Latest news with #Idzham
Business Times
18-06-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Malaysia hopes to draw back talent to power JS-SEZ
[SINGAPORE] Malaysia hopes to draw back some of the hundreds of thousands of Malaysians who cross the causeways daily, by tapping them to power the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), said panellists on Wednesday (Jun 18). However, Idzham Mohd Hashim, president and chief executive officer of Iskandar Investment (IIB), stressed that this was not about competing with Singapore, but about creating a 'symbiotic relationship' that benefits both countries. He was speaking on a panel titled 'Johor Focus: Building the Future with JS-SEZ', alongside Mohd Noorazam Osman, CEO of the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) and former mayor of Johor Bahru. The discussion was part of the Nikkei Forum held in Medini, Johor, and moderated by the Japanese news organisation's senior producer Kaori Takahashi. IIB is leading the infrastructure development in the JS-SEZ, while IRDA oversees planning and coordination. The agreement to establish the SEZ was signed by Singapore and Malaysia in January with the aim of having both countries work together to attract new investment projects from around the world. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up The SEZ covers an area of more than 3,500 sq km, roughly four times the size of Singapore. Idzham said that while the zone's infrastructure – including roads, power supply, and fibre optic networks – is already in place, what is still missing is the 'software'. 'Most of the businesses who come here… they ask: 'Do you have (the) talents?'' said Idzham. 'We do have (the) talents, because 300,000 of them go to Singapore every day.' Both Idzham and Noorazam pointed to plus points in Johor that could woo back these residents, such as more industry-relevant training, increased job opportunities through business expansion, and the lower cost of living in the state. For instance, Noorazam said the Johor Talent Development Council is working with academic and vocational institutions, as well as industry players, to ensure that training matches demand. While he did not go into detail, he added there are also plans to offer tax incentives and to work towards a minimum starting salary of RM4,000 (S$1,210) for graduates in Johor. He added that investors should see the lower wage expectations – at around 50 to 75 per cent of Singapore's salary levels – as part of the SEZ's broader cost advantage. In a separate panel discussion at the forum titled 'Building Digital Nations: Innovation, Inclusion and Impact' – which mostly focused on retaining talent in Johor – Johor Corp's chief talent officer Najmie Noordin acknowledged that it will be an uphill task to bring Malaysians working across the border back home. He noted that it would be difficult to convince Johoreans earning the equivalent of RM15,000 in Singapore to return for just RM5,000. Moderator Brian Fernandez, CEO of BizTech Asia, pointed out that many of these Johoreans – 'the cream of the crop' – work in the Republic purely for the higher pay. However, he added, many would also be willing to stay if salaries were even half of those in the city-state, especially given the daily grind of commuting. In any case, Najmie noted that one plan is to develop more high-quality local talent and encourage them to stay, as well as attract workers from other parts of Malaysia, such as Melaka. Responding to the discussion, Fadzli Abdul Wahit, head of digital transformation at Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, said that efforts to retain talent must also focus on understanding industry demand. Rather than compete directly with advanced economies, Malaysia should identify niche opportunities, such as supplying digital assets to mature gaming and animation markets such as Japan and South Korea, where such content is in short supply, he added. Even so, panellists discussing the JS-SEZ maintained that Johor's cost and location advantages make it a compelling base for companies looking to scale up. Idzham noted that the cost of doing business in Johor is nearly 60 per cent lower than in Singapore, and about 30 per cent lower than in Kuala Lumpur – a key advantage for companies looking to expand across the border to grow their businesses. As for what Singapore brings to the table, Noorazam highlighted its global networks and financial strength. He added that Johor's vast land availability, affordability and talent pool make it a natural partner. In response to Takahashi on how the JS-SEZ would shape Johor's future as an innovation hub, Idzham said that the master plan for Medini is focused on business tourism, research and development (R&D), and environmental, social and governance-led urban development. The plan includes a new convention city near Legoland, a tech zone for R&D, and a net-zero carbon business district, with support from universities, the government and industry players. 'We should look at both Johor and Singapore as one growth area,' noted Noorazam. 'The JS-SEZ… can become the gateway to Asean, a market of 700 million people.'
Business Times
18-06-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Malaysia hopes to draw back talent to power Johor-Singapore economic zone
[SINGAPORE] Malaysia hopes to draw back some of the hundreds of thousands of Malaysians who cross the causeways daily, by tapping them to power the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), said panellists on Wednesday (Jun 18). However, Idzham Mohd Hashim, president and chief executive officer of Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB), stressed that this was not about competing with Singapore, but about creating a 'symbiotic relationship' that benefits both countries. He was speaking on a panel titled Johor Focus: Building the Future with JS-SEZ, alongside Mohd Noorazam Osman, CEO of the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) and former mayor of Johor Bahru. The discussion was part of the Nikkei Forum held in Medini, Johor, and moderated by the Japanese news organisation's senior producer Kaori Takahashi. IIB is leading the infrastructure development in the SEZ, while IRDA oversees planning and coordination. The agreement to establish the SEZ was signed by Singapore and Malaysia in January with the aim of having both countries work together to attract new investment projects from around the world. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up The SEZ covers an area of more than 3,500 square kilometres, roughly four times the size of Singapore. Idzham said that while the zone's infrastructure – including roads, power supply, and fibre optic networks – is already in place, what is still missing is the 'software'. 'Most of the businesses who come here… they ask, 'Do you have (the) talents?',' said Idzham. 'We do have (the) talents, because 300,000 of them go to Singapore every day.' Both Idzham and Noorazam pointed to plus points in Johor that could woo back these residents, such as more industry-relevant training, increased job opportunities through business expansion, and the lower cost of living in the state. For instance, Noorazam said the Johor Talent Development Council is working with academic and vocational institutions, as well as industry players, to ensure that training matches demand. While he did not go into detail, he added there are also plans to offer tax incentives and to work towards a minimum starting salary of RM4,000 (S$1,210) for graduates in Johor. He added that investors should see the lower wage expectations – at around 50 to 75 per cent of Singapore's salary levels – as part of the SEZ's broader cost advantage. In a separate panel discussion at the forum titled Building Digital Nations: Innovation, Inclusion and Impact – which mostly focused on retaining talent in Johor – Johor Corp's chief talent officer Najmie Noordin acknowledged that it will be an uphill task to bring Malaysians working across the border back home. Najmie noted that it would be difficult to convince Johoreans earning the equivalent of RM15,000 in Singapore to return for just RM5,000. Moderator Brian Fernandez, CEO of BizTech Asia, pointed out that many of these Johoreans – 'the cream of the crop' – work in the Republic purely for the higher pay. However, he added, many would also be willing to stay if salaries were even half of those in the city-state, especially given the daily grind of commuting. In any case, Najmie noted that one plan is to develop more high-quality local talent and encourage them to stay, as well as attract workers from other parts of Malaysia, such as Malacca. Responding to the discussion, Fadzli Abdul Wahit, head of digital transformation at Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, said that efforts to retain talent must also focus on understanding industry demand. Rather than compete directly with advanced economies, Malaysia should identify niche opportunities, such as supplying digital assets to mature gaming and animation markets like Japan and South Korea, where such content is in short supply, he added. Partners in growth Even so, panellists discussing the JS-SEZ maintained that Johor's cost and location advantages make it a compelling base for companies looking to scale up. Idzham noted that the cost of doing business in Johor is nearly 60 per cent lower than in Singapore, and about 30 per cent lower than in Kuala Lumpur – a key advantage for companies looking to expand across the border to grow their businesses. As for what Singapore brings to the table, Noorazam highlighted its global networks and financial strength. He added that Johor's vast land availability, affordability and talent pool make it a natural partner. In response to Takahashi on how the JS-SEZ would shape Johor's future as an innovation hub, Idzham said that the master plan for Medini is focused on business tourism, research and development (R&D), and environmental, social and governance-led urban development. The plan includes a new convention city near Legoland, a tech zone for R&D, and a net-zero carbon business district, with support from universities, government and industry players. 'We should look at both Johor and Singapore as one growth area,' noted Noorazam. 'The JS-SEZ…can become the gateway to Asean, a market of 700 million people.'
New Straits Times
18-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Nikkei Forum 2025: Johor pushes for global investment spotlight
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor is playing host to the inaugural Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025, positioning itself as a key driver of regional innovation and cross-border economic integration in Southeast Asia. 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.
The Star
27-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Global forum for thought leaders coming to Medini
ONE of the most anticipated international business forums is coming to Johor in June. Over 500 business and government leaders from across Asia are set to convene in Medini, Iskandar Puteri. Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB) president and chief executive officer Datuk Idzham Mohd Hashim said Japan's Nikkei Forum, a series of global events organised by Nikkei Inc, would explore critical themes like digital transformation, sustainable development and emerging technologies. 'The event will help shape the future of the region by creating opportunities for businesses and policymakers to connect, grow and drive economic progress. 'The forum is also a golden opportunity to present Johor's dynamic investment landscape to the world and position the state as a leading meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) hub for investment and business development in Asian markets,' he said in an interview. Idzham added that in the past, the forum had attracted delegates from about 40 countries with the objective of fostering collaborations and creating strategic partnerships. Last December, IIB, Nikkei Inc and Nikkei Business Publications signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly host the Nikkei Forum in Medini. The Nikkei Forum was founded in 1999 as a platform for thought leadership in Asia. Idzham added that the partnership reflected a shared vision to promote meaningful exchanges across Asia. It would also build on strong historical ties between Japan and Malaysia in sectors such as manufacturing, automotive and electronics. 'As the strategic developer of Medini, IIB plays a critical role in driving regional growth and innovation. 'Medini, located some 30km from Singapore, is rapidly developing into a technology focused urban hub with projects such as Tech Medini, which emphasises artificial intelligence, blockchain and robotics,' he added. Idzham said the location and support for cross-border economic activity made it an ideal destination for businesses looking to expand in South-East Asia. The event would further highlight the region's growing role as an innovation and investment hub, added Idzham. — By YEE XIANG YUN
