Astaka Holdings Limited (SGX:42S), a Singapore-listed developer headquartered in Johor, Malaysia, has officially commenced construction on Arden, a RM800 million premium serviced residence set to become the second tallest skyscraper in Johor Bahru. The development is part of Phase 3 of One Bukit Senyum, the Group’s flagship project in the state capital, and will rise 68 storeys to a height of 260 metres.
Developed through a joint venture with Bursa Malaysia-listed Kimlun Corporation Berhad (KLSE:5171), the Arden project is located within the burgeoning Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), positioning it at the heart of a major regional growth corridor.
The start of construction was marked by a groundbreaking ceremony on 19 May 2025, officiated by Johor Bahru City Council Mayor, Datuk Haji Mohd Haffiz bin Haji Ahmad. “Arden is set to be a remarkable addition to Johor Bahru’s skyline. It will not just be a skyscraper, but also a symbol of our rapid growth and commitment to becoming a world-class city,” the mayor said during the ceremony.
Scheduled for completion by 2030, Arden will offer 618 freehold units, ranging from 797 to 1,700 square feet, priced between RM1,300 and RM1,500 per square foot. The development’s location—just 800 metres from the Johor-Singapore CIQ Complex and within 600 metres of the upcoming Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link—makes it a strategic draw for investors from both sides of the Causeway.
Astaka is no stranger to transformative developments in the region. The company previously completed The Astaka in 2018, a pair of towers that still hold the title as Southeast Asia’s tallest residential skyscraper. Phase 2 of the One Bukit Senyum project, Menara MBJB, houses Johor Bahru’s City Council headquarters and was delivered ahead of schedule in 2020.
Allen Khong, Executive Director and CEO of Astaka Holdings, said the construction of Arden marks a significant milestone shared with Kimlun, its longstanding partner on projects including Menara MBJB and Aliva Mount Austin.
“This project brings together two Johor-based real estate players committed to world-class developments that deliver exceptional value,” noted Allen, adding thanks to local authorities for their support.
Pang Khang Hau, CEO of Kimlun Corporation, echoed the sentiment: “Kimlun is proud to partner with Astaka once again as a JV partner and the main contractor on another transformative project that will redefine Johor Bahru’s skyline.”
Designed by GDP Architects—whose portfolio includes high-profile Malaysian projects like Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, TRX Residence and EQ Hotel—Arden will be equipped with over 50 hotel-grade facilities, including sky dining, co-working spaces, an indoor golf simulator, and family-centric amenities.
A key feature of the development is its Integrated Hotel Stay Management model, designed to help owners and investors maximise returns via short-term rentals. Units can be professionally managed, cleaned, and maintained, with separate lobbies for short-stay guests. This model has seen strong interest, especially from foreign buyers seeking flexibility for holiday homes with passive income potential.
With regional integration between Johor and Singapore accelerating—driven by the RTS and the JS-SEZ—the launch of Arden further underscores investor confidence in Johor Bahru as a rising urban and commercial hub. 