Paragon Globe and UOB Malaysia Forge Five-Year Partnership to Advance Green Financing for Johor Singapore SEZ

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 7, 2025) — Paragon Globe Bhd (PGB) has entered into a five-year Memorandum of Collaboration (MOC) with United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Bhd (UOB Malaysia) to accelerate green financing, sustainability initiatives, and cross-border investments within the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).

The agreement, signed during the groundbreaking ceremony of Calia Residences in Danga Bay, builds upon a prior collaboration established in June 2024. It marks a long-term commitment between both parties to drive environmentally responsible growth and sustainable property development in Johor Bahru.

Under the MOC, UOB Malaysia will serve as PGB’s preferred banking partner for upcoming residential, commercial, and industrial projects. The partnership aims to introduce comprehensive green financing mechanisms, support investors through strategic networking, and incorporate ESG (environmental, social, and governance) best practices across PGB’s development pipeline.

UOB to Offer Green Financing and Investor Support

As part of the collaboration, UOB Malaysia will provide exclusive financing packages to homebuyers and business partners of PGB, alongside advisory support for green building certifications. The bank will also offer preferential loan rates for qualified developments and maintain a dedicated presence at the PGB Experience Gallery Property Showcase to deliver on-site financial consultation to prospective investors and buyers.

The event was officiated by Johor Bahru Mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad and attended by Johor Sustainability Centre CEO Fayzul Omar, alongside key PGB executives including Executive Chairman Datuk Seri Edwin Tan Pei Seng, Group Executive Director Datuk Seri Godwin Tan Pei Poh, Independent Non-Executive Director Datuk Ismail Karim, and Senior Independent Non-Executive Director Tee Boon Hin. UOB Malaysia was represented by Executive Director and Area Manager Goh Boon Siang.

Building Sustainable Communities in Johor Bahru

PGB executive chairman Datuk Seri Edwin Tan Pei Seng highlighted that the partnership goes beyond traditional financing, positioning both organizations at the forefront of sustainable urban development.

“Our collaboration with UOB Malaysia is not merely a banking alliance — it’s a commitment to create sustainable communities where growth and responsibility coexist,” said Tan.

The collaboration supports Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), reinforcing Johor’s emergence as a key sustainable investment hub in Southeast Asia.

Spotlight on Calia Residences

The newly launched Calia Residences sits on a 3.62-acre freehold parcel in Danga Bay and features two 36-storey residential towers with 1,274 units. Unit layouts include one- to three-bedroom and dual-key designs, tailored for both homeowners and investors seeking long-term rental potential.

The development targets GreenRE Gold Certification, incorporating energy-efficient architecture, EV charging infrastructure, and eco-conscious building materials.

Its strategic proximity to the Johor–Singapore SEZ, combined with Johor Bahru’s ongoing infrastructure improvements, positions Calia Residences as an attractive investment choice for cross-border professionals and green-conscious buyers.

Industry Implications Across Malaysia

The PGB–UOB Malaysia collaboration sets a precedent for future sustainability-linked financing models in Malaysia’s real estate sector. Similar momentum is building across commercial properties in KL, industrial land in Selangor, and industrial property in the Subang area, where developers are actively integrating green financing frameworks into new project launches.

In addition, the growth of factories in Puchong and modern office spaces in Bukit Jalil continues to reflect investors’ growing interest in environmentally certified developments and responsible growth strategies.