Selangor State Development Corp (PKNS) started developing the 2,428 ha Bangi integrated township over 30 years ago from what was mainly rubber and oil palm plantations.
The first 15 years of the development, however, was slow to progress.
The township development was later accelerated with the introduction of other PKNS joint ventures (JVs) and privatisation projects. One such JV was the Bangi Golf Resort and later, the Bangi Equatorial Hotel, now known as Hotel Bangi-Putrajaya.
Eyebrows were raised when PKNS decided to develop a golf course and hotel in the middle of nowhere 30 years ago.
Many questioned its credibility and the need to invest in an asset that would bring no money or value to the company in the long term.
The investment, however, proved fruitful and PKNS became known as the “lost-leader” that created value for the later developments.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and German-Malaysian Institute were the pioneer institutions within the township.
Later on, I&P came with its integrated township of Alam Sari, helping spur more interest in Bangi real estate.