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Forest City Releases Updated 2026 ESG Milestones for Green City Malaysia as JS-SEZ Investment Master Plan Nears Completion
While international headlines previously called Forest City a ghost city, its buildings earned LEED Gold Pre-Certification, and its development programme supported the restoration of 9 km of mangroves along the Johor coastline. Forest City SFZ’s updated summary presents a clear, verifiable record of its environmental performance, including 2.86 million m² of green space, LEED–Core and Shell (CS) Gold Pre‑Certification, 400+ documented species, 40+ international awards, and a live coastal restoration programme.
Natazha Harris, CEO of the Johor Investment Promotion Agency (IMFC-J), noted: “In the first four months of this year, we recorded 48 investment enquiries related to the Forest City SFZ. The potential investment value under discussion is estimated to reach several billion ringgit, with the annual target of RM2 billion expected to be surpassed. Several companies have progressed to advanced negotiations and feasibility studies, with key sectors including financial services, the digital economy, green technology, and high-value-added services. At the same time, areas such as renewable energy, carbon management, and sustainable urban development continue to attract strong interest.”
ESG Performance in Context: The JS-SEZ Investment Corridor
With the JS-SEZ master plan nearing completion — targeting accelerated growth across 11 key sectors and aiming to contribute RM 260 billion to Johor’s GDP by 2030 — Forest City SFZ is positioned to improve cross-border connectivity and attract investors seeking bilaterally supported investment opportunities.
As ESG criteria increasingly shape institutional real estate and infrastructure investment decisions globally, Forest City SFZ offers corporates and investors a verifiable record to evaluate across four key pillars: green space, LEED-CS Gold Pre-Certified buildings, biodiversity, and ongoing restoration efforts. Each pillar provides measurable environmental data points, while the 2024 Special Financial Zone designation added a governance dimension: a government-backed framework now bilaterally endorsed through the Malaysia–Singapore JS-SEZ agreement signed in January 2025.
In 2024, Malaysia officially launched the National Sustainability Reporting Framework (NSRF), requiring listed companies and large enterprises to adopt IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards. The Singapore Exchange has also implemented comparable requirements for its listed entities, reflecting a growing regional emphasis on transparency and accountability in sustainability practices. Forest City continues to advance the adoption of robust sustainability standards and performance indicators. It serves as a strategic platform that encourages businesses and investors to prioritise environmental stewardship while promoting balance between economic development and natural ecosystem protection. Through a range of structured and recurring environmental initiatives within the Forest City SFZ, companies are provided with meaningful opportunities to implement and demonstrate ESG practices, building tangible track records in environmental responsibility.
For enterprises operating within the SFZ, this integrated environment—where land and marine ecosystems are carefully preserved—enhances their environmental performance and strengthens their sustainability credentials.
Foundation for ESG Performance: 2.86 Million m² of Total Green Space
Green space serves as a foundational layer of Forest City SFZ’s ESG framework, supporting quantifiable outcomes across building certification, biodiversity preservation, and coastal restoration progress.
The master plan dedicates over 60% of the total land area to non-built space, translating to 2.86 million m² of green infrastructure. This includes two golf courses, public parks, landscaped residential zones, and mangrove corridors that extend along the Johor coastline.
As of 2026, this green space supports more than 400 officially documented species on site. Beyond enhancing its appeal as a destination, this rich biodiversity serves as tangible evidence of sustained environmental stewardship. The island’s mangroves are critical contributors to biodiversity, as they support fish nurseries and bird populations while protecting the coast against erosion.
Land allocation at this scale, defined at the master plan stage, establishes a more stable foundation for future ESG targets and initiatives. For investors conducting ESG due diligence, the green-space ratio represents a structural commitment that cannot be replicated through incremental upgrades.
Building Credentials: LEED-CS Gold Pre-Certification
Forest City’s LEED-CS Gold Pre-Certification, a premier international sustainability standard for green buildings, provides an externally validated benchmark for sustainable building design. The standard is awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), an independent third party recognised globally.
Pre-Certification represents verified design intent and formal commitment to sustainable performance criteria. It is evidence that environmental performance was embedded in project planning, not retrofitted. The standard covers energy modelling, water efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality, among other categories. The credential offers an independently verified data point aligned with global sustainability standards.
In addition, Forest City’s environmental protection and sustainable development efforts have also received third-party recognition. In 2022, Forest City received the Sustainable City and Human Settlements Award (SCAHSA), presented by the United Nations Global Forum on Human Settlements (GFHS), for Global Model of Green and Intelligent Construction. In addition, Forest City has received other SCAHSA awards, such as the 2020 Global Model of Coastal Ecological Environmental Protection Award and the 2021 Global Model of Low-Carbon City Planning and Design.
Coastal Restoration: Mangroves, Seagrass, and Marine Life
While third-party certification documents existing ecological value, coastal restoration demonstrates active investment in expanding environmental outcomes. Forest City’s programme focuses on mangrove restoration along the Johor coastline, a globally recognised climate adaptation strategy. Mangroves can store three to four times more carbon per acre than tropical forests. They also serve as natural barriers against storms, help prevent erosion, and support fish nurseries.
During the development phase, the landscape department implemented mangrove protection initiatives, including monitoring the mangrove coastline, collecting seeds, and supporting germination in the nursery. Now, Forest City regularly collaborates with professional environmental and research institutions, serving as a platform for advancing initiatives in climate action and biodiversity conservation. In a recent collaboration with HOPE 100, around 250 participants planted more than 1,000 mangrove saplings to help maintain the stability and health of mangrove ecosystems, providing tangible evidence of progress as longer-term restoration work advances.
The coastal design extends beyond mangroves to include 4 km of accessible beachfront coastline for residents and visitors, shallow coves and mudflats, and 250 hectares of seagrass habitat preservation. Seagrass meadows function as significant long-term carbon sinks, reinforcing the programme’s climate relevance. In collaboration with Country Garden Pacificview, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) launched a long-term monitoring and assisted recovery programme (2015–2025) focused on the seagrass ecosystem at Merambong Shoal, located near Forest City and recognised as the largest seagrass habitat in Peninsular Malaysia.
These restoration efforts are already yielding results. Since the programme’s inception, the number of seagrass species at Meambong Shoal has increased from 8 to 12, alongside a corresponding expansion in seagrass coverage. The area now supports diverse marine life, including dugongs, flounders, sea cucumbers, seahorses, and various fish species, with more than 100 species recorded. The collaboration between both parties remains ongoing.
The Long-Term Proposition: Nature and Commerce in Harmony
Forest City SFZ’s environmental investments are not isolated from its commercial proposition. The same green infrastructure that supports biodiversity and coastal restoration efforts also underpins a growing ecosystem of leisure and tourism amenities, creating revenue streams for long-term economic growth in the JS-SEZ.
The mangrove corridors, 4 km coastline, and sea fishing programmes are open to day visitors and weekend travellers, weaving green conservation into the travel experience and positioning Forest City as an emerging eco-tourism destination within the JS-SEZ corridor. For details, see Forest City’s tourism facilities.
Golf represents another convergence of environmental planning and commercial return, integrating ecology and landscape design. The Forest City Golf Resort features two critically acclaimed courses with abundant water features and landscapes surrounded by vast mangrove forests. The courses attract regional and international players to Johor annually: the Jack Nicklaus Legacy Course (par-72, 7,386 yards), which has ranked within the top 50 of the 2024–2025 Asia-Pacific Top 100 Golf Courses list, and the Liang Guo Kun Classic Course (7,138 yards), which has ranked in the Top 100 Golf Courses in Asia for six consecutive years.
Conclusion
Forest City SFZ’s latest ESG credentials indicate measurable sustainability progress, evidenced by LEED–CS Gold Pre-Certification, verified green-space and biodiversity metrics, and an ongoing coastal restoration programme.
For investors and corporates navigating tightening ESG disclosure requirements, these metrics offer a credible basis for due diligence. While prior “ghost city” narratives suggested limited prospects, current verifiable records from the U.S. Green Building Council, 40+ international awards recognising planning and sustainability excellence, and bilateral government endorsement through the JS-SEZ framework provide a significantly more informed and current basis for assessment. The SFZ incentive structure and MM2H programme round out the proposition, positioning Forest City SFZ not merely as an environmental benchmark, but also as a credible long-term destination for capital and talent alike.
Hashtag: #ForestCity
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CUHK’s Academic Excellence and Global Research Impact
CUHK’s academic rigour is further recognised in the 2026–27 Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report, where it ranks 28th globally and 5th in Asia, remaining Hong Kong’s top university for the fourth consecutive year. The University features 15 subjects in the global top 50, including five in the top 10, such as Education and Educational Research (#1), Gastroenterology and Hepatology (#2), Computer Science (#7), and Arts and Humanities and Artificial Intelligence (both ranked #9).
CUHK: Where Bold Ideas Become Impactful Research
CUHK provides an exceptional environment for impactful research, supported by approximately 300 research institutes and centres, alongside four state key laboratories approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China. Reflecting on the academic environment, Zhamilya Zhirenova, a PhD student in Biomedical Science from Kazakhstan, has deepened her expertise through her involvement with the Centre for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine (CNRM), an InnoHK research centre CUHK established with Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet.
Unlike traditional research pathways, where students are often confined to a single university laboratory, Zhamilya gained extensive experience at Hong Kong Science Park, a dynamic setting that closely resembles industry. “It feels more like an industrial company,” she reflected, “and that experience has been invaluable.” For researchers with ambitions beyond academia, such early exposure to the pace and expectations of the biotech industry provides a distinct advantage.
Nurturing the Next Generation of Scientific Innovators
Many of CUHK’s scholars are globally renowned experts who have made significant breakthroughs in their respective fields. These experts provide valuable mentorship, cultivating an intellectually stimulating environment for innovative research.
At the Centre for Novostics, an InnoHK research centre dedicated to advancing molecular diagnostics, Yasine Malki, a Chemical Pathology PhD student from Hong Kong, highlighted mentorship as a defining aspect of his experience at CUHK. Benefiting from the mentorship of Professor Dennis Lo, CUHK’s Vice-Chancellor and President, and a pioneer in molecular diagnostics, Yasine collaborates with specialists in molecular technologies, bioinformatics, and clinician-scientists, exemplifying CUHK’s dynamic, multidisciplinary approach to medical science.
Through the latest global rankings, CUHK continues to demonstrate the impact of its research and scholarship. The University offers robust financial support to attract top-tier global talent, such as the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) for the 2027–28 intake, which provides over HK$1.81 million (approximately US$232,420) in funding. Applications open on 1 September 2026.
Hashtag: #CUHK
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About CUHK
Founded in 1963, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is a leading comprehensive research university with a global reputation and world-leading rankings. Located in the heart of Asia, CUHK has a vision and a mission to combine tradition with modernity, and to bring together China and the West. The University has eight faculties: Arts, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science, and Social Science. Together with the Graduate School, the University offers over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. All faculties are actively engaged in research in a wide range of disciplines, with an array of research institutes and research centres specialising in interdisciplinary research of the highest quality.
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HKDL’s Immersive Interactive Experiences Win Guests’ Hearts Lucky Nugget Spin at Grizzly Gulch Surpasses 30,000 Participations
Immersive experiences fuel collectible merchandise craze and extend magical memories
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 July 2026 – In tune with the growing popularity of experiential travel and guests’ desire for participation and immersive experiences throughout their journeys, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) has been integrating retail with storytelling at the park through an endless flow of innovative interactive experiences and distinctive merchandise offerings. Emotional connections with guests are strengthened as merchandise is transformed into meaningful souvenirs interwoven with their Disney memories.
Launched in April this year at Grizzly Gulch, the Chip ‘n’ Dale Lucky Nugget Spin has recorded more than 30,000 participations as of the end of June, becoming one of the park’s most popular activities. Combining storytelling, live interactions, and surprises, the experience has been warmly received by guests and has further enhanced the atmosphere throughout the land.
David Koo, director of merchandise at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, shared: ‘Today’s guests are looking for more than products; they want keepsakes that capture the stories and memories of their visit. Through interactive experiences, we hope to make merchandise a natural extension of the Disney park journey. Whether it is a plush toy, a pin or an accessory, the true value lies not only in the item itself, but in the magical moments and personal memories it represents.’
David Koo, director of merchandise at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, is pictured in the center
This story- and interaction-driven strategy has been incorporated into various guest experiences across the resort. For example, in an engaging experience at the Popcorn Pop-Up Shop on Main Street, U.S.A., guests can reach into a giant popcorn bucket-themed installation to catch a “popcorn” and reveal the hidden Pixar pals plushie together with Disney cast members on the spot. Meanwhile, the Snow White Grotto, located beside the Castle of Magical Dreams, has introduced a new “Lock of Dreams” experience, offering guests a sense of ceremony and a souvenir to cherish.
Disney’s Classic Pin Trading Tradition Extends the Magic Beyond the Visit
Disney’s iconic Pin Trading tradition has long been an important part of how guests explore the park and connect with others. Reopened in June, Main Street Collectibles now features dedicated pin display areas designed to celebrate and elevate this beloved tradition. Guests can discover unexpected treasures while searching for favorite designs as they trade pins with Disney cast members and fellow collectors. More than just an addition to a collection, each pin carries unique memories and extends the guest journey.
More Than 3.5 Million 20th Anniversary Merchandise Items Snapped up
New Pixar and Marvel Experiences on the Way
Merchandise sales grew continuously during Hong Kong Disneyland’s 20th anniversary celebrations, which attracted a large number of local, mainland, and international visitors and concluded with fanfare in June. Since late June last year, the resort has sold more than 3.5 million 20th Anniversary-themed merchandise. Among them, about 600,000 units of the SouvenEARS collection have been snapped up. Meanwhile, the blind-box series inspired by attractions and themed lands achieved sales of more than 500,000 units during fiscal year 2025, demonstrating the continued popularity of merchandise with strong storytelling elements and collectible appeal.
Looking ahead, HKDL will continue to enrich the guest experience across the resort. New Pixar-themed and Marvel-themed experiences will be introduced, further expanding both entertainment and retail offerings. Through ongoing innovation, HKDL remains committed to meeting guests’ demand for more immersive experiences, enhancing its appeal to local, mainland, and international visitors, and strengthening its position as a leading travel destination in the region.
Hashtag: #HongKongDisneylandResort
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The HR Asia Awards are among Asia’s most prestigious annual human resources awards, recognizing organizations that demonstrate excellence in workplace culture and sustainable people development. Winners are evaluated using the TEAM (Total Engagement Assessment Model), which measures employee engagement, organizational trust, and workplace experience, drawing on benchmarking data from more than 2.5 million employees across 20,000 organizations throughout the region.
According to the independent assessment conducted for the HR Asia Awards 2026, Green SM significantly outperformed market benchmarks in the “Best Companies to Work for in Asia” category, achieving outstanding scores across several key dimensions, including technology enablement in the workplace (4.8/5), workplace sustainability (4.71/5), and diversity, equity, and inclusion (4.72/5).
A defining element of Green SM’s workplace culture is its unwavering commitment to the principle that “Every Voice Counts.” This commitment is embedded through comprehensive employee engagement initiatives, including regular internal surveys, 360-degree performance evaluations, and multiple feedback channels that transform employee insights into tangible improvements in policies, workplace practices, and operational excellence.
At Green SM, talent development is viewed not merely as an HR function but as a strategic driver of service excellence. The Company continues to invest comprehensively in recruitment, professional training, operational standardization, workplace culture, and structured career development pathways for its Green Drivers. In parallel, Green SM delivers continuous capability-building programs for managers and employees, combining practical learning with digital learning platforms to strengthen leadership and management capabilities and organizational agility in an evolving business environment.
Alongside its investment in people, Green SM has been progressively building a unified organizational culture across its international markets. Rooted in values established in Vietnam while embracing the diversity of local cultures and communities, the Company fosters an environment that encourages collaboration, continuous learning, and empowerment. This enables teams across different countries to uphold consistent service standards while remaining responsive to the unique needs of local customers and communities.
Green SM also received the Technology Empowerment Awards in recognition of its continued digital transformation in human resource management. Through the digitalization of HR processes, the development of competency frameworks, the expansion of digital learning ecosystems, and the integration of data-driven people management, the Company has streamlined repetitive administrative tasks, enhanced decision-making efficiency, and enabled employees to devote greater focus to innovation, customer experience, and superior service delivery.
Mr. Nguyen Quoc Tuan, Global Chief Executive Officer of Green SM, said: “Our people have always been the cornerstone of Green SM’s sustainable growth. We believe that when individuals are empowered by technology and united by shared values, our teams across every market can deliver exceptional experiences for our customers. These two awards affirm the direction we have taken and further strengthen our commitment to building a truly multinational organization with its roots in Vietnam.”
In 2026, Green SM aims to expand its global workforce and partner network to approximately 400,000 people worldwide. As the Company continues to accelerate its international expansion, it will further invest in talent development and technology-driven people management to build a highly capable global workforce, maintain consistent service excellence across markets, and advance its vision of becoming the world’s leading green mobility platform.
Hashtag: #GreenSM
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