Johor has established itself as Malaysia’s second-largest residential market in 2025, based on both transaction volume and value, according to JLL.

JOHOR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 July 2026 – From 1 January 2026, foreign purchasers of residential property in Malaysia are subject to a flat 8% stamp duty rate on the transfer, replacing the previous fixed 4% rate. Meanwhile, a separate stamp duty remission continues to apply within the Forest City Special Financial Zone (SFZ), subject to defined eligibility conditions. Forest City has published a property verification guide for prospective foreign buyers, providing a detailed overview of the ownership framework, foreign-purchaser requirements and applicable tax treatment for property acquisitions within Forest City in Johor.

Forest City is a master-planned development in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, with many residential units held under freehold tenure. Foreign buyers may purchase residential property in Forest City subject to Malaysia’s foreign-ownership rules. Under the Forest City Special Financial Zone framework, eligible individual purchasers who buy completed residential or commercial units directly from the developer may receive a 50% stamp duty remission on the instrument of transfer and the loan or financing agreement. To qualify, the sale and purchase agreement (SPA) must be executed between 1 September 2024 and 31 December 2034, and construction must have been completed before 1 September 2024.

Foreign Ownership and Title Structure in Forest City
Foreign buyers are permitted to purchase residential units in Forest City, provided the transaction meets Malaysia’s applicable foreign ownership rules, including any state authority approval required for the acquisition.

Foreign buyers should distinguish between Malaysia’s general state-level minimum purchase-price rules and the Forest City SFZ-linked route, as the applicable threshold may depend on the buyer’s intended purchase and residency pathway. Johor’s general minimum threshold for foreign residential acquisition is generally set at RM1 million. The Forest City SFZ MM2H-linked route generally starts at RM500,000 for qualifying purchases from the developer, but buyers should confirm the current threshold, timing and source-of-purchase requirements with a licensed Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) agent and Malaysian conveyancing lawyer.

The majority of residential units at Forest City are held on freehold tenure, meaning the tenure is not subject to a fixed lease-expiry period. Upon conducting a land title search, the buyer’s lawyer will obtain the title document, which clearly indicates the tenure type, whether freehold or leasehold. Marketing materials, project descriptions and buyer summaries should not be treated as substitutes for title verification.

Forest City SFZ Stamp Duty Remission
Within the Forest City SFZ, eligible individual purchasers buying completed residential or commercial units directly from the developer may claim a 50% remission on stamp duty payable on the instrument of transfer and on the instrument of loan or financing agreement.

The remission is subject to gazetted eligibility conditions, including purchaser type, source of purchase, SPA execution period and construction completion date. Sub-sale and resale transactions do not fall within the stated scope of this individual-purchaser remission. Corporate purchasers should assess any applicable SFZ treatment separately against the relevant remission order and professional tax advice.

In practical terms, the remission may reduce two key transaction costs: stamp duty on the property transfer and stamp duty on the loan or financing agreement. The actual saving will depend on the property price, financing amount, buyer category and applicable stamp duty rate. EY Malaysia and Lexology provide additional details from a third-party perspective.

Forest City SFZ Stamp Duty Remission vs Standard Rules for Foreign Buyers:

Element	Forest City SFZ Stamp Duty Remission	Standard Stamp Duty Rules for Foreign Buyers (from 1 Jan 2026)
Stamp duty on transfer	50% remission under the gazetted order	Flat 8% on residential property
Stamp duty on loan/financing	50% remission under the gazetted order	0.5% of loan amount, standard
SPA execution period	1 Sep 2024 – 31 Dec 2034	No specified expiry date
Construction completion required	Before 1 Sep 2024	Not applicable
Eligible buyer type	Individual purchasers only	Applicable to all buyers, subject to the relevant rules
Eligible purchase source	Direct purchase from the developer only	Developer purchase or sub-sale transaction

What the Forest City SFZ Adds Beyond Stamp Duty
The Forest City SFZ offers benefits beyond the stamp duty remission described above. For property buyers, the designation provides three key considerations for property buyers: the 50% stamp duty remission for eligible direct purchases, the SFZ-tier MM2H pathway for qualifying buyers purchasing a Forest City property valued at RM500,000 or above, and the broader policy support associated with Forest City’s role within Johor’s cross-border growth strategy.

While the SFZ MM2H requires applicants to purchase property in Forest City, they are not required to live in it. Approved holders can rent out the property and are free to live anywhere in Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and other cities. In other words, the SFZ MM2H not only offers a convenient pathway to long-term residency but also gives holders considerable flexibility in where they live. Even without long-term residency in Johor, the SFZ MM2H may offer a comparatively accessible pathway to long-term residency, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements, with lower entry requirements and a clearer approval process, balancing affordability, policy stability, and proximity to Singapore.

Under the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) framework, policy consultations and commitments are turning into approved projects, investment, and employment opportunities, while cross-border facilitation measures continue to improve, supporting greater cross-border mobility between Johor and Singapore. Forest City itself has built a comprehensive ecosystem of amenities, combining daily convenience, residential safety, and international connectivity. Residents can reach Singapore via the Second Link, and Forest City is only about two kilometres from Singapore across the Johor Strait. The upcoming Johor-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS Link) is expected to further improve cross-border connectivity once passenger service begins.

The area is home to residents from over 20 countries, forming a diverse international community. Forest City features international schools and convenient access to a range of healthcare facilities, making it ideal for long-term family residence. Even for those not residing long-term, Forest City’s comprehensive planning, 24-hour property management, and dedicated security system ensure that owners’ assets are well protected. Furthermore, two championship-level golf courses and waterfront facilities offer high-quality leisure options.

These amenities, combined with the MM2H residency status, present a viable solution that balances quality of life and residency planning. More importantly, the financial district is rapidly evolving into a leading financial and digital economy hub, having already attracted 260 investment enquiries and being on track to exceed its RM2 billion investment target this year, as financial institutions and businesses progressively establish a presence there. At the same time, Forest City has secured Malaysian Digital Status and duty‑free island status, contributing to the continued growth of its resident population and consumer market. These policies and infrastructure enhancements significantly reinforce Forest City’s attractiveness and cross‑border connectivity. In particular, the economic activity and population growth supported by SFZ’s tax incentives, industrial clustering, Digital Status, and duty‑free island policies provide robust structural support for the long‑term value of its properties.

Key Considerations Before Entering an SPA in 2026

• Title and tenure: Confirm the title type and tenure of the selected unit through a current land title search conducted by a Malaysian conveyancing lawyer.
• SFZ stamp duty remission: Review eligibility for the 50% remission, including purchaser type, source of purchase, SPA execution period and unit completion date.
• Foreign-buyer threshold: Confirm the applicable minimum purchase, including whether the general Johor threshold or the Forest City SFZ MM2H-linked pathway applies.
• Stamp duty treatment: Request a written breakdown of stamp duty on the property transfer and any loan or financing agreement, before and after the SFZ remission.
• MM2H linkage, if applicable: Where the purchase is linked to an SFZ MM2H application, confirm the current deposit, age, minimum-stay and property-purchase timing requirements with a licensed MM2H agent.

Is Forest City Worth Buying in 2026? Three Buyer Profiles
Forest City properties may serve different purposes for cross-border homeowners, MM2H applicants and institutional or corporate investors.

• Singapore-based foreign buyers: For buyers seeking a freehold cross-border base, the SFZ stamp duty remission is relevant where the unit qualifies. Together with the upcoming RTS Link, Forest City’s cross-border accessibility is expected to improve further.
• MM2H-route buyers: For buyers using the Forest City SFZ MM2H pathway, the RM500,000 entry point for qualifying developer purchases is a key consideration. The property purchase requirement is part of the route, and buyers should confirm the applicable 90-day post-approval purchase timeline with a licensed MM2H agent.
• Institutional and business-linked investors: The SFZ incentives are primarily designed for financial institutions, family offices, fintech operators and related business activity. For this segment, residential investment considerations should be assessed alongside broader SFZ-related economic activity, including family-office activity, the potential inflow of skilled professionals and JSSEZ-related demand.

What Buyers Should Confirm Separately
This guide does not provide fixed price quotations, guarantee rental yields or project future capital appreciation, as these depend on unit type, launch phase, vacancy assumptions, financing terms and market conditions.

Prospective buyers should confirm current pricing with recent market listings and current prices provided by the developer’s sales gallery. They should also verify foreign-buyer rules, unit-level tenure, and title procedures with a Malaysian conveyancing lawyer. A current title search can help confirm the registered owner, tenure, encumbrances and other legal particulars of the selected unit before the buyer signs an SPA or makes a deposit.

Financing should also be assessed separately with Malaysian banks or a mortgage broker, as foreign-buyer loan-to-value ratios, rates and approval conditions vary by borrower profile and lender. Forest City’s investment overview provides broader context, but transaction-specific pricing, financing, title status and yield assumptions should be verified independently.

Conclusion
While no property guide can replace advice from a Malaysian conveyancing lawyer, tax adviser or licensed property consultant, Forest City’s 2026 proposition is now supported by clearer reference points: unit-level title verification, a gazetted 50% SFZ stamp duty remission, and the RTS Link’s expected five-minute Johor Bahru–Singapore rail crossing once passenger service begins.

With the SFZ remission window running until 31 December 2034, 2026 should therefore be viewed not as a deadline, but as an appropriate time for careful due diligence. Purchasers should assess unit-level eligibility, transaction costs and long-term objectives with appropriate professional support. The key consideration for Forest City property buyers in 2026 is that the legal and tax framework for eligible transactions is now sufficiently defined to allow detailed verification before an SPA is signed.

Hashtag: #ForestCity

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Forest City Special Financial Zone

Located in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Forest City Special Financial Zone (FCSFZ) is Malaysia’s first designated special financial zone and a key financial-services component of the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone. It is positioned to attract financial institutions, multinational corporations, high-net-worth individuals and businesses operating in wealth management, financial technology and global business services.

Its incentive framework includes a 0% income tax rate for qualifying Single Family Office Vehicles for up to 20 years, a preferential 5% corporate tax rate for approved qualifying activities, and a special 15% personal income tax rate for eligible knowledge workers, subject to the applicable conditions, regulatory approvals and prevailing legislation. Forest City also holds duty-free island status, further strengthening its appeal as a regional investment, business and wealth-management destination near Singapore.

WILLEMSTAD, CURAÇAO – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 July 2026 – The second edition of 1win Essence, the international online Dota 2 tournament series organized by 1win, is now underway, bringing together 10 internationally recognized teams from Europe, Asia, North America, and South America.

Running through August 5, the tournament reflects 1win’s commitment to supporting the global eSports movement by creating opportunities for top organizations to compete and engage with fans worldwide.

Building on the inaugural edition, 1win Essence II features a refined competitive format designed to deliver a more streamlined experience for participating teams and viewers. This year’s lineup includes BetBoom Team, Team Liquid, Team Falcons, 1win Team, Nigma Galaxy, MOUZ, GamerLegion, LGD Gaming, Vici Gaming, and OG.

The tournament opened with a round-robin group stage, where teams were divided into two groups of five competing in best-of-two series. The competition will continue with double-elimination playoffs before concluding with the Grand Final on August 5.

As matches continue throughout the week, 1win Essence II highlights 1win’s broader commitment to supporting competitive gaming and fostering opportunities for players, organizations, creators, and esports communities around the world.

Tournament updates are available via the official 1win Essence Telegram channel, while matches are being streamed live on w.tv.

Hashtag: #1win

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About 1win Essence

1win Essence is a global online Dota 2 tournament. Organized by 1win, the competition combines elite-level gameplay, substantial prize pools, and professional broadcasts, offering fans high-quality Dota 2 action throughout the season.

HKSTP Hosts Showcase Featuring Clinical Progress from 10 Park Companies and Real-Life Patient Stories

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 July 2026 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) today hosted the HKSTP Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Showcase 2026 at the Charles K. Kao Auditorium, Hong Kong Science Park, with support from Invest Hong Kong. The event brought together more than 200 representatives from the healthcare, academic, investment and regulatory sectors, both locally and from overseas. A major milestone announced at the event was that HKSTP partner company Hong Kong Regen Medtech Limited (HKRM) has become the first facility in Hong Kong to be recognised by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong (PPBHK) as an allogeneic mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) PIC/S GMP manufacturing facility, enabling the production of advanced therapy products for clinical trials.

Mr Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said in his remarks: “Cell and gene therapy is one of the fastest-growing fields in life and health tech. The establishment of Hong Kong’s first stem cell production facility certified to PIC/S GMP standards at Hong Kong Science Park marks a significant milestone for the city’s life and health tech ecosystem. The significance of this certification goes far beyond technology alone. It signifies not only that production has met the highest international safety standards, but also that patients and their families can choose locally manufactured cell therapy products with confidence and complete trust. This is a tangible achievement that will enable every Hong Kong citizen to benefit directly. As the orchestrator of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem, HKSTP has been proactively connecting the life and health tech community with partners, investors and academia. Through a diverse range of incubation programmes, we provide our park companies with seed funding, innovation space, world-class infrastructure and regulatory support, helping them overcome challenges in the journey from laboratory research to clinical translation and turning scientific breakthroughs into real therapeutic outcomes for patients. We will continue to drive ecosystem development and fully support local I&T enterprises in bringing research achievements ‘Made in Hong Kong’ to the global stage.”

Hong Kong’s First PIC/S GMP Stem Cell Production Facility Bridges a Critical Gap from Research to Clinical Application

One of the highlights of the event was HKRM, an HKSTP partner company, recently obtaining Hong Kong’s first PIC/S GMP licence for stem cell production and operating the related manufacturing facility at Hong Kong Science Park, marking a key step in advancing the clinical translation of advanced therapies in Hong Kong. PIC/S GMP is internationally recognised as the gold standard for pharmaceutical manufacturing quality. Facilities must undergo rigorous international assessment to ensure that every batch is produced in a strictly controlled environment.

Mr Stanley Sy, HKRM Co-founder and CEO, said: “HKRM’s attainment of Hong Kong’s first PIC/S GMP certification for stem cell production marks not only an important milestone in the company’s development, but also signifies that Hong Kong now has the critical infrastructure needed to further support the clinical translation of advanced cell therapies. A stringent, internationally recognised manufacturing quality system helps ensure product consistency and traceability, while strengthening the confidence of medical and regulatory authorities in locally manufactured cell-based products. Based at Hong Kong Science Park, HKRM is grateful for the longstanding support of HKSTP. We also look forward to working with research and clinical partners in the Park to bring more promising therapeutic solutions from Hong Kong to the international stage.”

Patients, Families and Doctors Share First-hand Stories of the Journey from Cell Banking to Clinical Breakthroughs

The event also featured first-hand experiences from patients, their families and doctors on their treatment journeys. Park company Mononuclear Therapeutics (MonoTx) operates Hong Kong’s first AABB-accredited public cord blood bank and haematopoietic stem cell apheresis facility at Hong Kong Science Park, with more than 2,000 cord blood units in storage.

Dr Wendy Cheng, Chief Operating Officer of MonoTx, joined Professor Leung Tak Yeung and Professor Ronald Wang of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) to share research findings and patient cases with patient families.

Professor Leung Tak Yeung’s team at CUHK is studying a treatment for foetuses with severe alpha-thalassaemia by processing the mother’s stem cells through MonoTx and infusing them into the foetus, to investigate whether the foetus can develop immune tolerance to the mother’s stem cells and thereby improve clinical outcomes.

Professor Ronald Wang’s team is using cord blood to treat neonatal brain injury. Preliminary findings suggest that cord blood infusion within 48 hours of birth may help repair brain injury and improve the child’s developmental outcomes later in life.

360 Life Sciences Companies Gather at Hong Kong Science Park, Reinforcing Hong Kong’s Position as an International Health and Medical Innovation Hub

Hong Kong Science Park is home to more than 360 life sciences companies, while the number of cell and gene therapy (CGT) enterprises continues to grow, spanning frontier fields such as stem cells, gene editing, personalised cancer vaccines and CAR-T immunotherapy, and addressing diseases including cancer, heart failure and neurodegenerative disorders. HKSTP will continue to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international health and medical innovation hub by accelerating the translation and application of more locally developed R&D outcomes for the benefit of patients, the industry and society. In doing so, it aims to make innovative therapies more accessible and enable Hong Kong to play an even greater role on the global life and health tech stage.

Hashtag: #HKSTP

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 to create a thriving I&T ecosystem grooming 14 unicorns, more than 17,000 research professionals and over 2,400 technology companies from 26 countries and regions focused on developing healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies, etc.

Our growing innovation ecosystem offers comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures, with the I&T journey built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Pak Shek Kok, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong, where sectors including advanced manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined.

Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen plays positive roles in connecting the world and the mainland with our proximity, strengthening cross-border exchange to bring advantages in attracting global talent and allowing possibilities for the development of technology companies in seven key areas: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability, with both dry and wet laboratories, co-working space, conference and exhibition facilities, and more.

Through our R&D infrastructure, startup support and enterprise services, commercialisation and investment expertise, partnership networks and talent traction, HKSTP continues to contribute in establishing I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong.

More information about HKSTP is available at www.hkstp.org.