Premier lifestyle property developer Eastern & Oriental Berhad (“E&O” or the “Group”) officially unveiled the Gurney Bridge this morning, marking the introduction of a key gateway into Andaman Island.

The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of Yang Amat Berhormat Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, alongside Dato’ Seri Tee Eng Ho, Executive Chairman of E&O and other key senior management team members.

Constructed to be a signature landmark along Penang’s northern seafront, the eight-lane Gurney Bridge reflects E&O’s commitment to sustainable placemaking and enhanced mobility. The bridge features 4 meters pedestrian walkway on both sides, which seamlessly connects the vibrant public realms of Gurney Bay to Andaman Island, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy car-lite travel and waterfront leisure.

The bridge also serves as the main access point into Andaman Island, E&O’s master-planned community built on the ethos of a 15-minute city, where workplaces, education, hospitality, and recreation are all accessible within a short walk or cycle.

Eastern & Oriental Berhad managing director Kok Tuck Cheong said, “The opening of the Gurney Bridge not only strengthens connectivity to Andaman Island but also supports the development of a well connected and thriving community, with travel time between Andaman Island and Gurney Drive expected to be reduced by 15 minutes to just 5 minutes’ drive. Besides, this marks the second bridge linking Andaman Island, following the completion of the first Andaman Bridge in 2022.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Penang state government and our partners for their continued confidence and collaboration. Their support has been instrumental in achieving this milestone, which will serve as a catalyst for future developments on Andaman Island. Together, we will continue to drive sustainable growth and enhance Penang’s global competitiveness, contribute meaningfully to the state’s long-term economic transformation.”

Driving Growth on Andaman Island

Andaman Island has continued to garner strong market confidence since the successful maiden launch of The Meg and Arica which achieved a full sell-out and established the foundation for the island’s growing residential community. This momentum continued with The Lume, a resort-style condominium 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 strengthened 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 be introducing Avea, a new lifestyle-driven residential precinct inspired by resort living and built around walkability, community interaction and thoughtfully curated amenities. Avea marks another significant milestone in the island’s multi-phase development strategy.

As Andaman Island continues to take shape, each precinct reinforces E&O’s vision of a 15-minute city where homes, workplaces, education, hospitality, retail and recreation are seamlessly integrated. The opening of the Gurney Bridge enhances this ecosystem by improving access for residents, visitors and future communities, supporting a car-lite and connected lifestyle while driving economic vibrancy and tourism appeal.

EcoWorld’s Eco Sun development in Batu Kawan

Eco World Development Group Bhd (EcoWorld Malaysia) has closed its financial year ended Oct 31, 2025 (FY25) on a historic high, delivering record sales of RM4.55bil and its strongest-ever bottom line. The performance not only surpassed its RM3.5bil sales target but also paved the way for a higher FY26 target of RM4bil, reflecting continued confidence in market demand and the group’s diversified portfolio.

The group posted a net profit of RM438.07mil, a sharp rise from RM303.54mil a year earlier, while revenue increased to RM2.93bil from RM2.26bil in FY24. Earnings per share strengthened to 14.67 sen, up from 10.3 sen. In line with the robust results, EcoWorld declared a final dividend of two sen, bringing total dividends for FY25 to seven sen per share.

Iskandar Malaysia emerged as the group’s strongest market, contributing RM2.27bil, followed by the Klang Valley with RM1.75bil and Penang with RM524mil.

Across product segments, EcoWorld’s Eco Townships and Eco Rise continued to drive demand with a combined 58% share of total sales, contributing RM1.89bil and RM771mil, respectively. The commercial segment also performed steadily, with Eco Hubs registering RM664mil in sales.

Meanwhile, the group’s industrial offerings remained a standout performer. Eco Business Parks and Quantum achieved RM1.22bil in combined sales, an 11% increase from FY24, marking the third consecutive year industrial sales exceeded RM1bil. Major industrial land deals totaling RM1.08bil were secured from global names such as Microsoft Payments (Malaysia), Pearl Computing Malaysia, and Deye New Energy Technology (Malaysia).

EcoWorld also highlighted strong progress in its upcoming leased data centre at Eco Business Park V, developed for Pearl Computing. Construction of the shell and core is on track for completion in 2H FY27, after which the substantial rental income is expected to support the group’s ambition to grow recurring income to 20%–30% of net profits over time.

To reinforce this income base, EcoWorld is actively expanding its Eco Hubs portfolio, securing strategic tenancies to enhance commercial vibrancy across its matured townships in the Klang Valley, Iskandar Malaysia and Penang. The group noted that these assets function as placemaking anchors, boosting liveability and complementing its residential pillars.

Looking ahead, EcoWorld aims to strengthen both its development and recurring-income components, ensuring they grow in tandem and continue delivering spillover benefits throughout its ecosystem of projects.

This festive season, A Christmas to Enjoy Together! invites you to embrace the warmth of connection and the joy of meaningful living. Hosted by Eden at Botanica CT, this special Christmas gathering at Gurney Bay Hotel celebrates the essence of togetherness—bringing adults from all walks of life into a space where laughter, inspiration and shared experiences flourish.

More than a seasonal event, this celebration reflects the lifestyle philosophy behind Eden’s vision for purposeful, active and community-centred ageing. Guests can look forward to a thoughtfully curated morning that blends festive cheer with uplifting activities. From light social moments to energising wellness sessions, inspiring sharing, live entertainment and a heartwarming Christmas giveaway

If you’re seeking a celebration filled with warmth, positivity and community spirit, this is an event not to be missed. You will find out how Christmas can be enjoyed in a way that truly brings people together.

Free Christmas goodie bags await early registrants.

Seats are limited to 40 participants only!
Register Here or call 017-311 2699.
Website: edenatbotanicact.com.my

About Orange Industrial Park

A light industrial park development by Tah Wah Group at Chain Ferry, Butterworth. Located near prime industrial areas in Prai, adjacent to Southern Pipe Industry (M) Sdn. Bhd. It is easily accessible via Jalan Chain Ferry, about 15 minutes drive from Penang Bridge. It features 38 double-storey semi-detached factories and a double-storey detached unit, with each unit offering a standard built-up area of at least 4,750 sq.ft. and a minimum land area of 8,020 sq.ft.

*CCC Obtained. Photo taken in Nov 2025

Find out more about Orange Industrial Park

Penang has launched the publicity and public participation phase for its long-term planning blueprint, the Penang Structure Plan 2040 (RSN 2040), marking an important step toward shaping the state’s future development. State executive councillor H’ng Chee Wey emphasised that active public participation is critical, noting that this stage allows stakeholders to voice concerns, raise objections, or propose improvements.

According to H’ng, all submissions received during the publicity period will be evaluated by a dedicated panel, ensuring that community input directly informs the plan’s refinement. Following this, a further one-month window will be allocated for hearings and detailed assessments. “The state aims to finalise and gazette the RSN 2040 by the third quarter of next year,” he said at the launch event held at Komtar.

H’ng also provided updates on related planning documents. The Seberang Prai Local Plan is expected to be completed by the first quarter of next year, while the Penang Island Local Plan remains under review and is targeted for completion in 2027. The latter requires additional assessments after the hearing process. Both Local Plans will eventually be incorporated into the RSN 2040 to ensure alignment in development policies and land-use strategies.

However, the timeline has raised questions from the state opposition. Opposition leader Muhammad Fauzi Yusoff asked why the RSN 2040 review is being carried out ahead of the Local Plans, which contain more detailed planning information. He argued that these granular elements—such as population density guidelines, parking provisions, traffic flow considerations and flood mitigation parameters—should serve as the foundation for the broader structure plan.

Fauzi also called for an independent panel of professional experts to be part of the evaluation process. Such neutral involvement, he said, would help ensure more robust decision-making and prevent recurring development issues that have surfaced in the past.

Responding to concerns, H’ng reiterated that RSN 2040 is designed to be inclusive, comprehensive and reflective of Penang’s evolving needs over the next decade. He urged the public to actively participate and submit feedback before the Dec 23 deadline.

Stakeholders can review the plan and lodge feedback or objections by scanning the provided QR code or visiting any of the four exhibition venues: Level 3 Komtar, Level 57 Komtar, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), and the Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP).