Forest City’s 9th Anniversary: A Vision Realized, A Future Unfolding
April 2025 · 4 min read · SingaporeNine years ago, along the coastline of Johor, Malaysia, the vision of Forest City quietly took root—a dream of a future city built on innovation and sustainability. Today, standing as a key part of the Special Financial Zone (SFZ), Forest City celebrates its 9th anniversary, marking nearly a decade of progress and transformation. Jointly developed by Fortune Global 500 company Country Garden Group and Esplanade Danga 88 Sdn Bhd (EDSB), this international project represents not only the ambitions of businesses from both Malaysia and China but also embodies the aspirations for an ideal future living environment.
Empowered by Policies: The Rise of a Special Financial Zone
On August 25, 2023, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim officially designated Forest City as a Special Financial Zone (SFZ), injecting strong momentum into its development. Subsequently, on September 20, 2024, key government officials, including the Crown Prince of Johor, visited Forest City to announce a series of preferential policies.
As Malaysia’s first tax-free zone for family offices, the SFZ offers enterprises a 20-year exemption from corporate income tax, with asset management requirements starting from just MYR 30 million. Knowledge-based professionals benefit from a 15% personal income tax rate, while fintech-related companies enjoy a reduced 5% corporate tax rate. Furthermore, eligible enterprises within the SFZ can receive up to 10 years of corporate tax exemptions. These policies have significantly enhanced Forest City’s appeal to domestic and international investors, establishing it as a pivotal economic hub in the region.
Smart City Development: A Fully Integrated Urban Ecosystem
Forest City has made remarkable strides in smart city development. Equipped with a comprehensive smart security and community management system, the city ensures a safe and convenient living environment for residents. This advanced urban model has received international recognition, earning accolades such as the IDC Asia Pacific Smart City Award for Smart Buildings and the Global Green Smart City Award.
其战略位置增强了连通性 - 森林城市距离士乃国际机场仅 45 分钟路程,距离新加坡樟宜机场 60 分钟路程,距离新加坡中央商务区 (CBD) 40 分钟路程,提供马来西亚和新加坡之间的无缝连接。
在住宅选择方面,森林城市提供多样化的物业,从豪华别墅到高级公寓,满足不同的生活方式需求。该市还拥有 4 公里的沿海设施,包括生态博物馆、水上乐园、婚礼场地、餐厅和海滩酒吧,为居民和游客提供无与伦比的休闲体验。此外,农业企业和博实乐教育集团等教育机构的存在进一步提高了城市的生活水平和吸引力。
经济贡献和社会责任
除了经济影响外,森林城市还积极履行企业社会责任。该项目已与 190 多家当地企业合作,创造了 10,000 多个直接和间接的就业机会。它还吸引了来自 40 多个国家和地区的业主,同时吸引了 300,000 名国际游客前往马来西亚。