Massive SOHO-retail project near CIQ and RTS to boost cross-border investment and urban growth
Sunway Property and Majestic Gen have launched a RM4 billion mixed-use development in Yahya Awal, Johor Bahru, aiming to reshape the city’s economic core and attract both local and Singaporean investors.
Sunway Property and Majestic Gen have begun construction on a RM4 billion (≈SGD 1.12 billion) joint venture development in Yahya Awal, Johor Bahru. The mixed-use urban hub, spanning 15.5 acres, will combine serviced apartments with retail spaces to meet rising demand in the city center.
The site is located strategically near the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex and the future Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link to Singapore—positioning the project as a key driver for cross-border real estate interest and economic synergy under the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
Phase One Launch in Q3 2025
The first phase, set to launch in Q3 2025, will introduce more than 1,000 SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) units, catering to modern urban professionals and digital nomads seeking city-centric lifestyle and workspace integration.
Sunway Property Managing Director Chung Soo Kiong and CEO Gerard Soosay, alongside Majestic Gen’s executive director Ta Wee Dher and director Kee Ju Hun, led the groundbreaking ceremony. Their presence signifies strong collaboration and shared commitment to Johor Bahru’s urban transformation.
Transforming the Johor Cityscape
Gerard Soosay emphasized the symbolic and economic weight of the Yahya Awal development. “This reflects Johor Bahru’s emergence as a modern economic center,” he said, describing it as a landmark that sets a new standard for integrated living and sustainable development in the region.
The project aligns with Sunway Property’s long-term vision of anchoring its developments near major transport corridors and city gateways—a strategy that also includes its RM2.6 billion Bukit Chagar TOD in partnership with MRT Corp.
Strengthening Sunway’s Regional Footprint
Sunway’s strategic footprint extends from Bukit Chagar near the RTS terminus to the 2,000-acre Sunway City Iskandar Puteri, near the Second Link crossing. These developments underscore the developer’s confidence in Johor’s long-term property growth, further bolstered by bilateral support through the JS-SEZ initiative.
“This reinforces our confidence in Johor’s potential to become an international gateway,” Gerard added, referring to the economic corridor connecting Johor Bahru and Singapore.
A Milestone for Majestic Gen
For Majestic Gen, this collaboration represents one of its boldest ventures to date. Executive Director Ta Wee Dher highlighted the significance of partnering with an established player like Sunway Property, noting the project as a milestone achievement in Majestic Gen’s portfolio.
“This is not just a real estate project—it’s a long-term urban catalyst,” Ta said, reinforcing the firm’s ambitions to play a larger role in Johor’s metropolitan development strategy.
The Yahya Awal development by Sunway Property and Majestic Gen reflects rising confidence in Johor Bahru as a dynamic investment destination. With cross-border infrastructure like the RTS Link and JS-SEZ accelerating regional integration, this RM4 billion urban hub will likely become a model for mixed-use growth in Southeast Asia’s key economic corridors.
Sources: NST Online (2025), The Star (2025)
Keywords: Sunway Majestic JV, RM4 Billion Project, Yahya Awal Development, Johor RTS Property, CIQ Singapore Investment
