'Wellness projects reflects stronger Malaysia-Singapore ties'

Describing the projects as the beginning of a significant increase in investments from Singapore, Najib said that with the support of the Singapore government, the private sector in the republic would respond positively towards relocating their investments or making new investments in Iskandar Malaysia.

"During our bilateral discussions this morning, we stressed on the importance of the industrial working group to meet on regular basis to encourage investors from Singapore to relocate investment here as well as for new investments to take place here in Iskandar.

"Iskandar has many attractions as you know. The success of Iskandar had exceeded the regional plan and I am confident that with the support of the Singapore government, the private sector will respond very positively," he told a joint media conference with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong after the ground-breaking for the two projects.

Lee said the Malaysian government had shown a lot of commitment and drive in developing Iskandar Malaysia where a lot of investment have come in including a significant amount of the investments from Singapore.

"I believe there is a lot of potential because from Singapore's point of view we are developing. At the same time, there are a lot of spillovers of what Singapore companies want to expand or companies which want to come to Singapore but can't quite fit in Singapore and I think Iskandar offers prime opportunities for them," he said.

"As long as the Malaysian government link-up Iskandar with Singapore, there could be good prospects from Singapore's point of view. We are very happy that it is going to succeed," he said.

He hoped that the wellness development project would become an "oasis" to the people not only from Malaysia and Singapore but also from all over the region to recharge their "batteries" to enjoy and to absorb the spirit of wellness.

Afiniti Medini, an urban wellness project, will be a regional destination for families, tourists and professionals looking to combine wellness, retail and hospitality experiences as well as corporate training needs in a holistic package.

Avira, a resort wellness project, will provide residents an alternative to the hectic lifestyle in busy cities where they enjoy a retreat-like lifestyle all year-round, surrounded by tranquility and lush greenery, with wellness at the heart of the 85 hectares development.