SUNDAY STAR, 6 NOVEMBER 2016

FOCUS ON NEGRI SEMBILAN

Growing importance

While Kuala Lumpur continues to be the nation's economic hub,

Negri Sembilan is slowly stepping out of the shadows and making waves
in property, commercial, industrial and technological development.

2 Focus on Negri Sembilan

WITH the recent unveiling of
Bandar Malaysia and the
development of the Malaysia
Vision Valley a multibillionringgit development project across
the region of Nilai, Seremban and
Port Dickson Negri Sembilan is
poised for booming, long-lasting
growth.
The growing appreciation for
property outside the Klang Valley
has prompted buyers and investors
to look south, where the Seri Pajam
Development is a beacon outside
the capital city.
Seri Pajam Development not
only aims to provide affordable
homes but also homes that are
designed to be practical and
comfortable.
First-time homeowners will feel
less of a pinch in their pocket if
they choose to buy or invest with
Seri Pajam Development
considering the home and lifestyle
quality they are getting in return.
More than 60% of Seri Pajam
homes are below RM500,000. These
include the Citra Embun town villa
in Pajam from RM250,000, Nada 2
premium single-storey terrace in
Pajam with four bedrooms and
two bathrooms from RM398,000,
Citra Hill double-storey terrace
units in Pajam with four bedrooms
and four bathrooms from
RM498,000, Dmayang Sari in Nilai
from RM466,200, and Nusa 16
double-storey terrace with
homegrown yard from RM467,900.
Properties under the Seri Pajam
Development are fairly priced for
spacious landed properties, which
are perfect for families with
children and senior citizens.
They are also a great
investment opportunity for
first-time homeowners, with low
retail prices paired with excellent
home and lifestyle quality that
comes with the property, says Tey
Soo Leng, director of Seri Pajam
Development.
Projects under Seri Pajam
Development give you the most
out of your home with easy
accessibility to amenities.
Most of its development can be
easily reached through a network
of highways such as Lekas
Highway, the North-South
Expressway and trunk roads to
KLIA and Putrajaya.
This transportation network
offers an effortless commute in
and out of the city and allows for
seamless traffic around the town
area a plus point for those who
are looking to avoid the usual city
traffic congestion.
Take a quick glance at the
location map and you will spot
conveniences such as learning
institutions, railway stations,
banks, shopping centres, medical
centres and golf clubs.

Design and practicality

The homes of the Seri Pajam

SUNDAY STAR, 6 NOVEMBER 2016

The prime choice

An artist's
impression of
Nada 3
double-storey
garden homes
in Nada Alam.

An artist's impression of the yard of a Nada Alam home, where children can
enjoy an active outdoor lifestlye in the safety of their home.

An artist's impression of Nusa Intan's mini wetland amid 6.5ha of green

area.

Development are built using the

Industrialised Building System
(IBS) a construction system
where components are
pre-manufactured in a controlled
environment before being
transported to the construction site
for assembly.
IBS saves time and offers better
quality control, making it more
practical for the developer and
homeowners and ensuring timely
delivery.
What truly makes these
developments stand out is their
modern design with the ample use
of windows to provide adequate
ventilation and sunlight.
The kitchen and bathrooms
come complete with ceiling-to-floor
wall tiles, well-thought-out layouts
and high ceilings.
Homes by Seri Pajam
Development also come with an

under its belt, Seri Pajam

Development is set to extend its
excellent track record.
A member of the Nova Loyal
Group of Companies, it is
supported by its sister company
Nova Loyal Development Sdn Bhd,
which was awarded the Malaysian
Construction Industry Excellence
Awards (MCIEA) 2010 for using the
IBS.
Other than being a construction
award winner, Seri Pajam

extended backyard for more space

and an extended porch, thus
saving future homeowners
unnecessary renovation costs.
With a great reputation as a
developer of self-contained
suburban townships, Seri Pajam
Development has spent the last 10
years diligently developing
residential and commercial
property, says Tey.
We have also set a benchmark
for our developments by making
sure there is value creation in the
form of amenities, infrastructure
and design.
We want our buyers to
appreciate the value as well as the
lifestyle each project offers and it is
important that they share the
journey of enhancement together
with us.
With a string of notable
developments in Negri Sembilan

n For more information, visit

www.seripajam.com.my.

Latest developments
l Citra Hill, Pajam (32ha)
Citra Hill caters to those who
crave for a tranquil and
refreshing lifestyle. Citra stands
for charm, ideal, tranquillity,
refreshing and accessibility.
l Nada Alam, Pajam
(64.7ha) This green living and
sustainable lifestyle concept sits
on freehold land and is
separated into five precincts
with 5.26ha of green space. Its
green scenery offers residents a
peaceful environment.
The project consists of a mini
wetland, five concept parks, a
7km jogging track and 5.2ha of
green areas.

An artist's impression of the aerial view of D'Mayang Sari, which is surrounded by amenities and green areas.

Development won development

and architecture awards such as
the Asia Pacific Property Awards
for Best Residential Landscape
Architecture Malaysia in 2014, Best
Safe Home Award and Highly
Commended Property (Single Unit)
Malaysia in 2015, and Starproperty.
my Awards 2016s The Cornerstone
Award for the project Nada Alam.

l DMayang Sari, Nilai

(25.9ha) Located next to the
centre of Nilai, DMayang Sari is
surrounded by high-demand
amenities such as universities,
banks and hypermarkets.
Within the development area,
almost 10% of the total land
usage will be gazetted as green

areas for recreational and

outdoor exercise.
The Eco Lake, Linear Garden,
Shaded Playground, Maze
Garden, Linear Park and
Kite Lawn are some of the
green components in DMayang
Sari.

l Bandar Warisan Puteri,

Seremban (40ha) A serene
township carpeted with lush
greenery and pristine
landscape, Bandar Warisan
Puteri consists of mainly
semi-detached and doublestorey houses, which provide
luxury living at an affordable
price.
l Nusa Intan, Senawang
(109ha) Living in Nusa Intan
is described as life in a spacious
and private utopia.
Nusa Intan is surrounded by
6.5ha of green area, eight
concept parks and three
recreational lakes, all located
just next to a forest reserve.

SUNDAY STAR, 6 NOVEMBER 2016

4 Focus on Negri Sembilan

LOCATED within the Greater Klang
Valley conurbation, Bandar Sri
Sendayan is an up-and-coming
township in Negri Sembilan that is
set to have a vibrant and exciting
future.
Similar to the growth of
maturing townships that surround
Kuala Lumpur, this 5,233-acre
(2117.7ha) freehold development is
poised to enjoy comparable success
and live up to its reputation of
being the Damansara of Seremban.
A brainchild of BSS Development
Sdn Bhd, a member of Matrix
Concepts Holdings Berhad, Bandar
Sri Sendayan is a perfect home for
you and your loved ones as it is
planned and designed with
comfortable living in mind.
This self-sustainable
development comprises everything
from residential property to
commercial, education, hi-tech
industrial, hospitality and leisure
developments, exemplifying the
developers vision nurturing
environments, enriching lives.
While families will find this
premier-integrated development
an oasis of fulfilment, commercial
businesses will no doubt see
Bandar Sri Sendayan as a real
estate gem with promising
opportunities.
Residents and business owners
can rest assured knowing that they
will experience tranquil tropical
living and a strong sense of
community life in this urban hub.

Strategic locale
There are currently 30,000
people who call Bandar Sri
Sendayan home. This is a clear
indication of the townships growth
potential as it gears up to its
expected population of 120,000
upon completion.
The first-class township is highly
accessible via major highways,
including the North-South
Expressway Southern Route, which
can be accessed through the
Seremban-Labu toll that is 7km
from the township.
It is also connected to the
Seremban-Port Dickson Highway
that links Port Dickson to the west
and Mambau to the east. In the
coming years, residents will find
greater connectivity with the
Paroi-Senawang-KLIA Expressway
that will be accessible from
Sendayan TechValley.
In addition, the proposed High
Speed Rail between Kuala Lumpur
and Singapore is disclosed to have
a station at Labu, a mere 5km from
Bandar Sri Sendayan.

Fulfilling needs
As the entire township is
inspired by nature, it is filled with
orchards, parks and individual
neighbourhood gardens, offering
residents ample green spaces to
relax and unwind after a stressful
day at the office.

SUNDAY STAR, 6 NOVEMBER 2016

Major
awards and
achievements
2016
Property Insight
Prestigious Developer
Awards Best Township
Developer
Awarded to Matrix
Concepts Holdings Bhd
South East Asia Property
Awards (Malaysia) Best
Housing Development
(Central Malaysia)
Awarded to Elymus @
Resort Home awards
South East Asia Property
Awards (Malaysia)
Special Recognition in
CSR (Corporate Social
Responsibility)
Received by Matrix
Concepts Holdings Bhd

Residents of Bandar Sri Sendayan will enjoy ample facilities and amenities such as the d'Tempat Country Club.

A booming township
The townships main park,
Sendayan GreenPark, spreads
across 26 acres (10.5ha) and has
facilities such as a skate park, lake,
amphitheatre, football field,
childrens playground, reflexology
path, fitness station, jogging track
and viewing deck.
Residents have no reason not
to venture into the outdoors and
enjoy a healthy lifestyle as well as
the community living experience.
With the presence of the
100-acre (40.47ha) Sendayan
Merchant Square, residents will
find that there are amenities that
meet their every need.
This integrated lifestyle
commercial development consists
of dTempat Country Club, private
national and international schools
that make up Matrix Global
Schools, shop offices, retail outlets
and the soon-to-be-opened 34-acre
(13.76ha) Sendayan Extreme Park
that will include a golf driving
range, BMX track, facilities for
paintball and more.
The dTempat Country Club
covers 380,000sq ft (35,3030.2sq m)
of floor area with facilities such as
badminton, tennis and squash
courts, a 10-lane bowling alley, a
gym, an Olympic-size swimming

Destinations within the

vicinity of the township
Tesco Stores 7km
Colombia Asia Hospital 7km
Aeon Shopping Centre 8km
Mydin Wholesale
Hypermarket 8km
Palm Mall Seremban 9km
KPJ Seremban Specialist
Hospital 9km
KTM Seremban station 13km
Seremban town centre 14km
Nilai 21km
Port Dickson 25km
KLIA (Kuala Lumpur
International Airport) 35km
Putrajaya 60km
Kuala Lumpur City Centre
76km
pool, restaurants, cafes as well as
meeting, convention and exhibition
facilities.
Job opportunities are aplenty
with the growth of Sendayan
TechValley, the townships hi-tech
industrial zone.
The foreign direct investment
currently spans over 300 acres
(121.4ha) with a range of
powerhouses and pioneering
tech groups.

Its strategic location, world-class

infrastructure, excellent network
connectivity, eco-friendly
environment, waste management
and attractive incentives are some
of the reasons for setting up
business here.

A new hot spot

Many people are moving out of
Kuala Lumpur and its maturing
surrounding neighbourhoods as
these areas are getting excessively
congested.
In recent years, Seremban has
been attracting many individuals
as well as families. Bandar Sri
Sendayan is surely one location to
keep an eye out for due to its
sprawling spaces, lush greenery
and well-planned amenities.
Along with a long list of
amenities ranging from healthcare
and education to retail and
services, Bandar Sri Sendayan is a
booming multifaceted, coveted and
self-sustaining township that is
suitable for individuals and
families alike.

n For more information,

call 1800 882 688 or visit
www.1sendayan.com.

About the developer

INCORPORATED in 1997, Matrix
Concepts Holdings Bhd is focused
on its vision to set the
benchmark in delivering
excellence as well as
professionalism.
The principal activities of
the group include property
development, construction,
hospitality, education and
property investment.
To date, the group has
successfully completed and sold
more than 22,000 units of
residential and commercial
properties with a gross
development value (GDV) of
RM2.5bil.
The group is currently

embarking on two flagship

developments that will propel
the companys growth over the
next 10 to 15 years with a
combined GDV of approximately
RM8bil.
One of the strengths of the
group is its marketing strategies,
delivering final products ahead
of schedule as well as good
customer service and a team of
responsible and committed
employees.
The group was accredited with
the ISO 9001 status by BM TRADA
of the United Kingdom in August
2005 and listed on the main
board of Bursa Malaysia
Securities Bhd on May 28, 2013.

The Edge Billion Ringgit

Club
Awarded membership to
Matrix Concepts Holdings
Berhad
2015
The Edge Billion Ringgit
Club
Awarded membership to
Matrix Concepts Holdings
Berhad
2014
Forbes Asia 200 Best
Under A Billion
Matrix Concepts Holdings
Bhd recognised as one of
the best small- and
midsized-listed companies
in Asia Pacific with an
annual revenue under
USD1bil (RM4.2bil)
The BrandLaureate SMEs
Corporate Branding
Award (Education
International Schools)
Awarded to Matrix Global
Schools
SME100 Awards Fast
Moving Companies
Awarded to Matrix Global
Education Sdn Bhd
SME Recognition
Platinum Entrepreneur
Award
Awarded to Datuk Lee Tian
Hock
The Edge Billion Ringgit
Club
Awarded membership to
Matrix Concepts Holdings
Berhad
2013
Green Building Index
(GBI) Gold Standard
(Provisional) Certificate
Awarded to dTempat
Country Club
World Sense of Place
Awards Sustainable
Township of the Year
Awarded to Bandar Sri
Sendayan

With comfortable living in mind, Bandar Sri Sendayan is a suitable home for
individuals and families.

Matrix Concepts Holdings

Bhd listed on the main
board of Bursa Malaysia

SUNDAY STAR, 6 NOVEMBER 2016

6 Focus on Negri Sembilan

AS a winner of multiple
international awards, including the
prestigious FIABCI World Prix
dExcellence Awards from the
International Real Estate
Federation, Ireka Corporation
Berhad (Ireka) is a trusted
construction and development
outfit that delivers top-quality
residential and commercial
properties across the country.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary
next year, Ireka is adding to its
extensive real estate portfolio the
Dwi@Rimbun Kasia Courtyard
Homes at the heart of Nilai New
Town.
Built as part of the Rimbun
Kasia development that will
consist of town villas, high-rise
condominiums, a lifestyle
commercial village and a central
park, Dwi will be Irekas first
apartment project built under the
companys zenZ brand a concept
development for the growing
mid-market segment.
According to Ireka Corporation
Berhads group managing director
Datuk Lai Voon Hon, the response
and feedback from potential
buyers have been encouraging.
The general property market
has not been very good over the
last year but the mid-market
segment appeared to be relatively
strong.
We have been previewing and
conducting roadshows for potential
buyers, collecting their feedback
and, to date, we have registered
many interested buyers, exceeding
the number of units available,
says Lai.

SUNDAY STAR, 6 NOVEMBER 2016

Value and security

An artists impression of Dwi, Irekas first apartment venture developed under its zenZ brand.

More for homeowners

Taking cues from the companys
luxurious i-Zen brand of
properties, Lai is confident in
delivering nothing less than quality
developments and comfortable
living spaces for potential Dwi
homebuyers.
He says, It is important that
potential homeowners understand
the value in buying a zenZ-branded
property and the five essences or
5Es that are synonymous with each
zenZ project.
The 5Es refer to the
characteristics promised with each
zenZ property economical,
evolutionary, efficient, essential
and eco-conscious.
Homes under the zenZ brand are
built to be economical affordable
to the target market and offering
good value for money.
The price of each unit ranges
from RM300,000 to RM480,000. We
did not want to exceed the
RM500,000 bracket but wanted to
bring some of the quality and
designs from the i-Zen brand, says
Lai.
Besides that, each home is
evolutionary as it features
innovative and modern designs
to increase liveability and
functionality. In Dwi, selected units
have a dual-key system that
enables occupants to share a
common foyer with separate

Ireka Corporation Berhads group

managing director Datuk Lai Voon
Hon.
lockable doors that do not have
access to the main dwelling.
Lai says, We believe this
concept will work and benefit
buyers as they can rent out the
unused part of their house for
income generation. As there are
many universities in Nilai, they can
rent out a room to students while
using the other two rooms.
As zenZ homes aim to be
efficient in size and design, the Dwi
apartment is user-friendly and
boasts a layout that maximises
space. Lai adds, We are also
efficient in cutting down energy
costs with open corridors that have
natural ventilation and lighting.
Catering to the essential needs
and lifestyles of the modern
customer, zenZ properties
incorporate ample benefits such
as a gated and guarded facility
surrounding the building to ensure

An artists impression of the Dwi guardhouse that aims to provide security

and peace of mind to its occupants.
comfort and peace of mind.
Finally, all our developments
are eco-conscious and eco-friendly.
In Dwi, we have a unique
rain-harvesting system where
instead of using an electric pump,
we will have specially designed
bicycles installed at the stairways
that can generate energy to pump
collected rainwater, says Lai.
Ultimately, we want to provide
customers with a product that is
trendy and of quality at an
affordable price. We hope potential
buyers will associate these features
as a brand standard when we

launch the other phases of Rimbun

Kasia.

Meeting market needs

To distinguish or differentiate
ourselves from our competitors,
we work hard to understand the
market and customers well. This
includes understanding the
emotional aspects of a potential
buyers wants because, as a
developer, we must be cognisant of
this, says Lai.
In addition to the five essences,
Dwi homeowners are assured to be

part of an exciting and attractive

real estate development that
caters to their needs.
With Nilai being in the Golden
Triangle of the southern growth
corridor and within a 30km
radius from the nations capital,
Rimbun Kasia will experience
massive growth in the coming
years.
We believe this location is
quite strategic. There is the KLIA
Transit station at Salak Tinggi,
which is a 20-minute drive away
and the KTM Komuter station in
Nilai, which is only a five minute
drive away. To enhance
accessibility, we will provide a
shuttle service from our
commercial centre to the KTM
station, shares Lai.
Connected via multiple arteries,
including the North-South
Expressway, Elite Expressway,
KL-Putrajaya Highway (MEX
Highway), KLIA Extension
Highway and Lekas Highway,
homeowners and visitors will
have convenient access to Kuala
Lumpur City Centre, Putrajaya,
Cyberjaya, KLIA and klia2, Mitsui
Outlet Park and the Sepang
International Circuit.
Furthermore, Lai believes
people will enjoy living in
Rimbun Kasia due to its
surrounding greenery, wide
roads, central park that
encourages outdoor activities as
well as short distances to shops
and amenities. Cycle paths will be
provided to encourage cycling
within the community.
It is also within walking
distance of another Ireka
development, prime two-and-ahalf-storey shop offices called 10
Shopz, where residents can have
meals and get daily provisions.
As Rimbun Kasia is within the
self-contained township of Nilai
New Town, it is a very good
proposition for people looking for
a starter home or a place to raise
a family. Instead of being stuck in
a traffic jam for 45 minutes to an
hour to get to work, one can be in
downtown Kuala Lumpur within
20 minutes via the KTM and
experience minimal stress when
they reach home, says Lai.
This is the concept we are
proposing to buyers as well as a
balanced lifestyle that comes with
living at Rimbun Kasia.
A preview of Dwi Courtyard
Homes will be held in December
before its official launch
scheduled for the end of the
first quarter of next year. The
remaining projects that form
Rimbun Kasia are on schedule
to be launched over the next
few years.

n For more information,

call 06-799 3299/3288 or visit

www.rimbunkasia.com.my.

SUNDAY STAR, 6 NOVEMBER 2016

8 Focus on Negri Sembilan

PUTRA Nilai in Negri Sembilan is
an integrated and mature
6,233-acre (2,522.4ha) development
that is part of the Greater Klang
Valley extension and Malaysian
Vision Valley under the 11th
Malaysia Plan.
Primarily developed by Putra
Nilai Development Sdn Bhd the
property arm of Nilai Resources
Group Putra Nilai will have an
estimated population exceeding
150,000.
It is strategically interconnected
and accessible from other major
townships via integrated highways
and rail links.
Putra Nilai Development Sdn
Bhd, which strives towards
becoming Malaysias preferred
developer of excellence, is
currently working on five separate
developments in the township.
In all its projects, the developer
aims to ensure good quality and
excellent customer relations at all
times. It is also the developers
commitment to conserve energy
and preserve the environment.
Its excellent accessibility,
comfortable convenience and
tranquil, safe environment make
Putra Nilai your ideal location for
business, recreation, living and
education.
A key aspect of Putra Nilais
growth is Nilais status as an
education hub. Nilai University,
INTI International University,
Manipal International University
and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia
(USIM) continue to draw local and
international students in pursuing
their tertiary education.
The presence of the Nilai
International School and other
educational facilities means that
parents have access to quality
education for all ages.
Putra Nilai is located only a
15-minute drive from Seremban
and less than 15 minutes from the
Kuala Lumpur International
Airport.
Putrajaya, the Governments
administrative centre, and
Cyberjaya, Malaysias first
intelligent city and nucleus for
local information technology
development, are both just 20
minutes drive from Putra Nilai.
On the other hand, Port Klang is
a 45-minute drive away while the
capital city of Kuala Lumpur can
be reached in half an hour.
A wide range of amenities and
facilities has been built to cater to
the large population already
residing in the town.
Putra Nilai offers convenience to
consumers and businessmen alike
by hosting a complete range of
major banks, including Maybank,
RHB Bank, Bank Rakyat, Bank
Islam and Ambank.
In addition to the Giant and
Tesco hypermarkets currently
operating in the area, one of the

An artist's impression of
Lodge Residence, an upcoming
student apartment near
several universities.

SUNDAY STAR, 6 NOVEMBER 2016

Convenience meets luxury

An artist's impression of Bellina Villas, luxury houses within the Golf Precint
Homes area in Putra Nilai.
largest Aeon malls in Malaysia will
open its doors here in 2018.
Putra Nilai comes equipped with
recreational avenues where
residents can relax, unwind and
exercise. These include the Nilai
Springs Resort Hotel, Nilai Springs
Golf & Country Club, the nearby
Airport Sports Complex and public
parks.
There are also plenty of dining
options as well as health and
medical centres from small clinics
to specialised hospitals. In short,
Putra Nilai is packed with a great
variety of amenities and facilities
for the whole family.

Golf Precinct Homes

For those who prefer a touch of
luxury, Gold Precinct Homes offers
a collection of luxurious bungalows
and semi-detached homes located
next to a 27-hole golf resort.
Homeowners will enjoy
membership privilege at Nilai
Springs Golf & Country Club.
Nestled within the prestigious
address of Nilai Springs Heights, 18
exclusive and limited-edition
double-storey bungalows front the
Nilai Springs Golf & Country Club,
allowing you to enjoy the scenic
view of its beautiful greenery.
The bungalows built-up area is
from 4,906sq ft (455.8sq m).
Bellina Villas, on the other hand,
epitomises life in a peaceful

natural environment with an

exclusive contemporary suburban
lifestyle. Conveniences abound
with shopping and great schools
just around the corner.
Bellina Villas is nestled within a
low-density enclave of 30 semidetached units and four bungalow
units. The development comprises
luxury villas within a gated and
guarded community in the Golf
Precinct Homes area.

Latest developments
Jati Heights has good value as a
starter home that is suitable for
working professionals, small and
young families, and investors alike.
Located on high ground, Jati
Heights is surrounded by pockets
of landscaped green spaces as well
as a recreational playground that
offers natures reprieve from daily
stress.
It is surrounded by four local
and international universities. It is
within walking distance from the
USIMs Medical and Dentistry
Faculty, which will be ready by
2019.
Consisting of 82 units of doublestorey terrace (Thalia)
and 80 units of three-storey
townhouses (Adina), each home
adopts a comfortable open-plan
design with a fully extended
backyard and car porch.
A well-planned development

Nilai Springs Heights consists of 18 exclusive and limited-edition

double-storey bungalows.
with underground cabling allows
you to express your style in total
comfort and contentment.
Meeting the developers strategy
of providing customers with
outstanding products and
exemplary after-sales service,
owners of this property will enjoy
24 months of Unifi service. Limited
Jati Heights units are still available.

Investment opportunities
As Putra Nilai Development Sdn
Bhd aims to ensure all products
are designed to be aesthetically
pleasant and fairly priced, the
Lodge Residence is a good and
low-entry investment opportunity
for investors who want to

capitalise on the growing student

population in the area, which is
expected to reach 50,000 residents
soon.
Lodge Residence is a student
apartment located next to Nilai
University and within walking
distance to Manipal International
University, Inti International
University and USIM.
All units are ready to move in
and come with a Certificate of
Completion and Compliance. The
price for this apartment unit starts
at RM65,000 and limited units are
available.

n For more information,

call 06-850 1888 or visit
www.putranilai.com.my.

Homes by Putra Nilai

Nilai Springs Heights
l Type: 2-storey bungalow
Built-up area: F
 rom 4,906sq ft
(455.8sq m)
Land area: From 60ft x 100ft
(18.2m x 30.5m)
Bellina Villas
l Type: 2-storey semi-detached
home
Built-up area: 3,293sq ft
(305.9sq m)
Land area: From 40ft x 95ft
(12.2m x 29m)

l Type: Semi-custom 2-storey

bungalow
Built-up area: From 3,300sq ft
(306.6sq m)
Land area: From 5,300sq ft
(492.4sq m)

Jati Heights

l Type: 2-storey terrace house

(Thalia)
Built-up area: F
 rom 2,490sq ft
(231.3sq m)
Land area: 22ft x 70ft
(6.7m x 21.3m)
Standard type: 4
 bedrooms
and 3
bathrooms

l Type: 3-storey townhouse

(Adina)
Built-up area: F
 rom 1,677sq ft
(155.7sq m)
Land area: 25ft x 65ft
(7.6m x 19.8m)
Sub type A: 4
 bedrooms, 2
rooms and 2
bathrooms
Sub type B: 4
 bedrooms,
2 bathrooms and
1 powder room

SUNDAY STAR, 6 NOVEMBER 2016

10 Focus on Negri Sembilan

By NISSHANTHAN DHANAPALAN
NEGRI Sembilan has more to offer
than just its rich culture and
history. It is an amalgamation of a
multicultural society with its
signature Minangkabau culture
that has been the pride of the state
for decades.
In addition, Negri Sembilan is
known for its culinary signature
cuisine such as gulai masak cili api,
beef noodles and siew pau as well
as its beaches and resorts in Port
Dickson a favourite getaway
destination for many city dwellers
in the Klang Valley.
The announcement of the
Malaysia Vision Valley has placed
the magnifying glass over the state
and its potential in contributing to
the further development of the
country.
More importantly, the state is
looking to boost tourism,
construction and agriculture as
part of its main sectors as well as
improve its transportation
infrastructure such as the High
Speed Rail service.
Negri Sembilan is gearing up to
become on par with the most
developed states in the country yet
strives to keep its identity and
maintain much if its suburbia
districts that prove to not only
create excellent residential areas
but also education hubs and
sectors that are of economic value.

Multi-sector economy
For many years, Negri Sembilan
has been known for supplying
workforce to the Klang Valley and
this is especially true for towns
such as Seremban and Nilai.
The Work in Kuala Lumpur, live
in Seremban slogan has been
often quoted by the Negri Sembilan
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Utama
Mohammad Hasan to further
attract people to move to
Seremban even though they work
in the city.
More and more businesses are
positioning themselves in the state
because of lower costs and
attractive infrastructure that will
attract workforce from within and
outside the state. This will
contribute to the states expanding
labour force and its already
growing gross domestic product
(GDP).
The manufacturing and service
Year

SUNDAY STAR, 6 NOVEMBER 2016

The state with a vision

Negri Sembilan strives to retain much of its culture and history while working to become a high-income state.
industries make up the bulk of the
Negri Sembilans GDP. Industrial
areas such as the Nilai Industrial
Estate, techpark@enstek, Pedas
Halal Park and Senawang
Industrial Park are some of the
many industrial areas set up to
provide investors with strategic
locations for business.
Industrial estates within Negri
Sembilan are close to amenities
and services such as the Kuala
Lumpur International Airport
(KLIA), Port Klang, Cyberjaya,
Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur,
giving business owners the benefit
of not only cheaper overheads but
also effective transportation
means.
The state benefits from both
business traffic and opportunities
in the Klang Valley, the southern
region and even Singapore.
In March, Mohammad Hasan
stated that the state needs to
reduce its dependency on
manufacturing and the service
2013

2014

2015

Population (million)

1.07

1.08

1.09

Average annual population growth

1.4

0.7

0.9

Gross domestic product

2013

2014

2015

GDP at constant 2010 prices (RM mil)

34,892

35,963

37,539

GDP per capita at current prices (RM)

34,118

35,865

36,699

GDP growth (%)

2.9

3.1

4.4

Labour force (000)

478.9

480.9

483.6

Source: Department of Statistics Malaysia.

Contributing sectors to Negri Sembilan's GDP

for 2013-2014
3.48%

Residential haven

9.92%
Construction
Agriculture

43.97%
42.64%

industry while striking a balance

in tourism and agriculture
development.
Tourism in Negri Sembilan has
always been a significant sector in
the state, especially with the
development of Port Dickson.
Starting off as a small
charcoal-producing town that
developed into a small port by
the British during the Straits
Settlement period, Port Dickson
has boomed into a seaside tourism
hot spot since 1990.
In 2014, more than 5.5 million
tourists visited Port Dickson
4.2 million visitors were local and
1.4 million were foreign.
Port Dickson continues to
attract many visitors every year,
especially with the annual Festival
Pantai Port Dickson that happens
in May.
Homestay programmes,
especially those that leverage on
the Minangkabau culture, cuisine
and hospitality, are also becoming
increasingly popular in the state.
What makes homestays even
more interesting is their
integration with agriculture and
small and medium enterprises.
One such example is Kampung
Lonek in Batu Kikir, Bahau. Not
only does it attract visitors for its
homestay experience, it also
generates income via agricultural
produce such as paddy and catfish
aquaculture as well as its small
condiments and handicraft
businesses.
Negri Sembilan offers many
other attractions such as the
Centipede Temple, Gunung Angsi
and Gunung Besar Hantu hiking
spots, Pedas hot springs and ostrich
farms in Port Dickson and Jelebu.
These attractions are slowly
changing the landscape of Negri
Sembilans tourism sector.

Manufacturing
Services

Source: knoema.com

Negri Sembilan shares much of

the same development as the
Klang Valley thanks to access to
infrastructure such as the
North-South Expressway and the
recently developed Lekas Highway.
The east coast railway line has
also played a role in the residential
development of Negri Sembilan,
especially with the recently
extended commuter service and
the upcoming High Speed Rail

service to Singapore.
This has opened up the
opportunity for various suburban
developments to spring up along
these transportation connections.
As the state capital, Seremban
has experienced much property
development that has turned this
sleepy town into a bustling city.
Over time, newer developments
have sprawled out of the Seremban
town centre and peripheral areas
such as Rasah, Rahang, Mambau,
Senawang and Kepayang. These
developments include Seremban 2,
Seremban 3 and Bandar Ainsdale.
Many of these newer
developments were former
rubber or oil palm plantation
estates that have been turned into
well-equipped and luxurious
residential areas.
These developments are also
close to highways for easy
accessibility to the Klang Valley
and the southern region.
The development of KLIA,
Cyberjaya and Putrajaya has
further enhanced the growth of
Nilai, Bandar Enstek and Bandar
Sri Sendayan as residential hot
spots.
These townships are also
relatively close to the nations
capital and major cities in the
Klang Valley, thus providing
residents a suburban lifestyle
while living close to cities.
Developments in Nilai,
Seremban and Port Dickson are
poised to appreciate in value
approaching the initiation of the
Malaysia Vision Valley project and
this trend is expected to escalate as
the project continues to develop
over a span of 30 years.

Education ground zero

The growth of residential
property and the increasing
number of residents in Negri
Sembilan have opened doors for
a new sector education.
The growth of the education
sector has been exponential and
rapid, with the opening of new
townships giving rise to various
private and international schools
that offer programmes from
preschool to pre-university levels.
The curricula offered include the
International General Certificate of
Secondary Education, International
Baccalaureate and Cambridge

A-Levels.
Therefore, parents are spoilt for
choice when it comes to choosing
the best institution for their childs
education.
These schools are also equipped
with top-notch facilities to provide
the best educational experience
for their students.
Among the private and
international schools in Negri
Sembilan are Epsom College in
Malaysia and Cempaka
International Ladies College in
Bandar Enstek, UCSI International
School Bandar Springhill, Matrix
International School in Bandar Sri
Sendayan, Zenith International
School in Seremban, Kolej Tuanku
Jaafar in Mantin and Nilai
International School.
Tertiary institutions are also
abundant in Negri Sembilan, with
bigger campuses concentrated in
Nilai, hence garnering its moniker
as an education hub.
However, the higher education
ecosystem in the state is now
more spread out and offers
students both private and public
higher learning institutions.
These include University Sains
Islam Malaysia, INTI International
University, Nilai University,
Manipal International University,
Linton University College and
branch universities for Open
University and Universiti
Teknologi Mara.
Negri Sembilan will continue to
grow as an extension of the Klang
Valley and strive to become one of
the leading states of the nation
through its own developments
such as Malaysia Vision Valley.
However, much of this
development is concentrated in
the state capital and highpopulated districts. Rural districts
such as Kuala Pilah, Jelebu, Bahau
and Gemas are still locked in time
with minimal development.
Infrastructural growth is
important for rural communities
while preserving the quaint
atmosphere of the countryside so
that they too can enjoy the same
quality of life as those closer to the
state capital.
As a whole, Negri Sembilan is a
promising state as it continues to
advance its homegrown sectors to
further boost the states economy
and contribute to the countrys
development.

SUNDAY STAR, 6 NOVEMBER 2016

11

12 Focus on Negri Sembilan

THE demand for international
education with English medium
has grown significantly worldwide.
This year, approximately 3.5
million students have enrolled in
international schools all over the
world.
The popularity of international
education is driven by growing
career opportunities that require
employees who are fluent in
English, internationally minded
and feel comfortable in
multicultural environments.
The main questions parents ask
when they are trying to choose the
right international school are:
Which curriculum to choose?
and What makes an international
school really international?
A school that is truly
international:
l Delivers a curriculum that
differs from that of the host
country
l Uses English as the medium of
delivery and employs Englishspeaking teachers from overseas
l Has a diverse student
population that includes both local
and expatriate children
Amid the wide range of
curricula, choosing one for your
child can be a challenge. The most
common international curricula
offered at international schools are
the International General
Certificate of Secondary Education
(IGCSE) and International
Baccalaureate (IB).
According to Graeme Paton,
education editor of the British
newspaper The Telegraph, the
United Kingdom is phasing out the
GCSE examinations next year,
creating a lot of uncertainty about
the future of its counterpart, the
IGCSE. Nick Morrison from The
Telegraph says, IB is the perfect
passport to university.
The IB programme has thrived
as a curriculum that produces
well-rounded students by using a
holistic approach to teaching and
learning based on a varied
assessment system that provides
students the opportunity to extend
their learning experiences to
real life. An IB education is
student-centred as well as broad
and balanced.
Here are five reasons to choose
an IB education:
l It offers conceptual learning
focused on broad and powerful
organisation of ideas that are
relevant across subject areas
l The IB curriculum is
interconnected and pursues
rich understanding of the
interrelationships of knowledge

SUNDAY STAR, 6 NOVEMBER 2016

The international touch

The facilities at UCSI International School include an Olympic-size swimming pool and
fully furnished laboratories.
and experiences across many
fields
l IB education aims to raise the
awareness and perspectives
necessary for global engagement
l IB programmes support
complex and dynamic learning
through wide-ranging forms of
expression
l IB education creates learning
communities where students can
increase their understanding of
language and culture

Picking the right school

There are a number of factors
that characterise an international
school, including the curriculum,

medium of delivery (English) and

percentage of expatriate staff.
As the world is changing at a
fast pace and there are job
positions today that did not exist
seven to 10 years ago, an
international school has to be up
to date with world trends as well
as be prepared to offer students
and their families more than just
good teaching.
International schools must be
capable of providing families
information on higher education
and lifestyles in different
countries to help them transition
and succeed.
A good international school
needs to offer comprehensive

The UCSI International School Bandar Springhill is a multicultural institute that offers a holistic, English-medium
education.

facilities. The most innovative

schools in Malaysia have chosen
to build their campuses away
from heavily populated areas.

The boarding option

Much has been debated lately
in regards to sending children to
boarding schools. British schools
have been doing it for centuries
and their education has inspired
many countries to adopt and
adapt their practices.
Safety, time commuting to
and from school, social life,
opportunities to practise sports
and extracurricular activities are
often pointed out as priorities by
parents.
However, with the fast pace of
life, it has become a challenge for
busy parents to provide all of
these to their children. For this
reason, many are starting to
consider sending their children to
a boarding school.
There are many benefits of
sending children to boarding
schools:
l Improved academic
standards with supervised
evening study and educational
outings
l Great opportunities for
athletic development
l Students learn to be
independent and are better
prepared to leave to university
abroad
l Children learn to be
responsible for themselves
l Classes are usually small
l A good social life as children
live with their friends
l Improved family
relationships
l Childrens needs are met
even if their parents are busy
The UCSI International School

Bandar Springhill is a good

example of a holistic, innovative
and multicultural institute.
The purpose-built 20-acre
(8.09ha) property with world-class
facilities and a tranquil, safe and
clean environment assures campus
visitors that their children will
have a perfect environment to
study in.
Springhill campus principal
Alexandre Nenes believes that one
of the reasons the school is popular
with both parents and students is
the interaction with a diverse
student community and the
multicultural, global-focused
teaching staff.
The classes are small with a low
teacher-to-student ratio, thereby
resulting in a focused high-quality
teaching enivornment.
Additionally, Springhill is one
of the only two fully authorised
IB schools (offering three IB
programmes) in Malaysia and the
only one in Negri Sembilan.
Accepting students from the age
of four to 19, UCSI offers English as
the medium of delivery as well as
Chinese and Bahasa Malaysia at
both literature and languageacquisition levels.
It also offers the options of
boarding or day in day out. The
school offers transportation for
students, which is a relief for busy
parents.
The campus world-class
facilities such as an Olympic-size
swimming pool, full-size football
field, tennis and basketball courts
as well as a modern multipurpose
hall provide the perfect setting for
holistic education.

n For more information or to

arrange for a campus tour,
call 06-653 6888 or
e-mail markedward@
ucsiinternationalschool.edu.my.