Artist impression of The Sail Melaka.
MELAKA: China developer Sheng Tai International Sdn Bhd's (Sheng Tai) recently groundbreaking ceremony for The Sail Melaka puts the project a step closer to clinching the title as the largest mixed development in Melaka.
With a gross development value of RM 6.5bil, The Sail Melaka consists of nine towers, making up a built-up area of about 10.7 million sq ft in total.
Once completed, the development will feature high-end luxury hotels, condotels and business suites, an up-class shopping mall as well as the Melaka-Nanjing-themed cultural square with shop lots.
The groundbreaking ceremony was officiated by Yang DiPertua Negeri Melaka Dr Mohd Khalil Yaakob, Industry, Trade and Investment Exco member Datuk Mohd Rafiq Naizamohideen and Sheng Tai chairman Datuk Leong Sir Ley.
Leong said The Sail Melaka is part of Sheng Tai's ongoing globalisation plan to set Malaysia, particularly Melaka, for international excellence.
"We are positive that this development will bring together people from all around the world into this bustling and cosmopolitan community. This will elevate Malaysia as the focal point of Southeast Asia, and the world, particularly along the route of One Belt One Road initiative.
"Our aspiration is to make The Sail Melaka into a catalyst of change for the historical city in terms of further catapulting its name to the world arena by making it into a melting pot or hub for business, education and social exchange.
"This will definitely boost the state's economy and create a lot of job opportunities as well as bringing in hordes of investors from all over the world. Furthermore, adding more reasons, and rooms, for tourists to visit Melaka and to stay beyond two to three days," she said.
Set to become Melaka's Central Business District and global icon, The Sail Melaka is inspired by Admiral Zheng He's voyage to the west, continuing the legacy of the Straits of Melaka. The Sail Melaka's aesthetics are designed to exude a magnificent ship, through the nine towers, sailing smoothly by the straits.
Its ultimate purpose is to create a 21st-century cosmopolitan metropolis where locals and foreigners can enjoy a refined living, delightful shopping experience and explore the vitality of Melaka 'under one roof.'
Unique facilities of this mixed development include the 330m sky ring connecting nine towers, the convention and exhibition centre, the Illuminating Sky Garden as well as The Moon, a 360-degree elliptical shape experiential centre.
"The masterplan of The Sail has already been internationally recognised as we have already sealed several business contracts with international corporations like China Railway Construction Engineering Group and PowerChina International Group Limited Group," said Leong.
Sheng Tai was also invited by Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University for a study tour, and they have expressed interest in setting up an overseas branch in The Sail Melaka.
"We are also now in talks with Rector of Moscow Aviation Institute for similar objectives as well as several well-known international brands to take up space in The Sail Melaka," she added.
