Ascott Sets Foot in Johor Bahru with New Flagship Hotel at Coronation Square, Strengthening Malaysia-Singapore Cross-Border Tourism and Investment
Johor Bahru, Malaysia – The Ascott Limited (Ascott), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI), is strengthening its presence in Malaysia with the launch of its first Ascott-branded hotel in Johor Bahru. This strategic move marks a significant milestone for Johor’s burgeoning tourism and real estate sector, as the new hotel, Ascott Coronation Square Johor Bahru, is set to become a cornerstone of the upcoming Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
Ascott has been appointed by Malaysian property developer Coronade Properties Sdn Bhd to manage the hospitality component of Coronation Square, a RM5 billion integrated mixed-use development located within the Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD). The new hotel will be seamlessly connected to the forthcoming Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link via the Bukit Chagar station, further enhancing its appeal as a preferred stay for business and leisure travellers alike.
Set to open in the second half of 2029, Ascott Coronation Square Johor Bahru will feature 207 rooms across multiple configurations, designed for short stays and extended visits. With Ascott’s signature upscale offerings, the hotel will include an all-day dining restaurant, modern fitness centre, swimming pool, business meeting rooms, and a stylish residents’ lounge. Guests will also enjoy curated cultural experiences such as Ascott Soirée and Themed Suites, designed to promote local art and heritage.
The hotel will be part of Tower 1 of Coronation Square, positioning it in the heart of Johor Bahru’s transformation into a dynamic urban metropolis. This project also represents a major win for Johor’s hospitality landscape as it welcomes the internationally renowned Ascott brand for the first time. Ascott currently operates more than 40 properties across Malaysia, including in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Sabah, with brands such as Citadines, lyf, Somerset, Oakwood, and The Unlimited Collection.
The signing ceremony of this landmark hotel agreement took place in Singapore and was attended by prominent leaders including Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Onn Hafiz bin Ghazi, Menteri Besar of Johor, and Mr. Alvin Tan, Singapore’s Minister of State for Trade and Industry and National Development. Their presence underscored the bilateral commitment between Malaysia and Singapore to enhance economic cooperation and regional development via infrastructure projects like the RTS Link and JS-SEZ.
Tourism and Economic Impact of the JS-SEZ
The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, formalised in January 2025, aims to catalyse regional economic development by facilitating seamless mobility, investments, and business collaboration across the border. With Ascott Coronation Square Johor Bahru located at the core of this initiative, the hotel is strategically positioned to tap into a steady stream of tourists, business travellers, and long-term expatriates commuting via the RTS Link.
According to the Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Johor Bahru is emerging as a top destination for foreign direct investments and tourism, thanks to its robust infrastructure development and proximity to Singapore. The upcoming RTS Link, expected to be completed by end-2026, will cut travel time between Bukit Chagar in Johor and Woodlands North in Singapore to under five minutes, serving up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction.
This rapid transit connectivity is anticipated to boost hotel occupancy rates, retail spending, and job creation, with Ascott Coronation Square well positioned to meet the growing demand for high-quality accommodations.
Coronation Square: Johor’s Flagship Integrated Development
Developed by Coronade Properties, Coronation Square spans 9.6 acres and is the flagship development of the IIBD. It includes residential apartments, medical suites, commercial offices, and a 1.2 million square foot retail mall – Coronation Square Mall – slated to begin construction in 2026 and complete by 2030.
The development will offer direct connectivity to the Bukit Chagar RTS station and Johor CIQ via a 210-metre air-conditioned elevated pedestrian link. The project will also feature a multi-level basement with 4,500 parking bays, including 700 reserved for RTS commuters, underscoring its strategic focus on accessibility.
In a statement, Datin Paduka Alinah Ahmad, Director of Corporate Relations at Coronade Properties, noted: “This partnership with Ascott marks an exciting new chapter for Johor Bahru. With our shared vision for excellence, Ascott Coronation Square Johor Bahru will redefine hospitality in the region. We’re also planning to launch Coronade Twins, a new residential tower with hotel-grade concierge services, in Q4 2025.”
A Strategic Growth Move for Ascott
Ms. Wong Kar Ling, Chief Strategy Officer and Managing Director for Southeast Asia at Ascott, expressed confidence in Johor Bahru’s growth prospects: “The JS-SEZ and RTS Link are driving Johor Bahru into a new era of development. Ascott’s flagship hotel in this region reinforces our long-term commitment to cross-border connectivity and sustainable tourism in Malaysia.”
She added, “With over 40 properties in Malaysia under diverse brands, we are investing in delivering quality hospitality solutions that reflect the evolving preferences of global travellers, from digital nomads to corporate executives.”
Conclusion
Ascott’s entry into Johor Bahru through Coronation Square represents more than just a new hotel; it signals a new phase of tourism, connectivity, and economic integration between Malaysia and Singapore. With strategic investments, world-class infrastructure, and a visionary partnership model, the project is set to redefine Johor Bahru’s position on the global tourism and business map.
As Johor prepares to welcome an influx of visitors and investors in the years ahead, Ascott Coronation Square Johor Bahru stands as a beacon of luxury, accessibility, and cross-border collaboration in Southeast Asia.
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