Ismail (second from left) and Pin Harry (far left) speaking to shoppers who were queuing up outside Johor Premium Outlets
KULAI: Iskandar Malaysia is targeting a workforce of 1.6 million in the next nine years.
Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) chief executive officer Datuk Ismail Ibrahim said there will be ample opportunities with the setting up of at least 10 malls in the next few years. They include Capital 21, Mid Valley Southkey and Ikea.
He said this was in line with Iskandar's aspirations to achieve a population of three million by 2025.
“All these would create lots of new employment opportunities,” he said before launching the Johor Premium Outlets fifth anniversary celebration.
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Ismail noted the important role of shopping malls in contributing to tourism in the state.
He said some travel agencies have included JPO as part of the must-visit attractions in their packages.
“JPO has received tremendous response since it opened five years ago”, he added.
It was a double celebration as JPO celebrates its fifth anniversary along with Iskandar, which just passed its 10-year mark.
Genting Simon Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Jean Marie Pin Harry said Iskandar has been a significant contributor to the growth and success of JPO and Johor in the past decade.
“We are thankful to Iskandar for its support all these years,” he said.
Pin Harry added the travel trade industry had played a huge part in helping JPO be well on its way to achieving more than 4.5 million visitors this year.
In view of the anniversary celebration, shoppers can enjoy savings of up to 90% from a selection of the 130 outlet stores in JPO during a special four-day celebration sale.
The shopping centre is also extending its shopping hours to midnight until Dec 4.
