Nikkei Forum 2025: Johor pushes for global investment spotlight
The two-day event, co-organised by Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) and Japan's leading business media group Nikkei Inc., will take place in Medini today and tomorrow, with the Johor state government support.
Held under the theme "Driving Asia's Innovation Hub", the forum drew over 500 delegates, including investors, corporate leaders and policymakers, for high-level discussions on digital transformation, emerging technologies, sustainability, and regional economic alignment.
Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) president and CEO Datuk Idzham Mohd Hashim said with the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) gaining momentum, the forum will open doors for deeper international partnerships and future-ready growth.
"The forum marks a strategic leap for Johor and the region. As one of Asia's leading platforms for economic dialogue, the forum comes at a pivotal time against the backdrop of the JS-SEZ and a surge in cross-border collaboration.
"The event positions Asia as a rising powerhouse for innovation, sustainability and digital transformation, while it offered a critical springboard for high-level policy discussions, emerging technologies and regional integration.
"It is set to catalyse impactful partnerships and sharpen Asia's global economic edge," Idzham said.
Among the top-tier attendees are Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Japan Ambassador to Malaysia Shikata Noriyuki, and senior figures from regional and global institutions.
The Nikkei Forum, launched in 1995, is widely regarded as one of Asia's most influential platforms for business and policy discourse.
Its presence in Johor signals rising international confidence in Medini's role as a strategic hub within Iskandar Malaysia.
The event will feature more than 20 distinguished speakers and 10 panellists, along with exclusive networking and investment tours aimed at fostering long-term partnerships.
"Medini was chosen as the forum's venue for its rise as an innovation-driven township, backed by cutting-edge infrastructure and a future-ready talent pool," said Idzham, adding the forum reaffirms Johor's growing stature on the global investment map.
The venue, Medini International Convention City (MICC), serves as a cornerstone for future international events that align with Malaysia's Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) ambitions and Madani economic vision.
The forum also strengthens IIB's commitment to sustainable development and digital economy growth.
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