Breathing Life into Communities
June 13, 2025
Key Takeaways
- Demonstrating that sustainability can go hand-in-hand with business practices and city development, Sunway transforms wastelands into sustainable green townships nationwide, where communities live, learn, work, and play in a healthy, safe and connected environment.
Cities may occupy just 3% of the Earth’s land surface area, but they account for 60% to 80% of global energy consumption and 75% of total carbon emissions.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, the high concentration of people, infrastructure, housing and economic activities within cities make them particularly vulnerable to climate change and natural disaster impacts.
With the United Nations (UN) estimating that two out of every three people will be city dwellers by 2050, there is an urgent need for sustainable urban planning if the world is to achieve net zero carbon emissions and reduce the adverse impacts of climate change.
Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable is key to achieving sustainable development, and one way of furthering that cause is through urban regeneration. As defined by the UN, “urban regeneration brings back underutilised assets and redistributes opportunities, increasing urban prosperity and quality of life”.
Sunway has been advocating sustainable urban development and urban regeneration in Malaysia since the 1980s, with the establishment of the flagship smart sustainable Sunway City Kuala Lumpur (SCKL) pioneering the evolution of Sunway’s integrated townships nationwide.
Urban regeneration is made possible at Sunway, owing to its role as a Master Community Developer.
Under its Build-Own-Operate (BOO) business model, Sunway owns and operates most of the properties within its integrated townships and developments, including SCKL, Sunway City Iskandar Puteri (SCIP), Sunway City Ipoh, Sunway Velocity and Sunway Valleycity – generating more value for Sunway communities in the long-term.
There is a strong link between the quality of life in cities and how they draw on and manage the natural resources available to them, as stated by the UN.
Through the BOO model, Sunway not only contributes positively to the environment, but also builds a long-term relationship with the community as it grows and enhances the development, according to Sunway Property managing director Sarena Cheah.
“I like to describe us as a ‘living community’ serving another ‘living community’. We are more than just a developer of real estate, but a developer of communities. We have been a part of our community for the past decades, and as we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we will continue to strive to pursue a better future alongside our communities as we serve them for generations to come.
said Sarena.
Building Green
Aligned with its goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, Sunway has committed to ensuring all its portfolios – such as townships, developments and buildings – developed from 2025 onwards are green certified as part of Sunway’s Green Township Policy and Green Building Policy.
These policies promote urban regeneration and revitalisation to enhance liveability in communities, as well as to manage the ecological and social impacts of its townships.
Advocating efficient land use to minimise impact from the built environment, Sunway continues to acquire transit-linked land in populous areas for development.
SCKL was rehabilitated from a desolate 800-acre tin-mining wasteland into the first Green Building Index-certified sustainable township in Malaysia.
With more than 11,000 residential and commercial units alongside multi-award-winning hospitality, retail, leisure, healthcare and education components in place, SCKL contributes extensively to the economic growth of the nation, attracting some 42 million footfalls yearly as well as serving a population of 200,000 residents and 60,000 students.
Incorporating the urban planning concept of a “15-minute-city”, SCKL advocates hyper-proximity, where people easily navigate all essential services and business premises within a 15-minute walk or bicycle ride.
The township’s Sustainable Intelligent Transport Ecosystem (SITE) comprising seven Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations, 4.3 kilometres of elevated canopy walkway, integrated car parks, and smart parking form an extensive mobility network that connects the township from end to end, bringing residences, retail, and public amenities closer so people can live, learn, work, play and stay connected in a healthy and safe environment.
Walking ranks among the top three most popular modes of commuting in SCKL, attributed by its effective low-carbon mobility efforts, according to Sunway’s behavioural study done in 2022, in partnership with Monash University Malaysia and Sunway University’s Institute for Global Strategy and Competitiveness.
Meanwhile, the use of elevated canopy walkways at the Monash University Malaysia BRT station has reduced some 76,500 kilogrammes of carbon emissions per year – equivalent to the carbon emission reduction of planting 3,640 adult trees annually, based on a study by Monash University Malaysia.
The second stretch of the canopy walk from Sunway University to Sunway Pyramid saves up to 144,648 kilogrammes of carbon emissions, which equates to 6,888 trees being planted.
Meanwhile, electric vehicle parking bays are available at across several of our properties to support low carbon mobility.
In SCKL, there are close to 1000 auxiliary plainclothes policemen and security guards, 10,000 CCTVs and more than 14 police patrol cars promoting a safe environment for the community.
SCKL also possesses self-sustaining biodiversity, with 30,000 trees around the township absorbing more than 500 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. Sunway aims to harvest 40% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
As of 2023, 41 properties and two townships across Sunway developments nationwide are green-certified.
Preserving Biodiversity
For Sunway, managing the ecological impact of its development not only ensures sustainability from an environmental standpoint; it keeps the business sustainable through the creation of new sustainable-driven income streams and reducing exposure to climate risks.
Sunway also cultivates green spaces such as urban farms to reduce its carbon footprint.
Sunway City Ipoh’s award-winning The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is an example of how Sunway preserves biodiversity while creating unique hospitality and dining experiences for guests.
The eco-luxury resort is built within a 22.7-acre valley, surrounded by towering 260-million-year-old paleozoic limestone hills. Without levelling the mountains, and preserving the lakes as retention ponds, Sunway integrated the development into the natural environment to showcase Ipoh’s natural beauty.
Offering a unique farm-to-table experience is The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat’s three organic gardens that produce over 40 types of fresh vegetables and herbs, while restaurant patrons and guests dine in the natural ambience of a 260-million-year-old cave at Jeff’s Cellar, the resort’s cellar and fine-dining restaurant.
Modelled after SCKL and Sunway City Ipoh, SCIP in Johor – which spans 2000 acres – offers green living, within a sustainable integrated township situated along the seven-kilometre Pendas River. As a Green Building Index-certified township, more than 40% of SCIP is classified as a green and open area.
Showcasing its responsibility for the environment surrounding the township, SCIP has green initiatives ensuring consistent supply of fishes for local fishermen to earn a living, protecting their livelihoods which depend on the river.
Recognising the importance of trees in reducing carbon emissions, SCIP has planted over 500,000 trees and shrubs across the township, with a commitment to replanting one or two trees when a tree is cut down during development.
“As Nature’s Capital City, we believe in setting the standard for sustainable development by prioritising preservation, of nature in our developments. At SCIP, the community can be one with nature without compromising future needs.
said SCIP head of sustainability Zarith Fahteha Mohd Khalis.
In SCKL, the Sunway South Quay lake has been preserved, supplying water to be treated and recycled by the Sunway South Quay water treatment plant for potable use in Sunway’s commercial buildings.
Supplying up to 8,500 metric tonnes of water daily – enough drinking water for 51,500 people, the water treatment plant ensures water security and business continuity, as well as peace of mind – even during sudden water supply disruptions.
With an operating capacity of up to 8.5 million litres of water per day, Sunway hopes the water treatment plant will help reduce its reliance on municipal water supply by up to 50% by 2030.
Greater Connectivity
The convenience of amenities and connectivity offered by Sunway’s integrated townships are second to none, offering residents and inhabitants greater opportunities to enjoy greater quality of life.
Understanding the significance of walkability and accessibility, Sunway prioritises transit-oriented developments (TODs) across its cities nationwide, which ensures seamless connectivity by offering various mobility options, ease of transit and shorter commutes with reliable access to public transportation.
Similar to the transformation of SCKL, the creation of the award-winning Sunway Velocity involved converting a brownfield parcel of land into the largest integrated development in Cheras.
Like a phoenix born from the ashes of its previous life, Sunway Velocity is today a thriving hub of activity, transformed from what was once a derelict plot of industrial land amid car workshops and squatter homes.
In the heart of Sunway Velocity lies a dynamic mix of attractions, including Sunway Velocity Mall, Sunway Velocity Hotel, Sunway Medical Centre Velocity, Sunway College @ Velocity, retail shops, offices, and residences. This vibrant development is a thriving center for shopping, business, education, healthcare, and hospitality, with the mall drawing in more than 1.3 million visitors per month.
The latest edition to the integrated development is Sunway Velocity TWO, a newly completed mixed development of residential, office and retail units, constructed across from the mall, further contributing to the urban regeneration of the area.
In 2024, Sunway Velocity 3 will be a welcomed addition to the development. Based on the concept of modern city living, this fully residential condominium provides inhabitants with direct access to surrounding amenities promoting connectivity and further underscoring Sunway Velocity as among the earliest examples of an integrated TOD in Klang Valley.
In a major boost to local economic growth and tourism, SCIP, which is a five-minute drive away from the Second Link Expressway, will soon enjoy greater accessibility to the Red Dot when the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is completed in 2026.
SCIP is also located 30 minutes away from the Bukit Chagar station of the RTS Link, which is expected to transport 35% of the 350,000 people who travel across the Johor Causeway daily.
“The upcoming RTS Link, set to operate by end-2026, will enhance connectivity and enrich the lives of both Johor residents and its visitors. We hope that this railway shuttle will not only bridge physical distances but also spark a new era of convenience and possibilities.
said SCIP chief executive officer Gerard Soosay.
SCIP residents are also spoilt for choice in education options, with facilities such as the Sunway International School and SJK (C) Cheah Fah, as well as the 42 Iskandar Puteri tuition-free coding school and Sunway TES accounting school.
Set to transform SCIP into a corporate hub ala Greater Kuala Lumpur is Wisma Sunway Big Box, a smart office tower connected to the Big Box Retail Park.
Home to corporations such as NEC Malaysia and Iskandar Regional Development Authority, Wisma Sunway Big Box will likely attract more companies to base their businesses within SCIP.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy – SCIP’s recreational and shopping attractions X Park Sunway Iskandar, EnerG X Park Sunway Iskandar, The Big Box Retail Hub and the Horse XPark offer a mix of outdoor and indoor fun activities to promote a balanced lifestyle for residents and tourists alike.
“As a Master Community Developer, Sunway City Iskandar Puteri is committed to building more than just houses; it is about building a community for generations to come.
said Gerard.
Leveraging its strategic location up north, Sunway City Ipoh aims to become the biggest rest and relaxation (R&R) stop for travellers on the North-South Expressway, which could see up to four million vehicles during peak seasons.
There is much to be anticipated under Sunway’s RM4 billion gross development value expansion plans in Sunway City Ipoh over the next decade, such as the construction of Sunway Medical Centre Ipoh, the largest shopping mall in Ipoh, an education campus, as well as a flexi-terrace residential development close to the medical centre.
Enhancing connectivity into Sunway City Ipoh is Sunway Property’s RM8 million infrastructure upgrades to Jalan Tambun from the North-South Expressway exit until the Taman Perpaduan interchange, in collaboration with the Ipoh City Council.
According to Sunway City Ipoh executive director Wong Wan Wooi, the improved connectivity has garnered the township more interest from several F&B operators to launch more drive-thru outlets in the area.
Communities are revitalised as urban regeneration efforts catalyse sustainable economic growth through the creation of jobs, nurturing of talents and the potential of modern living conveniences.
“It has been said that Perak’s biggest export is neither pomelo nor white coffee, but human talent. It is my hope that by providing a thriving ecosystem through an integrated township like Sunway City Ipoh, we can start reversing this trend and attract the best and brightest to make Ipoh their home.
said Sunway Group founder and chairman Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah.
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