Latest news with #JTDC
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
OCBC sees Johor as trade hub linking ASEAN with China
JOHOR BAHRU: OCBC Group views Johor as a strategic investment and trade hub that connects ASEAN and China, and is ready to expand its role in supporting the growth of various key sectors in the state. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said this was conveyed during his recent meeting with the top management of the financial institution, during which they also discussed the potential for broader cooperation in the context of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) development. 'Given the strength of its network in both (ASEAN and China), OCBC is ready to support the growth of key sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, infrastructure, fintech, and digital economy,' he said in a post on his Facebook page today. According to him, OCBC's expertise in cross-border financing, wealth management, and digital transformation makes the institution a highly valuable strategic partner in attracting high-quality investments into Johor. He added that such collaborations could further boost Johor's competitiveness at the regional level and contribute to the development of a sustainable and inclusive economic ecosystem, in line with the state's development agenda that is focused on innovation, talent, and high-value investment. Meanwhile, Onn Hafiz also stated that OCBC's commitment to increasing its workforce in Johor --particularly hiring local graduates with a starting salary of between RM3,200 and RM3,600 -- is aligned with the aspirations behind the establishment of the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC). He said this demonstrates OCBC's seriousness in offering high-value jobs, which will help ensure that the development of the JS-SEZ is supported by competent local talent. JTDC is a strategic initiative aimed at developing local workforce talent in Johor who meet industry needs, ensuring the local talent pool is skilled, competitive, and responsive to market demands. Previously, OCBC Group announced in a statement that it had invested over RM11 billion in various businesses in Johor since early 2024 as part of its commitment to support the development of the JS-SEZ.
Malay Mail
19-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Johor MB: IMFC-J records over 400 investment enquiries with RM16.71b in committed investments
ISKANDAR PUTERI, June 19 — The Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre-Johor (IMFC-J) has received a total of 439 investment-related enquiries within just five months since its launch in February this year. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the centre also secured 57 potential investments worth RM26.18 billion, along with six committed investments valued at RM16.71 billion. He said IMFC-J is transforming how investments are executed in the state, particularly through the Johor Super Lane (JSL) initiative, which offers fast-track approvals for priority investments by eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy and accelerating decision-making processes. 'This is because we believe doing business in Johor should be easy, efficient, and investor-friendly,' he said during the closing ceremony of the Nikkei Forum Medini 2025, which was also attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Onn Hafiz said Johor is also ready to meet talent demands through the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC), which also serves as part of the preparations for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). 'JTDC ensures that from day one of investor engagement, talent planning is already on the table. We align your workforce needs with our talent pipeline. 'By 2026, our goal is clear — 10,000 job-ready graduates in sectors aligned with JS-SEZ focus areas such as smart manufacturing, semiconductors, digital infrastructure, and renewable energy,' he said. He also reiterated that Johor welcomes the participation of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) member countries in the planning of the ASEAN Industrial Park. 'We welcome your participation and feedback in all these initiatives. Johor stands ready as a committed partner, a willing collaborator, and a responsible custodian of the opportunities entrusted to us,' he said. Earlier, Onn Hafiz expressed his deep honour over Nikkei's decision to select Medini, Johor, as the venue for its international forum, describing it as a reflection of the strong Japan-Malaysia ties and Johor's growing global prominence. Co-organised by Iskandar Investment Bhd and Japan's Nikkei Inc, the two-day Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025 is hosted by the Johor state government with support from the Johor Economic Planning Division, Invest Johor, and the Iskandar Puteri City Council. — Bernama
Malay Mail
18-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
MDEC spearheads Johor's bid to become Asia's tech powerhouse, says digital transformation chief
ISKANDAR PUTERI, June 18 — The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) plays a leading role in realising Johor's aspiration to become Asia's digital hub through various strategic initiatives and inter-agency collaborations. MDEC chief of digital transformation, Datuk Fadzli Abdul Wahit, said the agency is directly involved in facilitating digital investments and expanding market access through close cooperation with several agencies, such as Invest Johor and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA). 'We play a role in coordinating all types of approvals, liaising with all government agencies, and providing comprehensive support in terms of investment facilitation and market access,' he told Bernama after serving as a panellist at the Nikkei Forum Medini 2025 here today. He said in terms of talent and skill development, MDEC collaborates with the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC), as well as universities and industries, to improve workforce employability in the digital economy sector. According to him, the collaboration aims to upskill the local workforce in high-tech fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, blockchain technology, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0). 'MDEC also works with various parties in developing digital infrastructure and regulatory aspects to ensure the state's digital ecosystem grows holistically and sustainably,' he added. Among the initiatives provided are innovation grants, tax incentives, and smart fund facilities specifically for Johor-based companies under the Malaysia Digital framework. For the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, Fadzli said MDEC will offer innovation grants and ecosystem matchmaking programmes to enable local industry players to develop talent and technology capable of penetrating export markets. He also highlighted that Johor is now in a prime position to become a regional digital hub due to its strategic location near Singapore and stands to gain greatly from bilateral cooperation through the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). 'To become a leader at the Asean level, we must develop suitable talent, infrastructure, and funding. Johor is in the best position because it can complement Singapore's strengths, and vice versa,' he said. — Bernama
The Star
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
RM4,000 starting salary to retain Johorean talent
KULAI: While there is nothing to stop Johoreans from working in Singapore, job seekers should also look for opportunities within the state as its talent development council is teaming up with industry players to offer a basic salary of RM4,000, says exco member Aznan Tamin. The state education and information committee chairman said the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC) has been collaborating with industry players in sectors such as manufacturing and data centres to offer salaries that are higher than the market rate. He said various companies have started offering a higher salary scheme since the initiative was mooted by Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. 'We do not stop people from taking up jobs in Singapore, but we want them to know that there are opportunities for them to earn attractive salaries here without having to cross the border. 'During a premium job fair in Johor Baru recently, many companies offered starting salaries of RM4,000 and above for high-skilled degree holders. Some of the job seekers I met there also expressed their willingness to return to work in Johor. 'Besides the pay, they cited reasons such as convenience and time, as they do not have to commute across the border daily, as among the factors considered,' he said yesterday. JTDC, he added, is also involved when investors sit down with Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor, as a move to ensure the state government's vision of having high-paying jobs is realised. Aznan earlier witnessed the signing of a note of understanding between JTDC and Sun Bus Tech Sdn Bhd, a Johor-based bus manufacturing company. He added that the company has set a new benchmark for the industry with their willingness to accept the state government's call to offer a basic salary of RM4,000 to high-skilled workers. 'Through this initiative, JTDC and Sun Bus Tech will also offer on-site training to match the industry's needs. 'Their participation reflects how local industries can help to champion and build a stronger future for Johor's talent development,' he added. Meanwhile, the company's chief executive officer Shyan Phang said about 200 vacancies with the premium salary scheme are available, with around 40% already filled. 'Through this programme, we will welcome trainees into our workshops and assembly lines for immersive on-the-job training. 'They will learn directly from our engineers and technicians, mastering the skills that turn raw materials into buses that serve communities across the region,' she said, adding that the company's aim is to attract, groom and retain Johor talents.
New Straits Times
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Sun Bus Tech, Johor council pact sets RM4,000 skilled wage benchmark
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor's push for a future-ready workforce gained traction today as Sun Bus Tech inked a strategic pact with the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC), to introduce a new RM4,000 starting salary benchmark for skilled workers. The new pay scale benchmark supports state's push to raise wages and retain talent in high-demand sectors, such as mobility and advanced manufacturing. Under a memorandum of understanding, Sun Bus Tech will also offer structured, on-site industrial training for trainees from the state's small and medium-sized industries (SMIs) while bridging classroom theory with hands-on practice. Johor Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin said the collaboration was "a model public-private partnership", He added that Sun Bus Tech's commitment to competitive wages and talent development supports the state's ambition to attract skilled workers and sustainable investment. Sun Bus Tech chief executive officer Shyan Phang said the RM4,000 starting pay was more than a salary upgrade; it was a message to young Malaysians. "We believe a company's strength lies in its people. With this initiative, we are opening doors for young talent not just to find jobs, but to build careers," she said. "Our collaboration with JTDC signals our commitment to grow hand-in-hand with Johor." The initiative includes tuition support, technical immersion at Sun Bus Tech's Senai facility, a The model is seen as a potential blueprint for industry-led solutions to Malaysia's growing skilled labour gap. Sun Bus Tech has emerged as a transport solutions provider, specialising in high-quality bus bodies for conventional and electric fleets. In just a year since its formal establishment, the firm has secured a partnership with Swiss engineering giant Carrosserie HESS AG. It also opened a green-rated, solar-powered headquarters at Senai Airport City. The JTDC partnership marks another milestone in the company's rapid rise. It also signals Johor's renewed focus on workforce development and industrial innovation.
