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Free Malaysia Today
20-06-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Why Johor is now an investor safe haven
The Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025 brought industry experts to discuss the future of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). ISKANDAR PUTERI : The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) has been touted as the next major engine of growth for Southeast Asia. Formally established in January through a bilateral agreement between Malaysia and Singapore, the zone aims to enhance cross-border economic connectivity. Over the next 10 years, it is set to support 100 projects worth RM100 billion and create an estimated 100,000 jobs across high-value sectors such as manufacturing, the digital economy, logistics, clean energy, and tourism. At the June 18-19 Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025, co-organised by Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB), industry experts and panellists discussed how best to unlock the region's potential and ensure it stays on track. FMT highlights several key themes and their implications for Johor and beyond. Johor as a stable option in a fractured landscape With its strategic location and stable policy environment, Johor, together with its neighbour Singapore, is increasingly seen as a compelling and secure investment destination. IIB president and CEO Idzham Hashim said the JS-SEZ offers a secure entry point for global capital, especially amid rising geopolitical and economic headwinds. Citing Johor's consistent ranking in Malaysia's top three destinations for foreign direct investment, he said the region's relatively low operating costs further enhance its appeal. 'The cost of doing business in Johor is almost 60% cheaper than in Singapore and almost 30% cheaper than in Kuala Lumpur. 'We have the ability to help (Singaporean businesses) scale up, reduce their cost of doing business, and give them the space they need to grow,' he said. This positioning is supported by financial institutions facilitating inbound investment. One example is United Overseas Bank Ltd (UOB), which is helping investors enter the regional market. Chiok Sook Yin, who heads UOB's foreign direct investment advisory unit, said the bank offers full-spectrum support for businesses expanding into the region. 'Besides having strong network connectivity, we have financial supply chain management solutions that help investors expand local sourcing and support new suppliers that follow (prominent) companies into Malaysia. 'We're also helping lower the barrier to entry for investors and addressing their concerns before they enter the markets they've targeted,' she said. Deloitte Malaysia executive director Thean Szu Ping said the government is backing this push with robust fiscal incentives. High-tech industries, she said, qualify for a preferential tax rate of 5% for up to 15 years. Capital-intensive sectors, meanwhile, will receive an investment tax allowance. Policy continuity and clarity needed The resignation of former economy minister Rafizi Ramli, who had played a key role in shaping the JS-SEZ blueprint, has raised questions about the zone's future direction. Despite his assurances that existing initiatives would continue uninterrupted, industry leaders emphasised the need for unwavering policy commitment. UEM Group Bhd managing director Amran Hafiz Affifudin described continuity as the 'most important enabler' of business confidence. 'As a member of the business community, we like to see continuity in policy, especially as an infrastructure company. Our investments are long-term, so clarity and continuity of policy are very important. 'We are a business with heavy capital expenditure. Policy stability is critical,' he said. Johor investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee chairman Lee Ting Han echoed this, noting that in today's unpredictable global climate, consistency attracts capital. 'In this era of uncertainty, investors and innovators seek environments where rules are transparent, decisions are predictable, and institutions are stable. Johor is ready to offer these,' he said. Growing Japanese interest in the region One of the most pronounced takeaways from the forum was the deepening interest of Japanese industry in Johor, reflected in the participation of companies like Mitsui Banking Corporation Malaysia, and AEON Co. In his closing remarks, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed that Japanese prime minister Shigeru Ishiba had recently identified Johor as a region of strategic interest. Japanese ambassador to Malaysia Noriyuki Shikata pledged Tokyo's support for Johor's ambitions as a tech and infrastructure hub. 'Japan's liquefied natural gas cooling technology would offer an environmentally friendly and efficient cooling solution for Johor's data centres. 'By adopting this technology, the data centres in Johor could significantly improve energy efficiency while reducing their environmental impact as well as improving operational efficiency,' he said. He also offered Japan's AI-driven traffic control systems and digitally optimised public transport networks to help Johor overcome congestion challenges and become a model city for mobility solutions, not just for Malaysia, but for Asean and beyond. The momentum behind Japanese participation was further underscored by a memorandum of understanding signed between Invest Johor and Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed tech firm NEOJAPAN Inc to establish a Southeast Asian Centre of Excellence (SEA CoE) in Johor. The initiative aims to train 1,000 local talents and create 300 high-skilled jobs. Invest Johor CEO Natazha Hariss said the partnership is aimed at driving innovation and strengthening talent development across the JS-SEZ and will 'promote the JS-SEZ as a base for cutting-edge innovation and talent development'.
Free Malaysia Today
18-06-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
JS-SEZ safe bet for investors amid global tensions, says Iskandar Investment CEO
IIB president and CEO Idzham Hashim said Johor's strategic location and political stability have helped it remain among Malaysia's top three destinations for foreign direct investment in recent years. ISKANDAR PUTERI : The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) offers investors a secure proposition amid growing global uncertainty, Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB) president and CEO Idzham Hashim said today. He said Johor's strategic location and political stability had helped it remain among Malaysia's top three destinations for foreign direct investment in recent years. 'Despite the fact that many politicians all over the world are trying to make the world smaller, the majority believe globalisation is key to uplifting the quality of life. 'Because of our location and the strong relationship between Malaysia and Singapore – and Malaysia's good relationship with all nations – we are in a good position to capitalise on this,' he said at the Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025 co-organised by IIB here today. Idzham said in today's uncertain political climate, the formalisation of JS-SEZ had been crucial to ensuring its long-term competitiveness. The zone was formally established in January through an agreement between Malaysia and Singapore to boost economic connectivity between the state and the republic. It aims to attract 100 projects worth RM100 billion and create about 100,000 jobs in high-value sectors such as manufacturing, digital economy, logistics, clean energy, and tourism over the next decade. Spanning nine flagship zones, including Iskandar Malaysia and Pengerang, JS-SEZ offers competitive tax incentives and streamlined regulations to attract global investors. The initiative has begun to draw strong interest from investors in Japan, South Korea, China and Europe, positioning Johor as a strategic gateway to the Asean market. Idzham said the region's relatively low operating cost made it especially appealing. 'The cost of doing business in Johor is almost 60% cheaper than in Singapore and almost 30% cheaper than in Kuala Lumpur. 'We have the ability to help (Singaporean businesses) scale up, reduce their cost of doing business, and give them the space they need to grow,' he said. At a time when cross-border dynamics are easily politicised, Idzham reframed Johor-Singapore ties as collaborative rather than competitive. He said the two neighbours, separated only by the Johor Strait, each brought unique strengths to the table and complemented one another economically.
Free Malaysia Today
13-06-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Iskandar Investment to co-organise inaugural Nikkei Forum in Medini
A view of the Medini township in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, the emerging innovation hub which is set to host the inaugural Nikkei Forum Medini. PETALING JAYA : Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB) is set to co-organise the inaugural Nikkei Forum in Medini, scheduled to run from June 18 to 19. Held in partnership with Japan's Nikkei Inc and supported by the Johor state government, the event will gather over 500 global delegates in Medini, a fast-rising township in Iskandar Puteri. The two-day event, themed 'Driving Asia's Innovation Hub', will feature more than 20 speakers and 10 panel sessions focused on emerging technologies, digital transformation, and sustainability. Onn Hafiz Ghazi. Among the top names expected are Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi, and Japan's ambassador to Malaysia Shikata Noriyuki. IIB president and CEO Idzham Hashim said Medini was more than a location, describing it as the 'beating heart' of Iskandar Puteri's dynamic ecosystem. 'This event not only showcases Medini's readiness but also reflects the strength of the broader Iskandar Puteri ecosystem, a thriving mix of industry, education, innovation, and lifestyle that together create an environment ripe for regional collaboration and sustainable growth,' he said. Idzham Hashim. 'We are proud to position Johor as a leading destination for global business engagement.' This is the first time that the Nikkei Forum, widely regarded as one of Asia's most respected platforms for business and economic dialogue, will be held in Johor. The event comes amid growing regional interest in deepening economic ties and advancing green, tech-driven growth. An investment immersion tour of Medini and exclusive networking sessions will be held alongside the forum, aimed at sparking partnerships and promoting Medini's readiness as a base for innovation-led industries. Onn Hafiz said the forum was a milestone that reflected Johor's growing role as a global dialogue and investment platform. 'With strong international partnerships and the momentum of the Johor-Singapore special economic zone, we are paving the way for a bold, inclusive, and future-ready growth trajectory,' he said. As the master developer of Medini, IIB continues to lead strategic efforts to attract high-impact investments and build an inclusive, resilient and innovation-driven metropolis that reflects the aspirations of a connected Asean and beyond.
