KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – October 9, 2009 – MRCB Land, the Property Division of Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cisco and Datacraft Advanced Network Services Sdn Bhd to collaborate on the transformation of MRCB Land's developments into smart and connected urban centers starting with Kuala Lumpur Sentral's Lot E, known as KL Sentral Park. The development will take advantage of Cisco's Connected Real Estate solution.
"Today's MoU cements MRCB Land's commitment to develop sustainable, high-tech built environments that are operationally efficient and attract best-in-class tenants and visitors. We believe that by building and operating our properties with cutting edge information technology we will not only improve efficiency, public safety and security, but also drive new revenue streams and more importantly benefit our consumers," said Shahril Ridza Ridzuan, MRCB group managing director.
"The success of this model will determine adoption of a similar concept in MRCB Land's future developments and we look forward to continuing collaborations with Cisco and Datacraft in our drive to be a world-class developer," he added.
The MoU is the culmination of a new business modeling discovery series undertaken by Cisco and Gold Certified Partner Datacraft for MRCB Land. It involved the identification of innovative service portfolios and replicable ICT solutions that promote sustainable, green and smart urban development practices. As a result, MRCB Land's building services portfolio and last mile services will be managed internally by a new organizational entity, resulting in greater efficiency and revenue returns.
"Cisco's Smart+Connected Communities solution elevates the network as a platform for sustainability for integrated building management. Together with Datacraft, we explored the best way MRCB Land could utilize the power of the network to accelerate and multiply its infrastructure investments and differentiate itself from the rest of the market," said Anne Abraham, managing director of Cisco Malaysia
The solutions deployed under this initiative is expected to raise the value of KL Sentral Park and deliver significant savings on MRCB Land's operational and capital expenses while increasing service revenues between 30 to 40 percent. The implementation of Cisco Connected Real Estate solutions in KL Sentral Park is projected to provide a return-on-investment in less than 36 months.
"MRCB is pioneering the use of the network to bring financial and operational advantages to key stakeholders in the construction, real estate and property services industry. By embracing the network as the fourth utility, MRCB Land is transforming its developments – moving away from traditional real estate to focus on providing smarter, connected and greener buildings with world class services. This collaboration marks a key milestone in Cisco's longer term ambition to transform the way buildings are developed, operated and experienced in Malaysia," added Abraham.
As the prime systems integrator, Datacraft will lead the project management and deployment of comprehensive solutions for KL Sentral Park which includes a core multi-service IP platform to allow for easy integration of IT and building automation networks.
"Datacraft's role is critical in ensuring that the deployment meets the collaborative objectives of each party. Our core expertise in implementing and managing IP network infrastructure, and strong service capabilities make us a unique partner of choice to transform KL Sentral Park into a smart and connected development. Furthermore, we are committed to sharing our world class implementation experience and expertise with MRCB to ensure skills are transferred locally" said Bill Padfield, chief executive officer of Datacraft Asia.
KL Sentral Park, a RM 720 million development within Kuala Lumpur Sentral that will be completed by 2011, is a unique, state-of-the-art, distinctive and green office campus, offering seamless connectivity, creative working environment and contemporary business lifestyle. Situated within a tranquil park setting adjacent to Malaysia's largest transit hub, Stesen Sentral Kuala Lumpur, KL Sentral Park offers contemporary office buildings, high-end retail shops, business centers, hospitality zones and green spaces – and will seamlessly integrate the office space and green landscapes, earning its distinctive tag as the green lung of Kuala Lumpur Sentral.
"This MoU marks a unique collaborative partnership that not only benefits us as a developer and creates value for our shareholders, but also allows us to lead and set a new standard for Malaysia's property and real-estate landscape," added Shahril.
At the signing ceremony, MRCB Land announced the availability of free wireless-fidelity (WiFi) connection for KL Sentral Park tenants and patrons. The free service will provide uninterrupted connectivity within the development, supporting the live, work and play experience.
Cisco's Smart+Connected Communities initiative addresses the increasing need for sustainable energy to meet the demand of urbanized populations. In a world where you can connect to the network, anytime, anywhere and on any device, Cisco envisages a future where successful communities and cities will run on networked information, and where information technology will help the world better manage its energy and environmental challenges. Everything connected to the network in these Smart+Connected Communities can be greener. All the initiatives are designed to help cities around the world use the network as the fourth utility for integrated city management, economic development and a better quality of life for citizens.
About MRCB
Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB) is a leading urban property, infrastructure and environmental regeneration specialist in the country. The Group, a multi-disciplinary specialist, offers integrated solutions in urban planning, engineering, urban development, environmental regeneration and leader in energy infrastructure development. The Group has undergone a rebranding of all its property developments under the flagship brand called MRCB Land – transforming communities.
About MRCB Land
MRCB Land, the leader in integrated developments as epitomized by the success of its iconic Kuala Lumpur Sentral, is a catalyst for the transformation of environments and the creation of new communities. From residential to commercial developments, from retail complexes to transportation hubs, MRCB Land's award-winning properties create new benchmarks in sustainable development.
About Datacraft
Datacraft is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dimension Data plc (LSE:DDT), a US$4.5 billion leading global IT solutions and services provider. Datacraft operates in over 50 offices across 13 Asia Pacific countries. We help clients plan, build, support, manage, improve and innovate their IT infrastructures. Datacraft combines an expertise in networking, security, data centre, storage, Microsoft solutions and converged communications & contact centre technologies, with advanced skills in consulting, integration, training and managed services to craft IT solutions for businesses. For more information, please visit www.datacraft-asia.com.
