Iskandar Malaysia's Strategic Roadmap

IRDA’s strategic direction is referenced from the Comprehensive Development Plan 2006-2025 and the IRDA Act 664 (2007). The Comprehensive Development Plan provides the vision and holistic development blueprint for Iskandar Malaysia, whilst the IRDA Act states the objectives, functions and powers of the Authority. Additionally, wisdom and guidance from the Members of the Authority has been integral to ensure the strategies remain relevant and focus is placed on the right priorities.

For 2008, IRDA’s focus was two fold, firstly in Planning and Foundation Building to develop the required operating model that would shape and steer the path for Iskandar Malaysia’s development. And secondly, support the investors launch their large-scale projects by fast-tracking the approval process. This initial phase is crucial to the potential success of the following stages of development for Iskandar Malaysia, as it creates the platform for the required transformation of Iskandar Malaysia into a metropolis of international standing.

To that extent, IRDA’s 2008 business plan strategies have focused on driving and delivering outcomes, not only for the longer term but also incorporate action to achieve early benefits. To operationalise these strategies, IRDA utilised the proven balance scorecard framework and all activities were KPI (key performance indicator) driven.

The seven key strategies, listed below, translated into 43 priority projects which would deliver high impact and outcomes for Iskandar Malaysia. The seven key strategies were:

Setup investment road map and bring in catalyst investments
Ensure priority development blueprints are in place
Continue to build awareness of the Iskandar Malaysia brand
Commence planning and execution of social programmes
Accelerate infrastructure (9MP) projects
Get the full-fledged Iskandar Service Centre setup and running
Strengthen internal capabilities and capacity

To deliver successfully on these strategies, the IRDA business operating model was developed with the structure and processes for seamless collaboration relationships with Federal, State and Local Governments to provide superior services to clients and the community.