Beyond Retail : How Shisui Outlets Shape the Future of ESG Roadside Development in Malaysia

Image Credit : Shisui Outlet, Japan

Global Inspiration for EVCC™ Pedas RSA, Malaysia’s First Private-Sector EV Hub

In the outskirts of Tokyo, just 15 minutes from Narita Airport, lies a retail destination that does far more than sell designer brands. Shisui Premium Outlets, Japan’s largest outlet mall in the Kanto region, offers a powerful lesson in how infrastructure, design, and mobility can be seamlessly integrated to create a high-performing commercial asset. Its success provides valuable insights for emerging infrastructure models like EVCC™ Pedas RSA, a next-generation rest service area (RSA) currently under development along the PLUS Expressway in Malaysia.

This article explores how the best practices from Shisui—particularly in access planning, architecture, tenant mix, and user experience—are helping shape a new class of ESG-compliant, investor-grade highway infrastructure in Southeast Asia.

1. Creating Destinations, Not Just Stops

What sets Shisui apart is its immersive environment. Modeled after American Art Deco towns, its open-air layout, walkable boulevards, and visual consistency give it the feel of a destination—rather than a generic shopping stop. Despite being quieter during weekdays, the outlet maintains steady performance through design that encourages longer dwell time and repeat visits.

EVCC™ Pedas RSA adopts a similar mindset. With its circular main building, bi-facial solar canopy, and user-first zoning, the project is more than a rest stop—it’s a future-forward EV mobility hub, designed to attract not just highway users but also local communities and regional travelers.

2. Access Is Everything

Shisui thrives because of strategic connectivity. It serves airport-bound tourists, Tokyo residents, and domestic travelers alike—thanks to dedicated shuttles, highway access, and extensive parking. This multi-access model increases catchment area and commercial resilience.

Likewise, EVCC™ Pedas RSA is strategically positioned at KM241 Southbound of the PLUS Expressway, offering dual ingress and egress from both the highway and the local Pedas town. This dual connectivity expands its user base, driving higher footfall for retail tenants while supporting regional development.

3. The Power of Retail Zoning and Curation

Shisui's retail mix is not accidental. Brands are thoughtfully grouped—fashion, lifestyle, and gourmet—maximizing ease of navigation and spend per visit. Tax-free shopping, currency exchange, and rest areas further enhance the experience.

At EVCC™ Pedas RSA, a similar zoning logic is applied. The site is anchored by Tesla Superchargers, GENTARI high-powered EV chargers, drive-thru F&B pods, a convenience store, and community-friendly facilities. This curated retail strategy supports high-frequency usage, revenue diversity, and long-term lease stability—key considerations for institutional fund managers and mobility infrastructure investors.

4. ESG Is the Foundation, Not an Afterthought

While Shisui excels in access and experience, EVCC™ Pedas RSA goes further by embedding ESG at its core. This is Malaysia’s first Platinum Rated GreenRE-certified rest area—meaning every component, from design to materials to operations, is engineered for sustainability:

• Rainwater harvesting system (500,000-liter capacity)

• Bi-facial solar canopy generating renewable energy

• LED lighting and natural ventilation to reduce energy consumption

• Green infrastructure integration from landscape to drainage

These features position EVCC™ Pedas RSA squarely within the mandates of ESG-focused funds, and align with Malaysia’s Green Highway Vision and LLM’s Pelan Strategik R&R 2021–2025.

5. A Scalable Model for Future RSAs

Just as Shisui inspired a chain of Premium Outlets across Japan, EVCC™ Pedas RSA is the first of a scalable model for ESG-driven RSAs in Malaysia. With the right infrastructure in place—from high-powered TNB substations (4.8 MVA) to digital-ready tenant systems—the concept can be replicated along other key points of the PLUS network.

For investors seeking resilient, long-term assets, this means potential exposure not just to one site, but to a broader nationwide ecosystem of smart rest areas integrated with Malaysia’s EV growth.

Conclusion: From Retail to Resilience

Shisui Premium Outlets teaches us that a rest stop, when thoughtfully designed, becomes much more than a pitstop—it becomes a high-performing, scalable commercial asset.

At EVCC™ Pedas RSA, we’re taking this global insight and combining it with local relevance, ESG ambition, and infrastructure-grade planning. The result? A new benchmark for sustainable roadside development in Southeast Asia—where mobility, community, and commercial value converge.

Explore EVCC™ Pedas RSA and partnership opportunities at www.evcc.my

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