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Top Glove chief: Other states should embrace i-City's concept for profitability [BTTV]

SHAH ALAM: THE concept behind i-City in the capital city of Selangor should be adopted by other states, serving as a model to elevate local projects to international standards, according to Tan Sri Lim Wee Chai, founder and executive chairman of Top Glove Corporation Bhd.

Lim, known for his insight into innovative developments, described i-City as a successful example that has consistently delivered profitability while providing significant value to the community.

"Its sustainability and ongoing positive impact reflect the strength of the project and the company behind it," Lim told NST Property after the launch of Sky i-City in Shah Alam on Saturday.

Lim highlighted i-City as a prime example of a successful mixed-use integrated development, especially in light of the growing trend where real estate projects that blend commercial, residential, retail, hotels, malls, and recreational elements, such as theme parks, are expected to thrive in Johor—particularly within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).

"i-City merges commercial, residential, and entertainment spaces with sustainability and community engagement at its core," Lim said, adding that similar projects could flourish in Johor due to its growth-friendly environment.

"Replicating such developments is feasible, but achieving global recognition comes with challenges," he said, likening it to competing in the Olympics.

"Success demands precision, adaptability, and excellence," he said.

Monica Ong, director of i-City, Malaysia No. 1 Digital City, highlighted Sky i-City as a testament to the development's commitment to sustainable tourism.

She said that the attractions and hotel accommodations in i-City are expected to draw five million visitors in 2025, significantly boosting Selangor's economy, where tourism contributes 26.5 per cent to the state's gross domestic product.

In alignment with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, i-City aims to attract tourists from key markets such as the Middle East, Singapore, India, and China, supporting the national goal of welcoming 35.6 million international visitors and generating RM147.1 billion in tourism revenue.

Ong said the latest attraction, Sky i-City, complements i-City's existing offerings, including SnoWalk, Digital Sport Arena, MySports, the CNN-acclaimed City of Digital Lights, and two prominent hotels: DoubleTree by Hilton i-City and Wyndham Garden i-City.

Sky i-City, a 60-metre-tall structure, features a 600-metre glass slide—the first of its kind in Malaysia.

This thrilling attraction offers loops, twists, and panoramic views of the Klang Valley skyline, along with a fully transparent observation deck with a glass floor.

"Sky i-City is an embodiment of i-City's innovative spirit and dedication to creating exceptional experiences, further solidifying our position as a leader in sustainable tourism," Ong said.

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