Latest news with #IskandarRegionalDevelopmentAuthority
The Star
6 days ago
- General
- The Star
Johor initiative empowers eco-warriors of the future
A grassroots initiative championing recycling and low-carbon living has engaged more than 500,000 Johor students since its inception 12 years ago. Iskandar Malaysia Ecolife Challenge (IMELC), launched in 2013 by Iskandar Regional Development Authority (Irda) and Johor Education Department (JPNJ), fosters hands-on sustainability education, covering recycling, energy audits and water conservation. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) senior lecturer in innovative science and mathematics education Dr Nina Diana Nawi said a dedicated recycling module has been a core element of IMELC's low-carbon education since 2015. 'This module promotes the 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle), while integrating practical mathematics and science learning, such as weighing recyclable materials and calculating decimal values,' she told StarMetro. This approach, she said, connected textbook knowledge with real-world environmental practices, boosting both awareness and analytical skills in young students. 'Since its rollout, primary schools across Johor have embraced the module. 'Many have set up internal recycling systems, not only fostering daily sustainable habits but also generating income through the sale of recyclables. 'With support from parent-teacher associations, teachers and local communities, some schools have managed to run structured and consistent recycling initiatives.' Even used cooking oil was now collected, she said, with some alumni entrepreneurs donating to their former schools. Between 2015 and 2024, IMELC recorded over 2.7 million units of recycled items including paper, plastic bottles, aluminium and textiles, contributed by students, their families and local communities. Nina recounted the example of one student who, upon noticing a discarded aluminium can at a restaurant, had sought permission to take it to school for recycling. 'This demonstrates how values instilled at school are carried into daily life. 'These children become sustainability ambassadors who can explain waste management, recycling categories and environmental responsibility to the public. 'Rising urban waste, climate concerns and critically full landfills prompted development of the recycling module because we need impactful education at grassroots level to drive behavioural change.' The module also aligns with Johor Sustainability Education Action Plan 2025 and supports global frameworks like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Iskandar Malaysia Climate Action Plan 2030. IMELC efforts are bolstered by industry support, notably from SWM Environment, which conducts school outreach on proper waste segregation. Most collected items include paper, cardboard, plastics and used cooking oil, with SJKC Foon Yew 2, SJKC Kuo Kuang 2, SJKC Masai and SK Simpang Rengam among the top performers. 'IMELC has also rolled out complementary modules such as 'Say No to Single-Use Plastics' campaign in 2023, which includes awareness booklets, webinars and policies in selected schools to reduce plastic straw and packaging usage,' she said. Another key initiative, she added, was the composting module teaching students to convert food waste into organic fertiliser, which had led to community gardens in several schools. 'This year, we have upgraded our online platform with updated educational resources and interactive tools, while selected teachers can also visit recycling facilities for first-hand exposure to waste industry operations. 'IMELC is not just about teaching recycling, it is about empowering a generation to act for our planet's future,' Nina said.
The Sun
18-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
JS-SEZ draws global investor interest
JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is drawing increasing interest from international investors, particularly from Japan, South Korea, China, and Europe, as Johor positions itself as a strategic gateway to the Asean market. Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) chief executive Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman said recent investment enquiries received by the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor reflect strong interest from these key markets, underscoring Johor's emergence as a promising regional growth hub. 'This is a very positive outlook not only for Johor, but also for Malaysia as a whole. Amid ongoing global volatility, investors are looking to Asean as a promising entry point into new regional markets,' he said when met after speaking as a panellist at the Nikkei Forum Medini 2025: Driving Asia's Innovation Hub held here yesterday. On key investment sectors, Mohd Noorazam said Japanese investors are particularly drawn to electrical and electronics, financial services, technology, and the digital economy. Asked about confirmed Japanese investments, he noted that while specific names could not yet be disclosed, several companies had requested meetings with Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, a clear indication of their strong interest. 'We have also received enquiries from Japanese banks acting on behalf of their clients. We are facilitating engagements, particularly with institutions such as Mizuho Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, with whom the Economy Ministry recently signed a letter of intent,' he added. Meanwhile, Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB) president and CEO Datuk Idzham Mohd Hashim said Medini is fully equipped to welcome new investors, supported by comprehensive infrastructure and a business-friendly ecosystem. He said the 'plug and play' development model implemented in Medini enables investors to begin operations immediately, without delays. 'The land is ready, and essential utilities, including electricity, water, fibre optics, and cabling, are already in place. Instead of starting from scratch, investors can establish operations in Medini, which already hosts nearly 40 international companies. 'These businesses are thriving, and it's now a matter of scaling up. At IIB, we see ourselves as growth partners, committed to helping businesses succeed in Medini,' he said. Idzham also emphasised Medini's high quality of life, supported by amenities such as pocket parks, Sireh Park, golf courses, Legoland, and the revitalised Johor Zoo, all catering to diverse lifestyles and income groups. Commenting on global uncertainties and Singapore's recent downward revision of its gross domestic product growth forecast to 0.2%, he acknowledged that some investors are adopting a wait-and-see approach due to geopolitical tensions. 'There may be short-term corrections, such as what Singapore is experiencing, but we believe these are temporary. Asean remains one of the world's fastest-growing regions, with a youthful and expanding middle class. Young people account for about 50 to 60% of Southeast Asia's 650 million population,' he said. He also highlighted the natural geographic advantages of Johor and Singapore as investment destinations, further bolstered by political stability and the absence of natural disasters. On IIB's development strategy, he stressed that focus is not solely on physical infrastructure but also soft infrastructure. 'Soft infrastructure includes talent development, facilitation by government agencies, and enabling businesses to access markets. 'That's the ecosystem we're building, not just buildings and roads, but the support systems businesses need to thrive.' The two-day Nikkei Forum Medini 2025 forms part of broader efforts to position Johor as a regional innovation hub, supporting the JS-SEZ initiative to attract high-quality investments and integrate value chains between Malaysia and Singapore. – Bernama
The Star
18-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Johor-Singapore SEZ draws Japanese investor attention
Iskandar Investment Bhd president and chief executive officer Datuk Idzham Mohd Hashim (centre) and Iskandar Regional Development Authority chief executive Datuk Noorazam Osman (right) participating in a panel discussion titled Johor Focus: Building the Future with Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone at the Nikkei Forum Medini Johor on June 18, 2025. ISKANDAR PUTERI: Japanese investors have expressed keen interest in investing in Johor, particularly in sectors such as finance and technology. Iskandar Regional Development Authority chief executive Datuk Noorazam Osman said while most investment enquiries in Johor come from Singapore, China, and South Korea, many Japanese companies have also been enquiring. "I think that is the reason why they have the two-day Nikkei Forum in Medini here, where they can see the potential and understand where they can fit in. "With the volatility happening around the world, I think they are looking at the potential of coming into a place where it can be a gateway to a new market - a regional market - which is Asean. "For the Japanese, they are mainly looking at the digital economy, technology, as well as electrical and electronic sectors," he told the media on the sidelines of the forum on Wednesday (June 18). Mohd Noorazam earlier engaged in a panel discussion with Iskandar Investment Bhd president and chief executive officer Datuk Idzham Mohd Hashim titled Johor Focus: Building the Future with Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). Both highlighted the potential of JS-SEZ and Johor's readiness in infrastructure and talent to support the investments. About the forum, Idzham said there were some 800 in-person and online participants and delegates taking part in the discussions. He added that the event marks a significant milestone in positioning Medini as a vibrant, future-forward hub for innovation, investment, and regional collaboration in Southeast Asia. The forum, themed Driving Asia's Innovation Hub, brings together thought leaders, policymakers, corporate leaders, and investors from across Asia and beyond.
The Star
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
HL Bank Singapore holds forum on JS-SEZ cross-border opportunities
KUALA LUMPUR: HL Bank Singapore convened a high-level forum themed "ASEAN's Next Engine of Economic Growth:, to address the immense cross-border opportunities presented by the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and to discuss comprehensive financial solutions for businesses operating within this dynamic zone. The forum featured esteemed speakers from key organizations instrumental to the JS-SEZ's development, including Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), and law firm M/s Christopher & Lee Ong (CLO), alongside experts from HLBS's Malaysia headquarters, Hong Leong Bank ('HLB') and HL Bank Singapore. The JS-SEZ is envisioned as a thriving hub for advanced industries and innovation, poised to generate substantial investment, create numerous jobs, and significantly boost trade between Malaysia and Singapore. The zone, covering over 3,500 sq km, more than four times the size of Singapore, will encompass nine flagship zones, each catering to different sectors to create a diversified economic landscape. Recent shifts in global trade dynamics have amplified the importance of the JS-SEZ, positioning it as a critical platform for businesses seeking to strengthen their supply chains and enhance their resilience to global economic uncertainties "As the JS-SEZ unfolds as Asean's next engine of growth, the bank will be a steadfast partner, providing the financial backbone and expert insights to help our clients not just participate, but truly flourish in this exciting new chapter of regional economic integration,' said Ng Wee Lee, chief executive of HL Bank Singapore, in a statement.
Nikkei Asia
19-05-2025
- Business
- Nikkei Asia
Malaysia's Maybank backs biofuel, medical projects in Johor special zone
KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysia's largest bank, Malayan Banking (Maybank), will help three Singapore-based clients' investments in a new economic zone in the southern state of Johor, the bank announced Monday, highlighting the financial sector's growing interest in the cross-border initiative. Maybank is among the six regional and international banks that signed a letter of interest (LOI) with Iskandar Regional Development Authority to facilitate investments in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
