Legoland theme park at Bandar Nusajaya

[rizalhakim]

Legoland coming to Johor
Fauziah Ismail

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.


Impressive: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi looking at a model of Putrajaya building made of lego bricks after the launch of Legoland Malaysia project in Nusajaya in December last year. Looking on are (from right) Legoland Parks managing director John Jakobsen, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman and Iskandar Investment Berhad chairman Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar.


Fun land: Legoland Theme Park is a famous attraction for children as well as grown-ups.
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.

I learned that the park will include a Lego mini land, a model village comprising models of world-famous landmarks and scenes made of millions of Lego bricks.

Other features include a Lego Mindstorms centre (fun-based learning), Duplo Gardens (for younger children), driving area (including attractions such as driving school, boating school, ballooning school and fire academy), My Town, Wild Woods and Knights’ Kingdom.

The park’s rides are all Lego themed and made to appear as if they are built of Lego bricks. For example, a popular ride called the Dragon Coaster will be based on the Knights’ Kingdom Lego sets.

Another popular ride is the driving school, in which children can drive small electric cars made to look like Lego cars along a short route, after which they get a mock driving licence.

In all, it appears that the Legoland promises fun not only for kids but for adults as well.

[Skyprince]

boleh tarik pelawat dari Nordik ek ? Tempat asal Lego kan..

[rizalhakim]

Universal Studios plans theme park in Beijing
Published: 2009/02/13



BEIJING: US film giant Universal Studios has proposed building a more than US$1.5 billion (US$1 = RM3.61) theme park in Beijing and is awaiting Chinese government approval, state media reported yesterday.

The proposed resort, planned in partnership with the state-owned Beijing Capital Tourism corporation, would be built in Beijing’s Tongzhou suburb, the official Shanghai Securities News reported, without identifying its source. — AFP

.......so with dis news, i guess we can forget the Universal Studio theme park in Malaysia huh.....but still duno the other 2 theme parks....

[rizalhakim]

Danga Bay to draw global attention
By ZAZALI MUSA


JOHOR BARU: Danga Bay is set to transform itself into one of the most sought after waterfront development addresses in the world in the near future, with several up-scale waterfront property development projects to be launched soon, said Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman.

The upcoming projects are three hotels, including a six-star hotel, a marina, an international convention and exhibition centre, office towers and another wet-and-dry theme park.

..........hmmmm intersting!!another theme park!!!.............

[OshHisham]

wet and dry theme park..? macam Sungai Besi Desa Water Park ke... ?

[rizalhakim]

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.

[rizalhakim]

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

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...scape/Article/

[rizalhakim]

Originally Posted by Sidestreaker

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

cool!!

[rizalhakim]

Taman Legoland jana kreativiti kanak-kanak
Oleh Intan Mas Ayu Shahimi
bhnews@bharian.com.my

SINGAPURA: Taman Tema Legoland Malaysia yang akan diwujudkan di Iskandar Malaysia dan dijangka siap pada 2013 tidak hanya menyediakan pakej keseronokan kepada pengunjungnya, malah berupaya menjana pemikiran kreatif di kalangan kanak-kanak dan dewasa.

Presiden merangkap Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB), Arlida Ariff, berkata taman tema kelima di dunia itu akan menjadi sebahagian daripada kompleks bersepadu seluas 58 hektar di Medini dengan anggaran kawasan lantai kasar seluas 510,967 meter persegi.

"Pembangunan projek Legoland Malaysia akan dikendalikan Merlin Entertaiments Group dengan sasaran pengunjung di kalangan kanak-kanak berumur dua hingga 12 tahun.



"Ia dijangka memberi tarikan lebih berbanding empat taman tema milik kumpulan itu seperti Legoland Billund, Denmark; Windsor, London; California, Amerika Syarikat dan Deutschland, Jerman," katanya pada sidang media di Pusat Konvensyen Suntec, Singapura, kelmarin.

Beliau berkata, Legoland Malaysia diwujudkan sebagai produk pelancongan antarabangsa untuk menarik lebih ramai kunjungan pelancong.

"Dengan berkunjung ke taman tema ini, masyarakat dan pelancong asing boleh melihat sendiri keajaiban bangunan serta perhiasan yang dibina menggunakan ketulan lego pelbagai saiz.

"Malah pengunjung Legoland Malaysia juga boleh menghabiskan masa bersama keluarga dan anak-anak di sudut kreatif dengan mencipta pelbagai binaan menggunakan ketulan lego," katanya.

Beliau berkata, pembangunan Iskandar Malaysia memberi faedah kepada rakyat tempatan serta pelabur luar.

"Ada sebahagian masyarakat berpendapat bahawa projek pembangunan di situ hanya memberi faedah kepada orang asing khususnya pelabur luar," katanya.

[rizalhakim]

Asian iconic structures to feature at Legoland in Johor
By ZAZALI MUSA


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.


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

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).

.....USD200mil...big project but i guess not really big compared to Disney HK huh!!!... Disney world recently announced to invest USD452 Million on Hong Kong Disneyland phase 2......but still cant wait 4 dis

[rizalhakim]

80 vie to 'build' Legoland
By : SIM BAK HENG


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.

[rizalhakim]

Lured by Lego
Story and photos


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.

[nazrey]

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

[rizalhakim]

[rizalhakim]

6 ikuti kursus bina model Taman Legoland Malaysia di California

JOHOR BAHRU 31 Julai - Seramai enam pereka tempatan akan ke California, Amerika Syarikat bagi mengikuti kursus intensif selama 10 minggu untuk membina model Taman Legoland Malaysia.

Pengarah IDR Resorts Sdn. Bhd., Zainal Ashikin Muhammad Rejab berkata, kesemua individu tersebut akan mula mengikuti kursus pada 1 September di Legoland Carlifornia.

Beliau berkata, keenam-enam individu tersebut akan dilatih untuk membina model taman Legoland berkenaan.

"Ini merupakan peluang terbaik kepada kumpulan elit ini untuk menikmati pengalaman sebagai pembina model Legoland dan merasai kehebatan Legoland California bagi menambah pengetahuan dalam bidang ini," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian pada sidang akhbar selepas mengumumkan nama enam peserta yang terpilih mewakili negara ke Legoland California, September ini.

Mereka yang terpilih ialah Lee Khai Yuen, 34, Khairunnadia Kamarudin, 23, Ahmad Yazid Sumisuan, 26, Khadzlan Hairani Ali Omar, 24, Phang Chueng Shuong, 29, dan Mohd. Firdaus Rahiman, 24.

Zainal Ashikin menaruh harapan yang tinggi kepada para peserta tersebut dan yakin mereka mampu menghasilkan sesuatu yang terbaik untuk pembangunan Legoland Malaysia pada masa akan datang.

Beliau berkata, selepas pulang dari California, kesemua peserta tersebut akan menjadi tenaga pengajar kepada 12 pembina legoland baru di negara ini bersama dua tenaga pakar dari Legoland California.

"Menjelang 2010 kita yakin mampu menghasilkan seramai 40 pakar pembina lego dan tenaga pengajar untuk Legoland Malaysia," katanya.

Sementara itu, Khai Yuen mengaku sangat teruja untuk menjadi sebahagian daripada pasukan Legoland Malaysia dan gembira kerana dipilih mengikuti program itu.

"Selepas mendapat tahu mengenai program ini, saya terus membeli beberapa set lego untuk berlatih sebelum datang temuduga bagi program ini," katanya.

Khairunnadia turut teruja kerana dipilih menyertai program itu dan yakin ia merupakan satu bidang pekerjaan yang menyeronokkan.

"Saya meyakinkan keluarga bahawa ia merupakan satu pekerjaan yang memberikan jaminan untuk masa depan dan berharap dapat menjadi sebahagian daripada sejarah pembangunan Legoland Malaysia," katanya.

[rizalhakim]

6 perantis bina model Legoland
Oleh Azida Shaharuddin
azida@bharian.com.my
Kumpulan pertama akan dihantar jalani latihan 10 minggu di Amerika Syarikat

JOHOR BAHRU: Enam anak muda termasuk seorang wanita menyifatkan pemilihan mereka sebagai perantis pembina model untuk Legoland Malaysia, taman tema Legoland pertama di Asia, sebagai impian ketika zaman kanak-kanak menjadi kenyataan.

Mereka yang terdiri daripada empat anak Johor, dan masing-masing seorang dari Sabah dan Sarawak, adalah kumpulan pertama perantis pembina model Legoland yang bakal menjalani latihan intensif selama 10 minggu di Carlsbad, California, Amerika Syarikat bermula September ini.

Selepas menamatkan latihan, kumpulan berkenaan akan berperanan membantu pembina utama bagi melatih 40 pembina model lain yang akan menjalani bengkel latihan bermula November ini.

Mereka ialah Kharunnadia Kamarudin, 23, Lee Khai Yuen, 34, Ahmad Yazid Sumisdan, 26, dan Mohd Firdaus Rahiman, 24 dari Johor; Khadzlan Hairani Ali Omar, 24 (Sarawak), dan Pang Chueng Shuong, 29 (Sabah).

Bagi Kharunnadia, seorang jurutera, yang dipilih sebagai perantis pembina model Legoland Malaysia yang akan beroperasi di Iskandar Malaysia menjelang 2013, ia adalah peluang keemasan bagi dirinya untuk membina kerjaya dalam bidang yang mencabar dan menuntut persaingan kreativiti.

Katanya, beliau akan memanfaatkan ilmu sebagai seorang jurutera untuk menghasilkan satu model lego yang mempunyai ciri tempatan untuk diketengahkan kepada masyarakat luar yang datang melawat Legoland Malaysia apabila ia beroperasi kelak.

"Ketika zaman kanak-kanak, saya masih ingat ayah membeli satu set lego untuk dikongsi bersama adik-beradik. Kini selepas 20 tahun, saya berpeluang untuk menjadi sebahagian daripada taman tema Legoland pertama di Asia," katanya ketika ditemui pada majlis pengumuman enam perantis terpilih oleh Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB), di sini, kelmarin.

Hadir sama, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB), Arlida Ariff dan Pengarah Wilayah Pembangunan Iskandar Resorts, Zainal Ashikin Muhammad Rejab.

Sementara itu, Lee, seorang pensyarah sambilan dan pereka industri, berkata beliau terlalu meminati permainan lego sejak kecil lagi.

"Legoland Malaysia adalah yang pertama dibina di Asia, sebagai peminat permainan lego, pastinya saya amat berbangga untuk menjadi sebahagian daripada ahli pasukan dan berazam untuk menghasilkan satu model yang menggambarkan keistimewaan Malaysia kepada dunia," katanya.

[rizalhakim]

IIB mulls over three theme parks for Iskandar Malaysia
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.

[Imre]

05/October/2009

Cityscape 2009 ,Iskandar Malaysia stand

[nazrey]

Originally Posted by Imre

05/October/2009

LEGOLAND MALAYSIA take shape already!!

[rizalhakim]

thx imre...the most famez guy!!!