Our History | IKI LINKS

Chapter 1: The Founding Era

The Birth of the IKI LINKS Group and the Emergence of the Japanese Community

In April 2014, Mr. Ashikaga, the current representative of the IKI LINKS Group, joined Global Asia Assets (Malaysia). At that time, there were numerous challenges, including delays in the interior work of Molek Pine 3 condominiums, insufficient organization of rental management, and issues with title registration procedures, which caused inconvenience to property owners.

In addition, the Global Group was engaged in real estate businesses not only in Malaysia but also in the Philippines and Thailand. When the person overseeing the entire group stepped down, Mr. Ashikaga assumed the roles of Representative for Global Asia Investment (Macau) and Global Asia Assets (Malaysia).

After assuming his roles, Mr. Ashikaga addressed the challenges within the Global Group one by one, while initiating rental management for Molek Pine 3 in Malaysia. Starting with around 50 units, the portfolio expanded to approximately 100 units by the end of the year. During this period, the Malaysian real estate market faced several significant developments, including the increase of the minimum purchase price for foreigners to RM 1 million (making resale to foreigners more difficult) and the commencement of construction at Forest City, which raised concerns about oversupply. These factors created a period of heightened uncertainty in the local property market.

In 2015, the handover and interior planning for Ponderosa Lakeside began, further expanding the properties under management. Support for the Japanese community also strengthened, including school bus services from the Molek area to the Japanese school, tutoring classes by Japanese teachers within Molek Pine 3, and the opening of the Japanese restaurant “HAYASHI.” Occupancy rates were maintained at around 80% for Molek Pine 3 and 60% for Ponderosa Lakeside, marking a period when the Japanese community in Molek began to take root in earnest.

Despite various challenges in Malaysia, the property management and operations gradually began to take shape, thanks to the understanding and support of property owners. However, as the Global Group continued to face issues in different countries, it became clear that the continued role as Representative of Global Asia Investment could potentially impact the Malaysian operations, which were just beginning to flourish.

It was during a Japanese community gathering in Singapore that I met Mr. Yorihiko Kato. We connected at the time his family was relocating to Johor Bahru, and he kindly provided advice regarding the operations of Global at that time.

Through these discussions, the idea of establishing the Malaysian operations as an independent entity emerged, and steps were taken toward making this a reality.

Mr. Kato began participating in management around that time and continues to be closely involved with the IKI LINKS Group today, supporting our marketing activities and serving as a trusted advisor.

Chapter 2: Independence and Establishing Our Foundation

Expansion of Managed Properties and Opening of a New Office

In January 2016, the company changed its name from Global Asia Assets and began independent operations focused on Malaysia, officially marking the founding of the IKI LINKS Group.

The handover of Molek Pine 4 progressed, bringing the total number of managed units to 187, with 155 units rented and an occupancy rate of 82%. At the time of independence, we received both concerns and words of encouragement from property owners. We dedicated ourselves to advancing our activities in Malaysia to earn their trust and demonstrate our commitment.

Additionally, we consolidated the reporting that had previously been done for each property and began issuing unified owner reports as the IKI LINKS Group. This established a transparent and cohesive reporting system for our clients.

Major developments in Malaysia that year included the official launch of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), which drew attention to regional integration. Additionally, the sales of properties in Forest City accelerated, further enhancing the international profile of the Malaysian real estate market. In the Molek area, the opening of the Japanese izakaya “KEMURI” improved local amenities, contributing to greater convenience for residents.

From around 2017, property management expanded beyond the Molek area to include developments such as Straits View and Teega, bringing the total number of managed units above 200. A new office was opened in Molek, strengthening our operational framework, and our business scope broadened to include managing employee housing for Japanese companies. In the same year, handovers and interior works began at Molek Pulai, further diversifying the properties under management.

In 2018, the planned opening of the RTS Link (JB–SG Rapid Transit System) was announced, generating high expectations for the future of the Johor–Singapore economic zone. Additionally, the opening of IKEA Tebrau enhanced local convenience, marking a period of further improvement in the living environment in Johor.

Chapter 3: Expansion and Diversification

The Emergence of Education-Related Relocation and Business Expansion into Kuala Lumpur

In 2018, while rental demand for Molek Pine 3 remained strong, we faced challenges such as falling resale prices for two-bedroom units and delays in title registration for Molek Pine 4. Nevertheless, handovers at Molek Pulai progressed, bringing the total number of managed units to 270. Support for summer schools, catering to families considering education-related relocation, also began, preparing us to meet this emerging demand.

Around this time, the company began to establish a structured service delivery system. Guided by the message “Shift your lifestyle”, we developed the framework for providing the range of services that continues to define IKI LINKS today, supporting clients in starting new lives abroad.

By 2019, the team had grown to around 20 employees, and we expanded operations to Kuala Lumpur. Managed units peaked at 279 in the first half of the year, but fell to 241 units with an occupancy rate of 68% in the second half due to downsizing by a company managing employee housing. Some property owners faced situations where their units were put up for auction. With aging units at Molek Pine 3 requiring repairs and renovations, we also began exploring new initiatives, including corporate incorporation support in the KL market and the introduction of online seminars.

The Malaysian government implemented reforms to the RPGT (Real Property Gain Tax) and stamp duty, impacting investor sentiment. At the same time, large-scale developments such as the opening of Princess Cove condominiums near the Singapore border and the Southkey Mid Valley mega mall were completed. However, the postponement of the RTS Link project also created a period of uncertainty for the local economy.

Chapter 4: The COVID-19 Pandemic and a Turning Point

Lowest Occupancy Rates and the Shift to Online Operations

In March 2020, the global outbreak of COVID-19 led the Malaysian government to implement the MCO (Movement Control Order), resulting in border closures. Leasing and contract activities stalled, causing occupancy rates to temporarily drop to the low 60% range. Managed units decreased from 242 at the start of the year to 216 by year-end.

IKI LINKS introduced online consultations and webinars, growing to reach approximately 12,600 participants as of 2025, including attendees from Japan, China, and Europe and the Americas. To complement the company’s revenue, we also launched an online consulting service, handling outsourced projects for Japanese companies.

At Molek Pine 4, the opening of a local supermarket greatly enhanced convenience for the community.

In 2021, the Movement Control Order continued, and occupancy rates fell to a historic low of 55.7% in December. Nevertheless, we continued to hold online seminars, maintaining a foundation to prepare for future recovery. The experience of overcoming these challenging times together has become a cornerstone of the trust we enjoy today.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, on-site business activities in Malaysia were largely halted. While continuing online consulting and other services, we focused on patiently waiting for conditions to stabilize.

Chapter 5: Recovery and Renewed Growth

Rapid Increase in Education-Related Relocation Demand and Renewed Focus on Johor Bahru

In April 2022, borders fully reopened, allowing customer attendance services to resume. Education-related relocation cases surged, and we were able to build relationships with new families through summer schools and trial enrollments. By December, the number of managed units had recovered to 217, with occupancy rates improving to 72.8%.

In 2023, exterior painting of Molek Pine 3 was completed, enhancing the value of the condominium. Resale activities also progressed, with managed units totaling 190 and occupancy rates exceeding 90%. Individual consultation sessions in Japan resumed, and we established an integrated service encompassing real estate, education, and corporate incorporation services.

Although the Johor Bahru area faced challenges such as flooding, rising rental costs in Singapore drew increased attention to Johor Bahru. Forest City also regained focus as a financial special zone, prompting a renewed appreciation of the area’s value.

Chapter 6: Dual-Base Operations and Leap Forward

Record-High Occupancy and Laying the Foundation for the Next Generation

In 2024, we fully established a dual-base structure in Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur, accompanied by a steady increase in education-related relocations, visa applications, and corporate setup cases. Our management occupancy rate reached a record high of 93%, and we strengthened our support capabilities not only in Japanese but also in English and Chinese. With broader touchpoints with clients, we have built a system capable of responding to a wider range of needs.

Mr. Wan Ahmad Nazaruddin, a Malaysian who is highly proficient in Japanese, has long been working with us as a reliable local supporter for our Japanese property owners.

From the launch stage of the new MM2H program, he has also taken on a key management role as the person in charge of our MM2H and visa-related services, contributing greatly to the growth of these business areas.

In January 2024, the Sultan of Johor ascended to the throne as the King of Malaysia, marking a historic national event. At the same time, the Malaysia–Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) initiative moved forward, and new commercial facilities continued to grow in the Eco Botanic area. Amid these significant developments, IKI LINKS aligned its activities with the region’s progress and continued to support clients by providing services that closely matched their evolving needs.

Chapter 7: The 10th Anniversary and New Challenges

Moving Forward to the Next Decade Together with Our Clients

In 2025, IKI LINKS celebrated its 10th anniversary since becoming an independent company. To express our gratitude to the property owners and clients who have supported us, we prepared and began distributing a booklet titled “Malaysia Relocation Stories,” which provides comprehensive information on relocating to Malaysia. Support for the new MM2H program, launched in 2024, has been progressing smoothly. Assistance with obtaining various long-term Malaysian visas—including MM2H, PVIP, and employment visas—continues to run successfully.

We maintain 182 managed units with an occupancy rate of 91%, and have established a one-stop system supporting real estate, education-related relocation, visa acquisition, and corporate incorporation, steadily increasing our expertise. As the only company covering both Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru, we have built a unique and unmatched position in the market.

As part of our contribution to the local community, we donated a television and projector to the Johor Bahru Japanese School.
The gift was well received by both students and teachers. Many families living in our managed properties in Molek send their children to this school, which is served by school buses. This initiative reflects our commitment to creating a safe and comfortable environment for the Japanese community while strengthening our ties with the local area.

Additionally, all employees participated in a training trip to Japan. During the visit, we held seminars in Tokyo and explored the scenic sites of Hida Takayama, experiencing Japan’s beautiful nature and hospitality culture. It was a valuable opportunity for each employee to gain new insights and personal growth.

Construction of the RTS Link has progressed to 93% on the Malaysian side and 80% on the Singaporean side, steadily moving toward its planned opening at the end of 2026. The ETS high-speed train connecting Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur is also scheduled to begin operations by the end of 2025.

In Johor, the construction of data centers is intensifying, attracting increased foreign investment. In Kuala Lumpur, new commercial developments, including the entry of Saizeriya, are advancing, contributing to the region’s continued internationalization.