ISKANDAR MALAYSIA, May 17: The Iskandar Malaysia Accolades 2016/17 (TIMA) award ceremony saw a total of 23 awards being presented at Hotel Jen, Iskandar Puteri this evening. This inaugural award, an initiative of Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), is part of the Iskandar Malaysia’s year-long 10th anniversary campaign that began in November 2016.
The award ceremony was graced by YAB Dato’ Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Menteri Besar of Johor, Johor State Secretary Dato’ Azmi Rohani, Johor EXCO members YB Puan Hajjah Asiah Md Ariff, YB Datuk Haji Md Jais Sarday and Datuk Ismail Ibrahim, Chief Executive of IRDA, as well as corporate leaders and senior state government officers.
According to YAB Dato’ Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Menteri Besar of Johor said the progress that Iskandar Malaysia has steadily charted for the past 10 years is truly spectacular. However, much more needs to be achieved in this third and final phase of this 20-year journey, that started in 2006 in order to be consistent with the tenets of growth with equity.
“TIMA is yet another initiative in positioning Iskandar Malaysia as a smart region. I am optimistic that awarding recognitions such as TIMA will encourage more townships and projects to emulate and incorporate smart city elements which in the end, will benefit the Rakyat.”
“Having said that, I take the opportunity to congratulate the recipients of ‘The Iskandar Malaysia Accolades’ 2016/17 awards this evening for their contribution towards enhancing the quality of life in Iskandar Malaysia and I look forward to such best practices replicated in the future by other cities and developments towards achieving Iskandar Malaysia’s vision of being a Strong and Sustainable Metropolis of International Standing.” said Dato’ Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The award recognizes developments, projects, companies, government agencies, professional bodies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that have made outstanding contribution towards enhancing the quality of life in Iskandar Malaysia. The 23 awards were presented under 7 categories, namely the Most Liveable Residence, Most Conducive Workplace, Most Happening Place, Most Relaxing Environment, Most Impactful Investment, Most Balanced Community and the Value Champion award. Each of the awards were given out to Platinum, Gold and Silver recipients while the Value Champion awards were given out to the Public Service, Corporate, Professional Body, Media, Enabler and the Overall Value Champion.
IRDA Chief Executive Datuk Ismail Ibrahim said “We have come a long way since Iskandar Malaysia’s establishment back in 2006. All of us can look back with pride at what we have achieved thus far. Guided by the Iskandar Malaysia Comprehensive Development Plan (CDPii) 2014-2025, we continue to ensure the region’s growth is holistic and balanced in economic, social and environmental aspects.”
“TIMA is a specialized award and unique in its approach as it takes into account the viewpoints and perspectives of the community and public rather than the project owners themselves. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the recipients of TIMA 2016/17, and hope that this initiative will further encourage more townships and projects that incorporate smart city elements to participate in this award.” said Datuk Ismail.
There were 60 nominations selected from the real estate related practices. The nominations were then evaluated and rated based on certain criteria such as liveability, green features, evidence of value appreciation and sustainable management, and contributions to Iskandar Malaysia’s targets on smart city, low carbon society, socio-economy, investment as well as balanced community and racial harmony.
“I think this is a very meaningful award that IRDA has set for this development Industry in Iskandar Malaysia. For the point of investment, I think all the project owners are looking at the appreciation recognition of their investment,” said one of TIMA’s judges, Christina Tee, Chairwoman, Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Johor Branch.
“We have seen that many developments in Iskandar Malaysia now have set very high standard for their development and they have benchmark their aspirations and expectations with other countries like Singapore and try to develop the projects to Singapore’s standard,” said another TIMA judge, Sr. S. Vadeveloo, Immediate Past Chairman, Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA).
TIMA is an initiative of IRDA’s commitment in positioning Iskandar Malaysia as a smart region. TIMA was first launched by Dato’ Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Menteri Besar of Johor at the 6th Iskandar Malaysia Open Day in April 2016.