Malaysia first in Asia to host Legoland Park
23/12/08 By Ivy Chang

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Aconsortium led by Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB) has reached a pact with Merlin Entertainments Group to build Asia's first Legoland Park in Iskandar Malaysia, Johor.

The RM750 million joint venture, Legoland Malaysia, is expected to be operational in 2013.

Merlin will design and operate the park which will be the centrepiece of a 145-acre integrated complex with a gross floor area of 5.5 million square feet that will include a lifestyle retail centre, offices, hotels, serviced apartments and residential units.

The park will be developed in Medini and will be similar to the four other Legoland parks in Billund, Denmark; Windsor, outside of London; Deutschland, Germany; and California, the United States.

These interactive theme parks are dedicated to families with children between the ages of two and 12, and each park will feature more than 50 rides, shows and attractions geared towards family fun.

"IIB selected Legoland as the partner for its first international theme park in Iskandar Malaysia after many months of discussions and engagements with various operators and potential brand partners," said IIB managing director Arlida Ariff.

She said given the significant increase in the number of themed tourism offerings expected in Asia Pacific over the next 20 years, IIB feels the product offerings in Iskandar Malaysia have to be unique and focused.

"Based on this rationale, IIB chose Merlin/Legoland because it provides educational entertainment that will attract families with young children to Iskandar Malaysia as a vacation destination," Arlida added, noting that such families are a fast growing demographic group in Southeast Asia.

Legoland Park managing director John Jakobsen said the Legoland Park in the country will build upon the success of the other Legoland Parks in Europe and North America.

Merlin chief executive Nick Varney said the Malaysian development underlines its confidence in the market despite the current global economic slowdown.

"We believe that while quality branded attractions such as ours are not recession proof, they are recession resilient. Even when times are hard, people will still choose to get away from the gloom and have fun together with family and friends.

"However, they will choose destinations which offer real value for money and which they know will not disappoint. Legoland Parks offer that sort of reassurance and quality," he added.

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Johor

Malaysia’s first international theme park set to boost tourism sector
Monday December 15, 2008
By NELSON BENJAMIN

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‘Play well’: Jakobsen and Lego characters in Johor Baru.

JOHOR BARU: Some 5,000 jobs are expected to be created with the establishment of the Legoland Theme Park in Iskandar Malaysia.

Iskandar Investment Bhd chairman Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar said that job opportunities would be available during various phases of the project in the next five years.

Theme parks have a proven track record of attracting a large volume of visitors.

Legoland would be Malaysia’s first international theme park, he said, adding that tourism was one of nine key economic pillars under Iskandar Malaysia’s comprehensive development plan.

The Lego Group started humbly in the workshop of a Danish carpenter Ole Kirk Christiansen. The word, lego, is an acronym of the Danish words ‘leg’ and ‘godt’ meaning “play well”.

Legoland parks are based on the popular Lego toy construction game.

The first Legoland Park was opened in Billund, Denmark, in 1968 with three more parks in London, California and Germany.

Legoland Parks managing director John Jakobsen said Legoland Malaysia Park would be the only one to operate throughout the year, unlike the others which close for winter.

The RM750mil park, on a 930ha site in Medini Iskandar, will have more than 40 interactive rides, shows and attractions when it opens in 2013. Another Legoland is expected to open in Dubai in 2011.

Legoland
Legoland is a chain of Lego themed theme parks:

Legoland Billund (Billund, Denmark) opened in 1968 (9 acres)
Legoland Windsor (Windsor, Berkshire, England) opened in 1996 (150 acres)
Legoland California (Carlsbad, California, USA) opened in 1999 (128 acres)
Legoland Deutschland (Günzburg, Germany) opened in 2002 (43.5 hectares)
Legoland Malaysia (Nusajaya (Iskandar Malaysia), Johor, Malaysia) Coming 2013 (76-acre (31-hectare))

Legoland Billund (Billund, Denmark)
by LostCarPark

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Legoland Windsor (Windsor, Berkshire, England)
by cottontimer

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Legoland California (Carlsbad, California, USA)
by sumit porwal

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Legoland Deutschland

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Strategy to turn Iskandar into tourism hotspot
By Sharen KaurPublished: 2009/03/10

ISKANDAR Investment Bhd (IIB), which coordinates the development of Iskandar Malaysia in Johor, aims to transform Medini into a world-class integrated tourism destination by setting up more theme parks and hotels for holiday-makers.

Part of the overall tourism strategy for Iskandar Malaysia, in which Medini is located, has been to develop a multi-park destination containing a number of complementary international theme parks.

Managing director Arlida Ariff said the strategy is designed to attract a large number of visitors to Iskandar, increase the visitor length of stay and spend per visitor.

She said IIB and Khazanah Nasional Bhd are committed to the strategy and have been in discussions with a number of theme park operators.

"We continue to maintain dialogues with the operators for potential opportunities to create complementary leisure and tourism destinations in Iskandar," she told Business Times.

The first of three major theme parks planned for Medini is Legoland Malaysia, also Asia's first.

A pact was reached with Merlin Entertainments Group to build the park for RM750 million.

Construction of the park, which Merlin will design and operate, will commence by March 2010.

Legoland Malaysia is the centrepiece of a RM3.5 billion integrated complex earmarked for completion by 2013. The complex will have a lifestyle retail centre, offices, hotels, serviced apartments and homes.

Arlida said apart from theme parks, there will be other attractions relating to arts and culture, adventure-eco tourism and golf-themed holidays, complemented with world-class entertainment, retail and restaurants.

"The idea is not to view tourism products in isolation but to see Iskandar as an integrated tourism site to encourage longer stay and repeat visits," she said.

Medini, which is Malaysia's single largest urban development to date, is expected to bring in a gross development value (GDV) in excess of US$20 billion (RM69.6 billion) over a period of 15 to 20 years.

The development is divided into three distinct clusters with separate themes, namely lifestyle and leisure, culture and heritage, and financial.

Medini Iskandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd, a public-private sector partnership between IIB and its consortium partners, Global Capital and Development Sdn Bhd and Cultural Cluster Sdn Bhd, is the project development vehicle for the clusters.

Global Capital comprises Mubadala Development Co, Aldar Properties PJSC and Millennium Development International.

Cultural Cluster is majority-owned by Al-Nibras 2 Ltd, a Labuan-based private fund company managed by Kuwait Finance House (Labuan) Bhd.

Using the personal approach to woo investors to Iskandar Malaysia
Published: 2009/04/22

ABU DHABI: Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB) is counting on a more personal approach to lure potential investors to Iskandar Malaysia.

"Our approach is much more personalised now. Rather than cast the net wide in the hope of catching a few investors, we now focus on specific individual organisations," said Arlida Ariff, the IIB managing director.

She said in the wake of the global economic and financial crisis, IIB's research was geared to among others, pinpointing those who are still looking for opportunities for cost efficiency.

"These are the kind of people that we'd want to attract and cost efficiency is something Iskandar Malaysia can offer," Arlida said on the sidelines of the Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2009 real estate show at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in Abu Dhabi yesterday.

She said IIB, the catalytic developer of the special economic corridor in southern Malaysia, would be more Asia-centric in its quest for investors this year.

"We will move more closer to home, targeting mostly Indonesia and Singapore, for first half of this year, and then going further afield to China and India," she added.

Arlida disclosed that IIB would spend the next few days in conversation with several interested parties but declined to name them.

The 2,217 sq km Iskandar Malaysia, a mixed development planned for completion in 2025, has nearly met its US$13 billion (RM47.45 billion) overall foreign direct investment target for the phase ending in 2010.

To date more than US$11 billion (RM40.15 billion), or 92 per cent, had been invested by players in the new growth area, three times the size of Singapore.

On suggestions that Iskandar Malaysia's development was dependent on Middle Eastern money, Arlida said this was never the case.

"For Iskandar Malaysia as such, I would not say that Middle Eastern money is primary. In fact, it has never been our primary focus as such. What we wanted to do was to develop what was previously non-existent and introduce it to the world.

"Also, it was never intended that we only focus on the Middle East for potential investments. It was just one of the markets that needed a comprehensive, holistic introduction to Iskandar Malaysia. I think we've been fairly successful in doing that," said Arlida.

IIB's Middle East partners, Mubadala, Millennium, Kuwait Finance House and Aldar, have invested US$1.2 billion (RM4.38 billion) or more than 10 per cent of the capital raised to date.

Arlida also stated that IIB would focus on the implementation aspect of Iskandar Malaysia this year after previously planning, strategising and signing deals to make the special economic corridor possible.

Meanwhile, IIB's pavilion located in one of ADNEC cavernous halls has been visited by the United Arab Emirates' vice-president, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Al Maktoum as well as the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi General Sheikh Mohammed Zayed Al Nahyan.

Arlida said: "The message that we're bringing to Abu Dhabi is that all the projects committed to earlier are onstream. We've forged ahead with building designs and gone on with infrastructure construction."

She cited that Merlin Entertainment's US$200 million (RM730 million) Legoland Park as one of the newer investments that had come into Iskandar Malaysia despite the current global economic slowdown.

"We signed up last December and are now in earnest designing the masterplan and starting construction by the end of this year. We hope to open by April 2012," she said. - Bernama

UEM Land pushing Iskandar Malaysia again
Written by Financial Daily
Monday, 04 May 2009 11:26

RHB Research believes that UEM Land Holdings Bhd (UEM Land) is well-positioned to benefit if the government decides to rejuvenate the southern Johor property initiative, more commonly known as Iskandar Malaysia.

“As the master developer of Nusajaya with an enormous strategic land bank at Iskandar Malaysia at low carrying costs, UEM Land is expected to benefit from the strong commitment to the project from the new Prime Minister and the inevitable future asset reflation when the economy starts to recover,” stated RHB in a recent note.

However, RHB said that there could be resistance in the revival of the Iskandar Malaysia project and expects development to happen gradually.

“We are fully aware that changes will not happen overnight. Moreover, the global economic downturn will strengthen the view that Iskandar Malaysia will be anything but conceptual,” said RHB.

The research house noted that sceptics would draw comparisons between Iskandar Malaysia and Putrajaya, and draw conclusions that the former would be just a state administrative capital for Johor.

However, RHB said that going forward the presence of foreign investment would help to enhance the marketability of UEM Land’s projects and boost land values over the long term.

“To date, Iskandar Malaysia has received RM43 billion worth of investments. Its original objective was RM47 billion by 2010, around RM110 billion by 2025, but these figures were put together during more bullish times,” said RHB.

The foreign tie-ups that have been announced include the building of Legoland Theme Park and discussions on setting up Dutch Maritime Institute and Newcastle University of Medicine by 2011.

RHB also pointed out that UEM Land’s vast undeveloped lankbank of 5,326 acres (2,130.4 hectares) at low carrying cost provides potential revaluation gains.

The risks and concerns RHB sees for the company going forward include the large inventory levels of unsold property in Johor, concentration risks as the bulk of its landbank is located in Nusajaya, execution risk, and increased competition among others.

The state of the Johor property market is a particular concern for RHB, which said: “Lower density in the state means lesser demand with sizeable landbank and multiple players could further aggravate the current oversupply situation. This would limit the company’s pricing power and take-up rates.”

The research house does not have a recommendation on the stock, but estimates a revised net asset value (RNAV) per share of RM2.11 based on conservative land prices.

“We derive our fail value for UEM Land of RM1.27 per share by attaching a 40% discount to our RNAV estimate to reflect the risks we have outlined. The stock is ultimately a trade on the government’s renewed focus towards government-linked companies and other government-linked assets,” said RHB.

Location


Medini Central and its surrounding hub. Legoland can been seen here too.

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Legoland Theme Park Is Proof Of Confidence In Iskandar Malaysia

JOHOR BAHARU, The RM750 million investment to open the first Legoland theme park in Asia in Iskandar Malaysia is clear proof of the confidence of investors in the corridor launched in 2006.

The Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said that although the global economy was uncertain at present, the momentum for the development of Iskandar Malaysia was unaffected.

He said that to date, Iskandar Malaysia had received RM40.25 billion in both local and overseas investments, representing 86 percent of the RM47 billion targeted for the first phase until 2010.

"The RM750 million is a big investment. It is a symbol and proof of the confidence of investors in wanting to continue to invest in Iskandar Malaysia.

"Iskandar Malaysia has displayed convincing progress to enable it to emerge as a high quality and successful development area," he told reporters after witnessing the signing ceremony for the building of the Legoland theme park here today.

The agreement was signed between the managing director of Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) Arlida Ariff and the managing director of Legoland Parks, John Jakobsen.

Apart from Malaysia, similar Legoland theme parks are found in Denmark, the United Kingdom, Germany and the United States.

Merlin Entertainments will design and operate the theme park with a 20 percent stake in the project, whilst a consortium led by IIB will own the balance.

The Legoland theme ark will be built on a a 145-acre site in Medini Iskandar, known previously as Node 1, and is expected to be opened by the end of 2013.

According to the Prime Minister, the emergence of Asia's first Legoland theme park in Malaysia was good as the country did not have any competitiors in attracting tourists to a similar facility.

"This means if tourists want to visit a Legoland theme park in Asia, they have to come to Johor Baharu and Malaysia.This is very good as we do not have to compete with other Asian countries," he said.

He also said that the authority responsible for developing Iskandar Malaysia would strive to get more companies to open theme parks in the corridor.

On the development of the other corridors in the country, the Prime Minister said that Iskandar Malaysia had achieved more progress as it was launched earlier.

He said that while Iskandar Malaysia was launched two years ago, the other corridors were only launched last year.

"However, I wish to see the other corridors also succeed. Various incentives and government financial resources have been given to the authorities concerned and they need to think of multiple strategies to succeed," he said.

He wanted the authorities responsible for the development to redouble their efforts to promote their corridors to investors, especially those from the Middle East,China, India and also throughout the world.

However, he stated that, development in the corridors was for all investors, both overseas and local.

The Prime Minister, who is also the joint chairman of the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) attended its fifth meeting and the third for the Iskandar Advisory Council.

Also present was the Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman, the managing director of Khazanah Nasional Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar, the managing director of IRDA Datuk Ikmal Hijaz Hashim and the Johor state secretary Datuk Abdul Latif Yusof.

-- BERNAMA

johor bahru will supprise singapore for the tourism if it is safer

Spotlight on IDR draws interest in UEM Land
Saturday June 13, 2009
By TEE LIN SAY

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An aerial view of the Johor Administration Centre in Nusajaya.

EARLIER in the week, UEM Group Bhd took the spotlight when news of a lawsuit to the tune of RM840mil by the Qatar government over a dispute regarding a highway project in Qatar came to light.

It appears that UEM Group received a set of legal documents from the state of Qatar on April 27.

The plaintiff, which is Qatar, claimed that the defendants – Parsons International Ltd, UEM Group and Qatar Insurance Co – failed to fulfil contractual obligations in relation to the construction of the Salwa Road in Doha.

They are being sued for 876.32 million riyal (about RM840.98mil).

Sources said Datuk Izzaddin Idris, the newly-appointed managing director and chief executive offcer of UEM Group (effective July 1), was told of the ongoing issue when he was hired, and as such, was “made aware” of the situation.

Izzaddin will be succeeding Datuk Ahmad Pardas Senin, who is retiring, on July 1.

Industry observers believe that Izzaddin has been tasked to troubleshoot certain issues plaguing the group currently.

UEM Land Bhd’s group chairman Tan Sri Ahmad Tajuddin Ali had told reporters after its annual general meeting, that UEM Group would be able to manage the lawsuit.

Afterall, it was merely the contractor for the project, and the second defendant in the lawsuit.

However, as far as UEM Land is concerned, there is no real impact.

Meanwhile, interest in UEM Land has intensified in recent weeks.

Greater bilateral ties with Singapore, and the possibility of a third bridge from Changi to the eastern part of Johor have all but brought the spotlight back to the Iskandar Development Region (IDR) over the last two months.

Naturally, the key beneficiary would be the largest landowner and master developer of Iskandar Malaysia – UEM Land.

It owns 40% or 9,564 acres of the entire land in IDR.

The appeal behind the UEM Land growth story has always been on its appreciating land prices, favourable domestic policies as well as Khazanah Nasional Bhd’s presence to mitigate execution risk.

As it is, land value in Nusajaya have already risen from an average of RM5 to RM8 per square feet (psf) to RM12psf since Iskandar Malaysia was launched in 2006.

Every 10% increase in current land prices raises UEM Land’s revised net asset value by 11%.

There are huge potential revaluation gains for UEM Land from its low land carrying cost of RM4.40psf.

To date, the IDR has attracted RM42bil of development pledges; with actual cumulative investments reaching RM12.9bil.

It has sold approximately 2,476 acres of undeveloped land parcels in Nusajaya to developers, investors and strategic partners.

This is key for initiating a population base for Nusajaya and accelerating the overall pace of its development.

Some of the prominent development projects include Acerinox’s RM5bil steel manufacturing plant, the Johor Administration Centre and the RM650mil Legoland.

“With the Johor Administration Centre launched in April, the development concept of Nusajaya becomes a reality.

We should see increased business activity and a growth in population moving forward,” says a fund manager.

Certainly, while no major developments are expected to be completed in 2010, but by 2011, the IDR should feature a fully operational Nusajaya, which will boast of the New Castle medical school, a partially operational Puteri Harbour, Danga Bay villas, and the Coastal Highway.

The Khazanah-spearheaded Legoland is expected to be operational only in 2013.

An initial optimism for the IDR was when UEM Land successfully attracted international developers such as Limitless LLC and Damac Holdings to participate as strategic partners in Nusajaya.

Limitless and Damac are two of the bigger investors in Nusajaya, with agreements to develop residential and commercial property at Puteri Harbour, the 688-acre crown jewel of the development.

Both have international reputation and solid financial backing.

Herein lies the catalyst.

For the uninitiated, Dubai-based Damac Holdings, is one of the world’s leading luxury waterfront developers.

It plans to build commercial and residential properties and a private marina with a projected gross development value (GDV) of about RM3.8bil in Puteri Harbour, Nusajaya.

Spanning 44 acres, Damac has commited to invest an initial RM397mil for this project to be undertaken over eight to 10 years.

It will be handled by Damac Properties (M) Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Damac Properties LLC, the real estate development unit of Damac.

Meanwhile, UEM Land’s joint venture with Limitless is through its development vehicle Haute Properties Sdn Bhd, where it owns a 40% stake.

It was reported that earlier this year, Limitless has already submitted the layout for the 100-acre residential project in Puteri Harbour .

Haute Properties will develop the 111 acres of the precinct with an initial investment of RM241.8mil.

The development was expected to commence in 2008 and will be completed by 2013 with an estimated GDV in excess of RM1.5bil.

While so far there has been indications of both companies retreating on their agreements, observers close to the company says that no fresh funds have poured in for its Nusajaya development in Iskandar Malaysia.

Afterall, both companies have been grappling with their own problems back home, as the global financial crisis burst the bubble of the Middle Eastern property market.

There have been reports of Damac laying off staff at its headquarters in Tecom, Dubai.

According to Khaleej Times, a Dubai-based newspaper, Damac laid off between 45 and 50 employees in February.

The company axed 200 workers in October last year as the global credit crisis has slowly begun to leave its impact on the property sector.

Earlier in the year, there were reports of employees fired by Damac, that were not paid their full settlement.

According t o an analyst, construction work on Damac’s site has yet to begin.

Damac Properties has some US$30bil worth of projects in the Middle East and North Africa region.

On the other hand, Limitless has nine global projects with a total GDV of US$100bil across UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Russia and India.

“I heard that Damac may want to scale back on its development in Nusajaya, as they have bigger problems in their other developments elsewhere,” says one analyst who used to track UEM World Bhd.

Legoland Malaysia
Legoland theme park is coming to Malaysia ! The location for the theme park will be in Medini (http://www.medini.com.my/) in Nusajaya, which is at the heart of the Iskandar Malaysia development. Legoland Malaysia Sdn Bhd will own and operate the theme park. The Legoland logo is cute, isn't it?

Of late, Temasek has become substantial shareholder of WCT, EPF has acquiring WCT's share aggresively from the market. Meanwhile, WCT has built up its reputation in middle east. Looking at the parties that involved in Nusajaya projects, would WCT stand a chance to grab any contract from Nusajaya, if not this Legoland project ? Najib met Hsien Loong in Peru and came to an agreement to develop Nusajaya, looking at the shareholding of EPF, Temasek, and reputation of WCT in middle east (Iskandar is trying to entice investment from middle east), again, would WCT stand a chance to grab any projects in future ? [dislaimer: I am not spreading rumours and not asking you to buy WCT, you should do your own homework before doing any investment !]

Some background of the companies involved:

Iskandar Investment is owned
- 60% Khazanah National Bhd
- 20% EPF
- 20% Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor

Legoland theme park
- 70% Merlin Entertainments Group Ltd
- 30% Lego Group, vehicle of Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, the grandson of the founder of Lego, Ole Kirk Kristiansen

Legoland has four operating parks at: Windsor in UK, Bilund in Denmark, Gunzhurg in Germany and California in US

Merlin Group
- controlled by Blackstone Group LP & Dubai International Capital LLC
- has 58 theme parks and 6 hotels across the globe and caters to about 33 million visitors a year, making it the world's second largest visitor attraction operator.
- several of Merlin's theme parks are in the top 60 worldwide for attendance.

The Perdana Putra (Malaysian Prime Minister's office) scale model & Official Flower of Malaysia - Hibiscus -

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JOHOR BUZZ: Legoland coming to Johor
Friday, January 09, 2009

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I USED to love playing with Lego bricks when I was growing up. In fact, I still play with those colourful interlocking plastic bricks but they belong to my nephew and niece, aged 9 and 12 respectively. They were both introduced to Lego when they were 3 years old.

So, you can imagine the excitement when they found out that Legoland was coming to Johor. Well, not that they know anything about the amusement park but more so because this would mean more trips to their father’s hometown.

It was announced in the media on Dec 13 last year that Iskandar Investment Berhad, the investment arm of Iskandar Malaysia, had signed a deal with the Merlin Entertainments Group to set up a Legoland theme park. The RM750-million project will be completed in Nusajaya by 2013.

There are only four such theme parks in the world, namely the Legoland Billund (Billund, Denmark), Legoland Windsor (Windsor, Berkshire, England), Legoland Deutschland (Gunzburg, Germany) and Legoland California (Carlsbad, California, USA).

Legoland Dubai is expected to open in 2012, and is slated to be the first Legoland in the Middle-East.

Of course, Legoland Malaysia will be the first in Southeast Asia unless some other countries in the region beat us to it.

Besides the excitement, I also learnt that there were some reservations from certain quarters in the state regarding Iskandar Investment’s Legoland project. Industry players had preferred an amusement park which was iconic and world-famous like Disneyland.

Malaysian Tourist Guide Council president Jimmy Leong was reported as saying that not many people were familiar with the Legoland brand.
He also said it would be difficult to market Legoland to tourists as Singapore’s Integrated Resorts had more attractive products and services to offer.
A Universal Studios Park is also being planned across the Causeway (or the second link, depending on which crossing you take to get into the island republic). It was learned that even before its construction has begun, the Singapore authorities were already “selling” the attraction worldwide.
I was somewhat upset with the defeatist stand that some of the tourism industry players were taking on this matter.

I believe that Iskandar Investment officials have made the right choice in making Legoland one of the three amusement parks in the Iskandar Development Region.

Do we need another Disneyland when there are already two in Asia, namely Hong Kong and Japan?

Moreover, it is not right to compare what we have and don’t have with Singapore. Perhaps we should learn how they are marketing the attractions instead.

Being the only Legoland in Southeast Asia will be a major pull factor for tourists to cross over from Causeway to Johor.

However, the tourism industry players must realise that they cannot bank on Legoland alone to get tourists to spend their money and time in Johor Baru.
A comprehensive tourist package has to be drawn up comprising competitive hotel rates, efficient transport system, discounted entrance fees and visits to the state’s other attractions.

According to Leong, another possible setback of the Legoland project was that its target audience was restricted to children aged between 2 and 12.
Lest someone forgets, children in that age group do not travel alone. As far as amusement parks are concerned, it is not for kids alone. Adults enjoy it, too.

Help wanted: Legoland offers up bricklaying dream jobs
Legoland's search for new model builders offers some the chance to work with the popular toy every day.
By Joseph Peña, SDNN
Thursday, June 18, 2009

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A Legoland model designer works on the park's Miniland
San Francisco model. (Photo courtesy of Legoland.)

There was a time Kristi Klein was afraid to love Lego out loud.

Her sophomore year in high school, after creating a small-scale amusement park out of her old Lego bricks, she was too embarrassed to tell her boyfriend she was the mastermind behind the project.

“I told him my younger sister built it,” said the 30-something Klein, laughing.

Now, Klein’s not shy in the least to tell you what she does for living. After all, she’s got a pretty darn cool job.

Klein, a lead model designer for Legoland California in Carlsbad, spends days designing and building the large-scale and life-size Lego models that decorate the North County theme park.


In the warehouse she supervises about 10 miles from Legoland, in floor-to-ceiling bins, are more than 7.5 million Legos, including rare or out-of-distribution bricks that diehard Lego lovers drool over.

Klein didn’t think twice when she was offered a job as a model builder for the park in 2003. That year, she won Legoland’s nationwide search for undiscovered talent; an everyday Lego architect whose creativity and familiarity with the popular toy was unmatched.

Now, Klein and the Legoland team are on the search for a new model builder. The park is looking to hire up to six new model builders to accommodate plans for expansion. Friday is the deadline for the online application, and potential builders will face off in a series of challenges on Wednesday before the final build Thursday determines a winner.

Klein, who migrated to L.A. from the East Coast in her 20s, started her own business, a flower shop, at 25. After two years at the helm, she started classes at the Art Institute of California, looking for a new creative outlet.

It wasn’t long after she went back to school, her mom — a fellow Adult Fan of Lego (AFOL) — sent her an e-mail with the subject line: “This is the job for you.”

Klein wasn’t looking for a job at the time, but the e-mail intrigued her: Legoland was hunting for model builders. And, as chance would have it, the competition was being held on campus. Thinking it might be an opportunity to do something new, she signed up. For the challenge, a two-hour marathon build, she crafted an underwater scene of Atlantis-style ruins, fish, a large octopus and lost treasure. She called it, “The Octopus’ Garden,” named for The Beatles 1969 tune.

Her speed, creativity and knowledge of Lego paid off. She won the competition and was offered a job on the spot.

“I wanted something exciting and that’s what Legoland offered,” she said. “It’s an opportunity you don’t see every day.”

With Legoland’s plans for a park in Malaysia and new Discovery Centres in Chicago and New Jersey, the expanding brand needs artistic Lego fans to help create the parks’ signature models.

And, while an art background is helpful, it isn’t mandatory; a commitment to quality and craftsmanship and a stellar attitude, however, is necessary Klein said.

“You have to be able to have fun with it,” she said. “You can’t come to work here grouchy.”

Wednesday’s three challenges will force participants to build a replica of a model, to work in a team on a build and to do a freestyle creative build based on a to-be-determined theme. Not all contestants will advance to Thursday’s build-off, but the participants creations will be on display in the park through the summer.

The winners’ models will be on display in Dune Raiders, the park’s newest ride, opening June 26.

And, if the fit is right, Legoland will offer up to six winners the coveted jobs as builders.

Andy Grubb, a 26-year-old former congressional staffer and a longtime Lego lover, was offered his dream job as a builder in 2006,when his Chinese dragon Lego sculpture wowed judges at the competition’s finals.

Grubb took a leap of faith and turned it down. He was happy working in politics in the Bay Area, and he hoped his win at the 2006 competition would leave the door open for a job down the line.

It was good fortune that Legoland was hiring when he decided later he was ready to leave politics.

“I still tell people what I do, and they say, ‘No way,’” Grubb said. “It’s kind of an ideal job. People don’t realize this job exists. Yes, there is a job that you really can have fun doing all the time. I get paid to play with Legos. How much more fun can you have and get paid for it?”

Source: http://www.sdnn.com/sandiego/2009-06-18/lifestyle/lego-lovers-have-a-chance-at-a-dream-job?pid=353

Asian iconic structures to feature at Legoland in Johor
By ZAZALI MUSA
Wednesday July 8, 2009

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/7/8/business/b_06legoland.jpg

Legoland model designer Elizabeth De Silva (left) with Tim Burnel
shorlisting candiates in the competition and interview session.

JOHOR BARU: Legoland Park Malaysia in Iskandar, Malaysia, will have miniature replicas of iconic buildings and structures across the region.

The US$200mil park, to be completed in 2012 on a 23ha site, is a joint venture between Merlin Entertainments Group and Iskandar Investment Bhd.

Merlin Entertainments production director Tim Burnell said the replicas included the Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest twin buildings in the world, and its researchers were currently touring several Asian countries in search of other iconic buildings and structures to be incorporated in the theme park.

“All the structures will be located at Legoland’s Miniland where cities are created and the miniland is part of the theme park,” Burnell told a press conference during the competition and the interviewing session for 84 shortlisted candidates applying to become model shop associates.

He said the theme park would also have famous buildings in Johor Baru, such as the Royal Museum, Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque or the Dataran Bandaraya clock tower.

Other famous structures from the region are India’s Taj Mahal, Beijing Bird’s Nest Stadium, Cambodia’s Angkor Wat and Singapore’s Merlion statue.

Burnell said only six candidates would be selected to attend a 10-week training programme in California or Denmark.

“They will build models or components in the Legoland Model Shop here and will assist the master builders to train 40 others who will join the workshop from November.”

Legoland Malaysia would also establish Asia’s first model shop in the Nusa Cemerlang Industrial Park in Nusajaya by October, he said, adding that the model shop would provide models for Legoland worldwide, including many of the 15,000 models that would make up Johor’s theme park.

There are currently four global Legoland parks – in Billund (Denmark), Windsor (outside London), California and Deutschland (Germany).

80 vie to 'build' Legoland
NST Online » Local News 2009/07/08
By : SIM BAK HENG

http://www.nst.com.my/Wednesday/National/2602238/insidepix1

Lee Shin Roei (second from left) and Mohd Syafiqg Md Taib (third from
leftsecond from right) are among the 80 applicants who were shortlisted for
the interview. They observe an exhibit brought by Merlin Entertainment
representatives. With them are officers who assisted in the interview.

JOHOR BARU, Tue:

Legoland Malaysia is another step closer to reality as six people will be selected from a total of 80 job applicants to undergo training in California or Denmark to become model builders.

The 80, who were shortlisted from 277 applicants from all over the country, had attended the job interview on Monday and yesterday.

They had gone through an interview with three judges and three rounds of model-making challenges to test their skills, team work and creativity.

The results of successful applicants will be known in two days.

Merlin Entertainments production director Tim Burnell, who is one of the judges, said the applicants had displayed a high level of creativity.
"But creativity alone is not enough. We also look for team spirit as there are certain huge models which could not be handled by an individual alone but by a team of people.

"The six successful applicants will go for overseas training. When they come back, they will assist the Legoland master builders to train 40 others," he said.

Burnell is responsible for the production and delivery of Lego models, wax figures and themes for Merlin Entertainments, which operates several attractions including Lego- land.

Legoland Malaysia, the first in Asia, will be the fifth in the world when it is completed in 2012, spreading over 23ha. The other four are at Billund in Denmark, Windsor in London, California in the United States and Deutschland in Germany.

Merlin Entertainments signed a landmark agreement last December with Iskandar Investment Bhd to create the US200 million (RM709 million) theme park in Nusajaya.

Burnell said the "miniland" in Legoland Malaysia will feature miniature replicas of iconic buildings and structures across Asia.

"We want iconic old and new buildings of different countries so that they are representative of Asia. Besides the Petronas Twin Towers, we are looking at landmark buildings such as clock towers, mosques and the Kuala Lumpur International Airport," he said.

Besides the miniland, Legoland Malaysia will also feature rides, building challenges, Lego models, interactive attractions, family-friendly roller-coasters and shows.

Legoland Malaysia To Help Transform Johor Into International Hotspot
Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, -- Establishment of the Legoland Malaysia theme park in Iskandar Malaysia by 2013 will help transform the region's home state of Johor into an international tourist hotspot, according to Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB).

Legoland Malaysia is the first of three international theme parks planned for the state, under the umbrella of key catalytic projects that will be driven by IIB in its tourism master plan for Iskandar Malaysia.

"In completing the master plan, IIB will also enhance the region's tourism appeal with a full-fledged support platform of hotel and resorts, retail, entertainment, and food and beverage outlets of international standards," said managing director Arlida Ariff.

"There will be strict guidelines to adhere to in bringing only the best into Iskandar Malaysia," she said in a statement today.

On the choice of theme park, Arlida said: "We chose a theme park that caters to a growing segment of the Asian tourist market -- families with young children."

"But Legoland also has a strong selling point in offering a high level of parent-child interaction in its attractions, which is a deliberate formula used throughout their franchises," she said.

"This resonates very well with our target market's cultural context and family values," she added.

-- BERNAMA

Lured by Lego
Saturday July 11, 2009
Story and photos

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/7/11/southneast/se_03legoland.jpg

Cute: Legoland model designer Elizabeth De Silva (left) and Burnell with the
two models that had to be assembled by the shortlisted candidates in the
competition and interview session for the Legoland Malaysia recruitment drive.

JOHOR BARU: It’s no child’s play but the prospect of being involved in building the popular Lego models of famous statues and structures lured a flood of job applications to Legoland Park, Malaysia.

The theme park, opening in Nusajaya, Iskandar Malaysia, received overwhelming response from job-seekers for the position of model shop associate in its initial recruitment drive.

Some 277 applicants from all over the country submitted their applications for the vacancy; 84 were shortlisted and eventually only six would be hired.

As model shop associates, they will build Lego models or components of models at the park’s Model Shop located within the Nusa Cemerlang industrial park.

“In hiring people, we look for those with skill and creativity, and are able to work as a team,” said Merlin Entertainments Group production director Tim Burnell at the candidates’ interview and competition session.

He said the six successful candidates would undergo a 10-week training programme either in California in the US, or Denmark this September.

Burnell said he was “pleasantly surprised” with the high standard and enthusiasm shown by the shortlisted candidates during the two-day session held early this week.

Upon completing their training stint, the six Malaysian pioneers will assist the master builders to train 40 others joining the workshop from November 2009.

The hiring competition is the fourth model builder search by Legoland and the first outside of the United States.

Legoland Malaysia will also establish Asia’s first model shop here. Burnell added that the model shop would provide models for Legoland worldwide, including many of the 15,000 models that would make up Johor’s theme park.

The US$200mil (RM714.7mil) theme park, to be completed in 2012 on a 23ha site, is a joint venture between Iskandar Investment Bhd and Merlin Entertainments Group.

The theme park will feature more than 30 interactive rides, shows and attractions while the development components include a unique lifestyle retail centre, offices, hotels, service apartments and residential units.

There are currently four Legoland Parks in the world – one each in Billund, Denmark; Windsor, outside of London; California, USA; and Deutschland (Gunzburg), Germany.

Legoland Malaysia will be the first Legoland in Asia and the park will have miniature replicas of iconic buildings and famous structures from Asian countries.

Among them are the Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest twin buildings in the world, India’s Taj Mahal, Bird Nest Stadium in Beijing, Singapore’s Merlion and also landmarks in Johor such as the Royal Museum, Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque and Dataran Bandaraya Johor Baru Clock Tower.

Malaysia’s Legoland to get Asian touch
Sunday July 12 2009

JOHOR BARU, July 12 — In 2012, you might be able to drive across the Second Link to Johor Baru and, in 15 minutes, catch a view of the Petronas Twin Towers, India's Taj Mahal, Cambodia's Angkor Wat and Singapore's Merlion — all at one go.

If these iconic edifices do pop up, however, they will be a bit smaller than usual. And they will be made up of tiny plastic bricks.

These are the sights being considered at Asia's first Legoland, which is slated to come up at the Iskandar Malaysia development region in three years' time.

Unlike the four other Legolands elsewhere — in Germany, England, Denmark and the United States — Legoland Malaysia is expected to boast an Asian theme, giving the familiar world of bricks a touch of local flavour.

Some 30 million Lego bricks will be used in the RM750 million theme park, which will boast more than 30 rides, shows and attractions, from roller coasters and boat rides to adventure walks.

Legoland Malaysia is one of the many projects in the Iskandar development region which the government wants to build up as an economic, leisure and residential hub.

Covering 23ha, or about the size of 30 football fields, it will be a 15-minute drive from the Tuas Second Link.

More details are being worked out, with construction slated to begin later this year, but its developer, Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB), says the entrance fee will be “affordable for a family of six”.

Despite the global economic crisis and competition from other theme parks, IIB is convinced that Malaysia's first theme park will do well.

Well enough, in fact, for the government-backed IIB to revise its projected visitors numbers upwards — from 1 million a year to 1.4 million.

Malaysians are expected to make up half of these, with foreigners — mostly Indonesians and Singaporeans — making up the other half.

“When we assessed what we wanted to build, we looked at many operators, even Disney,” IIB's chief executive Arlida Ariff told The Sunday Times recently.

“But Disney, let's face it, would cost more than RM750 million. We felt that for a decent price, we're getting a quality theme park, with viable returns.”

Those returns may have to take into account the challenges brought about by the global downturn, which has already hit some projects in Iskandar Malaysia.

Last month, Dubai-based developer Damac Properties pulled out of a high-profile deal with state developer UEM Land, citing the financial crisis.

Arlida acknowledged the challenges, as well as the stiff competition Legoland Malaysia will face from other theme parks like Hong Kong's Disneyland, Singapore's upcoming Universal Studios and Australia's Dreamworld.

These, she pointed out, catered to an older crowd, leaving the younger audience out of play.

Legoland is targeting children aged two to 12.

“Sure, Legoland is not as well-known as a theme park, but we all played with Lego while we were growing up,” she said.

There is also some good news for adults: The theme park is reportedly expected to create some 5,000 jobs.

Production director Tim Burnell of Merlin Entertainments, which will manage the park, was in Johor last week to recruit for some of the jobs.

The company was looking to hire model makers, who can earn anywhere between RM1,400 and RM5,000 each.

It is something that architecture graduate Ibrahim Rahmat, 20, hopes to do.

Last week, he took a 12-hour bus ride from Perlis to Kuala Lumpur for the interview, which involved three rounds of making models using Lego bricks.

“I really want this job. I think I'll love the working environment,” he said. — Straits Times

Source: http://www.iskandarinvestment.com/downloads/project/1Medini_BROCHURE_2009.pdf

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/07/17/05/20/4469629_1905x1269.JPG

An eye-opener for visitors
2009/06/09

THE Iskandar Malaysia Open Day which was held in Johor Baru recently was an eye-opener for all. "All" includes not just the visitors alone but also the organiser and exhibitors. The look of disbelief and wonder etched in the faces of visitors as they toured from booth to booth viewing the impressive models on display would not have gone unnoticed by the organiser and exhibitors.

But probably more shocking were the questions posed, which revealed how ignorant some visitors were on Iskandar Malaysia or Johor in general.

When I asked a friend manning the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) booth about the public response at the end of the three-day event, he replied, "Many asked me what is PTP?"

I burst into laughter. Maybe the PTP acronym has too many references, or maybe nobody knew about PTP at all. So, who is to be blamed for asking such a question?

In another corner, I overheard a person asking: "Is this another Mapex (Malaysia Property Exhibition)?"

Well, I could forgive him for asking that question. After all, I got the same impression, judging from the decorations at the Johor Baru City Square atrium. There were two to three developers capitalising on the Open Day to promote their products.

So, the organiser and exhibitors must be having a tough time briefing visitors on what Iskandar Malaysia is all about.

The Iskandar Regional Development Authority showcased an eyecatching model of the futuristic Danga Bay waterfront with its state-of-the-art high-rise buildings and marina.

I, for one, couldn't take my eyes off this dazzling model of glass buildings with its glittering lights.

I couldn't help noticing the looks of disbelief written on the faces of the visitors. Some felt that they might not live long enough to see the model turning into reality.

For me, the timeline for completion of Iskandar Malaysia is just too long. Maybe I would have retired by the time the buildings come up.

The Open Day was not just meant for adults. The organiser had painstakingly set aside a corner for children to play with Lego blocks.

Obviously, this was to promote and provide a good preview of the upcoming Legoland theme park in Nusajaya for children.

But by then the children would have grown up and the Legoland no longer suitable for them.

I am not sure if the Open Day attracted the intended crowd of traders, entrepreneurs and investors. It would be sad if the visitors were just window shoppers.

Nevertheless, the exhibition was well-planned, judging from the great lengths exhibitors went to impress the crowd.

Building model citizens of the future
2009/06/04

ISKANDAR Malaysia's recent open day at City Square Johor Baru not only attracted adults, but also the young ones who joined in the activities that gave them glimpses of their future in the growth corridor. One of the main attractions for children was the Legoland Creative Kids Model Builder Competition.

The participants were encouraged to use their creativity to build houses, cars and animals using Lego bricks.

The competition's organiser was Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB), which is the co-developer of Legoland Malaysia.

A RM750 million joint venture with Merlin Entertainments, Legoland Malaysia is part of a 58.68ha development project that will comprise a shopping centre, offices, hotels and residential units in the northeast corner of Medini Malaysia in Nusajaya.

The theme park will be the first Legoland to be built in East Asia. It is expected to be completed in 2012.

The competition was a hit with the children. Those taking part were enthusiastically scrambling to construct their designs within the 30-minute timeframe.

Parents lent encouragement as their children tried their best to put together the multi-coloured miniature bricks into the desired shapes.

The prizes were RM100 MPH book vouchers, and that, combined with the inherent fun of the competition, were enough to motivate the children into doing their best.

The children received a pleasant surprise at the end of the competition when they were told that they could keep the packs of Lego bricks that they used.

There were six winners in the competition. Four were Malaysian students -- Muhammad Aliffuddeen Ishak, 10, of SK Taman Perling 3; Fatin Nuraigah, 10, of SK Taman Daya 1; Nurul Fadlin Adlina, 10, of SRK Bukit Mutiara; and Kh'ng Xin Yi, 11, of SJK(C) Nam Heng.

The two other winners were Angie Chua, 11, and Aslam Shah, 12, both from Singapore.

IIB president and chief executive officer, Arlida Ariff, announced that a 1,207 sq m shop to produce most of the 15,000 Lego models that will make up Legoland Malaysia will be set up at the southern industrial and logistics clusters of Nusajaya.

Construction of the shop will begin in August and the first phase will be completed two months later.

Six pioneer apprentices will be selected and sent to California for training.

Upon their return, they will assist in training 40 others to work on the models at the shop.

Asia's first Lego model shop here soon
2009/05/22

SINGAPORE: Iskandar Malay-sia will house Asia's first Lego's Model Shop to design and make models for the Legoland in Nusajaya.

The model shop will produce 15,000 models that would make up the country's first Lego theme park in Medini Iskandar.

The theme park, the fifth of its kind in the world, is scheduled to completed in 2012.

Iskandar Investment Berhad president and chief executive officer Arlida Ariff said the construction of the model shop, with a total floor area of 2300 square metres (25,000 sq ft), would begin in August.

"The first phase of the Model Shop's construction will be done in October. It is located at the southern industrial and Logistics Clusters in Nusajaya," she said on Wednesday.

Arlida also said the Model Shop would begin recruiting apprentices and the final assessment would be in July.

Six qualified apprentices would be short-listed and sent to California, the United States, in August for training.

She said the six would assist the Lego Master Model Builders, who are Lego certified professional designers and artists, to train another 40 apprentices who would join the Model Shop in October.

"Aspiring model makers must possess sound technical knowledge or background in steel works, design reading and actual brick building experience," said Arlida.

Legoland Malaysia is expected to create about 1,000 jobs in the park, while up to 5,000 jobs will be created during its construction, as well as in the related retail trade, hospitality, services and food and beverage sectors.

The entire project will include a shopping centre, offices, hotels and residential units costing a total of more than RM3.5 billion to develop.

The country's Legoland, which will be designed and operated by the Merlin Entertainments Group Ltd, was announced in December with a planned investment of RM750 million.

Its location -- 20 minutes from the Second Link -- is expected to draw tourists from Singapore.

IIB mulls over three theme parks for Iskandar Malaysia
Tuesday August 4, 2009
By ZAZALI MUSA

JOHOR BARU: Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB) is looking at having three theme parks in Iskandar Malaysia, including Legoland Malaysia, said president and chief executive officer Arlida Ariff.

Legoland will be the main theme park with the other two supporting parks, she said.

“Different theme parks cater to different segments of visitors as this will be better rather than just having one park in our development,’’ Arlida told reporters recently after announcing six successful applicants hired as “model shop associates” at Legoland Malaysia in Nusajaya.

The model shop associates will help build Lego models at the park.

Arlida said the company had been discussing with several foreign theme park operators to set up parks in Iskandar Malaysia but declined to elaborate further.

IIB had taken into account past failed attempts by local operators to set up theme parks, she added.

“We ran a feasibility study and market research before announcing the project (Legoland) and the same things apply for the other theme parks,’’ she said, noting that Legoland Malaysia catered for children aged between two and 12 years.

IIB senior vice-president Muhammad Zainal Ashikin said work on Legoland Malaysia would start next March with the project expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2012.

He said the company planned to have a tie-up with major airlines and travel operators from the region as part of its strategy to attract visitors to the park.

The US$200mil park, to be built on a 23ha site, is a joint venture between Merlin Entertainment Groups and IIB. It will be the first Legoland park in Asia.

There are currently four Legoland parks around the world – in Billund (Denmark), Windsor (near London, Britain), California (United States) and Deutschland (Germany).

The six successful Legoland Malaysia model shop associates announced by IIB are Lee Khai Yuen, Pang Chueng Shuong, Ahmad Yazid Sumisdan, Khadzlan Hairani Ali Omar, Mohd Firdaus Rahiman and Khairunadia Kamarudin.

They were selected from 84 shortlisted candidates from all over the country in competition and interviewing sessions conducted by Merlin Entertainment Group last month.

All six will undergo a 10-week training programme in California from Sept 1, and upon returning they will assist master builders build Legoland models at Legoland Malaysia.

Legoland Malaysia is Underway
August 3rd, 2009

Although Legoland is well known in the UK, as well as the United States, besides that not too many people know of the joy that is Legoland. Well soon Malaysia will know of Leogland as well. This is because the Legoland Malaysia theme park project is closer to realization than ever before. This new breakthrough happened when the first batch of model builders were chosen for the park.

The builders that will help to create Legoland Malaysia for tourists all over the world, will first have to complete a 10 week training course in California. The resorts director, Zainal Ashikin Muhammad Rejab, said that the selection of model builders was another step towards the realization of the park. Right now the new park has a completion date of early 2012.

He went on to say that they feel very optimistic about reaching their deadline for opening up the new theme park for tourists. The overall master plan has already been completed for the park, and the overall groundwork for the park is going to start this November.

Of course, he also wanted to note that this is just the first round of models. The second round of model builders for the Leogland park in Malaysia will be recruited in November when the groundwork for the park is underway.

This Legoland park is set to be located at Nusa Cemerlang Industrial Park. Here it will be the very first Legoland ever to be located in Asia. More information will come out about this new Legoland after its launch.

Legoland hires new Master, Associate Builders
By Ryan McClung | Filed under News on Jun 27, 2009
http://www.lifthill.com/news/legoland-hires-new-master-associate-builders/

http://www.lifthill.com/images/2009/06/Legoland-hires-new-Master-Associate-Builders-260.jpg

Legoland California recently ended their hiring competition that saw Lego builders from across the nation compete for Master and Associate Builder positions with Lego. Legoland received about 150 applications for the positions, but only 18 finalists were invited to compete. By the end of it, five new Master Builders and four new Associate Builders were hired.

The newly hired Master Builders will be tasked with creating large, specialized pieces destined for use in the new Legoland park in Malaysia opening in 2013. The Associate Builders will be copying existing Lego designs and performing more routine jobs such as gluing pieces together.

Erik Vanderhagen, one of the applicants/contestants speaking of the unusual interview process, told the North County Times: "I didn't expect this ... Even if I don't get the job, this has been a lot of fun."

Source: http://www.iskandarinvestment.com/downloads/project/1Medini_BROCHURE_2009.pdf

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/07/17/05/20/4469629_1905x1269.JPG

Legoland
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legoland

Taken rom http://www.medini.com.my/

http://www.medini.com.my/gallery/_cultural_part2/DSCN3099.jpg

Taken rom http://www.medini.com.my/

http://www.medini.com.my/gallery/_legoland/legoland-196.jpg

Taken rom http://www.medini.com.my/

http://www.medini.com.my/gallery/_legoland/legoland-197.jpg

Iskandar Invt to award RM2b jobs next year
By Chong Pooi KoonPublished: 2009/10/01

Iskandar Investment Bhd, a government company tasked to build catalytic projects in Iskandar Malaysia in Johor, will give out RM2 billion worth of contracts next year.

The contracts include jobs to build hotels and a shopping mall surrounding the Legoland theme park, president and chief executive officer Arlida Ariff said.

She said the company has awarded over RM1 billion worth of construction jobs before this and it is stepping up the development pace at Iskandar Malaysia. WCT Bhd, an infrastructure firm, had in July won contracts valued at RM767 million to build roads and sewerage there. Property and construction firm Mitrajaya Holdings Bhd has also won jobs from Iskandar Investment.

"We've spent the last few years planning and firming up deals, now it is time to convert those investments into activities that will stimulate more works on the ground," Arlida told a media briefing in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Next year's contracts are mainly for the construction of buildings that include a medical school and student residences, residential units within the Medini cluster, and amenities around Legoland.

The completion date for Legoland has been brought forward by about a year and it is now scheduled to be ready by April 2012, Arlida said. At least one hotel in that area and a shopping mall, will be ready by the time the theme park opens its doors, she said.

There will be a four-star business hotel and another resort hotel around Legoland, she added.

Arlida said Iskandar will bring in partners, both local and foreign, to work on some of the projects.

"Towards this year-end and into next year, we hope to announce at least three more partners and bring in three more universities into Educity (within Iskandar Malaysia)," she said.

"The next two months are very busy for me. I'll be travelling to five countries to finalise deals." She will be travelling to Dubai, the UK, Australia and India in the next two months.

"It's time to expand beyond the current markets and partners that we have now. There's still a lot of room for growth," she said.

Iskandar Investment's reputation and credibility is more solid now that it has awarded a big sum in contracts, she remarked. "We have given out over RM1 billion contracts. This is an affirmation that the project is for real."

Legoland theme park

05/October/2009

http://i33.tinypic.com/s0wlee.jpg

Khazanah to invest over RM1b in theme parks
By Rupinder Singh Published: 2009/11/06

The projects will kick off in phases from next year and the first one should open by end-2011.

State investment agency Khazanah Nasional Bhd plans to partner foreign firms and invest more than RM1 billion to build six theme parks nationwide next year.

Themed Attractions & Resorts Sdn Bhd (TAR), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Khazanah, said the projects will kick off in phases from next year. The first one should open by end- 2011.

"We have identified several viable projects to implement.

"We are also continuously seeking local and global partners to be part of the innovative themed attractions and resorts, such as indoor theme parks, cultural-based attractions, children's attractions, among others," TAR chief executive officer Datuk Tunku Ahmad Burhanuddin told reporters at a briefing in Damansara yesterday.

Each project will cost between RM200 million and RM300 million.

"We may go a for a debt-equity mix to raise funds for the projects," said Tunku Ahmad Burhanuddin, adding that TAR hopes to carry out all six projects simultaneously.

It expects each project to make money two to three years after completion. Out of the six projects, half will be in Iskandar Malaysia, Johor.

TAR, incorporated in June this year, will develop and operate the themed attractions and resorts.

It has already started on two projects.

The first is a children's role-playing theme park, KidZania, which will open in 2012 in a new retail mall in Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya.

The second is a family indoor theme park at Puteri Harbour in the vicinity of Iskandar Malaysia.

The landmark deal is to be signed tomorrow. According to a foreign news report, TAR has roped in three global brand names to participate in the project.

Among the partners speculated are Time Warner's Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and Disney.

Iskandar Malaysia is slated to have its first theme park in 2012 when Legoland opens a RM750 million entertainment park, the second such project outside of the US and Europe.

Legoland operator Merlin Entertainments will hold 20 per cent interest in the project, with the balance owned by a consortium led by Iskandar Investment Bhd.

Tunku Ahmad Burhanuddin said there was vast potential to grow the leisure and tourism industry in the country to meet the diverse needs of visitors.

The theme parks will target tourists from all over the world, business travellers, day trippers and travellers who stop over in the country.

They would include people from countries like China, India and the Middle East.

Ground-breaking ceremony: Legoland park to be ready by 2012
2 December 2009

The 22-acre Legoland theme park under construction in Medini Iskandar, Nusajaya, is expected to be ready by 2012, a year ahead of scehdule, said Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman.

He said the theme park in Iskandar Malaysia would be the first in Asia, and the fifth in the world.

"This Legoland park is built under a concept suitable to its location in a tropical country like Malaysia," he told reporters after attending the ground-breaking ceremony at the Legoland Malaysia project site today.

Also present was Iskandar Investment Bhd president and chief executive officer Arlida Ariff and Legoland Development Merlin Entertainment general manager, John Ussher. -- Bernama

2012 opening for Legoland
By ZAZALI MUSA

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/12/3/business/b_09ghani.jpg

From left: Arlida Ariff, John Ussher and Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman
looking at a Malayan Tiger made from 2,500 pieces of Lego bricks.

NUSAJAYA: Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB) is targeting April 2012 as the opening date of the Legoland Malaysia – the first Legoland theme park in Asia.

The other Legoland theme parks are Legoland Billund, Legoland Windsor, Legoland Deutschland and Legoland California.

IIB president and chief executive officer Arlida Ariff said the 26ha theme park would be the centrepiece of the 59ha site in Medini North dedicated to lifestyle development.

To be known as Legoland Malaysia Resort, the project would also comprise a retail mall, themed hotel, business hotel as well as office and residential areas.

“We will start promoting the theme park a year before the opening date,” Arlida said at the project groundbreaking by Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman yesterday.

Arlida declined to divulge details on the entrance charges and the target number of visitors to the park, adding that IIB was still studying the matter.

She said the RM700mil theme park would offer 40 interactive rides, shows and attractions targeted at families with young children between two and 12 years old.

Arlida said Legoland Malaysia would have miniature replicas of iconic buildings and structures across Asia including the Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest twin buildings in the world.

“The project will be funded via RM500mil borrowings from local banks and the balance of RM200mil through internal funding,” she said.

IIB had in December 2008 signed an agreement with Merlin Entertainment Group, which will design and operate the theme park.

Moving forward, Arlida said IIB would be looking at a third theme park in Iskandar Malaysia catering for young adults.

Meanwhile, Legoland Development general manager John Ussher said the main challenge in developing the park in Malaysia was the “sun and rain”. He said unlike the other Legoland theme parks, Legoland here would operate all-year round.

“We will provide shades and canopies using tropical trees and will maintain the natural topography of the area,” said Ussher.

It's a green world in Johor Legoland
2009/12/03

NUSAJAYA: The biggest challenge in building the first Lego theme park in Asia is its tropical setting.

Legoland Development general manager John Ussher said the RM700 million theme park over 26 hectares of land here will feature plenty of shade for visitors.

"Although Legoland Malaysia will be similar to the company's four other Legoland parks, the tropical climate poses a bit of a challenge for us to design the landscape. It will be very green, and the natural hills will be retained.

"We have already placed orders for saplings, so when the park is ready, the saplings will have grown into full trees," he said after the ground-breaking of Legoland Malaysia by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman yesterday.

The park, scheduled to open in 2012, will provide a full-day theme park experience with more than 40 interactive rides, shows and attractions mainly for families with young children aged 2 to 12.

On the competition from Universal Studios Singapore which will open next year, Iskandar Investment Bhd president and chief executive officer Arlida Ariff said the two theme parks offer a different experience.

"It would only give tourists more reason to extend their stay in the region as they would want to visit both theme parks," she said.

Iskandar attracts RM51bil in investments
Thursday December 3, 2009 By ZAZALI MUSA

http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2009/1203/Utusan_Malaysia/Korporat/ko_03.1.jpg

NUSAJAYA: Iskandar Malaysia has attracted RM51bil of cumulative investments to date despite the global economic crisis.

Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman, who co-chairs Iskandar Regional Development Authority (Irda), said of the total sum, 35% had already commenced work on the ground.

Some 44,000 jobs have been created since Iskandar was launched in 2006, he told reporters at the ground-breaking ceremony of Legoland Malaysia in Medini near here on Wednesday.

The RM700mil Legoland Malay-sia on a 26ha site in the 59ha Medini North near here is the first Legoland theme park in Asia; other Legoland parks are in Bil-lund, Windsor, Deutschland and California.

April 2012 is the targeted opening date. The park will offer 40 interactive rides, shows and attractions for families with children aged between two and 12.

Also present at the event were Iskandar Investment Bhd president and chief executive officer Arlida Ariff and Legoland Develop-ment general manager John Ussher.

Ghani said of the RM51bil cu-mulative investments, 40% were from local investors and 60% were foreign direct investment (FDI) including RM2.6bil from Singa-pore.

“Johor has received RM8bil in FDI for this year and for 2010, we are hoping to maintain the figure or at least see some increase in the flow of FDI,” said Ghani.

He said the RM8bil constituted about 20% of the total FDI received by Malaysia, adding that Johor always remained one of the country’s top three destinations for FDI.

Meanwhile, incoming Irda chief executive officer Ismail Ibrahim will be taking over from Harun Johari in January 2010.

Theme park developers focus on Asia now
Monday December 28 2009

SINGAPORE, Dec 28 — The global downturn has put some US theme parks into bankruptcy and upended grand plans for new ones in the Middle East.

Varied concepts: The Universal Studios theme park at Singapore’s Resorts World at Sentosa (above) will open early next year, while Legoland Malaysia in Johor is slated to open in 2012 But in Asia, a development boomlet is under way as operators race to roll out parks and add attractions to draw in the region’s growing middle class.

Across the border in Malaysia, ground has just been broken on the first Legoland in Asia, to open in 2012.

In Hong Kong, the roughly US$750 million (RM2,573 million) redevelopment of Ocean Park is to be completed in 2013, while Hong Kong Disneyland Resort recently began a US$465 million expansion to add three areas by 2014. Last month, Disney finally won approval from the Chinese government to build a theme park in Shanghai. It is expected to open in 5-6 years.

In Singapore, a Universal Studios is to open early next year at Resorts World at Sentosa (RWS), a vast integrated resort (IR) development that includes a casino.

“Even with the economic hardship the world has been feeling, there is still stability in this part of the world, and people are still looking to do things that are out of the ordinary,” said Tom Mehrmann, chief executive of Ocean Park in Hong Kong.

Overall attendance at the world’s top 25 theme parks has declined over the last couple of years, according to a report by Economic Research Associates, a consulting firm, and the Themed Entertainment Association, an international industry association.

But visits to the 10 most-visited Asia-Pacific parks have continued to increase, albeit at a slow pace. With this upward trend expected to accelerate, developers are focusing on the region.

The industry anticipates solid growth in Asia, even though over the last six years, the number of what Mehrmann calls “world-class parks” in the region has risen to more than 35 from about 15.

“What it says is that the market is growing, the middle class is growing, discretionary time and money is growing,” he said.

Ocean Park had a record 5.03 million visitors in the fiscal year that ended in June 2008 and registered a small drop to 4.8 million in its fiscal 2009. But Mehrmann said attendance had started to rebound in August.

Recent signals from big industry players point to a bleak near-term picture worldwide. Revenue at Walt Disney’s parks and resorts dropped 7 per cent, to US$10.6 billion, in the fiscal year ended in September.

Universal Studios theme parks (which General Electric sold along with NBC Universal to Comcast) have also been struggling this year although, according to GE, the company has been able to partly offset attendance declines with cost-cutting.

Meanwhile, Six Flags, which owns 20 amusement parks, mainly in the United States, filed for bankruptcy protection in June, burdened by high debt and declining attendance. It is working on a restructuring plan with creditors. Dubailand — which was to include Paramount, Marvel and DreamWorks Animation theme parks among various attractions — is now only a distant dream.

But some investors see opportunities in the downturn. Apollo Global Management said last week it would acquire theme park operator Cedar Fair in a deal worth about US$2.4 billion, including assumed debt. Cedar Fair’s properties include Cedar Point in Ohio, Canada’s Wonderland near Toronto, Dorney Park in Pennsylvania, and Knott’s Berry Farm and Great America in Southern California. Cedar Fair said attendance had dropped by 1.2 million visitors during the first three quarters.

The deal follows an agreement in October by the Blackstone Group to buy Anheuser-Busch Inbev’s 10 theme parks in the US for US$2.7 billion, including the SeaWorld parks in Orlando and San Diego and Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida, three of the most-visited theme parks in the world.

Blackstone already has a majority stake in the Merlin Entertainment Group — which owns Legoland, among various parks — and the Anheuser-Busch assets will make the private equity firm the second-largest company in the theme park business, after Disney.

John Ussher, general manager of Legoland development at Merlin, said his company wanted to roll out the brand across the globe.

“We’ve had a good year, we’ve weathered the storm well throughout our parks in Europe and the US,” he said, while declining to provide attendance numbers. “We feel very strongly about the potential of the new park in Malaysia. The region has terrific potential.”

The company is also working on a Dubai Legoland, although Ussher said the project had been delayed and the new expected opening date was 2015.

He said Legoland was also looking for sites in South Korea and Japan and would be interested in developing a park in China. — NYT

big project!!

Danish Legoland to Expand in Malaysia
11 Jan 2010
http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/legoland-to-expand-w-6198/

Legoland’s parent company, Merlin Entertainment, plans to add a water park to the new Legoland Malaysia park opening in 2013, said Lego water park designer Bill Vollbrecht.

The Lego water park that will debut at Legoland California this summer could end up at theme parks around the world within the next few years, officials said.

Part of a $15-million expansion at the Carlsbad kiddie park, the separate-admission Lego water park will feature twin water-slide towers, a lazy river, toddler water play areas and 20 squirting and spraying life-size Lego characters.

According to travel.latimes.com, Legoland’s parent company, Merlin Entertainment, plans to add a water park to the new Legoland Malaysia park opening in 2013, said Lego water park designer Bill Vollbrecht.

If the California and Malaysia projects prove successful, Lego hopes to turn the concept into a global brand, adding water parks at Legoland theme parks in Britain, Denmark and Germany, Vollbrecht said.

Vollbrecht said the Lego water parks could also show up at Merlin’s other theme park properties — Alton Towers, Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures in Britain, Heide Park in Germany and Gardaland in Italy. The existing water parks at Alton Towers and Gardaland might be rebranded with a Lego theme, Vollbrecht said.

Legoland Malaysia is planned to open in Nusajaya, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia under the Iskandar Malaysia in 2013 as the first Legoland in Asia.Danish Legoland to Expand in Malaysia

LEGOLAND Malaysia: the designers on the other side of the world

http://www1.nst.com.my/JohorBuzz/Wednesday/Stories/20091208205823/insidepix2?display=small

One of the interesting things about living in Southern California is that I get to talk quite a few of the model designers who are working on exhibits and installations for LEGOLAND Malaysia, which is scheduled to open in April of 2012. I get to hear about it, but I don’t get to see. I’ve also heard several of my friends here in SoCal talk about their own training process as well as the crew of Malaysian designers who have been hired and trained to work on the same projects. Bill Toenjes was nice enough to send us a link to an article in Johor Buzz, an English language Malay news site, which ran a great profile of several of the team in Malaysia.

We in the adult LEGO community usually get the (very interesting) perspective of adult fans who go on to work for LEGO or LEGOLAND, but the numerous straight-out-of-their-dark-age graphic designers, artists, engineers, and architects are kind of overlooked, though they seem to make up the bulk of the model and set design teams. It’s interesting to hear their perspective.

Back on the Lego brick road
CHUAH BEE KIM

http://www1.nst.com.my/JohorBuzz/Wednesday/Stories/20091208205823/insidepix1?display=small

Legoland Malaysia is being built at a cost of to the tune of RM700
million. .Gambar Zulkarnain Ahmad Tajuddin...for JStreets centrespread
jp715h. ZULKARNAIN AHMAD TAJUDDIN
— Pictures by Zulkarnain Ahmad Tajuddin

Adults who thought their Lego days were long behind them find themselves playing with the colourful bricks once again. This time round, however, they have to draw on their skills as engineers to build giant models for Legoland Malaysia, writes CHUAH BEE KIM

KHAIRUNNADIA Kamarudin played with the colourful interlocking plastic bricks when she was about 6 or 7 years old.

She soon exchanged them for Barbie and Polly Pocket Dolls.

Now all grown up at the age of 23, and armed with a bachelor's degree in industrial design from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, she finds herself playing with the same bricks of her childhood.

Khairunnadia is set to be a model builder at Legoland Malaysia, which is expected to open in April 2012.

The second of four siblings, Khairunnadia has worked as a mechanical engineering trainee and mechanical engineer.

"I never imagined that I could land myself such an interesting profession. The job will allow me to hone my research development and design skills," said Khairunnadia, who was one of the six participants in a 10-week programme to train to become a model builder in Legoland California.

Aged between 23 and 34, they are the first batch of trainees to complete the programme.

They will be building some of the 15,000 models that will make up Legoland Malaysia in Nusajaya, Johor.

Like Khairunnadia, Lee Khai Yuen, 34, said he was also not that interested in Lego bricks as a children.

But, he is happy to be working as a model builder in Legoland Malaysia, the first Legoland theme park in Asia.

Lee graduated from National Cheng Kung University in Tainan, Taiwan, in 1998. He has a bachelor of science degree with a major in industrial design.

Lee has worked as a professional will writer, financial adviser with an insurance company and part-time lecturer at Southern College's School of Art and Design, where he taught industrial design.

"We all enjoyed our training in the United States. We were trained in the techniques for building models using Lego pieces. The most challenging was building a ball.

"Once one can build a ball with the bricks, building other shapes is easy," Lee said.

There will be more than 40 interactive rides, shows and attractions, designed for families with children aged between 2 and 12, at Legoland Malaysia .

Spread over 26ha in Medini North, the theme park is being built at a cost of RM700 million.

It has already created 44,500 jobs and is expected to create an additional 4,000 job opportunities.

The project, which is a joint venture between Iskandar Investment Bhd and Merlin Entertainments, is set to transform Iskandar Malaysia into a sustainable, thriving urban centre and tourism destination over the next 25 years.

From NST Online

http://www1.nst.com.my/JohorBuzz/Wednesday/Stories/20091208205823/insidepix2?display=small

The six model builders received their training
in a 10-week programme at Legoland California.

http://www1.nst.com.my/JohorBuzz/Wednesday/Stories/20091208205823/insidepix3?display=small

(From left) State Tourism and Domestic Trade Committee chairman Hoo
Seong Chang, Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman, Iskandar Investment
Bhd president and chief executive officer Arlida Ariff and (2nd from right) and
Legoland Development general manager John Ussher at the groundbreaking of
Legoland Malaysia.

UPDATE:
hey thx 4 the link

http://www.thethemeparkguy.com/filestore/themepark/legoland-malaysia/291/legoland-malaysia-3-big-compressed.jpg

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http://www.thethemeparkguy.com/filestore/themepark/legoland-malaysia/291/legoland-malaysia-11-big-compressed.jpg

Iskandar Investment invites tenders for Legoland Malaysia
by Joseph Chin Friday, 05 March 2010 11:33

KUALA LUMPUR: Iskandar Investment Group has invited tenders for the CONSTRUCTION of Legoland Malaysia Theme Park at Iskandar Malaysia.

Package two comprises of primary infrastructure and package three is for the service and administration building, open car park and substation 33kV.

The notice of invitation was issued by IDR Assets Sdn Bhd, a member of the group, according to an advertisement on Friday, March 5.

"The invitation is restricted to companies registered and have offices actively operating in Johor," according to the notice.

Another criteria is that the companies must have completed building and infrastructure projects, with a value of no less than RM20 million accumulated over the last five years.

18/April/2010

Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2010

Legoland Malaysia

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Iskandar to tender out RM250m deals
By Zurinna Raja AdamPublished: 2010/05/17

The contracts include jobs to build two schools, a stadium and college buildings

ISKANDAR Investment Bhd (IIB), a government company tasked to build catalytic projects in Iskandar Malaysia in Johor, will tender out another six packages of contracts worth a combined RM250 million by the end of this month.

The contracts include jobs to build two schools, a stadium and college buildings. It was earlier reported that IIB will give out RM2 billion worth of contracts this year.

President and chief executive officer Arlida Ariff said the company has awarded over RM3 billion worth of construction jobs since its inception four years ago and is continuously stepping up the development pace at Iskandar Malaysia.

"We will announce the contracts by the end of the month. We have moved past the earthwork phase and into construction. Our team is now working on the tender," she told Business Times in an interview.
IIB is also expected to sign with its Dutch counterpart to establish a world-class Maritime University in Iskandar Malaysia soon. It is also in talks with two other universities to set up engineering and hospitality schools in EduCity, the 120ha education enclave in Nusajaya.

Three institutes that have confirmed their presence to establish a school here are UK's Newcastle University of Medicine, British boarding school Marlborough Overseas Ltd and Singapore-group Raffles Education Corp.

"We seriously view education as a key pillar of growth for the region and IIB's long-term objective is to create a global education hub in Iskandar Malaysia," said Arlinda.

The Legoland theme park, which is among the main attractions at Iskandar Malaysia, is on track to be opened in 2012.

Earthworks are underway and IIB has also awarded contracts to rides operators. Construction of the building will start in the third quarter this year.

The RM750 million Legoland Malaysia is the fifth Legoland in the world after the US, Denmark, Germany and Britain. Spanning 28.32ha, the theme park is some 20 minutes from the Second Link and within Medini in Nusajaya, one of five flagship zones of Iskandar Malaysia.

There will also be a four-star business hotel and a resort hotel around Legoland.

Arlinda said the infrastructure at Medini is already on the way and is about 24 per cent completed. The infrastructure works completed include roads, street lighting, traffic lights, sewer, water reticulation and electricity.

Medini is a 920ha international mixed-use urban development, located on prime greenfield land in the heart of Nusajaya. The development is expected to bring in gross development value in excess RM69.6 billion over 15-20 years.

Location

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/2356/83734357.jpg

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/6316/79663665.jpg

Legoland Malaysia targets 1.5 million visitors
By Channel NewsAsia Malaysia Bureau Chief Melissa Goh | Posted: 09 July 2010 2035 hrs
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/southeastasia/view/1068540/1/.html

NUSAJAYA, Malaysia : Asia's first Legoland targets to attract 1.5 million visitors when it opens its doors at the end of 2012.

Located in Nusa Cermelang industrial park, within the Iskandar New Economic Region, the theme park will boast the tallest lego model in the world.

The backgrounds of the 22 young Malaysians - pioneer model builders for Legoland Malaysia - are diverse, coming from engineering, architecture, and fine arts.

They beat over 800 other job seekers at a recent hiring contest.

In the first round, contestants were given 25 minutes to copy a model of a seahorse.

"It was not difficult to find the people. We were amazed. What we really looking for is creativity obviously, but more so it's teamwork, it's the passion and the attitude that the people bring in to their role. That's what we're really looking for," said Tim Burnell, Production Director, Merlin Entertainment.

25-year-old Mohd Firdaus was among the top six, who've returned from a short stint at the mother of all Legolands, in Billund, Denmark.

It's a dream come true for the mechanical engineer, who had his first lego set when he was four.

Over 30 million bricks will go towards making 15,000 models that will be scattered across the 26-hectare theme park.

Being the first in Asia, it will feature many iconic buildings and structures familiar to the region, and in particular to Malaysia.

Work is also in progress to build the tallest model in mini land, but the exact details are still under wraps.

Already its developer, Iskandar investment, is excited. The CEO said when Legoland Malaysia is ready in 2012, it will offer a different experience from other theme parks, including Universal Studios in neighbouring Singapore.

"It would not be seen in competition with attractions that Singapore has, (which) deal with young adults-type of attractions. This is more family-based," said Arlida Ariff, President/CEO of Iskandar Investment Berhad.

"It inspires people with a toy, and when they go away, they can build what they like with them (lego bricks). It's a lot more interactive; there will be lego in queue lines and kids can play with it as they go along," said Burnell. - CNA /ls

Building Singapore Port in 1,500 hours
http://www.razor.tv/site/servlet/segment/main/news/50626.html

I'm still getting jelous seeing that people have access to so much boxes of lego. let meeeee build!

Legoland Malaysia targets 1.5 million visitors
By Channel NewsAsia Malaysia Bureau Chief Melissa Goh
09 July 2010

NUSAJAYA, Malaysia : Asia's first Legoland targets to attract 1.5 million visitors when it opens its doors at the end of 2012.

Located in Nusa Cermelang industrial park, within the Iskandar New Economic Region, the theme park will boast the tallest lego model in the world.

The backgrounds of the 22 young Malaysians - pioneer model builders for Legoland Malaysia - are diverse, coming from engineering, architecture, and fine arts.

They beat over 800 other job seekers at a recent hiring contest.

In the first round, contestants were given 25 minutes to copy a model of a seahorse.

"It was not difficult to find the people. We were amazed. What we really looking for is creativity obviously, but more so it's teamwork, it's the passion and the attitude that the people bring in to their role. That's what we're really looking for," said Tim Burnell, Production Director, Merlin Entertainment.

25-year-old Mohd Firdaus was among the top six, who've returned from a short stint at the mother of all Legolands, in Billund, Denmark.

It's a dream come true for the mechanical engineer, who had his first lego set when he was four.

Over 30 million bricks will go towards making 15,000 models that will be scattered across the 26-hectare theme park.

Being the first in Asia, it will feature many iconic buildings and structures familiar to the region, and in particular to Malaysia.

Work is also in progress to build the tallest model in mini land, but the exact details are still under wraps.

Already its developer, Iskandar investment, is excited. The CEO said when Legoland Malaysia is ready in 2012, it will offer a different experience from other theme parks, including Universal Studios in neighbouring Singapore.

"It would not be seen in competition with attractions that Singapore has, (which) deal with young adults-type of attractions. This is more family-based," said Arlida Ariff, President/CEO of Iskandar Investment Berhad.

"It inspires people with a toy, and when they go away, they can build what they like with them (lego bricks). It's a lot more interactive; there will be lego in queue lines and kids can play with it as they go along," said Burnell. - CNA /ls

i dont think that its fair

Lego builders living their dream job
By ZAZALI MUSA 17 July 2010

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/7/16/southneast/se_4ibrahim.jpg

Stately: A replica of Sultan Ibrahim building.

A TEAM of creative youth are living up their dream job in Nusajaya near Johor Baru.

These young adults despite working in Malaysia Legoland - a place best described as a child’s world where Lego bricks are their main construction material.

Instead of assembling the educational toy bricks into trucks and houses, they are building miniature replica of iconic landmarks in Malaysia and other parts of the world.

“But, trust me when I tell you that they really enjoy working here and every day is a fun day for them,” said Merlin Entertainment production director Tim Burnell.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/7/16/southneast/se_4duo.jpg

Hard at work: Two model builders working on their projects using Lego
bricks at Legoland Malaysia Model Building Centre in Nusa Cemerlang
industrial park in Nusajaya, Johor.

He said this when met during a visit by Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman to the Model Building Centre for Legoland Malaysia recently.

The centre in Nusa Cemerlang industrial park is the work studio for the 22 Malaysians selected from 800 applicants competing in the Legoland Model Builder Hiring Competition held in May 2010.

They are Asia’s first batch of Legoland model builders currently working on the miniature replicas of iconic buildings for Legoland Malaysia.

Legoland Malaysia theme park in Medini, Nusajaya, a first in Asia slated for opening in April 2012, is a joint-venture between Iskandar Investment Bhd and Merlin Entertainment.

The RM720mil park on a 26ha site targets children below 12 years old offering over 40 interactive rides, shows and attractions - Other Legoland Parks are in Billund, Denmark, Windsor outside of London, California USA and Deutschland near Gunzburg, Germany.

One of the employees Lee Khai Yuen, who graduated from National Cheng Kung University Taiwan in 1998, has no regret leaving his job.

He was among the 10 Malaysians selected as associate model builders to undergo a 10-week training in California, US last year and is now a supervisor in the centre.

“As a model builder, you have got to have passion, patience and the eye for detail; but the most important thing is being able to work as a team,” said Lee.

He said prior to the construction of the replicas of buildings, model builders would go to the site to take pictures of the actual buildings from all angles.

Lee said from the photos taken, a prototype of a building would be created with precise measurements and the number of bricks needed and builders would refer to the photos from time to time during construction period.

He said two or four builders were usually needed to build the replicas depending on the complexity of the projects; each structure could easily take between 350 man-hours up to 1,500 man-hours to complete.

Chemical Engineering graduate Ahmad Radhi Abdul Rahman, 23, said he enjoyed working as a model builder as ‘every day is a fun day’ at the centre.

He considers himself lucky to be selected from 800 participants in the hiring competition and work among the pioneers for Legoland Malaysia.

“Not many young adults are playing with Lego bricks but we get paid to play with them (the bricks) and it is fun too,” said Ahmad.

Weavers of Lego magic
2010/07/18 Syed Umar Ariff
Weavers of Lego magic http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/4leggo/Article/#ixzz0u7jDXxrd

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/5614/35542177.jpg

Model builders adding details to the replica of Sultan Ibrahim building during
the workshop at the Model Building Centre for LEGOLAND Malaysia in Nusajaya.

ASPECTACULAR display of Lego models is in store for visitors once LEGOLAND Malaysia opens its door in Johor in 2012. And the preparations are already in progress.

Recently, a group of 22 model builders showcased their talents in putting together thousands of colourful Lego blocks during a workshop at the Model Building Centre for LEGOLAND Malaysia in Nusa Cemerlang Industrial Park, Nusajaya.

They are part of the team selected last year in the LEGOLAND Malaysia Hiring Competition. They will build more than 15,000 models for the LEGOLAND Malaysia theme park, the first of its kind in Asia.

The model builders, who are also Asia's pioneer Lego builders, are indeed creating magic with the basic Lego blocks, evident from the stunning designs of famous landmarks in Johor. This includes the Sultan Ibrahim building, Johor Baru High Court Complex and Dato' Jaafar building.

They have also built colourful models of flowers, portraits and even the iconic Japanese robot superhero, Astroboy.

http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/5927/17761974.jpg

Merlin Entertainments production director Tim Burnell showing
a replica of the Sultan Abu Bakar state mosque.

Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman, who visited the workshop, said he was impressed with the stunning creations of local talents.

"I am amazed at their creative skills. To see the replicas of Johor Baru landmarks is simply breathtaking."

One such stunning model under construction is the detailed replica of the Sultan Abu Bakar state mosque. One of the model builders said it took about six weeks to build the walls of the structure.

"We intend to add lights to the structure to enhance the surreal effect," he said.

Another grand model in the making is the Dataran Bandaraya. The model builders have painstakingly chosen the Lego blocks to resemble the building's coat of paint.

So, Lego enthusiasts can expect to feast their eyes when LEGOLAND Malaysia, which will be managed by Merlin Entertainments, opens.

LEGOLAND Malaysia offers preview of creations
Jul 9, 2010 - PropertyGuru.com.sg

LEGOLAND Malaysia has, for the first time, opened the Model Building Centre to specially selected guests, at an event hosted by Iskandar Investment Berhad – the catalytic developer of Iskandar Malaysia.

Specially invited visitors, including Y.A.B. Dato' Haji Abdul Ghani bin Othman, Chief Minister of Johor, were granted access to the workshop, where more than 15,000 LEGO Models for LEGOLAND Malaysia are being created.

It was the first time in the history of the park that non-employees were given a chance to see the behind-the-scenes of LEGOLAND theme parks throughout the world. The guests saw first-hand the process of creating LEGOLAND model structures and had a preview of the structures that will become part of the park.

The 0.3-acre Model Building Centre for the park at Nusa Cemerlang Industrial Park serves as the work studio of the LEGOLAND Malaysia Model Builders.

“LEGOLAND Malaysia will open in 2012 but the creative process is already underway. Our lucky guests today are the first ever people outside of the LEGOLAND Malaysia team to enter the workshop and see for themselves the many models which our model builders have completed and are in the midst of creating for LEGOLAND Malaysia – from small structures you will see around the theme park to miniature replica of iconic landmarks from across Asia. Trust me when I say that every day is a fun day at work here in the Model Building Centre for LEGOLAND Malaysia,” said Tim Burnell, Production Director of Merlin Entertainments, which operates LEGOLAND.

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Bini Puri in tie-up for Medini project
Published: 2010/09/07
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20100907182917/Article/index_html

Bina Puri Holdings Bhd will team up with Medini Land Sdn Bhd, a unit of Iskandar Investment Bhd, to develop the Medini Square project, which has a gross development value of RM500 million, in Iskandar Malaysia.

In a joint statement today, the companies said the project, which would be undertaken via a joint venture company, Medini Square Sdn Bhd, would comprise retail, shop offices, small office/home office (SOHO) units and an office tower.

"The 1,048 million sq ft gross floor area development will complement the other attractions in Medini North, including LEGOLAND Malaysia," the statement said.

It said the first phase of the Medini Square would be completed by mid-2011 with approximately 50 shop offices developed, while phase two would see a combination of a SOHO concept and office tower.

The statement said the Medini Square Sdn Bhd would enjoy fiscal and non-fiscal incentives under the initial incentives and support package for early investment into Iskandar Malaysia.

"The incentives include corporate tax exemptions for 10 years," it said. -- Bernama

Legoland Malaysia taking shape, brick by brick
New Straits Times By Syed Umar Ariff

WOULD you like to build Lego models for a living? Many people, especially the young-at-heart, would consider this a dream job, possibly even better than food-tasting or being the caretaker of an island paradise.

Which was why, when Legoland Malaysia announced recently that it was hiring 22 local Lego model builders, more than 1,000 candidates turned up to apply for the job.

But only a few had an idea what the job was all about - that, as a model builder, they would have to create over 15,000 Lego models for Legoland Malaysia. They would also be Asia's pioneer batch of Legoland model builders.

Some of the candidates who turned up were those with engineering, chemistry and architecture backgrounds.

They were taken aback when the job "interview" was actually in the form of a competition. They had to undergo three phases of model-making challenges to gauge their creativity, technical and building skills.

"Well, the main point here is for everyone to have fun. But the truth is, it is not easy," said Merlin Entertainments production director Tim Burnell when met during one of the interviews.

The six successful candidates from the first hiring competition attended a 10-week overseas training programme at Legoland California and Legoland Billlund.

There, they learned how to build models designed to meet the highest international quality and safety standards.

As of now, they are working to build Lego replicas of national and state landmarks for Legoland Malaysia at its Model Building Centre at Nusa Cemerlang Industrial Park in Nusajaya, Johor.

The prowess and skills exhibited by our own model builders is extraordinary. The detailed design of the Sultan Ibrahim Building for example, was made up completely by Lego blocks.

Even Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman was impressed by the models built by the local talents.

"To see the landmarks of Johor Baru being replicated is breathtaking," he said.

One of the model builders, former receptionist Noor Amyee Suratman never thought that her hobby would one day become her "real job".

"I was a receptionist-cum-administrative clerk at a construction company. That is certainly a far cry from my current job," said the photography and creative imaging graduate from Johor Baru.

As for 30-year-old Beijing Central Academy of Fine Arts graduate Tan Yi Chuan, his skills as a sculptor proved to be useful as a Lego model builder.

"I can create sculptures from metal, wood and even bronze and playing with Lego bricks has always been my pastime.

"Now, I am working in my dream job as I get to sculpt as well as play with Lego," he said.

UPDATE:

Below can see the Legoland site:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/weijie/IMG_0119.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/weijie/IMG_0110.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/weijie/IMG_0117.jpg

lovely nice update..but still in clear stage..hope there will be mega roller coaster and more thrill rides..
http://i763.photobucket.com/albums/xx276/afiqnadzir/incrediblehulk250wf.jpg

lovely nice update..but still in clear stage..hope there will be mega roller coaster and more thrill rides..
http://i763.photobucket.com/albums/xx276/afiqnadzir/incrediblehulk250wf.jpg

But this Legoland? As I remember, the old Legoland at Billund/ Denmark (http://pedalepiaui.blogspot.com/2010/09/mobilidae-em-copenhague.html)or Sierksdorf/Germany (today Hansapark) was more an opensky exhibition than adventure...:ohno:

I found an video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzO0sLEyMFg)from the old Legoland Germany in 1976: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzO0sLEyMFg

I think that is in universal studios orlando...

Legoland aims for one million visitors
By ZAZALI MUSA Thursday February 24, 2011
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/2/24/business/8123883&sec=business#12985233399531&if_height=440

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2011/2/24/business/b_2legoland.jpg

Siegfried Borst (left) and Zainal Ashikin Muhammad Rejab looking
at a model of pre-war shop houses made of Lego bricks.

NUSAJAYA: Legoland Development, the operator of Legoland Malaysia Theme Park being built here, expects to see one million visitors passing through its gates in the first year of operations.

Legoland Malaysia Project senior director of operations Siegfried Borst said the company was confident of achieving the target based on the high number of family institutions in the region.

He said unlike in developed countries where the birth rate was declining from year to year, most Asian countries still recorded high birth rate.

“Our theme park targets families with young children aged between two and 12 years old and this demographic serves our business strategy well,'' said Borst.

He was speaking at a press conference after a tour for the media to preview the ongoing development at the Legoland site.

Borst said work on the RM720mil project was progressing well and the theme park was expected to open its doors to visitors towards the end of 2012.

The 26ha theme park will offer 40 interactive rides, shows and attractions. It is located in the centre of a 59ha site in Medini North, a zone dedicated to lifestyle development.

Legoland Malaysia Theme Park is the first component to be developed within Legoland Malaysia Resort. The whole project will also have a retail mall, themed hotel, business hotel as well as office and residential areas.

“We are yet to determine the entrance charges. Our next priority is to talk with potential trade partners to market our park,'' he said.

Borst said unlike other Legoland theme parks which only operated eight months a year and closed during winter, Legoland Malaysia would operate all-year round.

He said the main challenge in developing the park in Malaysia was the “sun and rain”, thus more covered pedestrian walkways needed to be built and trees to be planted.

The other Legoland theme parks are Legoland Billund (Denmark), Legoland Windsor (near London, Britain), Legoland Deutschland (Germany) and Legoland California (the United States).

Legoland Malaysia will have miniature replicas of iconic buildings and structures from across Asia. These include Petronas Twin Towers and India's Taj Mahal.

IDR Resorts director Zainal Ashikin Muhammad Rejab said Legoland Malaysia would create about 1,000 jobs for locals and bring spillover effects to Nusajaya. IDR Resorts is part of Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB).

IIB had, in December 2008, signed an agreement with Merlin Entertainment Group, which will design and operate Legoland Malaysia.

Zainal said with the opening of Legoland Malaysia, IIB would position Medini North as a tourism hub in the 9,712.45ha Nusajaya.

“An indoor theme park is also coming up at Puteri Harbour just a few kilometers away from Legoland Malaysia and both parks will complement each other to attract visitors,” he said.

The government-backed IIB was formed on Nov 3, 2006 to drive commercial initiatives in Iskandar Malaysia via joint ventures and by offering its land.

based on the rendering, the park looks small.

18/April/2010
Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2010
Legoland Malaysia

http://i44.tinypic.com/28l6fiu.jpg



LEGOLAND MALAYSIA @ Medini North
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/4971381618_2228563791_b.jpg
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/noelyeo/4970795871/in/set-72157623111562404/

LEGOLAND is the catalyst development of Medini North. Due to open in 2012, the USD200 million development includes 30 interactive rides, shows and attractions and 15,000 models. LEGOLAND is the centrepiece of an integrated mall development that will be one of the most prestigious in the region. This multi-use site will also be home to hotels, serviced apartments, restaurants and other leisure facilities. It is forecast to attract more than 1.5 million visitors to the zone every year. LEGOLAND Malaysia becomes the fifth such park in the world, following Denmark, the United States and the UK.

yeah..its look very small..much saller then universal studio sg,

Medini North.
The natural place to play in Iskandar, Malaysia

http://www.gcdmedini.com/images/medini_north_map.jpg

Medini North (Lifestyle and Leisure)

http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/1982/1medininorthlifestylean.jpg (http://img836.imageshack.us/i/1medininorthlifestylean.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://www.medini.com.my/

http://www.medini.com.my/img/interactive_map/medini_north/proposed_1.gif

http://www.medini.com.my/img/interactive_map/medini_north/artist-impression-2.jpg

http://www.medini.com.my/img/interactive_map/medini_north/lego_hotel.jpg

http://www.medini.com.my/img/interactive_map/medini_north/office_towers.jpg

what an ugly lego hotel..bestnye kalau taak tu bukan legoland...i think its not kinda malaysia fav type of theme park,

http://www.medini.com.my/img/interactive_map/medini_north/lego.jpg

http://www.medini.com.my/img/interactive_map/medini_north/lifestyle_mall.jpg

Legoland M’sia to open by end-2012
By Sharon Tan Thursday, 24 February 2011 16:52
http://www.theedgeproperty.com/news-a-views/6521-legoland-msia-to-open-by-end-2012.html

JOHOR BARU: Asia’s first Legoland theme park is on track to open its doors to its first visitors by the fourth quarter of 2012, in time for the annual school break in November and December.

Located in Medini at Nusajaya in Iskandar Malaysia, construction for Legoland Malaysia on 76 acres of land will begin next month while contracts for construction will be awarded by end of this month.

According to Muhammad Zainal Ashikin, IDR Resorts Sdn Bhd CEO, about RM200 million worth of contracts have already been awarded for earthworks, primary infrastructure, service and administrative buildings, purchase of rights for the theme park and Lego models and consultancy costs.

Once completed, the RM720 million Legoland will have 40 attractions and rides similar to other Legolands around the world. Unlike other Legoland parks, Legoland Malaysia will feature covered walkways and year-round operation. The parks in other countries close during the winter months. Visitors to Legoland Malaysia can expect to see replicas of the Petronas Twin Towers and the Putrajaya mosque made from Lego bricks, among other expected attractions.

Zainal says the entrance fee would be competitive. About a million visitors are expected to visit the theme park in its first year of operation. The park will target visitors from Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.

Asked how long IDR Resorts would take to recoup its investment, Zainal said: “As soon as possible. It depends on the economic situation and the pricing strategy.

“This is a catalytic project. We also ask SMEs to take part in our project. It provides a lot of economic spin-offs. You have to look at Legoland as a catalytic development that helps tourism by increasing the length of stays. Hotels in Johor will benefit and their suppliers will also benefit.

“We are also going to recruit up to 950 people, so the spin-offs should also be looked at rather than just the park’s bottom line.”

A 14km coastal highway will link the theme park to Johor Bahru. Also planned are two hotels around the vicinity of the theme park to cater to visitors.
Visitors to other Legolands usually spend an average of between seven and nine hours in the park while some visit the park over two days.

Zainal also says that, as part of long-term development plan, other theme parks for Iskandar Malaysia are being looked at in the hopes of turning the region into another Orlando, Florida, which is famous for its theme parks.

“It is an exciting time for us. By that time, tourists will stay here at least five to six days. That is the objective… to increase the length of visitors’ stays in Johor in particular.”

Speaking about areas earmarked for Legoland’s expansion, Zainal says new attractions are often added to theme parks to create new interest. “Allocating an expansion area within the park allows us to introduce new attractions from time to time.”

According to Zainal, the rides for the theme park are currently being constructed in Germany.

There are currently four Legoland parks, one each in Denmark, Germany, the UK, and US. Another park is expected to be open in the US, in Florida, by the end of this year.

Sunway bags deal to build part of Legoland
Published: 2011/03/05
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20110305002102/Article/index_html

SUNWAY Holdings Bhd’s construction unit has bagged a RM258 million contract to build part of the Legoland Theme Park in Johor.

The project, which will take 15 months, is targeted to be completed on June 2 next year, Sunway said in a statement to Bursa Malaysia yesterday.

Sunway Construction Sdn Bhd accepted the letter of award from IDR Assets Sdn Bhd.

The project is expected to contribute positively to the Sunway group’s earnings from this year onwards, the group said.

super duper ugly hotel...

>>
In pictures: Malaysia set for Asia's first Legoland
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_639457.html

JOHOR BAHRU (Malaysia) - ASIA'S first Legoland theme park is on track to open next year in southern Malaysia, its builder said, as the region goes all out to lure tourists with a series of big ticket attractions.

Earthmovers have flattened a vast expanse of oil palm-covered hills to make way for the 31ha Legoland Malaysia, one of the main attractions of a new city and economic zone called Iskandar Malaysia.

The park, which will offer 40 rides, shows and displays of the famous Lego toy bricks of Denmark, is just across a waterway from Singapore, which opened South-east Asia's first Universal Studios entertainment complex in 2010.

Zainal Ashikin Muhammad, chief executive of IDR Resorts, the builder of Legoland Malaysia, said the new park will complement Universal Studios Singapore rather than compete with it for customers.

'Is there a saturation of theme parks? In this region, no. There's still a lot of growth for theme park development,' he said during a recent media tour organised by Iskandar Malaysia.

European visitor attractions operator Merlin Entertainments, whose stable includes Madame Tussauds, the London Eye and Sea Life, has been roped in to operate Legoland Malaysia. When completed, Legoland Malaysia will be the sixth of its kind in the world after those in Denmark, Britain, California, Florida and Germany. -- AFP

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love it!

Legoland Malaysia on track
By allMalaysia · March 6, 2011
http://allmalaysia.info/2011/03/06/legoland-malaysia-on-track/

http://allmalaysia.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/legolandontrack02.jpg

Siegfried Borst (left) and Zainal Ashikin Muhammad Rejab admiring a Lego
model of pre-war shophouses on Jalan Wong Ah Fook in Johor Baru.

Malaysia is set for Asia’s first Legoland next year.

Asia’s first Legoland theme park is on track to open next year in southern Malaysia, its builder said, as the region goes all out to lure tourists with a series of big ticket attractions.

Earthmovers have flattened a vast expanse of oil palm-covered hills to make way for the 31ha Legoland Malaysia, one of the main attractions of the Iskandar economic zone.

The park, which will offer 40 rides, shows and displays of the famous Lego toy bricks of Denmark, is just across the causeway from Singapore, which opened South-East Asia’s first Universal Studios entertainment complex last year.

Zainal Ashikin Muhammad, chief executive of IDR Resorts, the builder of Legoland Malaysia, said the new park will complement Universal Studios Singapore rather than compete with it.

“Is there a saturation of theme parks? In this region, no. There’s still a lot of growth for theme park development,” he said during a recent media tour organised by Iskandar Malaysia.

European visitor attractions operator Merlin Entertainments, whose stable includes Madame Tussauds, the London Eye and SEA LIFE, has been roped in to operate Legoland Malaysia.

When completed, Legoland Malaysia will be the sixth of its kind in the world after those in Denmark, Britain, California, Florida and Germany.

Zainal said the Malaysian version will be one of three internationally branded theme parks that will operate by 2025 in the Iskandar region, in an ambitious project covering an area three times the size of Singapore.

With these theme parks, a 50km radius spanning Singapore and Iskandar will become like Orlando, Florida, which hosts Disneyland, Universal Studios and SeaWorld, Zainal said.

“That is what we aspire to,” Zainal told reporters.

“We have the natural resources, we have the land. This is a catalytic project.”

He said the regional market was big enough for more theme parks, despite the presence of Universal Studios in Singapore, Disneyland in Hong Kong and smaller attractions by local players.

Singapore welcomed a record 11.6 million foreign visitors last year, up 20% from 2009, thanks largely to the lure of its two new casino resorts, one of which has Universal Studios in its complex.

Wearing a hard hat under a hot sun, Zainal said the project had been progressing well since they broke ground in December 2009, building over an area of bushes and plant life.

Primary infrastructure, including roads, power substations and drainage systems, is about 50% to 60% complete.

Construction of the main theme park would start in March, he said, adding that of the RM720mil cost, RM200mil in contracts had already been awarded.

The fabrication of the rides has begun overseas while the construction of the 15,000 Legoland model structures to be displayed at the park has started in Malaysia and abroad.

About 30 million Lego bricks will be used to build the model structures.

“Everything is in place,” Zainal said. “Some rides are already here but the majority will be shipped in July or August.”

Siegfried Borst from Legoland Germany, who was recruited to help run the Malaysian version, told reporters it would offer the same rides and attractions available in Europe, but with an Asian touch.

The “miniland” displays will consist of Lego replicas of iconic buildings and structures in Asia, including Malaysia’s Petronas Twin Towers, formerly the tallest building in the world, he said.

Because of the tropical weather, queuing areas in Legoland Malaysia will be covered, and the developer has ordered thousands of trees to be planted within the park grounds.

Borst said they are targeting at least a million visitors in the first year of operation.

“I’m pretty confident that we can live up to the standards that we have in the other Legoland parks,” said Borst, who has 20 years of experience in the theme park business. – By Martin Abbugao

Legoland to showcase iconic buildings
Monday March 28, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/3/28/nation/8361319&sec=nation

JOHOR BARU: Iconic buildings such as the Petronas Twin Towers, Putrajaya Mosque and Johor Baru's Holy Light Church are among the 15,000 miniature replicas that will be on display at Legoland Malaysia in Nusajaya, near here.

Inspired by Lego plastic bricks introduced by a Danish toy maker in the 1940s the first Legoland opened in Denmark in 1968.

Similar parks have since opened in England, the United States and Germany.

The world's largest Legoland is currently being built in Florida in the United States.

IDR Resorts Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Zainal Ashikin is banking on the popularity of the little plastic building blocks to draw families to the Nusajaya park, which is slated to open at the end of next year.

The 31ha park will have about 40 rides and attractions besides thousands of buildings, along with cars, people, trees and animals.

He said that from over 1,000 applicants, 32 local workers had been hired as builders.

The miniature buildings and the other models are being constructed at a factory in an industrial area in Nusajaya that has been turned into a model shop, which started off with just six workers.

Shop manager Lau Chin Fatt said that some models were being done in Germany, England, Denmark and the United States.

“In creating a miniature building, we have to be sure that it is 90% to 95% like the real thing.

“As we do not have building plans, we rely on about 50 to 100 photographs of various angles of the actual building and use that to scale down and build the model.

“Sometimes, the builders rely on Google Map to get a bird's eye view of the building from the top,” he quipped.

Giving the example of the Putrajaya Mosque, Lau said it took about 4,600 hours or three months to finish the building, which weighs about 200kg.

“We are also building some structures for Legoland Florida,” he said, adding that the features include famous hotel buildings and the sensational Daytona 500 circuit, where the most important and prestigious race on the Nascar calendar runs yearly.

Iskandar Malaysia to see RM73.3 billion in investments by 2016
by Justin Yap Posted on April 13, 2011, Wednesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=119021

http://www.theborneopost.com/newsimages/T04726.jpg
From left to right IRDA head of economic and business Mohd Yazid Ja'afar,
Ismail and IDR Resorts Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Muhammad Zainal Ashikin

KUCHING: The main southern development corridor in Johor, Iskandar Malaysia targets to attract investments of RM13 billion annually into the region, with a target of RM73.3 billion in the next five years following the completion of key infrastructure, education and tourism projects by 2012.

As of December 31, 2010, Iskandar Malaysia recorded a total of RM69.43 billion in investment. The development corridor targeted to reach a total investment of RM383 billion by 2025, said Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) chief executive officer Ismail Ibrahim during an Invest Malaysia 2011 press conference.

IRDA is the regulatory authority mandated to plan, promote, facilitate the development of Iskandar Malaysia into a strong and sustainable metropolis of international standing.

Iskandar Investment Bhd, on the other hand, is a strategic catalyst of change, working closely with the authorities, other developers and investment partners in the region to achieve Iskandar Malaysia’s vision of becoming a sustainable metropolis international standing by 2025.

Moving forward, IRDA and Iskandar Investment would continue to seek ways to extend the benefits of these investments to community through wealth distribution as well as skills and knowledge exchange.

Ismail said Iskandar Malaysia had moved into phase two of Iskandar Malaysia Comprehensive Plan (2006-2025) with the completion and deliveries of major infrastructure and iconic investment projects recording RM28 billion realised end of 2010.

“Iskandar Malaysia has earmarked this major tranche of performance as the ‘Tipping Point’ critical in the completion of the RMK9 infrastructure projects and the private sector project delivery of Newcastle Medical University Malaysia at EduCity, the opening of the Johor Premium Class in Kulai and the commencement of new higher educational institutional in Pasir Gudang.”

He said in terms of connectivity, of the total eight road projects, three have been completed and five more were well on their way towards completion, adding connectivity infrastructure was one of the many important elements to help support the tipping point.

“The spillover effect to tourism, business and others will also be significant and I urge investors to see this potential and grab the opportunity now,” said Ismail, adding a total of 20,000 employment opportunities had been created to date.

Iskandar Investment chief executive officer Datuk Syed Mohamed Syed Ibrahim added, “The launch of Iskandar Investment’s pioneering catalytic development beginning 2011 will accelerate the inflow of investment in projects and human capital development into Iskandar Malaysia.

“This will contribute not only to Malaysia’s expected growth of five per cent to six per cent in real gross domestic product in 2011, but also support our nation’s aspiration of becoming a high-income nation by 2020.”

Iskandar Investment would kick-start the first phase of developments in Iskandar Malaysia with the launch of the Netherland Maritime Institute of Technology (NMIT) intial campus in Kotaraya Johor Bahru as well as the Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) Campus in EduCity@Iskandar by the fourth quarter of this year.

Meanwhile, Genting’s Chelsea Johor Premium outlet in November and the Coastal Highway linking the Johor City Centre to Medini were scheduled for completion by the end of the year. Iskandar Malaysia was also responsible for the completion of infrastructure work in 2,200 acre Medini which include establishing roads, sewage systems, street lighting and pedestrian walks.

2012 would see Medini Lifestyle came alive with the grand opening of Legoland Malaysia, the first Legoland theme park in Asia, together with a lifestyle retail mall, commercial developments and office buildings. The theme park was expected to receive approximately one million visitors in its first year of operations alone.

Iskandar Investment’s catalytic projects would complement other developments in Iskandar malaysia including residential and tourism projects such as East Ledang, Horizon Hills, Trader Hotel Putri Harbour and KidZania Johor indoor educational theme park.

Legoland to open in Nusajaya next year
Wednesday April 27, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/4/27/southneast/8554368&sec=southneast

JOHOR BARU: The state tourism sector will be given a boost over the next two years with the opening of the Johor Premium Outlet (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=75329635&postcount=67) in Indahpura, near Kulaijaya, in November and Legoland in Nusajaya next year.

State Tourism, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman, Hoo Seong Chang, said the shopping mall and the theme park would be the latest tourist attractions to Johor.

“The Johor Premium Outlet will be ready in September and will house 100 shops with 85 brands.

“So this year, will be a good year to promote Johor,” he said.

Hoo added that Johor recorded a 1.6 million tourist arrival last year compated to 1.5 million in 2009.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2011/4/27/southneast/se_2khairul.jpg
Grand scale: Builder Khairul Nizar putting the finishing touches on the
Taj Mahal, one of the 15,000 Lego model structures to be built for the
Legoland theme park.

“As of March this year, a total of 3.9 million tourist arrivals had been recorded in the state,” he added.

In another development, Hoo said the Johor government would set up an information tourist centre in Batu Pahat and Segamat to make it easier for tourists to obtain information, including places of interests, in both the districts.

“The setting up of this centre is crucial to promote places of interests in the affected districts,” he added.

He said efforts were also being made to promote the food stalls and restaurants in the state. — Bernama.

RM16m scheme to develop skilled workforce for Legoland
By Chuah Bee Kim Published: 2011/05/11
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/moyu/Article/

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/moyu/pix_middle

JOHOR BARU: IDR Resorts Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of the Iskandar Investment Group, has teamed up with the Federation of JPK Accredited Centres Malaysia (FeMAC) to launch a RM16 million skills development training programme for Legoland Malaysia.

The parties signed a memorandum of cooperation (MOC) here yesterday. Legoland Malaysia is expected to have a skilled staff strength of 1,000 people.

The MOC was signed between IDR Resorts chief executive officer (CEO) Muhammad Zainal Ashikin and FeMAC president Datuk Dr Muhamad Nasir Hamzah.

It is specifically aimed at developing a long-term comprehensive human capital development plan for Iskandar Malaysia.

"Our nation is shifting towards a service-based economy, with the service sector contribution expected to grow from 58 per cent to 65 per cent by 2020," Muhammad Zainal said.

He added that top performing trainees will be offered a specially-tailored programme before joining Legoland Malaysia, which is targeting to recruit 50 pre-operation professionals this year.

The new recruits will be tasked with responsibilities in marketing and sales, human resources and finance operations.

The employment opportunities to be introduced next year will range from maintenance workers to theme park ride supervisors and park rangers.

Iskandar Malaysia is seeking to create 1.4 million employment opportunities by 2025.

IDR Resorts is the project holding company of Legoland Malaysia, working closely with Merlin Entertainments' Legoland development team in developing the first Legoland theme park in Asia.

Legoland Malaysia's grand opening is slated for the fourth quarter of 2012.

Meanwhile, Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Maznah Mazlan said a total of 200,000 jobs had been created to date since the inception of Iskandar Malaysia in 2006. The number is expected to reach 1.4 million in 2025, when Iskandar Malaysia is fully developed.

Iskandar Malaysia has achieved committed investments amounting to RM73.24 billion with 40.1 per cent already spent.

"The total investment includes RM14.45 billion in the tourism industry and utilities sector," Maznah said.

JPO, Legoland expected to attract millions to Iskandar Malaysia
Wednesday, 11 May 2011 17:45
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/newsbusiness.php?id=585632

JOHOR BAHRU: Iskandar Malaysia is expected to attract millions of local and foreign visitors when its much-anticipated Johor Premium Outlets (JPO) and Legoland Malaysia open for business.

Iskandar Regional Development Authority chief executive, Ismail Ibrahim, said the RM149 million JPO was expected to open by year-end and Legoland Malaysia next year.

He said the JPO was expected to attract four million visitors during the first year of operation and Legoland Malaysia one million.

"JPO is targeting a wide range of shoppers, locals as well as those from South-East Asia," he told Bernama in an interview recently.

JPO is operated by Genting Simon Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned unit of Simon Genting Ltd (SGL).

SGL in turn is a 50:50 joint venture between Azzon Ltd, a wholly-owned unit of Genting Plantations Bhd, and Premium Outlets, the outlet division of Simon Property Group.

Ismail said the 17.6-hectare JPO project has a gross built-up area of approximately 330,000 sq ft. It has a gross leasable area of 175,000 sq ft.

He said JPO, the first of its kind in South-East Asia, would have 80 to 90 stores.

"It will offer a wide selection of branded items such as designer fashions, sportswear, children’s wear, jewellery, shoes and fashion accessories at attractive discounts," he said.

There are 52 Premium Outlets in the US, Mexico, Japan and South Korea.

IDR Resorts, a unit of Iskandar Investment Bhd, is responsible for the development of the RM720 million Legoland Malaysia in partnership with Merlin Entertainments.

Some 15,000 model structures made from an estimated 30 million Lego bricks, along with over 40 interactive rides, shows and attractions, will be the main features at Legoland Malaysia.

Legoland Malaysia is the centrepiece of Medini Lifestyle, the lifestyle and entertainment hub in Medini Iskandar Malaysia which will also feature lifestyle retail mall, commercial developments and office buildings.

It is the first Legoland theme park in Asia and sixth worldwide.

Besides the Legoland, Ismail said, Themed Attractions and Resorts Sdn Bhd, together with HIT Entertainment Ltd and Sanrio Entertainment Ltd, were currently developing an indoor theme park, adjacent to Nusajaya's Puteri Harbour.

"Rides and entertainment centred on international children characters such as Barney and friends, Bob the Builder, Thomas and friends and Hello Kitty will be built there," he said.

Ismail said the concepts of other theme parks were still under study to ensure viability and continuity of development. — Bernama

Legoland comes to Malaysia!
LEGO TECHNIC test track
http://travel.malaysia.msn.com/photoviewer.aspx?cp-documentid=5640764&page=8

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http://www.ourjb.com.my/2011/12/legoland-on-11th-dec-2011-johor-bahru-malaysia/

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LEGOLAND offers discounted annual passes
23 December 2011
http://www.nst.com.my/streets/northern/legoland-offers-discounted-annual-passes-1.23300

http://www.nst.com.my/polopoly_fs/1.23317.1324626880!/image/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_454/image.jpg

KUALA LUMPUR: LEGOLAND Malaysia is offering its pre-opening annual passes, with a validity into the entire 2013, at special discount starting at RM150 for kids and RM195 for parents.

In a statement today, its general manager, Siegfried Boerst, said the annual pass would allow individuals and families to enjoy unlimited access to the 31-hectare park, with over 40 rides, shows and attractions.

"The pre-opening annual passes are designed to allow LEGOLAND enthusiasts not only to take advantage of a great value, but to also enjoy up to three months in 2012 and all of 2013, giving the annual passes a tremendous value," he said.

He said the special prices would be offered for a limited period and tickets were available online through AirAsia RedTix website at www.AirAsiaRedTix.com. -- BERNAMA

http://www.ourjb.com.my/2011/12/legoland-on-11th-dec-2011-johor-bahru-malaysia/

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kredit to my friend-amar ashid

nice update..!now they are on landscaping progress!

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Similar arhitecture is in Europa Park in Germany.

nice im looking forward to this

http://www.ourjb.com.my/2011/12/legoland-on-11th-dec-2011-johor-bahru-malaysia/

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Legoland M’sia eyes 1 mln visitors in first year
Posted on January 21, 2012, Saturday
http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/01/21/legoland-msia-eyes-1-mln-visitors-in-first-year/#ixzz1kA5EyEgv

http://cdn.theborneopost.com/newsimages/A013116815.jpg

OLLIE THE LEGO DRAGON: Thistle Hotel staff, Aidah Airshad 22, pictured
together with Legoland Malaysia’s mascot ‘Ollie The Dragon’. — Bernama photo

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/01/21/legoland-msia-eyes-1-mln-visitors-in-first-year/#ixzz1kA5UxeDK

JOHOR BAHARU: Legoland Malaysia is projecting its nearly-completed theme park to attract a million visitors during its first year of operation.
Its general manager Siegfried Boerst said the theme park will be officially opened in the second quarter of this year.

“We are looking at more than one million visitors for the first 12 months of operation, and we hope it increases all the time,” he told reporters after the unveiling of Legoland Malaysia’s dragon mascot made entirely of Lego bricks called ‘Ollie The Dragon’ at Thistle Hotel here yesterday.

The model took 50-man hours to build from approximately 10,000 Lego bricks.
Boerst said construction of the RM700 million theme park is progressing well despite the rainy season affecting Johor, adding he is confident it will be completed on time.

Legoland Malaysia, he said, is planning public relations activities in Malaysia and several other East Asian countries including Singapore and Indonesia leading up to the theme park’s official opening, adding it is also developing Johor as a tourist destination.

On the Annual Pass ticket sales, he said Legoland Malaysia is very happy with the response, with its counters selling more than 300 passes daily, with Malaysians making up 80 per cent of the buyers, although the operator is hoping to attract more Singaporean buyers.

“We have registered several thousand Annual Pass sales, and we intend to keep it open for a few more weeks,” he said.

The annual passes, sold at a discounted price of RM195 (Adult) and RM150 (Children), are valid right into the end of 2013.

Tickets are available online through the AirAsia RedTix and Legoland Malaysia websites.

Legoland Malaysia, the world’s sixth Legoland and Asia’s first, is located in Iskandar Malaysia and will feature more than 40 interactive rides, shows and attractions when it opens.

Other Legoland theme parks across the world are in Denmark, the United Kingdom, Germany and Florida and California in the USA. — Bernama

>>>

http://www.thethemeparkguy.com/board/attachment.php?attachmentid=179&d=1331895183

http://www.thethemeparkguy.com/board/attachment.php?attachmentid=170&d=1331894977

Legoland M’sia annual passes still on offer
Posted on March 19, 2012, Monday
http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/03/19/legoland-msia-annual-passes-still-on-offer/#ixzz1pYqDA365

http://cdn.theborneopost.com/newsimages/2012/03/A3916.jpg

STILL ON OFFER: Siegfried standing among Legoland ‘friends’ in Singapore.
On its opening day, Legoland Malaysia will be packed full of more than 40 rides,
shows and attractions over an impressive area of 76 acres.

KUCHING: Since the launch of the pre-opening promotional annual passes in December 2011, Legoland Malaysia has received positive response from the public on the sale of these annual passes.

To date Legoland Malaysia, which is especially designed for families with children from two to12 years of age, has sold over 10,000 passes and this number is set to rise. However, the offer of the special discounted rate for the annual passes will only last for a very limited period until April 16.

“We have received fantastic response from families and Legoland enthusiasts since we started the promotion in December 2011. Over the last few months, Legoland Malaysia has sold well over 10,000 annual passes, with approximately 60 per cent of them being sold in Malaysia and 40 per cent in Singapore.

“We experienced a high demand from many Singaporean families we met at the NATAS Fair last month who wanted to take full advantage of our special prices and are eagerly counting down the days to our park’s opening later on this year,” said Legoland Malaysia general manager Siegfried Boerst.

On opening day Legoland Malaysia would be packed full of more than 40 rides, shows and attractions over an impressive area of 76 acres, he revealed.

The park was divided into seven themed areas with each themed area designed to ensure that heroes of all ages would find much to explore and enjoy at the Lego experiment centres, roller coasters, water attractions and shows.

Located in Nusajaya, Legoland Malaysia was just a 10-minute drive from the second link connecting Singapore to Johor. Once completed, the park would be the sixth Legoland theme park in the world and first in Asia.

legoland malaysia entrance
http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g371/Afiq_Nadzir/lego11.jpg

Management agreement signed to build Asia's first LEGOLAND Hotel

By Bernama
Tuesday, 24 April 2012 13:33

KUALA LUMPUR (April 24): Merlin Entertainments Groups has signed a management agreement with LL Themed Hotel Sdn Bhd to develop and build the LEGOLAND Hotel in Nusajaya, Johor — the first in Southeast Asia and the fourth in the world.

LL Themed is a 51-49 joint venture company between Destination Resorts and Hotels Sdn Bhd (DRH) with Iskandar Harta Holdings Sdn Bhd.

DRH managing director Nadziruddin Basri said: "We at DRH are focused in bringing new, innovative attractions to Malaysia's leisure and tourism offerings and to make Malaysia a destination of choice for both local and international travellers."

The hotel is set to heighten LEGOLAND Malaysia theme park's experience with its fun and interactive designs and facilities, he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, LEGOLAND Malaysia general manager Siegfried Boerst said the hotel was the first to be designed from a child's eye view and was scheduled to open for operations in the first half of 2014.

Dedicated to interactive family fun, the unique hotel will encourage families with young children to extend their visit to the resort and to take between two and three days to really enjoy more than 40 attractions in the theme park. — Bernama

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http://www.facebook.com/pages/Legoland-fans-Malaysia/338120219582764

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jx8OtKk1IUs

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jRSz3VqsTwU
Legoland Malaysia Updates : The Observation Tower
Anna Chew March 30, 2012

CrCUm8-jtio
http://www.venusbuzz.com/archives/13559/legoland-malaysia-updates-the-observation-tower/

OLRk-c5aBHM

Asia's first Legoland theme park opening slated for Sept 15
Published: 2012/04/30
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/LEGO30/Article/

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/LEGO30/pix_bottom

KUALA LUMPUR: Asia's first Legoland theme park, dedicated to the popular toy bricks, is set to open for business on September 15 this year.

"I am pleased to announce that due to the hardwork of all our contractors, we will be opening the park ahead of schedule by a number of months," Legoland Malaysia general manager Siegfried Boerst said.

In a statement, he said the park is already 75 per cent complete, with most of the rides and infrastructure in place.

Next month, contractors will begin to install the Lego models made out of more than 50 million bricks.

To date, more than 35,000 annual passes had already been sold for the park that features more than 40 roller coasters, race cars and other attractions.

Legoland Malaysia is the sixth Legoland theme park in the world and the first of its kind to be opened in Asia.

Legoland Malaysia
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