More than just a city: Northbank Business Exchange realises Sarawak’s Health Metropolis vision

Dr Sim (centre) during the NBX and NBX Residence I launching ceremony alongside Chew (left) and Wee (right) at Ibraco Gallery on Sept 14, 2026.

By Marlynda Meraw

KUCHING, Sept 14: The ongoing transformation of The NorthBank has entered a new phase with the official unveiling of the NorthBank Business Exchange (NBX) and NBX Residence I, shifting the focus from standard property development to a fully integrated urban ecosystem.

Designed to function as a self-contained city within a city, the new precinct brings together corporate offices, residences, retail outlets, healthcare access, and public spaces into a single connected environment.

Aerial rendering of the completed NBX and NBX Residence I.

Artist impression of the NBX and NBX Residence I.

The launch today marks a major milestone for Ibraco Berhad (Ibraco), moving away from isolated commercial and residential blocks to create a master-planned community tailored for future generations.

“Our ambition is not to simply construct houses and commercial buildings. We wanted to create a complete and sustainable township,” said Ibraco’s group managing director, Datuk Chew Chiaw Han.

Chew during his address at the NBX and NBX Residence I launch at Ibraco Gallery on Sept 14, 2026.

At the core of the residential component is NBX Residence I, which features 268 units spanning two towers. The development offers a variety of layouts, including one- to three-bedroom configurations, dual-key units, and specialised mobility-friendly spaces crafted to accommodate changing accessibility needs over time.

Residents will have direct access to a comprehensive suite of recreational amenities, such as a swimming pool, gym, reading lounge, KTV rooms, and landscaped gardens.

Floor plans for Tower A, NBX Residence I.

Floor plans for Tower B, NBX Residence I.

Beyond the private units, the precinct is designed to link directly with the upcoming SM07 NorthBank Ibraco Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) Station and connects straight to the adjacent Regency Specialist Hospital Kuching via a dedicated SkyLink bridge.

“Children are attending school here. Residents are exercising, socialising and spending time together at the NorthBank Club. Businesses are operating here and an increasingly vibrant community is taking shape,” said Chew.

Complementing the residential towers is a neighbourhood mall aimed at serving the high-growth Kuching-Kota Samarahan corridor. The retail hub will house a modern hypermarket concept featuring local indoor marketplaces, smart-shopping tools, and ready-to-eat zones, alongside a cinema, indoor adventure park, and various food and beverage outlets.

Living room design for mobility-friendly units, Tower A.

Interior master bedroom design for Tower A, Type C1.

One of the interior bedroom design for Tower A, Type C1.

Interior space design for normal units in Tower B.

An adjoining community boulevard will serve as the social heartbeat of NBX, hosting weekend markets, wellness activities, and festive events to encourage regular interaction among residents and visitors.

Adding weight to the launch, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian highlighted in his speech that NBX forms a key component of Sarawak’s growing health metropolis, aligning modern urban planning with the State’s broader strategic healthcare and economic goals.

“You need to develop a whole ecosystem. Education, private institutions, healthcare and so on. And that’s what NBX is trying to do. It’s part of Sarawak’s health metropolis,” said Dr Sim.

Dr Sim during his address at the launching of Ibraco’s NBX and NBX Residence I at Ibraco Gallery on Sept 14, 2026.

Also attending the launch event was Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng.

To give the public a closer look at the development, Ibraco will host the NBX Launch Showcase at The Spring Mall from September 18 to 20. Prospective buyers can also tour the fully furnished typical and mobility-friendly show units at the Ibraco Gallery within The NorthBank. – DayakDaily

NBX architectural model on display at Ibraco Gallery.