A transit-oriented development, Gen Rise is located 720m from the customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) complex and 980m from the Bukit Chagar Rapid Transit System (RTS) station, which is slated for completion by December 2026.

The project will offer 732 units in a 47-storey tower. The majority of the units are 497 sq ft (1+1 bedroom and 1 bathroom), 672 sq ft (2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms) and 854 sq ft (3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms). Larger units are also available — 1,169 sq ft (4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms), 1,344 sq ft (4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms) and 1,930 sq ft (6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms).

Each unit is partially furnished with top and bottom kitchen cabinets, a hood and hob, a digital lock at the main door and air-conditioning in all the bedrooms and the living room.

Some units are dual key-ready, allowing the owners to rent out one of the rooms with a separate entrance, Hoo says, adding that the development is scheduled for completion in December 2029.

“The surrounding area is picking up very fast, so we think it is time to enhance the value and monetise the land, and the best we can go for is the redevelopment of this place. There are plans to build a covered walkway to the existing link bridge to the CIQ complex to further enhance the connectivity and add convenience for residents,” he tells City & Country in an interview.

The units are priced from RM1,132 to RM1,354 psf, or from RM563,000, Hoo reveals, and Gen Rise targets various buyer groups, including owner-occupiers, Malaysians working in Singapore, investors seeking rental returns, first-time homeowners and Singaporeans looking for a more affordable living option in Malaysia. Over 3,000 registrations were received prior to the official launch.

One of the features of Gen Rise is the building design, which is inspired by the pop-Brutalism concept, where the focus is on minimalist constructions that showcase the bare building materials and structural elements.

Hoo explains that this design approach infuses pop culture and elements via vibrant colours and contemporary shapes into the raw textures and bold forms of Brutalism, creating spaces that are energetic and modern.

“The sleek façade of Gen Rise reflects a forward-thinking design, standing out as a striking addition to the JBCC (Johor Bahru City Centre) skyline. With its unique character and vibrant aesthetic, Gen Rise redefines urban living with energy and style,” he says.

The development offers comprehensive facilities, divided into six zones over three levels. These zones are harmonious (barbecue terrace, children’s playground, community pod), wellness (Pilates garden, reflexology path, jogging track), leisure (putting green, gazebo, hammock garden), active (basketball court, outdoor fitness area, boxing ring with punching sand bag), aqua (infinity pool, bubbling pool with floating cabana, spa pool) and fitness (sky gymnasium).

The maintenance, including the sinking fund, is expected to be 48 sen psf.

Gen Rise has obtained the provisional Silver certification by GreenRE. The development will incorporate eco-friendly features such as rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient lifts, low volatile organic compound paints and provisional electric vehicle charging stations.

Noting its strategic location, innovative design and sustainability features, Hoo is confident that Gen Rise will be a success and establish the company as a key player in Johor Bahru’s growing property market.

Developing a high-rise building in a busy city centre is not an easy task, more so a redevelopment project. Hoo admits that working within the constraints of a 1.14-acre site required strategic planning to maximise functionality and aesthetics while delivering a cohesive urban experience.

Additionally, the development faces competition in the saturated market of Johor Bahru. “The area has several high-rise developments, requiring Gen Rise to differentiate itself through innovative design, prime connectivity and sustainability. We also need to balance affordability with luxury to ensure that Gen Rise offers premium features while maintaining accessible price points for buyers and investors,” he says.

Gen Rise marks a significant milestone for Majestic Gen, Hoo says, as it represents its debut in Johor Bahru and its commitment to expanding its presence in the region.

“This landmark development reflects the company’s vision of creating modern, sustainable and innovative spaces that enhance urban living. Through Gen Rise, we hope to establish ourselves as a key player in Johor Bahru’s booming property market, as it sets a new benchmark for urban living that harmonises convenience, sustainability and quality,” he explains.

“We also hope that Gen Rise will provide a high-value investment opportunity that appeals to a diverse range of buyers. With these criteria in place, we hope it can enhance our reputation as a forward-thinking developer dedicated to improving lives through thoughtfully crafted spaces.”

After Gen Rise, Majestic Gen plans to develop more projects in Johor Bahru. It has five pocket land plots there, according to executive director Ta Wee Dher.

“One of them is located near Gen Rise — which will be launched in the second quarter. We are also keen to develop a few of these plots in the immediate future with innovative products to capture the market opportunity in a booming locale.”

The developer’s venture to other states came after its official rebranding in February last year. It has plans to launch a total of 15 projects with a total GDV of RM3.3 billion for 2024 and 2025.

Its ongoing projects include Majestic Residence in Jalan Sultan Ismail, Gen Starz in Jalan Klang Lama and Northern TechValley @ BKE in Penang.

The RM384 million Majestic Residence was soft-launched in October 2023 and is fully sold. The topping-out ceremony was held in July last year, and the developer plans to deliver vacant possession in the second quarter.

Gen Starz, launched in October last year, was 50% sold within a month. The piling works of the RM272 million project has just been completed.

Northern TechValley @ BKE — a joint venture with AME Elite Consortium Bhd (KL:AME) — was also launched in October last year. Spanning 176 acres, the RM1.3 billion industrial park will be equipped with high-speed fibre-optic internet, recreational areas such as a sports hall and a managed workers’ accommodation.

This year, Majestic Gen will have more launches outside of the Klang Valley. These launches include Majestic Yu (landed residential project in Seremban, with a GDV of RM71 million), Majestic Flora (landed residential project in Semenyih, with a GDV of RM89 million), Majestic Aman (mixed-use development in Sungai Dua, Penang, with a GDV of RM64 million), Majestic Metro (commercial development in Gunung Rapat, Ipoh, with a GDV of RM96 million), as well as the second serviced apartment project in Johor Bahru.

Ta says, “We aim to expand our portfolio with multiple projects across a variety of property segments while committing to developing products focused on quality and sustainability to enhance communities.”

This post was originally published by The Edge Malaysia.