The landmark agreement aims to strengthen trade, investment and collaboration between Singapore, Malaysia and the wider region, unlocking new opportunities for businesses.
The Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI) and Maybank Singapore Limited (Maybank) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cross-border business cooperation and promote investments across Southeast Asia, with a particular focus on Singapore, Malaysia, and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). The signing was witnessed by Ms Gan Siow Huang, Singapore’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Industry.
With Southeast Asia projected to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2030 with a combined GDP of US$4.5 trillion, the region offers vast opportunities, especially in the digital and green sectors. Malaysia is positioning itself as an attractive investment hub for Singaporean businesses, supported by the JS-SEZ and joint initiatives that aim to deepen bilateral ties, enhance connectivity, and strengthen supply chain integration.
Building on this momentum, SCCCI and Maybank will work together to advance economic development, investment and trade. Plans include co-organising meetings, visits, conferences, workshops and networking sessions, alongside launching new initiatives to to advance shared objectives.
Maybank will also offer tailored financial solutions such as green lane financing, trade finance, cash management and ESG-linked products, along with expedited account onboarding. SCCCI members will benefit from capacity-building support in sustainability, Halal advisory, and financial services, aided by Maybank’s dedicated JS-SEZ Desk. The collaboration is set to benefit an estimated 5,000 SCCCI corporate members.
Speaking at the “SCCCI-Maybank Mid-Year Business Forum: Outlook 2025”, Mr Kho Choon Keng, President of SCCCI, stated that the strategic partnership between SCCCI and Maybank will enhance members’ competitiveness by combining SCCCI’s business network with Maybank’s financial strength, enabling access to cross-border financing, building ESG capabilities, and providing valuable market insights to help their members and businesses succeed in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia.
Mr Alvin Lee Han Eng, CEO of Maybank Singapore, said Maybank, with its dual-market advantage in Singapore and Malaysia and strong presence across all 10 ASEAN markets, is committed to supporting businesses with comprehensive banking solutions and identifying opportunities for expansion into the JS-SEZ, while strengthening economic cooperation between Singapore and Malaysia and helping SCCCI members achieve regional growth.
Source: Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry
