share on
The JS-SEZ is set to deepen bilateral cooperation, boost regional supply chains, and attract quality investments across ASEAN.
The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is being positioned as ASEAN’s next major investment and services hub, with a focus on strengthening supply chains and fostering regional economic integration.
This was the key message at the inaugural JS-SEZ Business and Investment Forum, held on 21 April 2025 at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre in Johor Bahru. The event, themed 'JS-SEZ: Bridging economies, strengthening supply chains', brought together close to 1,000 registered participants, including policymakers, industry leaders, government-linked companies, institutional investors, and business representatives from Malaysia and Singapore.
A joint initiative backed by public-private collaboration
The JS-SEZ, sealed in an MoU in early 2024, is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Malaysia, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) Singapore, and the Johor State Government.
The forum reflected a public-private partnership, with support from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), Invest Johor, Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), and Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB); as well as strategic partners CIMB Group and Maybank.
Focus on 11 strategic sectors to drive future growth
The JS-SEZ was highlighted as an important initiative towards shaping the future of the regional economy.
It will centre around 11 strategic sectors, opening up new opportunities for innovation, investment, and bilateral economic growth. MITI continues to play a leading role in guiding the growth of these sectors in line with regional priorities.
The focus areas include:
- Manufacturing sector
- Digital economy sector
- Logistics sector
- Food security sector
- Energy sector
- Financial services sector
- Business services sector
- Education sector
- Health sector
- Tourism sector
- Green economy sector
Highlight panel discussions on growth and integration
Three panel discussions were held, featuring policymakers, industry experts, and business leaders. Topics included:
- Fostering business expansion and transforming talent and technology
- Innovation and wealth creation in the Malaysia-Singapore nexus
- Building a future-ready supply chain
The sessions highlighted how the JS-SEZ could serve as a strategic hub for sustainable growth, digital transformation, and innovation, benefiting both countries and the wider ASEAN region.
Supporting Johor’s ambition as a regional hub
In his remarks, Dato’ Onn Hafiz, Johor’s Chief Minister emphasised the long-standing economic relationship between Johor and Singapore, and how the JS-SEZ can unlock new opportunities. He said the zone would help Johor become a regional centre for sectors such as advanced manufacturing, digital economy, R&D, agrotech, tourism, and logistics.
"We are working closely with the Federal Government to ensure that our probusiness 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,” he reaffirmed.
A platform to address regional trade challenges
YB Tengku Zafrul, Minister of MITI Malaysia pointed to the evolving global trade environment and the need for ASEAN countries to remain agile and resilient. He described the JS-SEZ as a key strategy to strengthen regional supply chains and align cross-border policies.
He noted: "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."
Exchange of MoUs
Two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged at the forum:
- A green bunkering collaboration between Pertamina Energy Terminal (PET) and Port of Tanjung Langsat (TLP), targeting 3mn metric tonnes in trading volume by 2025.
- A financing framework between Maybank and Perbadanan Usahawan Johor (PUJB), aimed at enhancing capital access and business development support for SMEs within the JS-SEZ.
ALSO READ: Johor launches investment facilitation centre to strengthen investment process for JS-SEZ
Lead image / Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Malaysia Facebook
share on
Follow us on Telegram and on Instagram @humanresourcesonline for all the latest HR and manpower news from around the region!
Related topics
