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MITI | Two Nations, One Vision: Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone Set To Be ASEAN’s New Investment Powerhouse

Posted by admin1689
On April 21, 2025
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The Ministry of Investment, Trade & Industry (MITI) Malaysia, together with the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) Singapore and the Johor State Government have collaborated to organise the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) Business and Investment Forum on 21 April 2025, at the Persada Johor Convention Centre in Johor Bahru, Johor. The forum presents a strong public-private collaboration, which also involves the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), Invest Johor, Enterprise Development Board (EDB) and Enterprise SG, as well as the CIMB Group and Maybank Group as Strategic partners.

The event has been oversubscribed, with almost 1,000 registered participants. This landmark event with the theme “JS-SEZ: Bridging Economies, Strengthening Supply Chains” will welcome high-level policymakers, business leaders, Government-Linked companies, institutional investors and industry representatives, making it one of the largest fora on economic cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore.

A key highlight of the JS-SEZ Business Forum was the attendees’ access to first-hand views of JS-SEZ from top level policymakers including the Chief Minister of Johor, YAB Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi; the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade & Industry, Singapore, His Excellency Gan Kim Yong and the Minister of Investment, Trade & Industry, Malaysia, YB Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz, as the main host of the event.

 

Three panel discussions on the first day will feature policymakers, captains of industry and subject-matter experts engaging in high-impact discourse, offering valuable insights into the unique offerings and growth potential of the JS-SEZ. With Malaysia and Singapore’s complementary strengths, JS-SEZ is set to become ASEAN’s next investment powerhouse.

There will also be discussions on themes such as Fostering Business Expansion and Transforming Talent and Technology; Innovation & Wealth Creation in the Malaysia Singapore Nexus and Building a Future-Ready Supply Chain. These discussions will feature valuable insights and recommendations from various government and industry stakeholders, while reinforcing the JS-SEZ as a highly strategic regional hub for investment, innovation and sustainable growth, not only for Malaysia and Singapore, but also the rest of ASEAN.

YAB Dato’ Onn Hafiz expressed optimism about the JS-SEZ, and said, “Johor and Singapore have been economic partners for a long time. The JS-SEZ will see us unlocking much more potential to significantly contribute to Johor’s ambition of becoming a regional hub for sectors such as digital economy, R&D, advanced manufacturing, agrotech, tourism and logistics. We are working closely with the Federal Government to ensure that our pro business policies continue to attract hi-tech, high value and green investments that would create better-paying job opportunities, while enhancing our efforts for sustainable growth in Johor.”

YB Tengku Zafrul, on the other hand, emphasised the strategic geoeconomic significance of the JS-SEZ, particularly in advancing ASEAN’s economic agenda. He said, “The fast-changing global world order is requiring nations like Malaysia and other ASEAN nations to operate with not just agility and flexibility, but also stamina and resilience. As the JS-SEZ leverages on the complementary strengths of Malaysia and Singapore, we are also improving alignment on regional policy and infrastructure, enhancing value creation across critical industries, and strengthening ASEAN’s supply chains. MITI looks forward to working with the Johor State Government, MTI and other key stakeholders on making the JS-SEZ a preferred destination for quality investments. This is what will drive future growth, jobs, and innovation within ASEAN.”

 

Another highlight of the forum was the exchange of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) involving:

  • Pertamina Energy Terminal (PET) and Port of Tanjung Langsat (TLP), on a green bunkering collaboration, targeting three million metric tonnes in trading volume by 2025.
  • Maybank and Perbadanan Usahawan Johor (PUJB), for an SME financing framework to enhance capital access and business development support within the JS-SEZ.

On Day Two of the event, the JS-SEZ Forum will feature a supply chain seminar titled “Unlocking Supply Chain Opportunities for Local Companies, Empowering Economies, Connecting Communities”. A panel of distinguished speakers and top executives – from Super Micro Computer Malaysia, Ferrotec Power Semiconductor Malaysia, Cape EMS, Insulet Malaysia, and AirTrunk Malaysia – would share strategic insights into regional supply chain optimisation and cross-border enterprise development.

There will also be dedicated business matching sessions with anchor companies such as Hershey Malaysia and ByteDance. A ‘Business Clinic’ for those requiring personalised consultation and tailored support will connect participants directly with key agencies such as MIDA (main organiser), Invest Johor, IRDA, Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Human Resources, Department of Labour, Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia and Local Councils.

The JS-SEZ’s dynamic format is aimed at converting opportunities into tangible commercial outcomes, reinforcing its capacity to catalyse economic integration and regional growth.

 

20 APRIL 2025
MINISTRY OF INVESTMENT, TRADE & INDUSTRY