The Symbolic Universe of Cyberjaya, Malaysia

Abstract

This paper analyses how various actors have used potent urban symbols to assert their vision of a modern, globalized Malay identity in the construction of the recently founded knowledge city of Cyberjaya, part of the flagship Multimedia Super Corridor project. As the state controls both the land and the urban planning process it has attempted to impose its own particularistic vision of Malaysian society on urban space and urban structures. This is demonstrated through an analysis of the discursive vision behind Cyberjaya, the logos of government corporations, the use of architectural forms and motifs, and the treatment of urban space itself. The discussion suggests the spatial and symbolic universe of Cyberjaya draws on both patterns of 'traditional' Malay life as well a projected vision of a modernized Malay identity that resonates with a globalized Islam. This generates contestations in which other possible imaginings of Cyberjaya's symbolic space become possible.

Knowledge Cluster Formation as a Science Policy in Malaysia: Lessons Learned

“…The Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) and Technology Park Malaysia (TPM) set up incubation centres to support industries with hightechnology solutions. MSC Malaysia and TPM are examples of the formation of clusters that utilise technology to strengthen their innovative power with new resources (Evers, Nordin, and Nienkemper 2011;Evers and Nordin 2012;Gerke and Evers 2012).…”

“…The expansion of these institutions has created different types of ownership, including individual proprietors, private companies, consortia of companies, publically listed companies, government corporations, foundations, philanthropic organisations and community financing (Lee 2004: 1). The formation of these different types is derived from the lucrative business of higher education in Malaysia (Evers and Nordin 2012).…”

“…Development regions and corridors provide the spatial framework for government support and investment plans. Realisation of these plans will depend on the on the government's financial strength and, ultimately, on the economic development of ASEAN and the world economy (Evers and Nordin 2012).…”