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[PHOTOS] Check Out These Milestones That Make Cyberjaya What It Is Today

It looked so different back then!

Cover image via Cyberview

1. It all started back on 17 May 1997 when YAB Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad officiated the groundbreaking ceremony

Image via Cyberview
Image via Cyberview

This significant move marked the start of a new era for not just Cyberjaya, but for Malaysia as a whole. What started out as 6,960 acres of mostly undeveloped land and former palm oil plantations, would go on to become the foundations of Malaysia’s first intelligent cybercity.

2. A year later, Cyberjaya hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit

Image via CRIEnglish

It was attended by various ministers from 21 countries including Malaysia, the United States of America, Russia, Australia and the Republic of Korea. This was the 10th time the summit was held and it played a huge role in strengthening Malaysia's economic growth. To mark the significance of the occasion, a main road in Cyberjaya was named after the summit - Persiaran APEC.

3. Multimedia University (MMU) was also launched that same year

Image via Wikimapia

MMU is the second campus of Universiti Telekom (UNITELE), which is the first private university in Malaysia. It was set up to catalyst and pioneer the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) program. After 20 years, MMU has become one of the main factors in supplying and supporting talent development for Cyberjaya.

4. Fast forward to 2003, Sekolah Seri Puteri (SSP) started its operation in Cyberjaya

Image via SSP

Even though the school only moved to Cyberjaya in 2003, the school itself has been around since 1968. It was located in Jalan Kolam Ayer and was founded to provide secondary education for students from all over Malaysia. Its new site in Cyberjaya is strategically located in the Cyberjaya Flagship Zone and overlooks the scenic Putrajaya lake.

Did you know that their Seri Puteri Symphonic Winds Orchestra Band is well known internationally? They have an impressive list of awards and achievements, including a silver medal won in 2017 at the World Music Contest in Amsterdam.

5. The following year, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology opened its new campus in Cyberjaya

It was established to play an active role enabling much needed technology transfer in the area of creative education. Limkokwing University currently has over 30,000 students with campuses across Asia, Africa, and Europe.

6. The city’s accessibility improved with the launch of Cyberjaya Dedicated Transportation System (DTS) in 2007

Image via Cyberview

DTS was initiated to answer the growing demand for cost effective transportation to, from, in, and around the Cyberjaya area. It runs for 24 hours, 7 days a week, with an average ridership of 1720 passengers per month. It covers the Klang Valley, Shah Alam, Klang, and Seremban, providing a reliable, convenient, and cost effective way to travel to Cyberjaya.

7. In 2008, Cyberjaya's connectivity became even better with the opening of the MEX Highway

Image via Cyberview

The opening of the MEX highway was highly anticipated as it was a major breakthrough for fast and convenient connectivity between Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Cyberjaya.

Previously, it used to take more than 60 minutes via other highways to get to Cyberjaya and Putrajaya from KL. But with MEX, it now only takes less than 30 minutes. Construction of MEX 2 is currently taking place, the highway will be extended all the way to KLIA.

8. 2009 saw the launch of the Malaysia Animation Creative Content Centre (MAC3) by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)

Image via Cyberview

MAC3 is the nucleus in the development of the creative digital content industry in Malaysia. It aims to help and inspire artists, animators, as well as the general public, by providing them with opportunities in content creation and commercialisation.

They also provide young animators with the tools and facilities to help them develop further. This is how popular local animated series like 'Boboiboy' by Animonsta Studio and 'Didi & Friends' by Digital Durian were able to get their big breaks. Their stories began right here at MAC3.

9. Cyberjaya got its first mosque in 2015. It's the first-ever mosque in Malaysia to have a Platinum rating for Green Building Index.

Image via Cyberview

Raja Haji Fisabilillah Mosque or more commonly known as the Cyberjaya Mosque is known for its unique modern, futuristic design that sets it apart from other mosques in the area.

The electrical and mechanical systems of the mosque are controlled by a Building Management System. It also makes maximum use of natural ventilation and uses daylight auto sensors as well as movement sensors to save energy. Rain water harvesting is done to supply water to all toilets and for landscape watering purposes.

10. With the launch of Malaysia Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC), Cyberjaya became a focal point for startups and entrepreneurs

Image via Cyberview

Cyberjaya was chosen to house MaGIC as it is progressively becoming the preferred location for the technology-driven startup community. The launch was impressively presided over by former US President Barack Obama and attended by 7000 aspiring entrepreneurs. MaGIC aims to further foster and develop a vibrant startup ecosystem in Malaysia and beyond, right here from Cyberjaya.

11. Also in 2016, Cyberview and the Ministry of Health started working towards giving Cyberjaya and its surrounding areas their own hospital

Image via Cyberview

The nine-storey, 288-bed facility's target completion date is in 2020 and is expected to reduce the congestion at neighbouring public hospitals in Putrajaya and Sepang. This will also be the first government hospital in the country to receive a Platinum Rating under the Green Building Index (GBI) certification standards of sustainability.

12. This year, Cyberjaya will be launching a project aimed at young entrepreneurs and innovators

Image via Cyberview

This project involves giving them a platform to come together and turn creativity and innovation to successful commerce. It will consist of co-working and event spaces, as well as retail and F&B outlets. A one-of-a-kind development, it is positioned as a launchpad championing entrepreneurs.

13. A new addition to Cyberjaya, the Futurise Centre is a hub for corporations, universities, and entrepreneurs to converge and develop future innovations

Image via Cyberview

Futurise Centre was announced on 31 May 2017 to create a hub for innovations of the future by converging innovators and creators from different walks of life from young university talents, entrepreneurs to multimillion tech giants. 

During the announcement of 2018 budget, the Futurise Centre was further empowered to be a one-stop centre for corporate companies and universities to develop prototypes and products, as well as to catalyse innovation.

Cyberjaya has certainly changed a lot over the past 21 years, and we can't wait to see how it'll continue to evolve in the future!

Image via Cyberview
Image via Cyberview

As the Tech Hub Enabler, Cyberview is committed to spearheading the further development and transformation of Cyberjaya

Image via Cyberview

Envisioned as a Global Technology Hub, the city attracts talents and technocrats alike, who take advantage of its unique tech ecosystem. To further drive its transformation, the city is positioned both as a model smart city and a living lab, key components in the manifestation of its spirits of innovation and creation.

Click here to find out more about Cyberview and their plans to take Cyberjaya to the next level

Check out how other parts of Malaysia used to look like back in the day: