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THE Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) Business and Investment Forum is set to emerge as a game-changing force in Southeast Asia, with Malaysia and Singapore aligning their economic strengths to transform the zone into ASEAN’s next major investment hub.
The JS-SEZ Business and Investment Forum, held today at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre, marks a significant milestone in the bilateral collaboration between the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Malaysia, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) Singapore, and the Johor State Government.
Co-organised with strategic input from key agencies including the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), Invest Johor, Enterprise Singapore, and supported by CIMB Group and Maybank, the event attracted close to 1,000 participants—surpassing expectations.
Under the theme “JS-SEZ: Bridging Economies, Strengthening Supply Chains”, the forum convened senior policymakers, industry leaders, institutional investors and government-linked companies, highlighting the region’s ambition to lead in high-value, cross-border investment and sustainable development.
Key addresses were delivered by the Chief Minister of Johor, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi; Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Industry (MITI), Gan Kim Yong; and Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz.
Datuk Onn Hafiz spoke of Johor’s longstanding economic partnership with Singapore, stressing the JS-SEZ’s strategic role in fulfilling the state’s aspirations.
“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.”
Tengku Zafrul emphasised the broader geoeconomic impact of the JS-SEZ, particularly within ASEAN.
“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.”
Industry leaders meanwhile, hailed Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone as a transformative catalyst for regional growth, innovation, and ASEAN-wide collaboration. - April 20, 2025