Singapore Retailers Association and CapitaLand Investment enter into a partnership to support cross-border retail expansion
— A major milestone was achieved today with the groundbreaking of Coronation Square Mall and two residential blocks, part of Phase 2 of Coronation Square. The landmark integrated development is set to transform Johor Bahru city centre into a vibrant regional destination. The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests including YAB Dato’ Onn Hafiz bin Ghazi, Menteri Besar of Johor and Mr Ng Kuan Khai, Singapore’s Consul‑General to Johor Bahru.
Strategically located in the city centre of Johor Bahru, Coronation Square will have direct connectivity to the upcoming Johor Bahru – Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS). This seamless link between Malaysia and Singapore is expected to significantly enhance cross‑border mobility, positioning the development as a key gateway for business, lifestyle and investment.
The development will feature Johor Bahru city centre’s largest retail mall, complemented by residential, hospitality, medical and commercial components. Designed to serve both local communities and the growing visitor population, the development is supported by strong infrastructure and accessibility.
A New Retail and Lifestyle Destination
Themed “Coronation Square – Where the World Meets Johor”, the mall is positioned as a premium lifestyle destination, underpinned by strong cross‑border connectivity, scale and integration within the wider development. It will bring together a curated mix of retail and brands from Malaysia, Singapore, the region and beyond, creating a truly international lifestyle destination. The mall will offer a day‑to‑night experience anchored by a marketplace grocer, a diverse dining landscape, and experiential offerings. Complementing these are family‑friendly attractions and wellness offerings designed to serve cross‑border tourists, residential communities and office crowds.
Key highlights include:
- Air‑conditioned Pedestrian Overhead Bridge (POB) from Coronation Square to RTS Station
- POB from Persada Johor to Bangunan Sultan Iskandar customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) complex
- Integrated access via internal spine roads and surrounding flyovers
- Significant parking infrastructure, including park‑and‑ride facilities
- Strategic location within the Johor‑Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS‑SEZ) growth corridor
With the JS‑SEZ expected to drive new investments, talent inflows and business activity, Coronation Square is well‑placed to capture both domestic demand and visitor traffic, creating a strong platform for regional and international retailers.
Developers’ Vision
Datuk Patrick Lim, Managing Director of Coronade Properties, said: “Today’s groundbreaking marks the next phase of our vision to shape Johor Bahru into a connected and vibrant city centre. Coronation Square is designed as a ‘city within a city’, bringing together infrastructure, businesses and community within one integrated development. As we move into Phase 2 with Coronation Square Mall, we are building more than just retail. We are creating an ecosystem that supports businesses, creates jobs and serves the daily needs of the community.”
Facilitating Regional Retail Expansion
On the sidelines of the groundbreaking ceremony, Singapore Retailers Association (SRA) and CapitaLand Investment (CLI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support Singapore retailers expanding into Johor Bahru. Under this collaboration, both parties will work together to facilitate market entry opportunities, pilot retail concepts such as pop‑ups, and organise knowledge‑sharing sessions to provide retailers with deeper insights into Johor Bahru’s consumer landscape.
Vivien Lim, Vice President, SRA, said, “Johor Bahru has emerged as one of the most accessible and promising markets for Singapore retailers looking to expand regionally. Through this collaboration with CLI, we aim to ensure our members are well‑positioned to seize these opportunities with the right market insights and support.”
Tan Mui Neo, Managing Director, Retail Management, Commercial Management (Singapore), CLI, added, “As Singapore’s largest mall operator with established retail platforms across Malaysia and China, CLI brings both regional scale and local expertise to this partnership. We are well‑placed to bring together quality brands from across the region, and Coronation Square’s “Where the World Meets Johor” positioning reflects this ambition. Through this MoU with SRA, we hope to take some of the uncertainty out of regional expansion, connecting retailers with the right market insights, opportunities and partners on the ground.”
Driving Industry Collaboration
CLI has been appointed as the retail advisor for Coronation Square Mall, bringing extensive experience from managing more than 70 malls across Singapore, Malaysia and China. The Ascott Limited, CLI’s wholly owned lodging business unit with a presence in over 40 countries, will manage the hotel component at Coronation Square under its flagship Ascott brand, marking the brand’s debut in Johor Bahru as part of a landmark hospitality collaboration within the JS‑SEZ.
As the developer, Coronade Properties plays a central role in bringing together key stakeholders across the retail ecosystem, including retailers and institutional partners, to create meaningful opportunities for brands entering the Johor market.
In line with the MoU’s focus on market engagement, a fireside chat was held during the event with invited Singapore‑based retailers. The session was moderated by Ervin Yeo, CEO, Commercial Management, CLI, and featured industry perspectives from YB Dato Haji Hasni Mohammad, Economic and Investment Advisor to the Johor State; Tuan Haji Natazha Hariss, Chief Executive, Invest Johor; Musa Fazal, Chief Policy and Operating Officer, Singapore Business Federation; Stephen Sing, Executive Director, SRA; and Datuk Patrick Lim, Managing Director, Coronade Properties Sdn Bhd. The discussion gave retailers a first‑hand look at the opportunities and consumer landscape in Johor Bahru, as well as in‑depth market information that SRA and CLI aim to make more accessible to Singapore retailers through this collaboration.
Positioning Johor Bahru for the Next Phase of Growth
The groundbreaking of Coronation Square comes at a pivotal moment as infrastructure improvements and cross‑border initiatives continue to strengthen Johor Bahru’s position within the Malaysia – Singapore corridor. The development is poised to play a key role in shaping the city’s next phase of growth as a connected and vibrant regional destination.
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