Malaysian King’s Son Teams Up with Billionaire Peter Lim’s RSP on $200 Million Desaru Mega-Estate.
In a collaboration that fuses royal prestige with billionaire capital, Ismail Ibrahim—the Regent of Johor (ROJ) and eldest son of Malaysia’s King Ibrahim Iskandar—has tapped Singapore-based RSP Architects, Planners and Engineers to design a $200 million waterfront mega-estate in the luxury enclave of Desaru.
The sprawling residence, which will serve as the Johor royal family’s private retreat, is being developed by RSP, a firm controlled by Singaporean billionaire Peter Lim, with his son Kiat Lim, 32, serving as chairman.
A Royal Vision in Desaru
Set across 27 hectares of family-owned land in the southeastern coastal town of Desaru, the project is expected to take four years to complete. Plans include a main villa for the royal household, a series of guesthouses, a children’s club, and extensive sporting facilities.
Perhaps most striking is the addition of an underground shooting range and armory capable of accommodating up to 100 soldiers—reflecting both the family’s emphasis on security and the estate’s symbolic role as a fortress of royal heritage.
“This residence is more than a home—it’s a reflection of family, heritage and partnership,” said Ismail, 41, in a statement.
Family Ties and Shared Passions
Beyond design excellence, the collaboration reflects a long-standing relationship between the Lim and Johor royal families.
“This collaboration carries special meaning, shaped by years of mutual respect and understanding,” said Kiat Lim. “To help bring such a significant and personal project to life on this iconic stretch of coastline is a rare privilege.”
Both Kiat and the Regent share a deep passion for football. Kiat oversees Spanish club Valencia CF, while Ismail serves as president of the Football Association of Malaysia. This sporting connection has helped deepen ties between their families, paving the way for projects beyond the pitch.
Royal Landholdings and Strategic Development
The Johor royal family controls vast tracts of land in southern Malaysia, including parcels in the fast-growing Iskandar development corridor near Singapore. The region has been earmarked as a special economic zone jointly developed by Malaysia and Singapore, fueling cross-border investment in real estate, finance, and tourism.
In June, the Regent struck a land swap agreement with Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), exchanging 13 hectares near the Botanic Gardens for an 8.5-hectare plot of equivalent value—allowing future developments to align with conservation goals.
For Johor’s royals, the Desaru estate is more than personal indulgence: it reinforces their influence in shaping the region’s luxury and tourism landscape.
Peter Lim and RSP’s Expanding Global Footprint
Founded in 1956, RSP has evolved into one of Asia’s most recognizable design firms. Past landmark projects include:
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Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore (in collaboration with Safdie Architects)
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Armani Hotel & Residences Diriyah in Saudi Arabia
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Urban masterplans across China, India, and the Middle East
Peter Lim, the Singaporean billionaire behind RSP Architects, which was tapped to design the Johor royal family’s $200 million Desaru estate.
Under Kiat Lim’s leadership, RSP is expected to generate more than S$100 million in revenue in 2025, up from S$92 million the previous year.
Peter Lim, with an estimated net worth of $1.8 billion, is best known for his stakes in Thomson Medical Group and Valencia CF. His investment philosophy has long blended healthcare, luxury lifestyle, and high-profile real estate—making this royal commission a natural extension of his portfolio.
Desaru: Malaysia’s Rising Luxury Playground
Desaru, once a quiet coastal town, has emerged as one of Malaysia’s most coveted luxury destinations. With white-sand beaches, high-end resorts like the One&Only Desaru Coast, and proximity to Singapore (just a 90-minute drive), the region has positioned itself as Southeast Asia’s answer to Bali or Phuket—only with stronger ties to regional finance hubs.
The royal family’s estate further elevates Desaru’s profile, anchoring it not only as a tourism hotspot but as a center of royal and billionaire investment.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Where is Desaru and why is it significant?
Desaru is a luxury coastal destination in Johor, Malaysia, known for its pristine beaches, high-end resorts, and proximity to Singapore. It is part of the Iskandar development zone, a joint Malaysia–Singapore initiative to boost regional investment.
How much land does Johor’s royal family own?
The Johor royals are among Malaysia’s largest landowners, with holdings spanning thousands of hectares across southern Malaysia. They play a key role in the Iskandar special economic zone.
Who is Peter Lim?
Peter Lim is a Singaporean billionaire investor with a net worth of about $1.8 billion. He owns healthcare assets, luxury real estate, and Spanish football club Valencia CF.
What other projects has RSP designed?
RSP has worked on Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore, Armani Hotel & Residences in Saudi Arabia, and numerous major developments across Asia and the Middle East.
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