This article first appeared in City & Country, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on September 15, 2025 - September 21, 2025

Eastern & Oriental Bhd’s (KL:E&O) new office at Menara Vista Petaling in Jalan Puchong, Kuala Lumpur, exudes quality and luxury, and is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of life. These characteristics, which are hallmarks of E&O projects, will be evident in its ambitious RM60 billion Andaman Island in Penang.

In an interview with City & Country, managing director Kok Tuck Cheong and director of development and construction management Michael Tan Hwee Hian talk about the new developments on Andaman Island that the developer believes will create a buzz for buyers and the state in general.

Andaman Island is a 760-acre reclamation project opposite the popular Gurney Drive. It is located in the north of Penang island and is a short drive from the capital of George Town. The island is the second phase of E&O’s 1,000-acre Seri Tanjung Pinang (STP) development. The first phase, STP1, is on 240 acres of reclaimed shore-front land and is linked to Andaman Island via the 950m four-lane Andaman Bridge.

Andaman Island is being developed in two phases. Phase 1, which covers 253 acres, has a gross development value (GDV) of RM20 billion, while Phase 2 — where reclamation is still going on — will cover 507 acres and have a GDV of RM40 billion. Reclamation for the entire island is scheduled to be completed by end-2028. In all, it will take about 35 years for the island to be fully developed.

“We have already completed 253 acres [of reclamation] for Phase 1. It’s actually a very stunning piece of work, and the enormity of the island really is beginning to show. That is only one-third of the size of the 760-acre island and we are now making good progress on existing infrastructure,” says Kok.

“But more significantly, I reckon, in terms of visibility, is that the [1.2km] eight-lane bridge that connects Gurney Drive [to the island] is coming to completion. With this bridge, you now no longer need to go to STP1 to get onto the island. That will save you no less than 15 minutes because there are three to four sets of traffic lights from Gurney Drive towards STP1. During peak hours, 15 minutes is actually torturous or can be agonising if you are in a hurry.

“[The bridge] will really elevate the value of the properties on Andaman Island because you are within walking distance. In fact, there will be a pedestrian bridge connected to this eight-lane bridge that people can [use to] walk from Gurney Drive to the island. On top of that, you’ve got a cycle lane.”

There will be a canal between the two phases of Andaman Island, and there are plans to build bridges for pedestrians and vehicles for connectivity.

“There will be five bridges connecting Phase 1 and Phase 2, one of which is actually a dedicated pedestrian bridge,” explains Tan, adding that the four vehicular bridges will have dedicated walkways for pedestrians.

The ease of movement in and around Andaman Island and to Penang island is a factor Kok and Tan believe will make a marked difference to the lives of residents and visitors.

“We embrace this concept called the 15-minute city, which is about connectivity; whether you’re on a walking path or cycling path, within 15 minutes, you should be able to reach the amenities you are looking for,” says Kok.

Five residential projects, all in Phase 1, have been launched. There are high-rise developments — the 524-unit Maris (GDV: RM690 million), 1,034-unit The Meg (RM691 million), 380-unit Arica (RM415 million) and 261-unit The Lume (RM689 million), as well as a landed home project — Phases 1 and 2 of Fera Courtyard Terraces (terraced houses, RM194 million) and Senna semi-detached homes (RM86 million).

The Meg, which was the maiden project to be launched in December 2021 , is expected to be the first to be completed, estimated to be in the first half of next year.

With Andaman Island’s reclamation progressing well, the focus now is on emphasising functionality for future residents and users.

“We have been very busy thinking more of the future as we go along because the demands of buyers now are no longer just a location. They’re looking for sustainability, greenery and livability. Connectivity is actually very [important] and [being] green will separate our project from others,” says Kok.

“Why I am so excited [about this project] compared with other projects in the rest of Malaysia, or the rest of Penang island specifically, is because no less than 35% of the land is green space, open space, green lungs, buffer zone, road reserves. We also have a 37-acre central park, and with the other pocket parks it adds up to 41 acres [of parks]. So there is ample space for the enjoyment of the residents.”

Apart from that, Kok says Andaman Island’s built environment has elements of a smart city.

“A smart city, as I understand it, has got two broad elements. One is the infrastructure, the hardscape — the fiber optics, internet speed and all. Then the other element is energy efficiency. You use LED lighting, you recycle your rainwater and waste. And all this comes together to partly [fulfil] or to fulfil certain elements of what a smart city ought to deliver.”

He adds that because of the large land area, E&O is able to create something unique at Andaman Island. “We have the space to curate and to also innovate what we want. And this word ‘smart city’ is in our focus. We have strong aspirations and I’m sure we will be able to support that [vision] in time to come.”

Kok highlights that E&O’s vision for the island is in line with the state’s Penang2030 vision, which “emphasises the theme of green and smart city livability in line with heritage as well”.

The developer is prioritising another factor demanded by residents — security. There are plans to station guards at the bridges, and possibly use artificial intelligence and face recognition software to track movement.

One element that is expected to take Andaman Island to the next level is a marina.

“We have finally got approval for a 300-berth marina on the southern tip of Andaman Island. Its water basin is about 83 acres. When the reclamation of the island is completed, we can start the marina business,” says Tan, adding that the marina will cater to yachts measuring 35 to 150ft.

“The marina will most likely be built in phases as it is quite long. Also, when you dock at Andaman Island, you can access George Town, as we are close to the city.”

Kok adds, “We already have a 40-berth marina now [at STP1]. It’s not something new to us and the feedback from our marina team is that we have more demand than we can actually supply.

“So when you provide this kind of facility, you will attract a totally new dimension of world travellers. We are connected to [those in] the world of sailing who are in Singapore, Hong Kong or Macau; there’s a fraternity of all these boaters,” Kok says.

“It will also draw another segment of investors, whether they are going to operate an office, they’re going to have a holiday home or are searching for a better place to live as Penang is classified as one of the top liveable cities in the world.”

To cater to these sailing enthusiasts, residents and visitors, a significant area has been set aside for commercial use.

“After nearly 2,500 residential offerings, we have to start thinking about the commercial amenities to support them. We are carving out one big chunk of land of about 17 acres on which we are going to have a combination of hotels, offices, a commercial mall, as well as residences and branded residences. When [sailors] come, they will be able to immediately enjoy the commercial facilities, whether it’s F&B (food and beverage) or other hospitality offerings,” he says.

The GDV of the commercial component is yet to be determined as it is still in the planning stages.

Kok highlights that E&O has always had sustainability in mind, even before it became the norm. He explains how the company’s values of sustainability come down to three things — liveability, connectivity and greenery.

He says E&O has grown from building its namesake Eastern & Oriental Hotel 140 years ago to developing numerous projects of high standard and becoming an “iconic placemaking and residential developer”.

Underscoring this is a recent report that E&O has put in a bid to have the RM10 billion Penang International Financial Centre located on Andaman Island. “If awarded, it will give the island international recognition,” says Kok.

For now, Andaman Island’s progress continues with the launch of Phase 3 and 4 of Fera Courtyard Terraces and Senna semi-detached homes. Fifty Fera units (built-ups from 3,615 sq ft) and 18 Senna units (from 4,636 sq ft), with a GDV of RM300 million, were unveiled over the last weekend of August. Fera homes are selling from RM3.8 million, while Senna houses are priced from RM4.8 million.

In the Klang Valley, E&O — in partnership with Japan’s Mitsui Fudosan Group — launched Conlay Signature Suites in July. Conlay Signature Suites is located on levels 37 to 51 of a 51-storey tower, and comprises 194 fully-furnished units with built-ups ranging from 635 to 3,617 sq ft. The units come in 1-bedroom to 3+1-bedroom penthouse configurations. Prices are between RM1.52 million and RM12 million.

Levels 1 to 36 will have elevated car parks and facility podiums. Conlay Residences will be located on Levels 12 to 34. There will be 297 units with built-ups of 743 to 1,335 sq ft and a starting sale price of RM1.52 million. 

E&O is also developing Seri Embun on a 65-acre tract of land in the City of Elmina, Selangor. 

Save by subscribing to us for your print and/or digital copy.

P/S: The Edge is also available on Apple's App Store and Android's Google Play.