MALAYSIA'S second high technology park, the Senai Hi-Tech Park in Johor's Iskandar region, is set to clinch its first industrial tenant soon.

Business Times has learnt that the company will be a first-time investor to Malaysia and its project would create 400 new jobs.

"The park's operator, Senai High Tech Park Sdn Bhd, is also in talks with several potential investors in the electronics and solar sectors from the US and Europe and is expected to firm up more deals this year," a source said.

The source said the first investor will hire engineers and highly-skilled technical workers.

"Since the economy is picking up, companies in electronics and the solar sector are getting more aggressive again with expanding and the Senai Hi-Tech Park appears to be an ideal location due to its proximity to logistics hubs such as Senai International Airport and Port of Tanjung Pelepas."

Senai Hi-Tech Park - which spans 404.68ha - is located next to Senai Airport and is one of the three components of the multi-billion ringgit Senai Aviation and Airport City project.

The other two components are made up of residential and commercial developments, in addition to an air cargo logistics centre occupying a 404.68ha site.

It is learnt that the science park's operators are set to begin getting the site ready after Chinese New Year by laying down infrastructure such as roads and drainage.

The park is set to be in operation by the first quarter of 2011. Malaysia's first high technology park in Kulim, Kedah, opened in 1996.

Source: Business Times