The landmark project to attract up to RM500 million in investments strengthening Johor’s position as a leader in modern agriculture
Southern Catalyst Sdn Bhd (SOCAT), a Ministry of Finance Inc. company, has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Singapore-founded agritech firm Archisen to establish a modern Agropolis in Ladang Air Manis, Sedenak, Johor.
The 80.9-hectare development, located within SOCAT’s 1,189.8-hectare master-planned site in Sedenak, is expected to attract up to RM500 million in investments.
SOCAT said the Agropolis will feature a comprehensive ecosystem aimed at drawing farm owners while unlocking new revenue streams across the farming value chain. It will also provide access to wider markets, training and workforce development, attractive incentives, and a cost-effective operating environment.
The company said the integrated approach aims to empower farmers and position Johor as a regional leader in modern agriculture.
The Agropolis will also be a part of a larger ecosystem of food processing industry within the Southern Catalyst Innovation District.
SOCAT chief operating officer Nazree Abu Kassim said the partnership goes beyond agriculture, focusing on building a value-added ecosystem for agricultural products.
He added that it integrates innovation while driving long-term opportunities for Johor and the wider region.
Meanwhile, Archisen chief executive officer Vincent Wei said the company is excited to collaborate with SOCAT to introduce innovative farming technologies and strategic partnerships.
He said these efforts will strengthen Johor’s agricultural ecosystem and unlock new growth opportunities for farmers.
As the master developer of the Southern Catalyst Innovation District, SOCAT said it is proud to support the national priorities under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) and the Maju Johor agenda.
Through the development of the Modern Agriculture Hub within the innovation district, the company said it is driving industrial growth, strengthening Malaysia’s food security, and advancing green and digital innovation.
This positions Johor as a regional hub for sustainable and inclusive development within the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
