JOHOR BAHRU (Aug 19): Astaka Holdings Ltd on Tuesday unveiled Phase 3B of its RM3.6 billion gross development value (GDV) integrated project—One Bukit Senyum in Johor Bahru. The new phase consists of a mixed-use development with a GDV of RM1.2 billion.
According to a press statement, Phase 3B comprises a retail mall with 300,000 sq ft net lettable area, a five-star hotel with 250 rooms and branded residential with 300 units. Meanwhile, Phase 3A, which was launched in March this year, features a high-rise residential called Arden @ One Bukit Senyum. It has achieved a take-up rate of 80% since the launch.
“As we enter the final stage of this decade-long project, One Bukit Senyum is in the right place at the right time. The establishment of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) will unlock not just stronger trade and industrial growth, but also increased tourism, cross-border travel and retail activity. We expect One Bukit Senyum to be a key beneficiary of these trends, thanks to our strategic location bordering Singapore and close proximity to the upcoming RTS Link,” said Astaka executive director and CEO Allen Khong in the statement.
The Johor-based property developer also signed a strategic retail advisory partnership agreement with CapitaLand Investment Ltd (CLI) for Phase 3B’s retail mall planning and operations. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
“Our partnership with CLI, which manages over 70 malls in China, Malaysia and Singapore, further positions us for success. Leveraging CLI’s vast expertise in managing high-traffic shopping destinations will enable us to fully unlock the potential of our lifestyle mall—contributing tremendously to the growth and value of One Bukit Senyum,” Khong noted.
First unveiled in 2014, the 11.85-acre, freehold One Bukit Senyum is located within the JS-SEZ and 800m from the Johor CIQ complex and 600m from the upcoming RTS Link.
Phase 1 of One Bukit Senyum, the 1,020 ft The Astaka, was completed in 2018 and reshaped Johor Bahru’s skyline as Southeast Asia’s tallest residential skyscraper. Phase 2 features a 15-storey Grade A office tower called Menara MBJB, the administrative headquarters of Johor Bahru’s City Council. The building was completed and handed over to its occupant in January 2020.
The developer is currently working on Phase 3C, consisting of a sales gallery and international F&B hub, with construction to begin at a later date.
Source: The EdgeProp Malaysia (21 August 2025)