The Nikkei Forum Medini 2024 brought global attention to Johor’s economic rise and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).

Johor, 18–19 June 2024 – Johor made history as the first location outside Japan to host the prestigious Nikkei Forum, held in Medini, Iskandar Puteri. The two-day event gathered international policymakers, industry leaders, and investors to discuss emerging opportunities across Asia, with a particular focus on enhancing Southeast Asian partnerships.

Chief Executive Officer of Invest Johor, Tuan Haji Natazha Harris, hailed the forum’s relocation as a strong vote of confidence in Johor’s economic momentum, especially under the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) framework. He highlighted that Johor’s growth trajectory has attracted increasing global interest, noting that the JS-SEZ had received 328 investment enquiries valued at RM48.1 billion. Among these, 47 companies—40 foreign and 7 local—had moved into advanced negotiations, with five confirming investment plans.

Key sectors drawing attention included the digital economy and advanced manufacturing, with major enquiries coming from Singapore, China, and Europe. Tuan Haji Natazha added that many investors chose to maintain front offices in Singapore while leveraging Johor’s more cost-effective manufacturing base, underlining the importance of efficient cross-border logistics.

To further accelerate investment momentum, Johor had actively promoted the JS-SEZ internationally through trade missions to China, South Korea, and the Middle East. Tuan Haji Natazha announced that a detailed JS-SEZ blueprint would be released by September 2024, backed by RM5 billion in federal funding for strategic infrastructure projects. The blueprint is being jointly developed by Malaysia’s Economy Ministry, the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), and the Johor state government.

At the recent Forest City Special Finance Zone International Investment Law Conference, legal experts highlighted the importance of regulatory clarity in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). Jeff Leong, chairman of the event, stressed that robust legal guidance would support investor confidence and strengthen Johor’s position as a regional economic hub under the state’s #MajuJohor2030 vision.

Source: Invest Johor Social Media