01/01/2026

Editorial T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2625 E: sunbiz@thesundaily.com Advertising T: 03-7784 8888 E: advertise@thesundaily.com

SCAN ME

THURSDAY | JAN 1, 2026

E&O building a waterfront legacy at Andaman Island

Ű BY JOHN GILBERT sunbiz@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Federal Express (FedEx) is sharpening its focus on Malaysia as a key logistics gateway in Southeast Asia, ramping up network capacity, digital capabilities and infrastructure investments to support exporters particularly SMEs as trade with Europe accelerates. FedEx Southeast Asia vice-president of operations Bianca Wong ( pic ) said the region is at a pivotal point as global supply chains diversify and businesses seek greater resilience beyond traditional manufacturing hubs. “Southeast Asia has a real opportunity to lead in global trade, but only if logistics networks evolve at the same pace,” she told SunBiz in an interview. “Our focus is building a network that gives businesses resilience and optionality, not just speed.” Malaysia, she said, sits at the centre of this shift, with Penang emerging as a critical node for high-tech and semiconductor supply chains as companies rebalance production across the region. FedEx recently launched a nonstop Ű BY DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM sunbiz@thesundaily.com GEORGE TOWN: Premier lifestyle property developer Eastern & Oriental Bhd’s (E&O) vision for Andaman Island is steadily taking shape, with momentum building across every phase of development. The company cemented a milestone last week for the Andaman master development with the opening of the Andaman Gurney Bridge spanning some 1.2km from Gurney Roundabout to Andaman Island, which will serve as the main link to the island. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Andaman develop ment is one of the most ambitious township projects in southern Penang, with the new bridge seamlessly linking the established Gurney Drive precinct to the emerging community on Andaman Island. To date, E&O has launched six projects on Andaman Island, the latest being The Marina. Located directly on the waterfront, The Marina marks E&O’s second waterfront development on the island and represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the master plan. “As you can see, progress on Andaman Island has been very en couraging. The response we are seeing today reflects strong confi dence in the long-term potential of this island,” executive chairman Datuk Seri Tee Eng Ho said at a recent launching event. “This project is not just another residential launch. It is designed to elevate the entire ecosystem of Andaman Island, enhancing its overall character and contributing meaningfully to the island’s transformation.” Beyond residential offerings, E&O’s vision extends to placemaking and long-term urban vibrancy.

o Next phase of the township development in Penang is being shaped in close collaboration with the state government

Tee emphasised that Andaman Island is not a short-term under taking, but a multi-decade journey that will evolve alongside Malaysia’s economic trajectory and global conditions. “This is not a 20- or 30-year project. At 760 acres, Andaman Island is a single, large and highly visible development that will redefine the northern region’s urban and geo graphical landscape.” As the island continues to take shape, E&O remains focused on disci plined execution, thoughtful planning and long-term value creation. “This is an exciting journey – not just for E&O, but for Penang and the state as a whole. We invite stakeholders, investors and the wider community to stay engaged and be part of what Andaman Island is set to become.” Andaman Island has continued to garner strong market confidence since the successful maiden launch of The Meg and Arica, which achieved a sell-out and established the foundation for the island’s growing residential community. This momentum continued with The Lume, a resort-style condo

Central to this vision is the gradual development of a 300-foot marina, which will serve as a defining land mark for the island. While this is a longer-term as piration, foundational planning is already under way, including the careful curation of commercial components for upcoming phases. “Our initial focus has understandably been on residential developments. But very soon, we will see more exciting commercial and lifestyle elements coming onto the island, adding depth, diversity and economic vitality to Andaman,” Tee noted. This next phase of growth is being shaped in close collaboration with the Penang state government. Tee acknowledged the strong partnership and support from Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and the state leadership, describing it as instrumental in realising E&O’s aspirations for Andaman Island. “The collaboration we share with the state has been extremely positive. With their support and encourage ment, we are curating something that will, in time, become a source of pride for all Penangites.”

Chow (left) receiving a painting of the Andaman Island development from Tee at the launch of The Marina.

express and freight operations, fea turing advanced sorting systems and automated workflows to streamline import and export processes. “This isn’t just about building infrastructure,” Wong said. “It’s about creating a launchpad for growth and giving Malaysian SMEs the confidence to scale internationally with reliable capacity, technology and visibility.” Digital intelligence is another key pillar of FedEx’s regional strategy. Wong said real-time visibility, predictive logistics and smarter customs capabilities are fast becoming the backbone of cross-border trade. FedEx operates a regional Centre of Excellence for Data Analytics in Singapore, which supports opera tional optimisation and real-time decision-making across Southeast Asia. AI, automation and advanced analytics are embedded across its regional hubs, including in Guang zhou and Singapore, enabling dynamic route planning and faster response to disruptions. At the same time, the company continues to invest heavily in its workforce. Wong who oversees more than 4,000 employees across Southeast Asia said digital trans minium designed with lush greenery, leisure amenities and serene seafront living. E&O’s landed offerings, Senna semi-detached residences and Fera terrace homes have further streng thened demand, particularly among families seeking spacious layouts, privacy and proximity to parks and recreational pathways. Complementing these is Maris, a premium seafront tower featuring expansive views of the Malacca Strait and a wellness-oriented lifestyle experience. Looking ahead, E&O will intro duce Avea, a lifestyle-driven resi

formation is designed to amplify, not replace, human capability. “Operational efficiency and talent development are not competing priorities,” she said. “As technology scales, our people scale with it.” Sustainability is increasingly shaping logistics decisions, especially for exporters targeting Europe. FedEx is working towards carbon-neutral operations by 2040 through fleet modernisation, sustainable aviation fuel and the electrification of last-mile delivery. Malaysia is leading this effort, with FedEx deploying its largest electric vehicle fleet in Southeast Asia, 41 electric vans across key cities, cutting an estimated 305 tonnes of tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions annually. “For Malaysian exporters, greener logistics directly supports EU buyer expectations and regulatory com pliance,”Wong said, adding that FedEx’s digital sustainability and customs tools help businesses navigate evolving environmental and trade rules. With more than 30 years of operations in Malaysia and access to over 220 countries and territories globally, FedEx sees its integrated network, dedicated fleet and digital intelligence as its key competitive edge. As Andaman Island continues to take shape, each precinct reinforces E&O’s vision of a 15-minute city where homes, workplaces, education, hos pitality, retail and recreation are seam lessly integrated. The opening of the Gurney Bridge enhances this ecosystem by improving access for residents, visitors and future communities, sup porting a car-lite and connected lifestyle while driving economic vibrancy and tourism appeal. dential precinct inspired by resort living and built around walkability, community interaction, and thought fully curated amenities.

FedEx strengthens Malaysia’s role in SE Asia-Europe trade corridor

trade in the next one to two years. “Europe is becoming an increasingly important growth pillar for Malaysian SMEs,” Wong said. “Markets like the UK, France, Germany and Italy are seeing strong demand for quality and niche products, but ex porters are also facing tighter regulatory and

cargo between Guangzhou and Penang, operating five times a week using dedicated B767 freighters. The service allows Penang importers to receive shipments around an hour earlier each day, improving production planning for electronics and time-sen sitive manufacturing. “These are small flight

sustainability requirements.” She noted that the European Union’s planned removal of the de minimis customs duty exemption in early 2026 will fundamentally change cost structures for low-value imports, making compliance, data accuracy and customs expertise more critical. Beyond air connectivity, FedEx is anchoring its long-term Malaysia strategy through infrastructure investment. The company has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Penang Development Corporation to develop a 100,000-square-foot integrated logistics and air cargo facility at the Penang International Logistics Aeropark, with an investment of about RM46 million. The facility will consolidate FedEx’s

changes, but they make a big difference to production cycles,”Wong said, adding that the expanded Kuala Lumpur-Guangzhou uplift now provides an additional 2.5 hours of pickup flexibility for Asia-bound exports. The enhancements come as FedEx expands its Asia Pacific-Europe network. The company has added five weekly flights between its Guangzhou hub and Paris, bringing total Apac Europe connectivity to 26 weekly flights. This strengthens Malaysia’s access to key European markets at a time when demand is rising sharply. According to FedEx’s Apac-Europe trade report, 87% of Malaysian SMEs reported growing trade with Europe, while 97% plan to start or expand European