MyHSR has been conducting extensive studies of HSR-related developments globally to find the right model for Malaysia.
It is cognisant of the fact that the mere presence of HSR in a town alone is no guarantee for success. In particular, it wants to emulate the examples found in Shin-Yokohama after the Tokyo-Osaka HSR started operations in 1964, as well Lille’s following the commencement of the London-Paris HSR service in 1993.
“Developments and activities around the stations have to be planned from the start,” says Mohd Nur.
In Shin-Yokohama, the development of the biotechnology and ICT industries happened with target policies and incentives driving the efforts. Combined with other enabling components of a city such as improved connectivity through public transport, the city saw an increase of 147% in the population and approximately 700,000 jobs created from 1966 to 2006.
To prevent sub-optimal developments from sprouting around HSR stops, MyHSR Corp is collaborating with public and private agencies to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Thankfully, all the states are clamouring for HSR, which is a good start, according to Mohd Nur.
“Besides the partnership with Economic Planning Unit, we are working with other federal government agencies, state authorities, statutory bodies, as well as private organisations and associations to ensure all the benefits arising from HSR will be realised.
“We are helping to set the direction of development. To spur the right kind of activity or industry, our plan will have incentives, the provision of basic infrastructure, and so on. All this requires federal intervention, and all parties have to work together to push this comprehensive agenda forward.
“In this regard, the conversation to create synergy has to cut across the entire corridor, rather than leaving them to grow on their own. We have to ensure complementary growth – this goes back to minimising overlapping, to allow each city to capitalise on their respective unique propositions,” says Mohd Nur.