Malaysian mega-development eyes digital living

Nusajaya, a 24,000-acre real-estate development on the southwestern tip of the Malaysian peninsula, is working to become a “smart,” digitally connected city.

The initiative supports the government’s goal of creating a Digital Malaysia master plan for a more integrated, interconnected and innovative economy.

Nusajaya’s development will be led by UEM Land Holdings Berhad and Iskander Investment Berhad, which are working with Cisco to develop a smart-city master plan focused on information and communications technology (ICT) and services. The companies’ goal is to establish Nusajaya as a world-class benchmark for the design, building and operations of a sustainable, networked and efficient city.

“The proposition further enhances Nusajaya’s attractiveness to both investors as well as potential residents,” said Dato’ Wan Abdullah Wan Ibrahim, managing director and CEO of UEM Land Holdings Berhad.

“In addition to providing a solid foundation for businesses to thrive, integration of the latest technologies will also enhance the quality of life of residents,” said Datuk Syed Mohamed Syed Ibrahim, president and CEO of Iskandar Investment Berhad. “Families will enjoy the convenience of real-time access to public services from the comfort of their own homes such as medical consultations and video conferencing.”

Cisco aims to help the process with its Smart+Connected Communities architecture, which is based on the idea that integrated operations and communications can help homes, schools, transportation systems and more run more efficiently and provide better lifestyles for people.

Cisco is also working on Smart+Connected Communities projects in other cities such as Amsterdam, London, Toronto and Songdo, South Korea.