SINGAPORE: New measures are being introduced to accelerate investments under the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which has already attracted more than S$5.5 billion (RM19.2 billion) in commitments from Singapore-based firms since its launch in January.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who attended the second JS-SEZ Joint Investment Forum at Marina Bay Sands here yesterday, said the state government remains committed to facilitating investors through the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor (IMFC-J) and strengthening the local talent pool via the Johor Talent Development Centre (JTDC).
He said the new measures would further enhance Johor’s role as a regional growth hub by ensuring faster licensing approvals and stronger support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“Johor is fully aligned with federal initiatives to make the JS-SEZ an investor-friendly and sustainable growth zone.
“The IMFC-J’s one-stop approach and targeted talent development through JTDC will ensure local industries and SMEs share in the economic spillover,” he told the Business Times today.
Also present were Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.
Zafrul said manufacturing licences for non-sensitive industries within the zone will now be approved within seven working days, while the Johor government will issue the required “no objection letter” within the same timeframe — a move expected to significantly reduce bureaucratic delays.
He added that under Budget 2026, an additional RM200 million has been allocated to the Strategic Co-Investment Fund to enable SMEs to co-invest in high-impact JS-SEZ projects, particularly in the green economy, advanced manufacturing and digital sectors.
Meanwhile, RM650 million will be channelled through the Skills Development Fund Corporation to upskill 25,000 trainees in emerging industries such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors and electric vehicles — areas critical to the JS-SEZ’s industrial ecosystem.
The forum, attended by more than 900 business leaders, investors and policymakers from both countries, also featured strategic discussions on supply chain resilience, green industry transformation, and high-value opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, and advanced services.
Onn Hafiz also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Southern Catalyst, Archisen, and CGS International Securities Malaysia to strengthen Johor’s role in developing a modern agropolis and promoting smart agriculture and green economy ventures.
Launched in January 2025, the JS-SEZ is a landmark bilateral initiative between Malaysia and Singapore designed to boost cross-border trade, investment, and talent mobility.
It complements the Forest City Special Financial Zone, with Johor positioned as the key driver of this regional economic corridor.
“Johor welcomes investors to see for themselves the opportunities here. Every investment brings us closer to building an inclusive and prosperous state,” Onn Hafiz said.
JS-SEZ, Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Gan Kim Yong, Johor investment, Budget 2026, IMFC-J, JTDC, Forest City, Malaysia-Singapore ties, green economy, regional growth hub.
