KUALA LUMPUR (March 20): Johor Corp's (JCorp) real estate and infrastructure arm, JLand Group Sdn Bhd has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with biotechnology company ALPS Global Holding Bhd (ALPS) to establish BioValley in Sedenak, Johor.

According to a press release on March 20, through the partnership, landowner JLand will develop the biotechnology hub within the 7,290-acre Ibrahim Technopolis (IBTEC), while ALPS will serve as the anchor tenant and operator. 

BioValley is anticipated to generate an estimated gross development value of RM980 million, and will complement IBTEC’s existing data centre campus and its forthcoming smart logistics and manufacturing, and artificial intelligence (AI) hubs.

JCorp director of real estate and infrastructure and JLand Group deputy chairman Datuk Akmal Ahmad said in the statement that the biotechnology hub will revolutionise the sector and serve as a “significant addition” to the data centre hub and upcoming artificial intelligence (AI) hub at IBTEC. 

”It will unite new-age industrialists, digital pioneers and lifelong learners in an advanced environment engineered for sustainable growth, aligned with the New Industrial Masterplan 2030 (NIMP2030) and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR),” Akmal added.

The campus-style biotechnology hub spans across 500,000 sq ft and will be developed in three progressive phases. “Phase 1 will prioritise the establishment of crucial infrastructure including vaccine manufacturing plant, cell processing centre and molecular laboratory; Phase 2 will further bolster the ecosystem by nurturing start-up incubators, academic institutions, and research and development (R&D) centres and Phase 3 will culminate in the creation of a vibrant commercial hub alongside residential developments.

“Moreover, the biotechnology hub will introduce pioneering services such as regenerative and immunotherapy, as well as initiatives like a clinical trial centre and a medical tourism hub, enhancing its status as a comprehensive and cutting-edge biotechnology hub,” the statement said.

ALPS group CEO Datuk Seri Tham Seng Kong said, “We are thrilled to join forces with JLand in bringing the biotechnology hub to life and reshaping its landscape, not just within Malaysia but on a global scale. With JLand’s expertise and Johor’s favourable investment climate, we are confident that our collaborative efforts will establish the biotechnology hub as the premier destination for biotechnology solutions, attracting top-tier industry leaders and talent to engage in groundbreaking research initiatives.

“Together, our dedication is focused on driving innovation and excellence across the entire biotechnology value chain, from upstream processes to downstream activities. Our goal is to revolutionise the industry, enhance patient outcomes and shape the future of biomedicine for generations to come. Ultimately, we strive to be a leading hub of biotechnological excellence, driving economic growth and societal impact,” Tham added.