The agreement, signed at ASEAN Conference 2025, aims to boost industrial integration under the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone framework.
SINGAPORE – At the 9th ASEAN Conference 2025, the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF), Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) and UOB signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance cross-border industrial collaboration. The agreement supports the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) initiative, with a focus on scaling regional manufacturing capabilities and enhancing economic integration between both countries.
This strategic partnership aims to empower businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to access new markets, strengthen supply chains, and tap into financial support across the region. Leveraging UOB’s regional banking expertise and the extensive industry networks of SMF and FMM, the collaboration will help firms navigate cross-border challenges and unlock growth opportunities.
Speaking at the signing, Mr Lennon Tan, President of SMF, remarked, “ASEAN’s competitiveness rests on how quickly our manufacturers can innovate, scale and connect. Through this partnership with UOB and our Malaysian counterpart FMM centred on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, SMF will help businesses to seize cross-border opportunities, accelerate innovation, and strengthen supply chain resilience. Together we will open clearer paths to capital, talent and technology, enabling sustainable growth and keeping the Malaysia–Singapore manufacturing corridor competitive and future-ready.”
The MoU aligns with the broader goals of the ASEAN Summit 2025 and builds on the momentum of the JS-SEZ agreement between the Singapore and Malaysian governments. It marks a significant step toward sustainable, region-wide growth and industrial integration.
Source: SMF
