Pantai Sentral Park: IJM Land’s Vision for a Future-Ready, Sustainable City
- Jocelyn Chai
- Mar 24
- 9 min read
Updated: Apr 5
Discover how IJM Land is transforming Kuala Lumpur’s Pantai Sentral Park into a vibrant, smart, and community-driven mixed-use township.
18 Mar 2025, 04:00 pm
This article first appeared in City & Country, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on March 10, 2025 - March 16, 2025
Pantai Sentral Park: IJM Land’s Sustainable & Smart Mixed-Use Township
Explore how IJM Land is reimagining Pantai Sentral Park with mixed-use developments, AI integration, green spaces, and a strong focus on long-term sustainability.
Leading a New Chapter: IJM Land Under Tony Ling
Meeting Datuk Tony Ling, the newly appointed CEO of IJM Land Bhd, feels less like a formal interview and more like catching up with an old friend. With a warm smile and a confident yet approachable demeanor, Ling brings with him a wealth of experience from his years in the property sector.
Since taking over in November 2024, Ling has been actively charting a fresh course for the property development arm of IJM Corp Bhd (KL:IJM). During a recent interview at the revamped IJM Land Centre of Excellence (ICE) Gallery located within Pantai Sentral Park (PSP), he laid out his vision for the company’s future direction.
“We’re not building typical townships anymore. We’re moving towards community-driven developments,” he shares.
From Townships to Integrated Living
Ling envisions a significant pivot in IJM Land’s development model. While the company has long been known for its large-scale townships and standalone residential projects like condominiums and apartments, the new strategy focuses on mixed-use developments. These will integrate residential, commercial, and office elements — with upcoming initiatives planned for both Penang and Pantai Sentral Park.
Additionally, he reveals that IJM Land will retain select properties for recurring income and invest in wellness-based offerings, which will become a key feature across future projects. A current example is the ongoing transformation of Holiday Villa Subang into a fully integrated wellness resort.
Strategic Execution: A Methodical Approach
Ling emphasizes that execution is critical in bringing this vision to life. His first priority as CEO was to evaluate the company’s landbank in strategic locations like Penang and PSP, identifying plots suitable for diversified, mixed-use projects.
“The next step is building the right team, followed by re-strategising the master plan. You need to redefine components, find the right catalyst, and have the right people in place to execute it.”
The planning process has also involved a deep dive into market research to ensure future projects align with current buyer demands — particularly in light of global economic uncertainties and rising living costs.
Driving Change from Within
Internally, Ling has faced the expected challenge of shifting mindsets within an organisation accustomed to traditional township models.
“Any time you introduce change — especially moving towards mixed-use development — you’ll face some resistance. People will question the risks and whether it’s the right move. That’s normal,” he admits.“But with the experience and lessons our core team has gained, we know this is achievable.”
With a clear strategy, a solid team, and adaptive thinking in place, Ling believes the time is right to move forward. The starting point? A revitalised master plan for Pantai Sentral Park, now reimagined to reflect evolving market needs and modern living expectations.
Revisiting the Master Plan: PSP’s Next Phase of Growth
Located next to the expansive 200-acre Bukit Kerinchi Forest Reserve, the 58-acre Pantai Sentral Park (PSP) was originally conceived as a vertical township, designed to bring together residential and commercial high-rises in a lush, green setting. With a projected gross development value (GDV) of RM8.3 billion, the township is slated for full completion between 2039 and 2040.
According to Datuk Tony Ling, CEO of IJM Land, the land has been divided into 14 parcels. Out of these, four projects have already been launched. The first was Inwood Residences, a RM214 million development launched in 2014 and completed in 2019. The 37-storey tower comprises 211 units with built-ups ranging from 1,216 to 1,965 sq ft. It was fully sold, with prices starting from RM1.304 million.
Next came Secoya Residences, launched in June 2015 and completed in June 2019. This RM308 million project includes 243 units in a 41-storey tower, with built-up areas ranging between 1,050 and 1,670 sq ft. Units were fully sold, with prices starting at RM1.106 million.
In the fourth quarter of 2018, IJM Land launched the Suria Pantai Residences, a RM246 million project under the Residensi Wilayah affordable housing scheme. Completed in early 2021, the development features 896 units within a 35-storey building, each measuring 810 sq ft and sold at an affordable price of RM275,000.
The most recent addition is Riana Trees Residences, which was introduced in June 2023 and is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2027. With a GDV of RM261 million, the 32-storey development offers 336 units with built-ups of 900 and 955 sq ft. Prices for the units start at RM706,000 and RM756,000 respectively, and 80% of the units have already been taken up.
In light of shifting market dynamics, particularly following the pandemic, the original master plan for PSP has undergone a comprehensive review. Ling notes that the initial concept leaned heavily on futuristic and avant-garde architecture, with bold designs meant to house retail malls and modern office spaces. However, as trends changed, it became clear that such buildings may not attract the kind of rental yields previously anticipated.
“We had to retune the entire master plan,” says Ling. “Instead of futuristic buildings, we’re now focusing on modern, elegant designs that incorporate biophilic elements and green features — something more aligned with what today’s users want.”
Enlace: The Beating Heart of Pantai Sentral Park
Spanning 18.18 acres, Enlace is positioned to become the beating heart of Pantai Sentral Park (PSP). With an estimated gross development value (GDV) of RM3.9 billion, the development is designed as a fully integrated, mixed-use precinct that blends urban living with wellness, workspaces, and lifestyle offerings. According to Datuk Tony Ling, CEO of IJM Land, Enlace will define the next phase of PSP and act as its central gathering point.
The project will feature four main components. First is Enlace Suites, a serviced apartment offering with unit sizes ranging from 474 to 1,733 sq ft. The layouts will include a variety of configurations such as studio units, dual-key setups, and spacious multi-bedroom options to suit various lifestyles and household types.
The second component, Enlace CO, introduces the office element. It will be housed in two towers—one offering 135,000 sq ft of space intended for en bloc sale, while the other will feature boutique office units with individual entrances and prominent signage opportunities. These office spaces are designed to be flexible and attractive to businesses, particularly those looking to own their own premises. Ling anticipates demand spilling over from Bangsar South, where commercial space is currently limited.
Next is Enlace Shoppes, a retail podium comprising two levels of F&B outlets, fitness and wellness centres, lifestyle stores, entertainment, and a premium grocer. This retail section is designed to cater to both residents and office workers, creating a vibrant day-to-night ecosystem within PSP.
The final phase, Enlace Retreat, will be a wellness-focused development that brings together medical elements, rehabilitation and recovery facilities, as well as amenities supporting independent and senior living. This component will be launched at a later date, with Enlace Suites, Enlace CO, and Enlace Shoppes expected to be unveiled in the second quarter of the year.
Enlace Suites and Enlace CO will be constructed above Enlace Shoppes, occupying 5.87 acres of the overall site. Enlace Retreat will cover 7.8 acres, while the remaining 4.51 acres within the Enlace development is still in the planning stages.
Accessibility is also a major highlight. All components of Enlace will be interconnected and linked to a future MRT3 station via a pedestrian bridge. The development will also connect seamlessly to the adjacent Bukit Kerinchi Forest Reserve, enhancing the sense of nature within the city. A dedicated green space within the development, called Enlace Urban Park, will serve as the entry point to hiking trails leading into the forest reserve. Ling envisions visitors enjoying a nature walk and then returning to Enlace Shoppes to dine and relax.
The residential component, Enlace Suites, will comprise two towers: Enlace Suites 1 and 2. The first tower, scheduled for launch in April, has a GDV of RM430.4 million and is expected to be completed by September 2029. The 48-storey tower will include 438 units, with configurations ranging from studios to four-bedroom and dual-key units. Prices will start at RM517,000 and go up to RM1.858 million, depending on size and layout. Residents can enjoy a wide array of facilities including swimming pools, a hammock garden, meditation and reflexology gardens, a gym, BBQ area, multipurpose atrium, family lounge, and children’s playground. The estimated maintenance fee, inclusive of the sinking fund, is RM0.50 per square foot.
Details for Enlace Suites 2, including its launch date, will be announced later.
On the commercial front, Enlace CO will have a GDV of RM318.4 million. The development will be housed in two buildings: Enlace CO I (14 storeys) and Enlace CO II (13 storeys). Enlace CO I’s 135,000 sq ft will be sold en bloc for around RM165 million, while Enlace CO II offers three boutique office units. Unit A spans 36,350 sq ft and is priced at RM47.9 million; Unit B offers 36,867 sq ft at RM52.12 million; and Unit C spans 38,449 sq ft, priced at RM53.4 million.
Enlace Shoppes, with a net lettable area of 108,000 sq ft, will be carefully curated to provide a complete urban lifestyle experience. The retail mix will include food and beverage outlets, fashion and lifestyle brands, beauty and wellness centres, edutainment, general and specialty retail, and a premium grocer—all designed to meet the needs of residents, office workers, and visitors.
To enhance overall connectivity and community living, PSP will soon feature a new gateway entrance facing the New Pantai Expressway, refurbished pedestrian walkways, and dedicated bicycle lanes. Ling also reveals a master plan element known as the Ribbon of Life, a network of walkways and cycling paths connecting every project within PSP.
Complementing this infrastructure will be Enlace Urban Park, a thoughtfully designed green space inspired by Japanese gardens. It will serve as a placemaking venue for community events and social interaction, reinforcing Enlace’s vision of becoming more than just a development—but a lifestyle destination within Kuala Lumpur.
Long-Term Vision: Sustainability and Smart Solutions at the Core
For Datuk Tony Ling, sustainability goes beyond ticking environmental boxes — it’s about creating developments that are built to last, both environmentally and operationally. While green initiatives are now a common feature in modern developments, Ling emphasizes that true sustainability also involves careful planning of building upkeep, energy usage, and user experience over the long term.
“It’s not just about earning green points or planting trees for aesthetics,” he explains. “It’s about planting the right trees that blend into the landscape and selecting materials that are low maintenance and efficient.”
Ling believes that design should not lean too far into the futuristic, which often results in higher maintenance and lower returns. Instead, buildings should be modern, practical, and appealing — delivering lasting value to both residents and owners. He points to Enlace Shoppes as a prime example of this philosophy. The retail component features an open-air design, with corridors that do not rely on air-conditioning. Yet, the space is cooled naturally through thoughtful landscaping and shading, which helps lower perceived temperatures while keeping maintenance costs down.
Material choices are also deliberate. By using finishes and elements that are durable and easy to clean, the development reduces dependency on intensive maintenance and frequent repairs. This practical sustainability benefits both the management and the end-users, ensuring long-term efficiency.
Looking to the future, IJM Land is exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to support its sustainability and operational goals. Ling shares that PSP developments already incorporate AI-driven car plate recognition systems, which eliminate the need for manual car park operators — a move that not only saves cost but enhances security and convenience. The company is also looking into smart CCTV surveillance systems, which can improve safety with fewer on-ground security personnel.
“AI can play a big role in how we manage buildings in the future. From automating controls to reducing manpower, we’re still exploring all the ways it can help,” Ling says.
The goal, he adds, is for all future PSP developments to achieve GreenRE Gold certification, a mark of high-performance green building standards in Malaysia.
As the interview wraps up and Ling heads off to his next meeting, it’s evident that IJM Land is not just building properties — it is designing smarter, greener, and more meaningful communities for the future.
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