S P Setia's Osaka project to benefit both Malaysia and Japan

OSAKA (Oct 5): Malaysia Housing and Local Government (KPKT) Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin and the Mayor of Izumisano City in Osaka, Hiroyasu Chiyomatsu expect S P Setia Bhd’s upcoming mixed development in Izumisano City to create economic benefits for both countries.

The housing minister had a meeting with Chiyomatsu at Izumisano City Hall in Osaka, Japan this morning and both were then briefed on the Setia Izumisano City Centre (SICC) development by S P Setia senior executive vice-president Datuk Koe Peng Kang.

Also present were S P Setia president and CEO Datuk Khor Chap Jen and deputy president and chief operating officer Datuk Wong Tuck Wai.

“Based on the presentation (by Koe), SICC will have the features of both Japan and Malaysia. This is a good approach by the (Izumisano) City Hall to bring the perspectives of other countries into a local development.

“With this development, I believe, it will bring more tourists to the city, especially those from Asean and Middle East countries,” Zuraida said in her speech at the meeting which was an extension of a study tour to Japan organised by EdgeProp Malaysia with support from Panasonic.

Chiyomatsu is also upbeat about the project's potential in drawing more tourists to the city, especially Malaysians.

“Izumisano is a good gateway city that is receiving many visitors around the world, particularly after the relaxation of Visas and the LCCs (low cost carriers) coming through the Kansai International Airport. We are now recording about 7.6 million visitors a year via the airport.

“The (number of) visitors from Malaysia is about 150,000. However, once we complete this SICC project, I’m sure the number will increase,” he said.

Expected to be completed over the next few years, SICC is on a 4.9-acre site opposite Rinku Premium Outlet and about 6km away from the Kansai International Airport.

Combining S P Setia’s “Live, Learn, Work, Play” concept, the development is expected to become a lifestyle destination that caters to various needs with its residential, commercial, office, food and cultural; as well as healthcare and wellness.

“We want to create a destination that will cater to visitors from the Kansai International Airport around the clock.

“This project involves talents from both countries, such as Malaysian architects and Japanese engineers and consultants. With the combined effort of both country, we hope to create an outstanding project,” he said.

More highlights on the Japan study tour in EdgeProp.my’s Special Report on Sustainable, Smart and Wellness Living on Oct 18