Kenyalang Smart City will be catalyst for robust economic development

MIRI: Kenyalang Smart City (KSC) is positioning itself as a new economic platform for the city, with the RM10.5-billion development designed to strengthen regional connectivity and create opportunities across technology, healthcare, education, tourism, logistics and cross-border trade.

The 548-acre development is being planned not simply as a new urban destination, but as an integrated ecosystem linking infrastructure, investment, businesses, technology and talent to generate economic activity beyond its immediate footprint.

This was the key message delivered by Imasa Dinasti Sdn Bhd’s Chairman, Ar. Teo Ah Khing, in his address, ‘The Evolution of Miri to Stay Ahead of Global Competition’, during the Curtin Business Insight Series at Curtin University Malaysia on Friday (Sept. 25).

Teo said KSC could serve as one of the platforms through which Miri strengthens its position as a regional gateway, particularly by improving connections between Northern Sarawak, Brunei, China and wider international markets.

“KSC is not simply about developing a new city. It is about creating an ecosystem that connects people, businesses, technology, investment and markets, and creates opportunities that extend beyond the development itself,” he explained.

A key element of this vision is the potential for stronger trade and logistics connectivity between KSC and Muara Port in Brunei, following the collaboration between Imasa Dinasti and Muara Port Company Sdn Bhd.

The longer-term opportunity is to facilitate greater movement of goods, services, investment and people across Northern Borneo, while creating new channels for Sarawak businesses to participate in cross-border trade and regional supply chains.

Digital infrastructure is another key pillar of the development.

The collaboration between Imasa Dinasti and SACOFA Sdn Bhd is aimed at strengthening telecommunications and digital connectivity within KSC, including high-capacity fibre and 5G infrastructure.

The infrastructure is intended to support smart city applications, digital businesses, artificial intelligence, data-driven services and future technology industries.

KSC is also advancing plans for a Data Centre and Innovation Park, designed to leverage Sarawak’s renewable energy resources and growing digital infrastructure.

The proposed ecosystem could support data-intensive industries and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced engineering and digital innovation, while creating demand for skilled professionals in areas including data science, software engineering, AI and robotics.

Meanwhile, the healthcare and education sectors also form the other major components of KSC’s long-term vision.

Through its collaboration with Fudan University, KSC is developing a platform for medical research, healthcare innovation and education in Miri.

The collaboration includes the Fudan Institute of Integrative Medicine Research Development Center, with subsequent phases envisioned to support medical education, research and healthcare services.

The wider vision includes a proposed medical education and healthcare ecosystem incorporating a medical school and hospital facilities.

Teo said developing human capital would be fundamental to ensuring that economic growth translated into long-term opportunities for Sarawakians.

“We want to create an environment where our young people can study, work and build their careers here. Economic development must create opportunities for people, businesses and talent,” he said.

Tourism and business events are also expected to contribute to the wider economic ecosystem.

The Borneo Adventure Water Theme Park, together with retail, food and beverage, hospitality and lifestyle components, is designed to attract visitors from across Sarawak, Malaysia and beyond.

Additionally, the Kenyalang Convention & Exhibition Centre ONE, with capacity for up to 3,500 delegates, provides infrastructure for conventions, exhibitions, corporate events and international programmes.

Teo said the objective was to create a visitor economy where spending generated by visitors would flow into the wider Miri business community.

“When visitors come to Miri, we want them to stay longer, dine, shop, attend events and experience our attractions. Their spending should flow into the wider local economy,” he said.

This could create downstream opportunities for hotels, restaurants, retailers, transport operators, tour operators, event suppliers and other local businesses.

Furthermore, these development could also create opportunities for local SMEs, contractors, suppliers, logistics operators, professional service providers, technology companies and entrepreneurs as new industries and visitor activities emerge.

Teo said Miri’s future economic development would increasingly depend on diversification and its ability to build new growth sectors alongside its established industries.

These include technology, healthcare, education, tourism, business events, logistics, renewable energy and cross-border trade.

For KSC, the broader objective is to create infrastructure that enables investment, investment that creates businesses, and businesses that generate employment, skills and economic opportunities for the wider community.

“Resource towns that successfully transition do not do it by importing all their new talent. They do it by giving their own people a reason to stay, or a reason to come home,” said Teo.

With its strategic location adjacent to Curtin University Malaysia, KSC is also positioned to strengthen industry-academia linkages, talent development, research collaboration and innovation-led growth.

The development is being implemented as a long-term project and is intended to connect Northern Sarawak to regional markets while creating new opportunities for businesses, talent and communities across the state.

The event was attended by Miri Mayor, Adam Yii Siew Sang; Curtin University Malaysia Faculty of Business’ Dean, Professor Pauline Ho; Associate Dean, External Engagement, Dr Ivy Hii; Miri Housing Group’s Executive Chairman, Datuk Prof. Dr Lau Siu Wai; and Orang Ulu Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s President, Datuk Nelson Balang Rining.