3 with three faculties: the Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science and the Faculty of Sports Science and Recreation. The campus has an enrolment of roughly 5,000 students with 50% living off campus.

“The opening of these universities and private schools means we are getting better rental for our properties,” says Patricia Wong, who manages a series of

family properties in Seremban. “Students want to stay close to

their universities and so we are really happy that we can provide for them. We haven’t had this kind of demand before.”

Stationery trader Ramesh Kumar agrees: “We are thinking of opening a small business to cater to the needs of these students. We’ve never had that opportunity before. I definitely think change is coming for the better for us in Seremban.”

These top-notch educational facilities, coupled with the backing of the state government, are set to change the education landscape of Negri Sembilan for the better.

All-round accessibility

It has been a long standing tradition for the state to have a populace that work in Kuala Lumpur but live in Seremban or Nilai. Three decades ago, this was made possible by the well-known SKS buses that plied the route between Kuala Lumpur and Seremban.

Today, thousands continue their early morning trek to the big city with the Transnasional buses that run the route, the services of the

KTM Komuter and even driving using the many highways that connect the town.

“There are definitely more options now for those of us who work in Kuala Lumpur but live here,” says Catherine Sam, a long-time commuter to the capital city.

“We used to line up in the early hours of the morning to ensure a seat, but now I can either take the KTM Komuter or on days when I have to attend a dinner in KL I drive as the options in highways means I can plan my route accordingly.”

Highways and expressways

such as the Lekas, PLUS, ELITE and Kesas not only link Negri Sembilan to neighbouring areas but also link up to provide the populace with many alternative routes. The extensive road networks in Negri Sembilan have made connectivity in the state easy.

Major highways connect KL with various towns in the state while the intercity KTM trains pass through major towns of Seremban, Rembau and Tampinen route to Singapore.

“Connectivity to Seremban is expected to get better as the town has been earmarked as one of the five stops along the route of the proposed Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail,” says Tan.

The city also has integrated bus systems that connect major towns and the capital of Seremban with other major cities across the peninsular. In addition, there is the Nilai Inland Port, which is a one-stop logistics centre.

Located about 20km from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), this inland port

The Negri Sembilan state government has recognised the state’s tremendous potential and has great plans of turning the state into a Valley of Knowledge. The increasing numbers of universities in Negri Sembilan have also contributed to the increase in the state’s population.Negri Sembilan has a total of 25 institutions of higher learning, including private universities and colleges.

is capable of handling cargo, warehousing, open storage and port services for factories across Negri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Malacca.

It can be accessed via road or rail and offers transportation services, container handling, container cleaning and repair, bonded and non-bonded storage, physical handling, computerised documentation, and packaging and labelling.

Perhaps, the biggest advantage Negri Sembilan has in terms of connectivity is its proximity to KLIA and KLIA2.

The country’s main airport is only 23km from Nilai and 55km from Seremban – two of Negri Sembilan’s major towns. This has given both towns a major boom in their investments and also population.

Negri Sembilan offers residents a convenient and pleasant living experience with its affordability, integrated transportation systems, world-class educational facilities and top-quality property and commercial developments.

These are major pulls for residents who want to get away from the congestion of the major cities and lead a healthier lifestyle.

Previously, Negri Sembilan’s proximity to Selangor and Johor helped its economic growth but now the state economy has grown by leaps and bounds through its many investments and its strategic location is now an added benefit.

Negri Sembilan has the potential to emerge as one of Malaysia’s powerhouses in the years to come.

Port Dickson remains the top destination for recreation in Negri Sembilan.

Seremban railway station plays a big role in creating accessibility to the state.

StarSpecial, Sunday 14 September 2014 FOCUS ON NEGRI SEMBILAN 13

SEPANGINTERNATIONALCIRCUT

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Possibilities abound here

CLOSE enough to Kuala Lumpur to make a quick everyday commute but

far enough that residents leave behind the hustle and bustle of the big city behind, Negri Sembilan is fast becoming a large property investment draw.

The state is well-connected, with major highways and the railways linking it to the rest of the country from the northern states to Johor, and further down south to Singapore.

There are several points of interest in Negri Sembilan – not least the famous coastal town of

Port Dickson – that continues to attract visitors.

The Seri Menanti Royal Museum and the fort at Kota Lukut are places of historical significance to the state, while for nature lovers, the Palong River, Lenggeng Forest Reserve and Gunung Besar Hantu provide exciting outdoor activities.

In fact, Negri Sembilan has several forest reserves.

As much as Negri Sembilan is developing and moving forward, there is still much to be explored and discovered.

The KTM Komuter is one of the major links between Negri Sembilan and the Klang Valley.


Rembulan@enstek.

The appeal of Bandar EnstekTH Properties Sdn Bhd (THP)

has made good headway in the property industry since

its inception in 1980. The property development, construction and asset facilities management group was formed as a result of the consolidation of its subsidiaries.

The group’s signature project is the 5,119-acre (2,071ha) Bandar Enstek situated near the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

The self-contained freehold township offers a mix of residential, commercial, institutional and clean industrial properties and has a gross development value of RM9.2bil.

Bandar Enstek was launched in 2000 and is expected to be completed by 2025, with 50% of the township developed to date.

The latest residential developments include the Rembulan@enstek, Pearl@enstek and Linea@enstek while the commercial development is the Mercato 2@enstek.

l Rembulan@enstek – features 124 units of two-storey semi-detached homes and available in two variants: side by side 40’ x 80’ and back to back50’ x 80’.

The units have built-up areas that range from 2,555sq ft to 3,117sq ft. Currently, the sales has achieved 77% with available units selling prices starting from RM695,200.

l Linea@enstek – was made available to the public in March last year. It offers 94 units of24’ x 80’ super links, with built-up areas of between 1,954sq ft and 2,268sq ft. Linea has achieved 80% sales with available units (end and corner lots), selling prices start from RM633,700.

l Pearl@enstek – the latest offering in Bandar Enstek, it was launched last year and comprises seven units of two-storey bungalows and 28 units of two-storey semi-detached. The bungalows, with selling prices starting from RM1.23mil, are fully sold. The semi-detached houses, with land dimensions of40’ x 140’ and 50’ x 100’, have built-up areas ranging from 3,347sq ft to 3,500sq ft. There are 17 units available with selling prices from RM946,500.

l Mercato 2@enstek – is the second commercial component in Bandar Enstek after Mercato 1@Enstek. It offers 99 units of two-storey and three-storey shop

offices with built-up areas that start from 3,276sq ft. The available units (three-storey) are priced from RM953,901 (bumiputra lot). To date, there are only seven units available for sale.

A new phase by the name of Hundred East is expected to be launched by November this year and consists of 100 units of two-storey super link houses with lot dimensions of 24’ x 75’ and26’ x 80’.

THP is also planning to develop an 18-hole golf course and a neighbourhood retail park, which is to be developed in phases.

Strategic location

Located about 6km from the Sepang F1 Circuit, Bandar Enstek is currently home to more than 10,000 residents, comprising families and young professionals who work mostly in Putrajaya, Cyberjaya, KLIA and KLIA2.

Part of the township’s appeal is its accessibility to Kuala Lumpur via the Maju Expressway and the Express Lingkaran Tengah (Elite) Highway.

Meanwhile, Bandar Enstek’s institutional component is off to a good start with the Cempaka International Ladies’ College, Politeknik Nilai, English Language Teaching Centre, Institut Perguruan Guru Malaysia and Tunku Kurshiah College.

The Epsom College in Malaysia

began operations in September. Training institutions such as Akademi Audit Negara, Akademi Kepimpinan Pengajian Tinggi, Pusat Latihan Keselamatan Perlindungan Malaysia and Institut Aminuddin Baki have also set up in Bandar Enstek.

Bandar Enstek also has a strong industrial base with the development of the biotechnology and halal hub that are currently underway within Bandar Enstek’s industrial zone, which is known as Techpark@enstek.

Companies already operational in Techpark@enstek include Coca Cola Bottlers Malaysia Sdn Bhd,Pure Circle, Renal Lab, Hokto Malaysia, CROWN Records, Fresenius Medical Care, Bio Molecular Industries and FELDA Biotech Centre.

The crowd pullers

Bandar Enstek stands to benefit from the development of KLIA and KLIA2, which offer seamless connectivity for budget travellers.

Located just 2km from KLIA, KLIA2 allows easy transfer and better connectivity between both airports.

One key component of KLIA2 is The Gateway@KLIA2, which is an integrated complex that will create employment and raise the demand for housing and subsequently, the value of Bandar Enstek.

Bandar Enstek is also located about 13km from the proposed TH Hotel and Convention Centre in Sepang. The centre will feature a five-star hotel, which will be run by Movenpick, and a convention centre that is slated for completion in 2016 with the capacity to accommodate 1,500 people.

Two more commercial developments that will benefit Bandar Enstek are Mitsui Outlet Park and Mainstay Outlet Park. The Mitsui Outlet Park, with net rentable area of 506,000sq ft, is about 19km from Bandar Enstek.

Slated to become South-East Asia’s largest factory outlet park, it

Pearl@enstek.

Linea@enstek family area.

will be a part of the KLIA Aeropolis development and is scheduled to be completed next year. Mainstay Outlet Park is located about 25km from Bandar Enstek.

Developed by Mainstay Properties Sdn Bhd and Horizon Group Properties Inc, it will offer a net rentable area of 300,000sq ft comprising retail spaces.

In the works

Moving forward, THP is developing a seven-acre plot in Kuantan, Pahang, for a high-end residential project near the Royal Pahang Golf Club and Teluk Chempedak beach.

The project is expected to be launched in February next year and will offer 38 semi-detached homes and two bungalow units.

The development will also cater to a diverse community, address the quality of living within suburban surroundings and provide security and peaceof mind.

Through the development of accessible and user-friendly open spaces and recreational areas, it will promote communal interaction.

THP is also continuing to develop its last phase of Warisan Puteri, which spans more than 100 acres. Located about 6km from Seremban town, the development will have more than 900 residential units and 36 shop offices.

It is expected to be launched by middle of next year with indicative pricing of the first phase at approximately RM350,000 per unit. The 491-acre Warisan Puteri was launched in 2000.

Other projects in the pipeline include high-end serviced apartments and villas near Jalan Jelatek, Kuala Lumpur, and high-end serviced apartment in Kota Baru, Kelantan, and Bayan Lepas, Penang.

With the success of Bandar Enstek and the vast potential of its upcoming projects, THP is well on its way to position itself as a premier property developer in Malaysia.



Connecting urbanliving with the environment

NILAI Impian is the perfect example of Sime Darby Property’s focus on creating

sustainable communities. Comprising 1,808 acres

(731.6ha) of freehold land that is strategically located at the Nilai Pajam interchange along the North-South Expressway, this township was first developed in 1997.

With nearly two-thirds already developed, Sime Darby Property is not resting on its laurels but continues to innovate with new elements and products to upgrade the township’s value.

In creating sustainable communities, Sime Darby Property is moving from being a builder of just townships to an innovative place maker that utilises cutting-edge urban design principles to make connections between people and places, the natural landscape and the built environment.

Strategically located within a 30km radius from major hubs such as the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur city centre, on a site that directly faces the country’s busiest and most prominent expressway, there is immense growth potential in Nilai Impian.

Nilai Impian is located:

• 35 minutes from theKuala Lumpur city centre

• 25 minutes fromPutrajaya and Cyberjaya

• 20 minutes from theKuala Lumpur International Airport

• 25 minutes from the KLIA2

Convenient livingamid greenery

Set against a stunning backdrop of lush greenery and an idyllic lake, the emphasis of this township development is based on nature, with bountiful landscaping, family parks, pedestrian walkways and bicycle paths.

With an array of facilities within proximity, including shopping venues, schools, colleges, universities and two golf courses, Nilai Impian is the

epitome of comfortable and convenient living.

High accessibilityand affordableprices

Properties in Nilai are in high demand as residents from surrounding high-density neighbourhoods such asSubang, Puchong, Putrajayaand Kuala Lumpur are opting to move away from these areas to avoid the congestion and seek better quality homes at more

affordable prices.This is evidenced by the

encouraging take-up rates of recent residential launches in Nilai and its surrounding areas.

With enhanced accessibility with new road networks and a new interchange between Nilai Impian and the Nilai toll plaza, the viability of Nilai Impian as a focal point for development activities is vast.

Nilai Impian is poised to be a vibrant southern gateway to the Klang Valley and a key destination for investments.

With nearly two-thirds already developed, Sime Darby Property is not resting on its laurels but continues to innovate with new elements and products to upgrade the township’s value.

An idyllic lake serves as the backdrop for the Nilai Impian township.

An artist’s impression of the Delfina Type 1B double-storeylink homes in Nilai Impian.

The interior of the houses in Nilai Impian are designed with cutting-edge urban design principles in mind.



Green living in the heart of NilaiHEALTH and wellness are

integral parts of daily living and many people

have realised the importance of living in an environment that is surrounded by lush greenery.

This was the inspiration behind Rimbun Kasia in the town of Nilai in Negri Sembilan.

“Rimbun Kasia is an integrated living environment that is built amid green surroundings and spans 35.6 acres (14.4ha). This is Ireka Development Management Sdn Bhd’s second development in Nilai.

“It encompasses five residential parcels and one commercial parcel, which will be a lifestyle hub,” says Lai Voon Hon, its president and chief executive officer.

All five residential parcels are gated, guarded and have their own facilities. In addition, these parcels are connected to a 2.3-acre (0.93ha) central park with a lake at the centre as its main feature.

Rimbun Kasia was conceptualised to promote community living within green surroundings.

Each residential parcel in Rimbun Kasia will have a unique identity and characteristics that cater to a specific target market.

“The first residential parcel that will be launched before the end of this year is called dwi@Rimbun Kasia, which will encompass courtyard-inspired homes.

“The courtyard homes are a low-rise condominium development designed around a courtyard, which has a sustainable eco design. The subsequent parcels to be launched over the next two to three years are the town villas and lifestyle condominiums,”says Lai.

Ireka ensures that each residential parcel in Rimbun Kasia contains a range of important features – it must be green, should promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage sustainability.

Lai says that as a strong advocate of sustainability, Ireka will be incorporating specially designed stationary bicycles in dwi@Rimbun Kasia to generate power to water some of the outdoor plants.

Ireka’s strong belief in sustainable development also means that Rimbun Kasia willbe launched phase by phase to

avoid overbuilding. “If the demand for a phase is

slow, we will defer the launch of the next phase as we do not want to overbuild. We have maintained this policy throughout all our developments in Mont Kiara and now will do so in Nilai,” he says.

Promoting healthy living

The lush surroundings of Rimbun Kasia are intended to attract a population that prioritises healthy living, the outdoors and nature, with each residential parcel designed to cater to a specific target market.

“For instance, the courtyard homes at dwi@Rimbun Kasia are aimed at a younger market because of the size of the units.

“The town villas are larger than the courtyard homes and are more suited to a mature family or an older population who enjoy the outdoors and green living,”says Lai.

He adds that not all the residential parcels have been designed yet but says that all parcels will be self-contained.

He envisages each parcel to have a gym, a swimming pool and other

sports facilities, depending on the type of the parcel. Each parcel will also have its own property management.

To encourage residents to spend more time outdoors, Ireka designed the central park and the lake to anchor the Rimbun Kasia development.

The lure of Nilai

“We were attracted to Nilai

because it is a beautiful suburb in the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. It is very green, which is conducive to healthy living,” Lai says.

Nilai is located strategically in the golden triangle of the Southern Growth Corridor, which encompasses Putrajaya, Cyberjaya and Sepang, where KLIA and KLIA2 are located.

Nilai is also only 30km away from Kuala Lumpur. It has an extensive road and infrastructure network and many main highways connect to it.

In addition, the Express Rail Link in Salak Tinggi and the nearby KTM commuter station make accessibility to Nilai more convenient and easy.

Nilai has also emerged as one of the country’s education hubs with a vast number of world-class educational facilities in the vicinity, including Nilai University, Manipal University, INTI University, Epsom College in Malaysia, University Sains Islam Malaysia and the upcoming Xiamen University.

According to a study carried out by the Ho Chin Soon Research Group that specialises in property information, there is a student population of 35,000 within a 7km radius of the Rimbun Kasia site.

This has given Nilai a dynamic economy and led to an increase in its population.

This is why Nilai has become one of the fastest growing suburbs outside Kuala Lumpur and it is expected to be granted city status soon.

The Irekaadvantage

Purchasing a property from Ireka assures buyers that they are purchasing a property from a well-known name in the industry – one that is renowned for developing luxury and branded homes in Malaysia, most notably the i-Zen collection.

“We assure our customers that we are giving them a product that is of high quality. All our developments thus far have high capital appreciation.

“This speaks volumes about our quality, our level of innovation and our emphasis on sustainable development. We are very proud of this and we are now bringing this advantage to Nilai,” says Lai.

The central park and the lake anchor the Rimbun Kasia development.

An artist’s impression of the Rimbun Kasia development in Nilai.

Lai Voon Hon is the president and chief executive officer of Ireka Development Management Sdn Bhd.

Nilai is located strategically in the golden triangle of the Southern Growth Corridor, which encompasses Putrajaya, Cyberjaya and Sepang, where KLIA and KLIA2 are located.This is why Nilai has become one of the fastest growing suburbs outside Kuala Lumpur and it is expected to be granted city status soon.

Courtesy of Property Insight



An artist’s impression of UNICITY’s entrance.

An artist’s impression of UNICITY’s courtyard.

HATTEN Group, a leading corporation in Malaysia, officially launched a

groundbreaking lifestyle campus mall development known as UNICITY in Seremban 3, Negri Sembilan, recently. The official launch of UNICITY was a groundbreaking success as its serviced suites were the top pick among local and foreign investors and were completely sold out just three days after the launch.

At present, only 50% of its retail units remain available. Buyers at the launch were presented with a surprise gift of a brand new 50-inch Sharp Aquos LED widescreen television.

Eager crowds gathered in Seremban to witness the launch of UNICITY Lifestyle Campus Mall and Serviced Suites. Many had already heard about the Hatten Group’s successful developments in Malacca and Iskandar in Johor and they wanted to witness the launch of the group’s new iconic project in Seremban.

With its vibrant new edu-sports-leisure lifestyle concept, UNICITY has brought new life, hi-tech innovation and quality edutainment into the third largest university district in Malaysia.

Located next to the Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) campus, UNICITY will be a major social hub for the burgeoning student population in Seremban 3. As the university has more than 5,000 new enrolments each year,

UNICITY is strategically designed and equipped to cater to a dynamic youth-centric environment.

This proved to be the main selling point as all units of its serviced suites are completely sold out and only 50% of the retail lots remain.

“UNICITY is an innovation that the region has never seen before. This project is history in the making as it not only represents the first of its kind in Malaysia, it is also Hatten Group’s first flagship development in Negri Sembilan,” said Colin Tan, group managing

Iconic development in Seremban 3

director of Hatten Group at the launch.

Incorporating 250 affordable and secure serviced suites located atop a vast 350,000sq ft retail platform, UNICITY provides stylish urban lodgings with world-class facilities for the increasing number of students who choose to live off campus.

More than just student housing, UNICITY’s definitive feature is its ultra-modern lifestyle campus mall. As the first retail development to embrace the edu-sports-leisure concept, UNICITY

is a hub of activity and is defined by its eclectic, functional and innovative elements that include:l Edutainment- Cyber cafes - Copy and printing kiosks- Book stores- Reading/study lounges

l Sports- Futsal courts- Basketball courts- Lap pool- Gymnasium- Games room

l Leisure and convenience- Shopping mall- F&B outlets- Convenience stores- Launderettes

Supporting and enhancing

all aspects of urban student life, UNICITY nurtures creativity, healthy living and active learning among youth. Here, energy and inspiration thrive amid comfortable and trendy lifestyle spaces.

UNICITY is the multi-award-winning Hatten Group’s first project venture into the area and will inject new vibrancy into the socio-economic landscape in the vicinity.

As a massive, multi-faceted, mixed-development, UNICITY is poised to capitalise on the booming population, raising the value of surrounding properties where investors can be assured of high capital returns and steady value appreciation on their investments. Students, on the other hand, will benefit from the convenient and comprehensive new lifestyle environment.

“The project’s unique concept and quality excellence will attract both local and foreign investors as well as visitors to the state. This is a giant step for Seremban 3,” says Tan.

n For more information, call018-663 8899 or visitwww.unicitymall.com.my

About Hatten Group Sdn BhdINCORPORATED in 2008, the multi award-winning Hatten Group is a major player in Malaysia’s property development, asset management and investment industry.

Led by Colin Tan (pic), group managing director, the Hatten group is renowned for its core businesses in the commercial, residential and hospitality sectors and possesses an extensive portfolio of distinctive assets in the luxury lifestyle industry.

Gaining global recognition for its iconic innovations, Hatten Group is well on its way towards becoming one of the top 10 premier property developers in

Malaysia by the year 2020.

n For more information, visit www.hattengrp.com

An artist’s impression of UNICITY Lifestyle Campus Mall

and Serviced Suites.



LIVING well is an art, like a masterfully designed township or neighbourhood.

At Seremban 2 and S2 Heights, residents experience a balance of convenience and beautiful landscape – both natural and man-made – that provides them a lifestyle that they will never tire of.

Living well requires simple things such as being far from noise and crowds while being close to the services you need. What is more important is finding an affordable home.

Owning such a dream home in south of the Klang Valley is now made easy with a Bumiputra Scheme campaign.

The township that everyone knows

Seremban 2 and S2 Heights are developed by IJM Land, the country’s leading property developer with an enviable track record of building quality townships, boutique developments and high-end residential developments.

Seremban 2

To date, Seremban 2 has emerged as one of the most progressive and successful developments in Negri Sembilan, with development currently at 90% to completion and an expected population of 62,500.

Seremban 2 is strategically located 1km from the Seremban toll plaza and 4km from town. Accessibility to the township is via the North-South Highway.

ELITE and Lekas highways have brought Seremban 2 closer to key locations such as Kuala Lumpur city centre (45 minutes), Kuala Lumpur International Airport (30 minutes), and Putrajaya and Cyberjaya (30 minutes).

The integrated township offers a wide selection of beautifully designed homes, including affordable apartments, terrace houses, super-linked and semi-detached houses and exclusive gated bungalows.

To date, Seremban 2 comprises nine residential communities, five schools, a 15-acre (6ha) city lake park, a sports complex, modern shopping centres and commercial business parks.

Seremban 2 is also home to the state government and local authorities.

S2 heights

With the success of Seremban 2 and the positive and enthusiastic response received from property investors, IJM Land has unveiled another integrated development called S2 Heights.

S2 Heights is a low-density development that spans more than 1,500 acres (607ha) of prime freehold land.

Located on high grounds with an undulating terrain,S2 Heights will offer home owners a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

It boasts a wide variety of modern and spacious homes designed to satisfy even the most discerning buyers.

It includes exclusive gated

bungalows communities, semi-detached homes and terrace houses.

The highlight of S2 Heights is the impressive 6.6-acre (2.7ha) linear park that will be the focal point for social, community and recreational activities.

A network of well-laid paths and walkways will link the cluster of homes in S2 Heights to the park, akin to having an extended garden at your doorstep.

At the crown of S2 Heights, the integrated linear parks convene into the 30-acre (12.1ha) Hill Park, where you can feast your senses on the surrounding environment and relax in the knowledge that you are among birds, trees and a cooling breeze that will allow you to enjoy your favourite book with a cup of tea in peace.

As a resident, you will have the space and lifestyle that many travel long distances to find.

• Samira Double Storey Home from RM522,310

• Aviva Semi-D Double Storey Home from RM846,260 (Ready for occupation)

• Kalista Residence from RM273,410 (Register for the launch of the new phase)

Affordable and accessible homes

The art of living well

Aviva Green in Seremban 2.

An artist’s impression of Samira at S2 Heights.

An artist’s impression of

Kalista Residence in Seremban 2.

S2 Heights’ proximity to the Seremban 2 township will provide its residents with easy and convenient access to essential amenities such as schools, parks and shopping and entertainment centres.

The development of S2 Heights and Seremban 2 will emerge as the driving force behind the rapid growth of the Greater Klang Valley.

n For more information, visit seremban2.ijmland.com



Come explorethese local favourites

THERE are many places of interest in Negri Sembilan, both for the locals who want

to know more about their state and tourists out for a snippet of Malaysian history.

We have prepared a shortlist of some of the must-dos in Negri Sembilan, in the hope you will discover some secrets during your travels there.

Pedas Hot Springs

Pedas is a well known hot spring among the locals. This area is great for picnics and family time, with people flocking to it during the school holidays.

Now there is a theme park incorporating the hot springs so there is more fun to be had.

There is a certain mystique and sense of wonder with hot springs, which was probably also why the Roman baths (including that in Bath, England) were once so popular.

Port Dickson

Better known as PD, this seaside town has plenty of history and has long been the favourite beach of the Seremban and Klang Valley folk.

Developed by the British during the time of the Straits Settlements, it was thought to have great potential as a harbour.

An area known as Lukut has high tin ore content and it attracted many Chinese miners. Today, the local economy is supported by oil and gas refineries.

As a seaside town it has long stretches of beaches, which are mostly sandy and spotted with beautiful rock pools. It has many hotels and resorts that will leave visitors spoilt for choice.

Families are also known to rent beachside bungalows and hold barbecue parties against the backdrop of the setting sun.

Ulu BendulRecreational Park

On the way to Kuala Pilah from Seremban is the Ulu Bendul Recreational Park, which has long been a favourite of picnickers and long-haul lorry drivers looking for some shut-eye.

It has a lovely waterfall that is not too ferocious, which makes it relatively safe for children to frolic at the base of the falls under the

Port Dickson.

watchful eyes of their parents. The forest itself is quiet and

rather pretty with nature lovers and campers using it as a location for their wholesome outdoor activities.

The park also boasts of the 2,450ft high Gunung Angsi. Part of the hike to the mountain follows the Sungai Batang Terachi – a beautiful sight indeed.

Sri MenantiRoyal Museum

The Sri Menanti Royal Museum once served as the royal palace for state royalty. It is located in Kuala Pilah.

The wooden palace is built with wooden pegs, using no screws or nails with beautiful solid timber pillars. Within its walls you will find lots of history, including royal costumes and documents of lineages.

This is interesting because Negri

Sembilan practises Adat Perpatih, which is not practised in most other states in the country.

Adat Perpatih is a matrilineal custom and is said to be between 3,000 and 4,000 years old and was brought to Peninsular Malaysia by the Minangkabau people in the 14th Century.

Negeri SembilanState Museum

The state’s museum is located at the Crafts & Cultural Handicraft Complex in Seremban. The building itself is a simply wonderful sight as it features the marvellous Minangkabau roof – shaped like glorious buffalo horns.

The Minangkabau architecture is a proud tribute to the heritage of this group of settlers from West Sumatra who made this place their home.

The building is known as the Teratak Pepatih Building and

Seri Menanti Royal Museum.

now houses the state’s historical exhibits, including the ceremonial keris, Bugis and Minangkabau swords, royal ornaments and various handicrafts.

Within the compound is a smaller building known as the Ampang Tinggi Palace built during the reign of the fifth Yang Di-Pertuan Besar from 1861 to 1869.

The palace is a delicate piece of architecture that serves as a gentle reminder of the intricacies of the royal past.

Other elements in the compound include canons, a boat and a locomotive.

The Negri Sembilan House or Rumah Undang built in 1898 can also be found there.

It is another fine specimen of

Minangkabau architecture and is built without a single nail.

Cape RachadoLighthouse

The Cape Rachado Lighthouse is technically located in Tanjung Tuan in the state of Malacca. But considering this is located just next to Port Dickson, the Cape Rachado Lighthouse is a Negri favourite too.

After the Portuguese came to Malacca in 1511, they needed a lighthouse to guide their ships safely into harbour. Tanjung Tuan was chosen and the lighthouse was built in 1528.

It is believed to be the oldest lighthouse in the country and is an ideal area for bird watching.

Cape Rachado Lighthouse.

Documents

Focus On Negri Sembilan - 14 September 2014