EduCity@Iskandar, an Entry Point Project (EPP) under the education NKEA, will play an integral role in the success of Malaysia’s Economic Transformation Programme, partnering the Government’s efforts to raise quality standards and create an international higher education brand for Malaysia.

Due to the strong response received, EduCity@Iskandar is now expected to accommodate 16,000 students upon completion, instead of the initial projection of 12,000 students. It also a total development area of 305 acres.

The ongoing success of EduCity@Iskandar supports Malaysia’s vision of becoming a regional centre for excellence in tertiary education. The competitive course fees, wide range of study options, many choices of universities and colleges and the existence of branch overseas university campuses drive Malaysia’s attraction as an education destination, allowing students from different parts of the world the opportunity to acquire prestigious qualifications from well-known universities from the West at an affordable price. Malaysia’s affordable cost of living, economically sound and safe position and geographically safe environment are key in positioning Malaysia as a preferred Education destination.

EduCity@Iskandar will also act as a feeder of talent to support the various economic activities of Iskandar Malaysia. Together with its education partners, Iskandar Investment will create a vibrant learning environment to groom future generations of leaders in Malaysia, Asia and the world.

Education@Iskandar is establishing additional developments and facilities to successfully create a conducive learning environment and ensure a well-rounded educational experience for students in the region.

Students and staff in EduCity@Iskandar will enjoy an integrated campus experience with ready access to amenities including the International Students Village, which offers dynamic lifestyle and living options. This first block of apartments for student accommodation can house up to 815 students. In addition, a stadium and sports complex housing sporting facilities of international tournament standards in EduCity@Iskandar will also be completed by 2012.

A secondary trust schools will also be established in EduCity@Iskandar, aimed at nurturing young local minds to become Malaysia’s future leaders. The school will also be launched in 2012.

Netherlands Maritime Institute of Technology (NMIT) in EduCity@Iskandar

In June 2010, top maritime institutes from Netherlands had signed a landmark agreement with Education@Iskandar Sendirian Berhad (EISB), a company of the Iskandar Investment to establish the Netherlands Maritime Institute of Technology (NMIT) in the Multi-Varsity Enterprise Complex in EduCity@Iskandar.

The agreement was signed with Maritiem Instituut Willem Barentsz (MIWB), Maritiem Instituut de Ruyter (MIR) and Maritime Intelligence Sendirian Berhad (MISB), the operating company of NMIT. MISB is jointly owned by Malaysian and Dutch partners.

NMIT will welcome its first intake of about 240 students at the beginning of 2011, with enrolment projected to reach approximately 1,620 students by end 2015. The institute will offer Diploma, Degree and Masters programmes in transport, shipping, seafaring, maritime and logistics management.

Courses will commence at the initial location in Kotaraya, Johor Bahru, before the Institute moves to its campus in the Multi-Varsity Enterprise Complex in EduCity@Iskandar by 2012.

Malaysia is one of the top 10 countries in the shipping industry and NMIT will play a significant role in nurturing well-trained maritime professionals in Malaysia to meet the increasing demand for industry experts worldwide. This pool of talent will also feed into and support the growth of the trade and logistics sector which Iskandar Investment is developing in the region.