Malaysia’s Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) has launched Tech Medini on Monday, a landmark initiative marking a significant leap forward in solidifying Medini’s position as Johor’s premier Digital and Innovation Hub.
IIB said in a statement that Tech Medini, a 160-acre clustered development zone, is set to become a tech hub where ecosystem players thrive in developing emerging technologies with like-minded innovators from various fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous drones, robotics, cybersecurity, bioengineering, quantum computing, immersive reality, space technology, and more.
This initiative aligns with IIB’s target of driving RM9 billion in investments and creating 65,000 jobs in the Medini area, contributing to the evolution of Malaysia into a high-income nation in the era of Industry 4.0.
“With a strategic focus on supporting the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) framework, Tech Medini aims to position Medini as a premier destination for investors, offering a cost-efficient business environment for the region,” said Idzham Mohd Hashim, President/Chief Executive Officer of IIB.
“Leveraging on emerging technologies and fostering creative collaborations, Tech Medini seeks to empower businesses in adopting new innovations and accelerating digitalization to drive sustainable growth in the region,
“This, in turn, fuels the reinvigoration strategy we’ve established for Medini, attracting high-tech businesses and skilled talents, ultimately contributing to a sustainable and thriving metropolis,” he added.
Building upon the success of existing initiatives like Global Business Services (GBS) Iskandar@Medini, Drone and Robotics Zone (DRZ) Iskandar and Blockchain Village@Medini (BV@M), Tech Medini serves as a nucleus designed to empower startups and accelerate them towards growth and success.
The platform offers a range of growth development programs and support services with the announcement of Medini Nexus and Medini Soft Landing Program.
It is noted that the Medini Nexus is a platform that provides the startup community an avenue to ideate, accelerate and validate their ideas.
It grants access to ready co-working spaces, mentorship by seasoned entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship programs and test site environments.
This platform would enable the startups to build a strong foundation for success, fostering creativity and innovation towards shaping a sustainable business in the future.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the international startups, The Medini Soft Landing Programme helps to facilitate international companies in setting up their business in Medini.
It offers a packaged support services in allowing the ease of market entry with guided consultation on business registration setup, office spaces, accommodation options, talent requirements, and localization services.
As it continues to help nurture and boost the startup ecosystem, IIB also supports the Dana Impak initiative under Khazanah’s Future Malaysia Program.
This initiative was launched in March 2023 with the aim to spur the local startup ecosystem with a commitment of MYR 6 billion ($1.29 billion) of funds to be deployed over five years.
Dana Impak is a key pillar under the Khazanah’s Advancing Malaysia strategy, seeking to invest across six themes based on issues and challenges facing the nation, which include digital society and technology, quality health and education for all, decent work and social mobility, food, and energy security, building climate resilience and competing in global markets.
At the same time, IIB invites potential VC partners to be part of the funding ecosystem by growing their portfolio of investments and optimizing value creation in the region.
It also calls upon more collaborators to embrace the next wave of innovation by joining the vibrant ecosystem at Tech Medini and contribute to shaping the future of Johor’s premier innovation and digital hub.
IIB is a catalyst of change and a key player in Iskandar Malaysia’s transformation into a regional metropolis of international standing.
Incorporated in November 2006, the firm is tasked to ensure that Iskandar Malaysia continues its successful trajectory into an attractive investment destination in Southeast Asia and a vibrant, livable region of Malaysia via catalytic projects.
IIB focuses on the development of Iskandar Puteri in the education, technology, environmental, social, and governance (ESG), tourism, entertainment, and health and wellness sectors.
Its impactful accomplishments include the successful joint ventures and investment partnerships in EduCity, LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort, Iskandar Puteri, Medini and other infrastructure projects under the 9th Malaysia Plan in Iskandar Malaysia.
The firm is committed to steering economic and environmentally sustainable growth in Iskandar Malaysia and ensuring inclusive developments for local Iskandarians through employment and income opportunities.
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