Latest news with #OCBCGroup
The Sun
26-06-2025
- 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.
The Star
23-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
OCBC commits over RM11bil for Johor growth
From left: Bank of Singapore CEO Jason Moo, OCBC Bank (M) Bhd CEO Tan Chor Sen, CBC Group CEO Helen Wong, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Great Eastern Group CEO Greg Hingston, Great Eastern Life Assurance (M) Bhd CEO Datuk Koh Yaw Hui and OCBC Al-Amin Bank Bhd CEO Syed Abdull Aziz Syed Kechik. JOHOR BARU: The OCBC Group has committed over RM11bil in financing to businesses in Johor since the start of last year, as part of its commitment to the development of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). By the end of 2025, the group expects to provide at least another RM3bil in financing for investments into various sectors including real estate, oil and gas, manufacturing and data centres, said OCBC Group CEO Helen Wong during a recent courtesy visit with her senior executives to Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi at his official residence in Saujana. Reiterating the group's long-term support for JS-SEZ, Wong emphasised that OCBC's One Group approach is underpinned by the collective strengths of OCBC Bank, its insurance subsidiary Great Eastern Holdings, its private banking arm Bank of Singapore, and its leasing and wealth management capabilities. This uniquely positions the group to support business growth and cross-border collaboration. Leveraging its deep-rooted history in Johor, diverse financial capabilities, and integrated regional network, OCBC is well-placed to contribute meaningfully to the JS-SEZ, fostering stronger economic ties between Singapore and Malaysia. Meanwhile, Onn Hafiz said the OCBC Group's commitment of over RM11bil in financing, with at least RM3bil more by year-end, reflects a strong endorsement of Johor's economic direction and investment potential. 'We welcome this partnership and look forward to working closely with OCBC to unlock Johor's full potential as Asean's next economic powerhouse,' he noted. According to OCBC Bank (M) Bhd CEO Tan Chor Sen, even prior to the official signing of the JS-SEZ agreement in January this year, OCBC had already taken proactive steps in Malaysia to showcase the zone's potential to global investors. 'OCBC has a strong track record of assisting foreign businesses in establishing operations in Malaysia and has facilitated the entry of new companies from various sectors, including services, construction, manufacturing, and wholesale and retail trade. 'Our collaborative efforts in the past with the mentri besar of Johor and key stakeholders such as the Iskandar Regional Development Authority, Malaysian Investment Development Authority and Invest Johor for the JS-SEZ Trade and Investment Mission have been fruitful,' Tan said. Great Eastern Life Assurance (M) Bhd CEO Datuk Koh Yaw Hui added: 'Along with OCBC Malaysia and the wider OCBC Group of which we are a part, we are excited about having a role in bringing to fruition the strategic initiatives aimed at transforming the border region between Malaysia's Johor state and Singapore into a premier economic hub.'
Straits Times
22-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
OCBC Group has lent $3.3b to Johor firms since 2024; $908m more expected by end-2025
The financing is part of efforts to support development in the emerging Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. PHOTO: ST FILE OCBC Group has lent $3.3b to Johor firms since 2024; $908m more expected by end-2025 SINGAPORE – OCBC Group has committed over RM11 billion (S$3.3 billion) in financing to businesses in Johor since the start of 2024, as part of efforts to support development in the emerging Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), said the group in a statement on June 22. The lender also said it expects to provide at least another RM3 billion in financing to firms there for investments in various sectors including real estate, oil and gas , manufacturing and data centres. The JS-SEZ was first mooted after an agreement was signed between Malaysia and Singapore in January, capping off negotiations that have been ongoing since the SEZ was first announced in October 2023. The agreement is set to improve the flow of goods, enable freer movement of people between Singapore and Johor, and strengthen the business ecosystem within the region. During a courtesy visit to Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi at his official residence in Johor Bahru, OCBC chief executive Helen Wong highlighted the bank's strengths in banking, insurance and wealth management. She said the bank's offerings and its extensive regional presence can contribute to the success of the JS-SEZ. Datuk Onn Hafiz said OCBC's commitment of over RM11 billion in financing to firms in Johor and the additional RM3 billion expected by the year end reflect a strong endorsement of Johor's economic direction and investment potential. 'We welcome this partnership and look forward to working closely with OCBC to unlock Johor's full potential as Asean's next economic powerhouse,' he said. OCBC Malaysia CEO Tan Chor Sen noted that 'OCBC has a strong track record of assisting foreign businesses in establishing operations in Malaysia and has facilitated the entry of new companies from various sectors, including services, construction, manufacturing, and wholesale and retail trade'. 'By leveraging OCBC's extensive international presence, particularly in Greater China, we aim to connect companies and their ecosystems with opportunities that drive growth and innovation,' he added. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
BusinessToday
22-06-2025
- Business
- BusinessToday
OCBC Commits RM11 Billion In Financing With Another RM3 Billion For JS-SEZ
OCBC Group announced it has committed more than RM11 billion in financing to businesses in the Johor state since the start of last year. By the end of 2025, the Group expects to provide at least another RM3 billion in financing for investments into various sectors including real estate, oil & gas, manufacturing and data centres. While reiterating the Group's long-term support to JS-SEZ, Group CEO Helen Wong emphasised OCBC's One Group approach, which brings together the collective strengths of OCBC Bank, Great Eastern Holdings (its insurance subsidiary), Bank of Singapore (its private banking arm), and its leasing and wealth management capabilities. This uniquely positions the Group to support business growth and cross-border collaboration 'Having already committed over RM11 billion in financing to businesses in Johor, we are looking to further catalyse local economic activities and cross-border investments in Johor and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) through at least another RM3 billion in financing by year-end. We are honoured to have this opportunity to explore with the Johor Menteri Besar how we can build on these solid foundations and leverage the full capabilities of the OCBC Group's extensive regional franchise to contribute to the success of the JS-SEZ. Johor MB Dato' Onn Hafiz, in welcoming the delegation, said 'On behalf of the Johor State Government, I express my deepest appreciation to the OCBC Group for its strong and unwavering commitment to the JS-SEZ. The Group's commitment of over RM11 billion in financing with at least RM3 billion more by year-end reflects a strong endorsement of Johor's economic direction and investment potential. We welcome this partnership and look forward to working closely with OCBC to unlock Johor's full potential as ASEAN's next economic powerhouse,' he said. Related
The Star
22-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
OCBC commits RM11bil, aiming to add RM3bil to boost Johor's economy
KUALA LUMPUR: OCBC Group has committed over RM11bil in financing to Johor businesses since early last year, as part of its support for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). 'By the end of 2025, the group expects to provide at least another RM3bil in financing for investments into various sectors including real estate, oil & gas, manufacturing and data centres,' the bank said in a statement. OCBC Group chief executive officer Helen Wong said the bank has a long history in Johor, with its first branch in the state established in 1917. She said OCBC now operates eight branches in Johor, out of a total of 38 across Malaysia. 'Having already committed over RM11bil in financing to businesses in Johor, we are looking to further catalyse local economic activities and cross-border investments in Johor and JS-SEZ through at least another RM3bil in financing by year-end. 'We are honoured to have this opportunity to explore with the Johor Menteri Besar how we can build on these solid foundations and leverage the full capabilities of the OCBC Group's extensive regional franchise to contribute to the success of the JS-SEZ,' Wong said. Meanwhile, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the bank's commitment of over RM11bil in financing — with at least RM3bil more expected by year-end — reflects strong confidence in Johor's economic direction and investment potential. 'We welcome this partnership and look forward to working closely with OCBC to unlock Johor's full potential as Asean's next economic powerhouse,' he added.
