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American microbiologist behind global water safety breakthrough wins 2026 Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize
- Professor Joan Bray Rose recognised for pioneering Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) as a global approach for assessing pathogen risks in water
- QMRA adopted into global drinking water standards and enabled safe water reuse, benefitting millions worldwide
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 April 2026 – Professor Joan Bray Rose has been awarded the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize 2026 for her work as a key pioneer in the development and global adoption of Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA), a science-based approach to safeguard the quality of drinking water, as well as water reuse systems. Her work has transformed the science of microbial risk management and guided policies that protect public health and ensure safe water for communities worldwide. Her expertise in the domain of water quality and health has also played a key role in strengthening Singapore’s used water management, and the introduction of NEWater, Singapore’s third National Tap.
2. Commenting on her accolade, Professor Rose, 11th recipient of the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize said, “I am deeply honoured to receive this esteemed award. This recognition reflects our collective progress in advancing microbial risk science and its role in protecting public health today. Safe water is one of the world’s most fundamental yet unevenly distributed resource critical to sustaining human life. As microbial risks continue to evolve, strengthening the robustness of our water systems remains an ongoing endeavour to ensure they remain dependable and resilient; safeguarding both water quality and people’s lives.” She is currently the Homer Nowlin Chair in Water Research, Director of the Water Alliance at Michigan State University.
Uncovering invisible risks to revolutionise water safety
3. In the late 1980s and 1990s, Professor Rose led a team to investigate a series of waterborne disease outbreaks across the United States. Among the most severe was the 1993 Cryptosporidiosis outbreak in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where an estimated 403,000 residents fell ill and at least 69 deaths were recorded[1]. She was the first to demonstrate the widespread occurrence of Cryptosporidium as a zoonotic pathogen[2] in the United States, and its transmission to humans through inadequately filtered and disinfected drinking water supplies. By establishing Cryptosporidium as the causative agent of these outbreaks, she highlighted the vulnerability of drinking water systems to microbial contamination – a challenge with global public health implications. Her findings also revealed a critical gap: pathogens could evade conventional water treatment, existing monitoring systems detected microbes without quantifying risk, and public health responses were largely reactive rather than predictive.
4. Professor Rose then pioneered QMRA in the 1990s and early 2000s to address these critical gaps undermining water safety and public health. QMRA introduced a systematic, science-based approach to assess and manage microbial risks in drinking and other forms of water, including reuse water. By enabling scientists to quantify infection risks and illness probabilities based on pathogen concentrations, exposure pathways and consumption patterns, QMRA shifted water management from reactive “detect and correct” approaches to proactive “predict and prevent” strategies. This revolutionised water safety, boosting the quality of water systems to reliably meet health standards.
Global impact on water microbiology and water quality
5. QMRA is now widely adopted in drinking water regulations worldwide including the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Standards and the World Health Organisation’s Third Edition of the Drinking Water Quality Guidelines in 2004. Her work has enabled water utilities and regulators to define treatment requirements based on tolerable health risks for any given water source.
6. Professor Rose extended the application of QMRA beyond drinking water to assess microbial risks in treated wastewater and water reuse systems. This development greatly strengthened global confidence in leveraging recycled water as a viable and sustainable supply source, and Professor Rose has since strongly advocated for the adoption of water reuse to address global water scarcity. She also advised the Orange County Water District’s Independent Advisory Panel and the California State Water Resources Control Board’s Expert Panel on water reuse. Her guidance contributed to California’s Indirect and Direct Potable Reuse regulations, now models for water reuse standards worldwide, including in Australia, Spain, and the United States.
7. For over two decades, Professor Rose worked closely with PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, to strengthen water quality and safety. She was instrumental in the advancement of NEWater which was introduced in 2003, serving on the NEWater Expert Panel from 1998 to 2002. In her role, Professor Rose shared her expertise, provided guidance on best practices for water quality monitoring, and reviewed findings from health studies which demonstrated the long-term safety of NEWater. From 2003 to 2019, she also chaired PUB’s External Audit Panel, supporting the safe and robust implementation of water reuse in Singapore. In recognition of her significant contributions, she was conferred the Honorary Citizen Award by the Government of Singapore in 2015. Tapping on the QMRA approach, PUB has since strengthened the capabilities to use water quality surveillance data to guide treatment processes and ensure compliance with local and international drinking water standards and guidelines. (Refer to Annex on how QMRA is applied in Singapore.)
8. Beyond research, she has advanced global knowledge and capacity in microbial risk assessment through training and collaborative initiatives such as launching the QMRA Summer Institute[3] and QMRAwiki[4]. She has also strengthened preparedness for waterborne disease outbreaks worldwide by spearheading major international initiatives such as the Global Water Pathogen Project[5] and Wastewater Sphere[6].
Recognising a steadfast champion of global public health
9. Professor Rose, who recently turned 72, has dedicated her professional life to improving water quality and safeguarding public health outcomes. She is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading authorities in water microbiology and received the 2024 International Water Association Global Water Award for her contributions. Today, she continues to lead research on emerging microbial health risks, driven by a deep and enduring commitment to improving lives worldwide. Her work remains critical as cities strengthen their water resilience against evolving public health and climate challenges.
10. Professor Rose will receive the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize – an award certificate, a gold medallion, and S$300,000, presented in partnership with Temasek Foundation – at an award ceremony on 16 June 2026, held during the official opening of the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) 2026. She will also deliver a keynote lecture the same day. SIWW2026 is expected to gather 2,500 leaders, experts and practitioners from governments, cities, utilities, and industry, and over 25,000 trade visitors.
Annex
Application of QMRA in Singapore’s context
Leveraging on the concepts embedded in QMRA, PUB has established robust treatment processes and a comprehensive water quality surveillance programme to ensure that Singapore’s drinking water consistently meets both local drinking water regulations, as well as international drinking water standards and guidelines. Today, the approach has evolved from a reactive “end-of-pipe testing” to a “process monitoring” approach, one that is more proactive in identifying potential risks within the treatment process.
QMRA also enables PUB to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of different treatment technologies in managing microbial risks. This allows for informed, evidence-based decisions when selecting suitable technology for Singapore’s water sources, further strengthening the safety and reliability of our water supply. For instance, Singapore has adopted new and advanced technologies for water treatment, such as:
(i) reverse osmosis for removal of dissolved ions and particles, including viruses, which are too small to be removed through normal filtration; and
(ii) ultraviolet disinfection and ozonation for disinfection of a broader range of waterborne pathogens.Hashtag: #SingaporeInternationalWaterWeek
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About the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize
Launched in 2008 to honour outstanding contributions by individuals or organisations towards solving the world’s water problems by developing or applying innovative technologies, or implementing policies and programmes which benefit humanity, the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize is one of the key highlights of the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW).
Named after Singapore’s first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize laureate receives a certificate, a gold medallion and S$300,000 presented in partnership with Temasek Foundation, at the award ceremony held during SIWW.
About the Singapore International Water Week
As one of the premier global platforms, the biennial Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) gathers thought leaders, experts and practitioners from governments, cities, utilities, and industry to share knowledge and best practices on innovative water, coastal and flood solutions, and foster partnerships to tackle urban water and associated climate challenges.
Organised by Singapore International Water Week Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, the 11th edition of SIWW will be held from 15 to 18 June 2026 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore.
For more information, visit 
www.siww.com.sg
About Temasek Foundation (www.temasekfoundation.org.sg)
Temasek Foundation supports a diverse range of programmes that uplift lives and communities in Singapore and Asia. Temasek Foundation’s programmes are made possible through philanthropic endowments gifted by Temasek, as well as gifts and other contributions from other donors. These programmes strive to deliver positive outcomes for individuals and communities now, and for generations to come. Collectively, Temasek Foundation’s programmes strengthen social resilience; foster international exchange and catalyse regional capabilities; advance science; and protect the planet.
For more information, visit www.temasekfoundation.org.sg.
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Vinpearl Partners With Leading Southeast Asian Travel Platforms To Expand Its International Reach
The agreements were signed at the Vietnam-Thailand Business Forum and the Vietnam-Singapore Technology Connectivity Forum, held as part of Party General Secretary and State President To Lam’s official visits to the Kingdom of Thailand, the Republic of Singapore, and the Republic of the Philippines from May 28 to June 1, 2026.
In Thailand, Vinpearl announced the expansion of its strategic partnerships with Agoda and AirAsia MOVE to strengthen the international presence of its integrated tourism, hospitality, and entertainment ecosystem.
Through Agoda, one of the world’s largest online travel platforms, Vinpearl aims to optimize business performance across its tourism, hospitality, and entertainment portfolio while expanding its reach in key markets including Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East, Australia, and long-haul international traveler segments. The partnership also marks a new milestone for VinWonders, with its integrated leisure and hospitality products now being offered directly through Agoda’s global platform.
The partnership with AirAsia MOVE is designed to broaden international access to Vinpearl and VinWonders hospitality, leisure, and entertainment offerings in Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, and Da Nang-Hoi An through one of the region’s leading digital travel platforms. Via AirAsia MOVE, travelers can conveniently book flights, accommodations, and attractions within a single itinerary, making it easier to choose integrated Vinpearl and VinWonders experiences when visiting Vietnam.
With access to a network of more than 700 airlines and over one million hotels worldwide, AirAsia MOVE is expected to further strengthen the visibility of the Vinpearl and VinWonders ecosystem among international travelers, while also enhancing Vietnam’s appeal as a destination for visitors from ASEAN and other key global markets.
In Singapore, Vinpearl also signed partnership agreements with BeMyGuest and GlobalTix, two of the Asia-Pacific region’s leading technology and distribution platforms for travel experiences.
Supported by extensive partner networks and some of the region’s most diverse travel product portfolios, these collaborations are expected to strengthen the presence of the VinWonders brand across Southeast Asia, China, and India, while expanding international access to unique experience offerings in Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Da Nang.
Through these agreements, the partners will leverage their respective strengths in technology, distribution, and customer ecosystems to progressively expand the international footprint of Vinpearl and VinWonders while enhancing the global appeal of Vietnamese tourism.
Ms. Ngo Thi Huong, Chief Executive Officer, Vinpearl, said: “These partnerships not only expand Vinpearl’s network of strategic partners but also create a strong foundation for the Vinpearl and VinWonders ecosystem to connect more deeply with global traveler segments through some of the region’s leading travel, aviation, and distribution platforms. This represents an important step in our strategy to strengthen international competitiveness and position Vinpearl destinations among the top choices for travelers across Asia.”
Mr. Krishna Rathi, Associate Vice President, Supply, Agoda, said: “With its extensive scale of operations, diverse portfolio, and ability to develop integrated destinations, Vinpearl is one of the most outstanding partners in Vietnam’s tourism industry today. We believe this partnership will help the Vinpearl and VinWonders ecosystem engage more deeply with rapidly growing international traveler segments across Asia and global markets.”
Ms. Nadia Omer, Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia MOVE, said: “We highly value the opportunity to partner with Vinpearl in unlocking strategic collaboration potential within one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic and fast-growing tourism markets. As an OTA platform with a comprehensive travel ecosystem and extensive regional connectivity, AirAsia MOVE is committed to further enhancing travel connectivity and intra-regional tourism flows. Vietnam is emerging as one of the region’s brightest tourism destinations, and we believe the combination of Vinpearl’s leading hospitality and entertainment ecosystem with AirAsia MOVE’s distribution and connectivity capabilities will create significant growth opportunities for the tourism sector in the years ahead.”
The partnerships with Agoda, AirAsia MOVE, BeMyGuest, and GlobalTix mark another milestone in Vinpearl’s strategy to internationalize its tourism, hospitality, and entertainment ecosystem while expanding the presence of Vinpearl and VinWonders accommodation, leisure, and experience offerings across global travel platforms.
Hashtag: #Vinpearl
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About Agoda
Agoda is a global online travel platform offering more than six million accommodation options, including hotels, resorts, apartments, and vacation villas, as well as flight bookings, travel activities, and related travel services. Headquartered in Singapore, Agoda is part of Booking Holdings (Nasdaq: BKNG). The platform operates in 39 languages, provides 24/7 customer support, and employs more than 7,500 people worldwide.
About AirAsia MOVE
AirAsia MOVE (MOVE) is the digital travel platform of Capital A Group and has been recognized by the World Travel Tech Awards as Asia’s Best Travel Booking App for three consecutive years since 2023. Focused on building a comprehensive travel ecosystem, MOVE delivers affordable, seamless, and personalized travel experiences across Southeast Asia and international markets.
The platform currently connects travelers to more than 700 airlines and over one million hotels worldwide while offering a wide range of services including attraction tickets, airport transfers, travel insurance, and integrated travel products. AirAsia MOVE also enhances user experience through its loyalty program and AskBo, an AI-powered travel chatbot.
About BeMyGuest
BeMyGuest is a Singapore-based travel technology company founded in 2012, specializing in booking and distribution solutions for attractions, tours, and travel experiences across the Asia-Pacific region. Its ecosystem includes the Distribution Network and Xplore Booking System, which support sales management, multi-channel distribution, and digital operations for thousands of partners in the experience tourism industry. BeMyGuest is connected to numerous online travel platforms and international distribution partners while providing multilingual solutions and flexible pricing models for integrated systems.
About GlobalTix
GlobalTix is a global technology and distribution platform for attractions, tours, and travel experiences, headquartered in Singapore with operations across multiple Asia-Pacific markets. Founded in 2013, GlobalTix enables attractions and experience operators to connect with travel agencies, online travel platforms, and international distribution partners through a unified platform. Its partners include major brands such as Mount Faber Leisure Group, Taman Safari Indonesia, Mandai Wildlife Group, National Gallery Singapore, and Singapore Airlines.
About Vinpearl
Vinpearl is Vietnam’s leading hospitality, tourism, and entertainment brand, currently operating 60 properties across 20 provinces and cities nationwide. Its ecosystem includes a network of five-star hotels and resorts with more than 17,500 rooms; 15 VinWonders theme parks featuring attractions for visitors of all ages; six world-class golf courses; and three VinPalace convention and performing arts centers. The portfolio also includes two semi-wildlife conservation and care parks, an equestrian academy, and million-dollar live-action performance shows in destinations such as Nha Trang and Phu Quoc, attracting millions of visitors each year.
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Alibaba Group Partners with UEFA Men’s Club Competitions from 2027/28 to 2032/33 and UEFA EURO 2028™
- Alibaba becomes the official and exclusive partner for AI, Cloud Computing Services, and E-commerce
- Partnership to deploy Alibaba Cloud and Qwen Artificial Intelligence to deliver smart operations and personalized digital experiences for fans
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 May 2026 – Alibaba Group today announced a multi-year partnership with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and UC3, the joint venture between UEFA and European Football Clubs (EFC) that controls and manages the strategic marketing, sales and delivery of commercial rights for UEFA club competitions. Alibaba Group becomes the official and exclusive AI, Cloud Computing Services, and E-commerce partner of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League from 2027/2028 to 2032/2033 and of UEFA EURO 2028TM.
The partnership will see the deployment of Alibaba’s advanced AI capabilities in supporting fan engagement and media and content management via its Qwen Large Language Model (LLM).Together with its cloud computing infrastructure and global e-commerce platform, Alibaba will power an immersive fan and content experience worldwide across UEFA’s flagship competitions.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said: “We are delighted to welcome Alibaba as a global partner for UEFA EURO 2028 and as a future partner of our men’s club competitions. Their expertise in artificial intelligence, cloud computing technology, and e-commerce will support UEFA’s commitment to thoughtful innovation and to enhancing the experience of supporters around the world. Together, we can bring fans closer to the game in new and meaningful ways – making our competitions feel even more captivating, engaging and accessible, while preserving the traditions, emotions and spirit that define European football.”
“We believe that football is a shared language around the world, and the unifying power of the game at all levels for all fans is the mission that brings Alibaba and UEFA together,” said Joe Tsai, Chairman of Alibaba Group. “I am excited to work with UEFA to realize the vision of this multi-year partnership, where we will commit our cloud computing, full-stack AI, and global e-commerce capabilities to support UEFA and UC3 to deliver these iconic competitions to global fans.”
Alibaba’s cloud infrastructure and Qwen LLM will support UEFA in building its own next-generation AI capabilities. Fans will benefit from personalized, AI-powered experiences that deepen their engagement with the sport. Through Alibaba’s global e-commerce network, fans around the world may soon enjoy seamless access to a wide range of official merchandise from the UEFA men’s club competitions from 2027/2028 and UEFA EURO 2028TM.
This partnership is a new global benchmark in sports innovation. It combines UEFA’s unmatched sporting legacy and global fan base with Alibaba’s expertise in AI, cloud computing, and e-commerce, creating a scalable model for sports federations, leagues and teams to engage fans worldwide.
The development and execution of the partnership between UEFA, UC3, and Alibaba was facilitated by Relevent, a world-leading commercial rights partner dedicated to international football. The UEFA EURO 2028 partnership will be managed by CAA11.
Hashtag: #AlibabaGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About UEFA
UEFA is the governing body of European football and a not-for-profit organisation which supports and ensures the world‘s most popular sport continues to thrive at all levels across its 55 member associations. As part of its commitment, UEFA invests 97.5% of its revenue in football-related activities, projects and initiatives that ensure the continued development of the men’s and women’s professional game as well as youth, grassroots and futsal.
About UC3
UC3 unites European football‘s governing body UEFA and European Football Clubs (EFC), representing more than 800 top European clubs, around a new vision for managing commercial rights to UEFA club competitions (the “UCCs”). It is the commercial entity responsible for generating revenues from the UCCs and creating value for our partners. UC3 oversees the management, sales and delivery of all commercial rights (including media, sponsorship and licensing rights) for UEFA‘s elite men‘s and women‘s club competitions.
About Alibaba Group
Alibaba Group is a global technology company focused on AI + Cloud and consumption. We provide the technology infrastructure and marketing reach to help merchants, brands, retailers and other businesses to engage with their users and customers and operate efficiently. We empower consumers and enterprises with our full-stack AI capabilities and services. Our AI technology based on Qwen (Chinese: Qianwen), a family of large language and multimodal models, powers the intelligence behind our services across enterprise solutions, e-commerce and other Internet platforms.
Media OutReach
Forest City Issues Guidance on SFZ MM2H Requirements Amid Growing Regional Interest in Malaysia’s ‘Easiest Path’ to Long-Term Residency
Malaysia’s My Second Home (MM2H) programme has historically attracted retirees and investors seeking an affordable path to long-term residency. A relatively new variation linked to Forest City’s SFZ offers one of the lowest entry points in the programme’s history.
Under the national MM2H framework, Silver and Gold applicants are required to maintain fixed deposits ranging from RM500,000 to RM1 million. In addition, participants must purchase and own a residence corresponding to their MM2H category — with a minimum property value of RM600,000 for silver, RM1 million for Gold, and RM2 million for platinum.
In comparison, the SFZ MM2H, available exclusively through Forest City, sets a significantly lower deposit threshold — US$65,000 for applicants aged 21–49, and US$32,000 for those aged 50 and above — along with a mandatory purchase of a Forest City residential property valued at no less than RM500,000.
Key Differences Between the Forest City SFZ MM2H and Malaysia’s Standard MM2H Programme
The MM2H programme was introduced more than two decades ago by the Ministry of Tourism, initially targeting foreign retirees under the Silver Hair Programme. Following several revisions, including a major policy update in 2021, the scheme was restructured into three tiers — Silver, Gold, and Platinum — each with different deposit requirements, eligibility criteria, and associated benefits.
Launched in 2024 alongside the establishment of the Forest City SFZ, the SFZ MM2H presents a distinct variation of the national MM2H programme. Unlike the other tiers, this version is specific to Forest City in Johor, and is designed to attract investors, professionals, and expatriates to the new economic zone.
The SFZ MM2H has a lower fixed deposit requirement, but requires the mandatory purchase of a qualifying residential property directly from the Forest City developer.
| Category | SFZ MM2H | Standard MM2H (Silver) | Standard MM2H (Gold) | Standard MM2H (Platinum) |
| Fixed Deposit | US$65,000 (age 21–49) / US$32,000 (age 50+) | US$150,000 | US$500,000 | US$1,000,000 |
| Property Requirement | RM500,000 minimum (Developer unit only, cannot sell for 10 years) | RM600,000
minimum |
RM1,000,000 minimum | RM2,000,000 minimum |
| Visa Duration | 10 years, renewable | 5 years, renewable | 15 years, renewable | 20 years, renewable |
| Property Location | Forest City only (Valid throughout Malaysia — holders may reside in any state, including Kuala Lumpur and Penang) | Anywhere in Malaysia | Anywhere in Malaysia | Anywhere in Malaysia |
Source: https://www.mm2h.gov.my/category/overview
While the SFZ MM2H may not be designed for every demographic, given that both the fixed deposit and property purchase are mandatory, Forest City offers 517-square-foot residential units tailored for the programme, providing a more accessible option for those interested in applying.
The Forest City SFZ MM2H Qualification
To qualify for the Forest City SFZ MM2H, applicants must meet the following criteria:
| Age Requirement | Minimum age of 21 years old for the principal applicant |
| Eligible Dependants |
|
| Financial Requirement | Maintain a fixed deposit with a Malaysian financial institution regulated under the Financial Services Act 2013 or Islamic Financial Services Act 2013:
|
| Property Requirement |
|
| Residency Requirement |
|
Source: https://www.mm2h.gov.my/category/sez
Applicants who were previously rejected under MM2H or have unresolved immigration issues are not eligible.
Process to Apply for the SFZ MM2H
Applications for the SFZ MM2H must be submitted through a licensed MM2H agent accredited by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) under the Tourism Industry Act 1992. Direct or independent submissions are not accepted.
Application Steps
1. Engage a Licensed Agent
Select a registered MM2H agent to assist with the preparation and submission of all required documents.
2. Prepare Documentation
Gather and complete the necessary documents, which typically include:
- A valid passport (with at least 18 months of remaining validity)
- Proof of financial resources
- Marriage Certificate
- Police clearance certificate
- Birth Certificate
3. Submit and Await Approval
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture reviews all applications. Processing times may vary. Approved applicants will receive an official Letter of Conditional Approval.
4. Deposit the Required Funds
Open a fixed deposit account with a Malaysian financial institution approved under the Financial Services Act 2013 or Islamic Financial Services Act 2013 and place the required deposit amount.
5. Purchase Property and Activate the Visa
After receiving the approval letter, applicants must complete the purchase of a qualifying Forest City property. Once the purchase is finalised, up to 50% of the initial fixed deposit may be withdrawn for approved purposes, including property purchase, education, medical expenses, and tourism activities in Malaysia. The applicant’s passport will then be endorsed with the SFZ MM2H visa, allowing holders to reside anywhere in Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur and Penang, among other states.
Forest City SFZ MM2H Benefits: Residency Rights and Visa Privileges After Approval
Holders of the SFZ MM2H visa receive a 10-year renewable multiple-entry visa, which covers the main applicant and eligible dependants. This long-term pass allows continuous residence in Malaysia without the need for frequent renewals. While it does not automatically permit employment, applicants may apply separately for a work or business visa if required.
Beyond the residency benefits, participants gain access to the wider Forest City SFZ ecosystem, designed to combine convenience, safety, and international connectivity. Key features include:
- Proximity to Singapore via the Malaysia–Singapore Second Link, located about two kilometres across the Johor Strait.
- Duty-free zone status, offering cost advantages on select imports and consumer goods.
- A secure, master-planned community with 24-hour property management, monitored transport networks, and a dedicated security system.
- A diverse, international environment, home to residents from more than 20 nationalities.
- International school within the township and access to world-class healthcare facilities nearby.
- Two championship golf courses, including the Liang Guo Kun Classic Course—listed among Asia’s Top 100 Golf Courses for seven consecutive years—and the Jack Nicklaus Legacy Course.
Upon completing the property purchase, participants may withdraw up to 50% of their fixed deposit, subject to compliance with programme conditions. Dependants typically include a spouse and unmarried children under 21.
Taken together, the SFZ MM2H programme’s structure offers participants a dual proposition: a streamlined path to long-term Malaysian residency, combined with access to a master-planned development designed around security, connectivity, and urban infrastructure.
Residents most suitable for Forest City SFZ MM2H
The Forest City SFZ MM2H is designed for people looking to make Malaysia a part of their long-term plans — for retirement, regional investment, or raising a family in a globally connected environment. The programme pairs the stability of a 10-year renewable visa with the lifestyle advantages of living in a self-contained, internationally planned coastal city.
For retirees, the SFZ MM2H offers one of the lowest financial thresholds under any MM2H tier, making long-term residency more accessible without compromising comfort or quality of life. Forest City’s master-planned layout, secure environment, and proximity to Singapore provide a practical setting for those seeking a calm yet connected lifestyle.
For professionals and family offices, the Special Financial Zone introduces strategic incentives, including 0% tax on qualifying family office investment income and a 5% corporate tax rate for financial institutions. It is an option worth considering for those exploring Malaysia as a hub for cross-border business or wealth management. Details are available on the investment page.
For families, Forest City offers access to an international school education covering kindergarten to high school, combining global curricula with local convenience. Its location — just two kilometres from Singapore via the Second Link — appeals to parents seeking strong education options and ease of travel at a more affordable cost.
That said, the SFZ MM2H may not suit every applicant, as it requires the purchase of a Forest City property. However, owning a property does not mean the MM2H holder must live in it — the holder may rent it out, and as an approved participant, can reside anywhere in Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and other states. Even without committing to a specific long‑term base in Johor, this pathway remains one of the most accessible residency pathways available in Malaysia, balancing affordability, stability, and proximity to Singapore.
As with any long-term visa programme, requirements and processing timelines are subject to change, and applicants should seek accurate, up-to-date advice before applying. The requirements outlined here reflect information available as of 29 May 2026 — for current terms and application timelines, consult Forest City officials or other authorised agents accredited under the Tourism Industry Act 1992.
Hashtag: #ForestCity
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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