A delegation of over 180 Singapore companies participated in a mission to Johor Bahru, Malaysia, to strengthen cross-border collaboration and explore investment prospects within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
Johor Bahru, Malaysia – From 19 to 20 February 2025, the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), in partnership with UOB, Rajah & Tann Asia, and RSM Singapore, led a business mission to Johor Bahru. The delegation comprised more than 180 Singaporean companies and representatives from international organisations, including the China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park Development Group, European Chamber of Commerce Singapore, and New Zealand Trade & Enterprise. This initiative aimed to explore new opportunities and enhance cross-border collaboration within the JS-SEZ.
The mission commenced on 19 February with a conference at Sunway Hotel Big Box in Iskandar Puteri, attracting more than 340 participants. Attendees included officials from Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, Economic Development Board, and Enterprise Singapore, alongside professionals from sectors such as business services, logistics, infrastructure, and ICT.
In his opening remarks, SBF Chairman Mr Lim Ming Yan emphasised the significance of cross-border collaboration for sustained growth, stating that “ongoing dialogue, coupled with structural measures to enhance seamless connectivity, is crucial to unlocking the full potential of the JS-SEZ for the business community.”
A highlight of the event was a fireside chat with Johor’s Chief Minister, Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who discussed initiatives to bolster the JS-SEZ’s development. Topics included the mobility of people and goods, talent cultivation, and investment facilitation. Moderated by UOB Malaysia’s CEO, Ms Ng Wei Wei, the session provided candid insights into infrastructure development and the pivotal role of small and medium enterprises within the SEZ.
SBF Chairman Mr Lim Ming Yan (left) and Johor’s Chief Minister Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi (right) speaking at the conference. (Photo credit: SBF)
In a move to expedite investments, UOB and Invest Johor launched a ‘Green Lane’ initiative, designed to fast-track UOB customers’ ventures into the JS-SEZ. This development stems from a Memorandum of Understanding signed during the 2024 ASEAN Conference. During the conference, Mr Michael Lam, Executive Director and Managing Director of Gold Peak Technology Group, presented a Letter of Intent to Tuan Haji Natazha Hariss, CEO of Invest Johor, marking UOB’s first client under the Green Lane scheme.
A panel discussion titled “Seizing Opportunities in the JS-SEZ: Next Steps for Investors” featured insights from officials and industry leaders. Moderated by Jennifer Lee, Partner at Christopher & Lee Ong, the panel included Johor’s EXCO for Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs, and Human Resources, YB Lee Ting Han; Iskandar Regional Development Authority’s Chief Executive, YB Dato’ Haji Mohd. Noorazam; and representatives from Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, RSM Singapore, and CapitaLand Investment. The discussion focused on strategies to capitalise on opportunities within the JS-SEZ.
On 20 February, delegates toured key developments, including Nusajaya Tech Park, EduCity Iskandar Malaysia, and EcoWorld Business Park II. These visits offered firsthand insights into Johor Bahru’s business environment and highlighted the strategic advantages of the JS-SEZ. Nusajaya Tech Park exemplifies a successful joint venture, showcasing Singapore’s expertise in industrial park development and Malaysia’s strengths in infrastructure. EduCity Iskandar Malaysia serves as a hub for talent development, while EcoWorld Business Park II promotes sustainable industrial growth.
Delegates touring Johor Bahru’s infrastructure developments. (Photo credit: SBF)
Reflecting on the mission, Mr Lim Ming Yan noted, “As the global business landscape shifts and securing talent, trade, and investment becomes more challenging, the JS-SEZ provides a timely opportunity for companies to innovate, forge new partnerships, and build stronger regional connections.” He emphasised SBF’s role in facilitating discussions between businesses and policymakers to shape the future of cross-border collaboration and investment.
The JS-SEZ, officially announced in October 2023 during the 10th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat, aims to strengthen economic connectivity between Johor and Singapore. Covering over 3,500 square kilometers, the agreement focuses on creating 20,000 skilled jobs and attracting investments in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and energy.
Source: Singapore Business Federation
