Singapore companies investing in China can get a leg up at the new Singapore Centre in Guangzhou

Source: Ascendas.

Singapore-based companies venturing into China can look forward to a one-stop service platform with the official opening of the Singapore Centre at Sino-Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City (SSGKC). Named Singapore Centre @SSGKC (Singapore Centre), the centre is located within Ascendas OneHub GKC, an integrated business park within SSGKC.

The Singapore Centre brings together key agencies in China and Singapore and their resources to provide one-stop services for Singapore-based companies investing in China. It will be managed by business space solutions provider Ascendas, with support from IE Singapore, SSGKC Administrative Committee, Sino-Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City Investment and Development Co., (GKC) and Action Community for Entrepreneurship (ACE) to assist in investment consultancy, government facilitation, business matching as well as streamlined company registration and set-up.

Companies can also take advantage of the business spaces, including plug-and-play facilities, that Ascendas offers at competitive rates, to facilitate their business entry and growth in China. To date, Singapore-based companies such as Nicolabs and Dentalthon have set up their operations in Ascendas OneHub GKC. Nicolabs makes health supplements, and Dentalthon is behind the MBrace clear dental aligners.

Chin Phei Chen, CEO of GKC said, “The launch of the Singapore Centre comes at an opportune time when SSGKC is ready to welcome the first group of companies to set up their businesses in OneHub. Through this initiative, we aim to position SSGKC as the preferred location for Singapore companies seeking entrance into the South China market.”

Wong Wing Kien, CEO of Ascendas China added, “With Ascendas’ strong expertise in Singapore and Asia as well as our deep understanding of the local market in China, we are confident that we will be able to work closely with all relevant parties, and contribute to the bilateral investment and industry development between Singapore and Guangdong.”

SSGKC is jointly developed by the Singbridge Group (Singbridge), a member of the Ascendas-Singbridge Group, and Guangzhou Development District (GDD). Ascendas-Singbridge was formed through the merger of Ascendas and Singbridge in June this year, combining the capabilities of two leading brands to originate, aggregate and provide urban and business space solutions across multiple industries and geographies. SSGKC and Ascendas OneHub GKC are good examples that showcase the expertise and capability of Ascendas-Singbridge in undertaking complex, large scale sustainable developments and providing end-to-end urban solutions.

With a vision to become a model and catalyst for Guangdong’s economic transformation, the 123-sq km SSGKC will be a unique, vibrant and sustainable city highly attractive to both talents and knowledge-based industries. Targeting key industries such as information & communication technology (ICT), biotechnology & pharmaceuticals, clean technology, next generation materials, culture & creative industries, and science & education services, SSGKC will support a 500,000-strong community when fully completed.

Located in the heart of SSGKC, Ascendas OneHub GKC is Ascendas’ flagship integrated business park development in Guangzhou, comprising business and commercial space, high-end residential and lifestyle amenities. When fully completed, Ascendas OneHub GKC will have a built-up area of 600,000 sq m.

Mitsui-Nusajaya Tech Park joint venture offers custom workspaces for lease in Iskandar, Malaysia

Source: Ascendas.

Mitsui & Co. has entered into a joint venture agreement with Nusajaya Tech Park (NTPSB), a company jointly owned by Asian business space solutions provider Ascendas, and Malaysian property developer UEM Sunrise to offer build-to-suit (BTS) properties for lease in Nusajaya Tech Park in Iskandar Malaysia.

The joint venture marks the first Japanese partnership for industrial parks in Iskandar Malaysia. Mitsui has an extensive network in Japan and strong know-how in areas such as industrial property development, management and leasing. Ascendas has an established track record and capabilities in quality business space development and management, while UEM Sunrise has in-depth local market knowledge and capabilities. 

Combining the respective strengths of these three partners, Nusajaya Tech Park will be well-positioned to provide differentiated solutions to Japanese corporations in Iskandar Malaysia, as well as attract a new wave of Japanese investments into the region. The park will also benefit from potential synergies with the Smart City project that Mitsui is undertaking in the Medini District within Iskandar Malaysia. Under the agreement, a total land area of 10.7 hectares will be set aside for BTS for lease within the 210-hectare Nusajaya Tech Park, at a projected development value of approximately S$167 million (RM468 million) over four years.

The joint venture will provide one-stop solution to companies who prefer to operate in customised facilities on long-term leases, without the hassle and capital expenditure associated with the construction process. The joint venture will oversee and finance the entire real estate process for customers – from design, construction, project management to property management.

Designed for a wide range of light to medium industries, Nusajaya Tech Park offers an eco-friendly and world-class business environment, with integrated industrial, commercial spaces, dormitories, amenities and support facilities in one location. It is also the first township in Malaysia to be awarded Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority’s Green Mark for Districts – Gold (Provisional) Award.

Reiji Fujita, General Manager of Urban Development Division of Mitsui, said, “Japanese companies are increasingly seeking investment and expansion opportunities in Southeast Asia as part of their globalisation strategies. Nusajaya Tech Park is a catalytic development in Iskandar Malaysia, located just minutes away from Singapore and well-positioned to serve as a key gateway for Japanese corporations to grow their presence in this region. Our collaboration with two very formidable industry leaders in this market, Ascendas and UEM Sunrise, will cement our position as a preferred partner for Japanese companies seeking growth in this part of the world.”

Manohar Khiatani, President and Group CEO of Ascendas and Chairman of NTPSB, said, “By leveraging Mitsui’s strong network of clients and partners, we can elevate our marketing efforts for Nusajaya Tech Park, particularly to Japanese companies, and help these companies harness the potential of this fast-growing region.”

William Tay, Chief Executive of Ascendas South East Asia and Director of NTPSB, said, “Through this new joint venture, our customers in Nusajaya Tech Park will not only benefit from solutions that are customised to their business needs, but also enjoy international standards of business space development and operations as a result of the collective strengths of all three partners.”

Raymond Cheah, Chief Operating Officer, Commercial of UEM Sunrise said, “We are pleased that Mitsui is joining the Nusajaya Tech Park family. Mitsui’s involvement offers an added dimension that will propel Gerbang Nusajaya into an industrial and business engine to become the regional transformation hub, through a partnership of international proportions.”