Educrest Invests in Infinity Capital Group Limited

HONG KONG, Sept. 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Infinity Capital Group Limited and Educrest Sdn Bhd today announced that Educrest's associate company has invested an undisclosed amount in Infinity, taking up close to 40% of Infinity's senior note placement.

Infinity is at present developing a number of projects under the Tellus brand which will cater to the explosive growth market in Niseko, Japan -- the region saw its real estate market shifting up in double digit growth figures, annually, in recent years. Educrest is a Malaysian-based holding company with significant assets in property, education and a variety of related ventures. 

According to Bill Barnett of C9 Hotelworks, a boutique consultancy firm, "Unique attractions, ease of visa procedures, and emerging international flights have propelled Niseko's tourism boom … with year-on-year growth of 17% and a 5 year CAGR of 16%. With an abundant choice of recreational activities, last summer season accounted for 48% of total yearly visitors. Notably, Asian visitors' top 5 geographical source markets are Hong Kong, Mainland China, Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore."

Educrest Group CEO Dato' Loy Teik Ngan explains that he sees significant potential in the Niseko market, and in what Infinity is pursuing through its various Tellus projects in Hirafu Village.

Dato' Loy commented, "For a dozen years now, my family and I have been vacationing in Niseko.  In that time, we have seen it grow into the top international snow sports destination in Asia. I believe in its future and am enthused to participate in its continued growth.

"Infinity's vision with the Tellus properties clearly fits a growing need for families seeking new winter and summer destinations. Both as a direct investment opportunity and as a destination for our highly qualified alumni from the Faculty of Hospitality, Food and Leisure Management at Taylor's University, it is clear that Niseko's development aligns well with our dual focus on property development and career preparation for our students." 

The Faculty of Hospitality, Food, and Leisure Management of Taylor's University is ranked 21^st in the world by QS World University Ranking.

Infinity Capital will develop a series of Tellus-branded properties aimed at the families from Southeast Asia, North Asia and beyond, especially families who are looking for winter holidays in pristine environments.  

Jonathan Cheng, CEO of Infinity Capital Group, stated, "Even prior to signing these agreements, we have benefited from the strategic partnership with Educrest. As a result of our dialogue, we have enhanced our thinking about how to maximize the guest experience at our properties in Hirafu. We anticipate continuing to engage with the experts from one of the region's top hospitality education providers in order to further innovate our products and services for our future guests.

"We look forward to delighting the growing number of middle- and upper-class families who find great appeal in the unique combination of an idyllic environment, delectable food, and a wide variety of outdoor activities that can only be found in Hokkaido."

About TELLUS

TELLUS Niseko is a boutique hotel condominium in Upper Hirafu, it boasts a Michelin-starred F&B offering, private onsen in each residence and an exclusive basement private wine cellar. TELLUS Villas is a 17-villa community, each with unobstructed views to Mount Yotei, as well as private onsen. Views to Mount Yotei are protected for eternity as the rice fields in the front are protected (under Japanese law) from redevelopment. Tellus Hirafu will be a self-contained world-class resort with three iconic tower residences, offering luxury spa, retail service and Michelin restaurant.

About Educrest

Educrest Sdn Bhd is a holding company which owns properties, schools, and universities across Asia.  On the property side, its associate companies own and/or manage commercial, residential, and academic properties in Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan and the United Kingdom.  The group is experienced in facilities management, lease management services, and student accommodations.

Our education division includes leading brands such as Taylor's University, Taylor's College, Nexus International Schools, and British University Vietnam, among others, enrolling in total more than 18,000 students per year. Taylor's University has been recognized in 2018 by QS as being in the top 2% of QS World rankings as well as in the top 1% of universities in the world for Employer Reputation.

SOURCE Educrest