Sime Darby Property is advancing its vision for integrated townships in Selangor, aiming to support the state’s growing economy through strategic urban planning that combines residential, commercial, and environmental elements. Building on the success of its initial Selangor Vision City (SVC 1.0) projects—including City of Elmina, Elmina North, Elmina Business Park, and Bukit Jelutong—the company is now preparing to develop the next phase, known as SVC 2.0. This new corridor is planned to stretch from Kuala Selangor to Carey Island, enhancing connectivity and boosting economic activity.
The company’s approach aligns with its SHIFT32 strategy, which seeks to transform Sime Darby Property from a traditional developer into a diversified real estate company emphasizing recurring income through expanded industrial, logistics, and placemaking ventures. Central to this vision is evolving townships beyond residential areas toward creating dynamic economic ecosystems and resilient communities.
City of Elmina exemplifies this integrated planning model. The project covers some 3,237 hectares (8,000 acres) and includes six townships slated for completion by 2042. Key to its design is the “15-minute city” concept, where residents can access housing, retail, education, wellness, recreation, and future transit services within a short walk or bike ride. Complementing the residential areas is Elmina Business Park, focused on supporting digital economy activities and critical infrastructure, including large-scale water and energy solutions. The full development is expected to generate approximately 35,000 jobs by 2042.
Sime Darby Property notes that as technology companies and data centers establish a greater presence in Selangor, boundaries between industrial spaces and townships are blurring. This shift calls for townships that link investment, infrastructure, talent, and communities, contributing to the state’s continued economic growth and competitiveness. Bandar Bukit Raja is highlighted as another example where ecommerce-driven logistics demand has spurred employment and commercial expansion.
The company emphasizes collaboration with the Selangor state government and key agencies to align its developments with broader regional plans and growth priorities. This partnership facilitates coordinated spatial planning, infrastructure development, investment support, sustainability efforts, and community facility provisioning.
Beyond economic factors, Sime Darby Property underscores the importance of people-centered township design. Developments aim to accommodate residents at various life stages by integrating employment opportunities, education, healthcare, retail, recreation, mobility, and public spaces. Projects such as Subang Jaya City Centre demonstrate this focus, with its sustainability-driven community hub PARC hosting over 100 activities involving more than 20,000 participants. Efforts there include urban farming, upcycling, native tree planting, and park restoration to promote environmental stewardship and community engagement. Meanwhile, Serenia City in Sepang plans the upcoming Serenia Lakeside Mall as a “Mall in the Park” concept blending commerce with green spaces.
Environmental resilience forms a critical component of Sime Darby Property’s township planning. For example, Bandar Bukit Raja incorporates “sponge city” principles through the Wetland Townpark, which manages stormwater while supporting biodiversity. At City of Elmina, Central Park functions both as a community space and a flood management system designed for extreme weather events. The company advocates for treating natural elements—wetlands, waterways, green corridors—not as mere landscaping but as essential infrastructure integral to sustainability and liveability.
Sustainability manager Dr. Yasmin Rasyid stresses that such natural infrastructure supports water management, habitat conservation, and spaces for recreation and learning, aiming to embed resilience into everyday urban life. Green connections extend to the adjacent Bukit Cherakah Forest Reserve, supported by the Elmina Rainforest Knowledge Centre’s conservation and research activities.
Looking ahead, Sime Darby Property plans to embrace renewable energy, energy-efficient design, sustainable materials, and smart infrastructure to meet evolving environmental and social needs. The company’s leadership envisions developments that not only drive Selangor’s economic competitiveness but also enhance quality of life, protect biodiversity, and provide lasting opportunities for future generations. This comprehensive approach marks a significant departure from traditional township models toward multifaceted, sustainable urban ecosystems.
