Malaysia: Thomson Medical to Build Johor–Singapore Healthcare and Lifestyle Hub Worth RM18 Billion

Singapore-based Thomson Medical Group unveiled a RM18 billion (approx. S$5.5 billion) integrated healthcare and commercial development in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. This Johor Bay project represents one of Southeast Asia’s largest ventures of its kind.

The Johor Bay project will occupy 10.52 hectares (26 acres) and will include Thomson Hospital Iskandariah, specialist suites, aged-care facilities, and a life sciences tower for medical research.

It will also feature luxury residences, a five-star hotel, and commercial-lifestyle precincts.

The location lies just minutes from the Causeway and about 1.2 km from the future Rapid Transit System (RTS) Bukit Chagar station. That station is scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The first phase will include parts of the hospital and the 47-storey luxury residential tower with 180 units, with an estimated gross development value (GDV) of RM3.1 billion. That phase is projected to create over 1,200 direct and indirect jobs during construction and operations.

Thomson Medical described this development as the “Marina Bay of Johor”, citing cross-border patient demand, access to more land and infrastructure, and lower costs in Johor compared to Singapore. Malaysian doctors will work with Singapore-based specialists and regional medical professionals.

The project fits within the goals of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which aims to create 20,000 skilled jobs in five years. The project aligns with that target and builds on the SEZ agreement signed in January to improve movement of people and goods between Malaysia and Singapore. Johor’s Chief Minister, Onn Hafiz Ghazi, called the investment a strategic boost to healthcare access and economic growth.

The launch coincides with rising demand from an ageing population in Southeast Asia. The World Health Organization projects the share of people aged 60 and above will increase from 12.2 percent in 2024 to 22.9 percent by 2050. The planned aged-care facilities and wellness programs are intended to address the needs of older populations in the region

According to Thomson Medical, the mixed-use hub will not only serve Malaysian residents but also target international patients, making Johor Bay a healthcare destination for medical tourism. The group highlighted that the project will integrate advanced medical technology, wellness services, and lifestyle amenities in one location.

Reports also note that Thomson Medical is partnering with international architects and healthcare planners to design the complex, ensuring sustainability features such as green spaces, energy efficiency, and water conservation within the Johor Bay project.

Executives explained that the waterfront location gives the project an added advantage for lifestyle development, with plans for retail outlets, leisure facilities, and dining options that complement the healthcare hub.

Thomson Medical Group shares rose sharply after the announcement. The stock surged nearly 39 percent, reaching the highest level since April 2023, following the launch of the RM18 billion Johor Bay project.

(Rh/Eth/MSM)