On September 29, 2025, a new chapter began for Malaysia’s northern region as the NCT Group of Companies, in collaboration with Northern Gateway (NGX), officially launched the NCT InnoSphere—a managed integrated smart industrial park valued at RM1.10 billion in gross development value (GDV)—in Kedah. The launch, held in Bukit Kayu Hitam, drew a crowd of federal and state leaders, strategic partners, and industry players, all eager to witness the unveiling of what many believe will become a transformative force for cross-border trade, investment, and sustainable growth in the Northern Corridor.
NGX, the driving force behind the project alongside NCT Group, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Minister of Finance Incorporated (MoF Inc.). The park itself sprawls over a 55.44-hectare parcel of free zone land, and its development is carefully mapped out in eight distinct phases. Each phase promises a blend of industrial, commercial, and supporting components, all designed to foster efficient operations, seamless trade, and advanced manufacturing activities. According to reporting from Bernama and The Star, the project is set to offer more than 230 premises, ranging from semi-detached and detached units, to clusters, terraced units, and even custom-built configurations. This variety aims to cater to the diverse needs of businesses across multiple sectors, signaling a clear intent to attract both established players and up-and-coming entrepreneurs.
Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying, who spoke at the launch, emphasized the government’s commitment to nurturing such transformative projects. “The Ministry of Finance, as the leader in fiscal policy and strategic investment, supports this agenda, including through the Delapan project within the Special Border Economic Zone (SBEZ) under NGX,” Lim stated. Her remarks underscored the government’s vision for the Malaysia-Thailand border area—particularly Bukit Kayu Hitam—as a future regional powerhouse for trade, logistics, and industry.
Lim highlighted several high-impact projects already delivered in the region, including the construction of a new ICQS Complex, a Logistics Hub and Inland Port, as well as the Northern Digital Corridor, which now boasts an operational Internet Exchange. These, she explained, are more than just physical infrastructure projects. “NGX is not only focused on physical infrastructure, but also on digital ecosystems, smart industries, and sustainable supply chains. This forms the foundation for making SBEZ the key gateway to the mainland ASEAN market, thereby enhancing Malaysia's competitiveness,” Lim noted.
The launch event itself was officiated by Kedah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, adding further weight to the occasion. The presence of both federal and state leaders, alongside industry heavyweights and strategic partners, reflected the broad support for NCT InnoSphere’s role in driving the region’s economic transformation.
For Lim and other leaders present, the timing of the launch couldn’t be better. “This is the best time for investors and entrepreneurs to be part of this transformation. InnoSphere offers a dynamic platform to penetrate the ASEAN market, featuring world-class infrastructure and competitive costs. Besides investment, InnoSphere will also boost tourism and commercial sectors,” Lim asserted. Her message was clear: the door is open for those ready to seize the opportunities presented by this ambitious project.
But what exactly sets NCT InnoSphere apart from other industrial parks? According to NCT Group founder and managing director Datuk Seri Yap Ngan Choy, the answer lies in its comprehensive approach and long-term vision. “NCT InnoSphere will not only create long-term economic value for the northern region but also support the nation’s efforts to diversify logistics channels and streamline trade between regional markets,” Yap explained. The park’s strategic location at the Malaysia-Thailand border positions it as a crucial node in the regional supply chain, offering businesses a springboard into the broader ASEAN market.
Under the terms of the joint development agreement, the responsibilities are clearly defined. NCT Group is tasked with the full delivery of the project, which includes planning, construction, and the ongoing development of the park’s broader ecosystem. Meanwhile, NGX, as the landowner and facilitator, will oversee the major infrastructure works, ensure utilities are provided, and coordinate regulatory matters to guarantee smooth implementation. This division of labor is designed to leverage the strengths of both entities, ensuring the project’s success from both a technical and administrative standpoint.
The broader context for NCT InnoSphere’s launch is the government’s ongoing push to develop the Special Border Economic Zone (SBEZ) as a regional hub. NGX’s mandate to develop the Malaysia-Thailand border area, with a particular focus on Bukit Kayu Hitam, is part of a larger strategy to establish the region as a gateway to the mainland ASEAN market. High-impact projects like the new ICQS Complex and the Logistics Hub are already up and running, helping to lay the groundwork for the area’s transformation.
The vision for the SBEZ, as articulated by Lim and echoed by other officials, is to create a vibrant ecosystem that extends beyond bricks and mortar. By integrating digital infrastructure, fostering smart industries, and building sustainable supply chains, the region aims to attract not just manufacturers, but also technology firms, logistics providers, and service companies. The hope is that this holistic approach will make the SBEZ—and by extension, NCT InnoSphere—a magnet for investment and innovation.
Industry observers note that the timing of this project is significant. With global supply chains in flux and businesses seeking new, resilient hubs, the Northern Corridor’s strategic location—at the crossroads of Malaysia and Thailand—offers clear advantages. The region’s improved infrastructure, digital connectivity, and business-friendly policies are all factors that could help it capture a larger share of cross-border trade and investment.
For Kedah itself, the project is seen as a symbol of confidence in the state’s potential. As Lim put it, “The NCT InnoSphere development will further strengthen Delapan’s position as an industrial hub and become a symbol of confidence in Kedah’s potential to offer a smart manufacturing environment, green technology, and a strong regional supply chain ecosystem.” The hope is that this confidence will translate into tangible benefits for local communities, including job creation, skills development, and increased economic activity.
Looking ahead, both NCT Group and NGX appear committed to ensuring the project’s success. With NCT Group handling the nuts and bolts of planning and construction, and NGX providing the necessary infrastructure and regulatory support, the foundation seems solid. If successful, NCT InnoSphere could serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives elsewhere in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia.
As the dust settles on the launch event, one thing is clear: NCT InnoSphere represents more than just another industrial park. It’s a bold bet on the future of the Northern Corridor, a signal to investors that Malaysia is ready to compete on the regional stage, and a tangible step towards building a smarter, greener, and more connected economy.