This ambitious initiative seeks to enhance Johor’s economic ties and cooperation with Singapore by capitalising on the southern state’s strategic location adjacent to the republic.
The Johor Sultan’s ascendancy to the throne as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong earlier this year has also raised the state’s profile, highlighting the pivotal role the state expects to play in Malaysia’s economic future.
This enhancement in stature comes as Malaysia, under the leadership of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, continues to strengthen its international relationships with global powerhouses.
“We are now great friends with China. We have also maintained excellent relations with the US in the past, and you can see the investments flowing into Malaysia are significant.
“Asean is currently one of the most vibrant and attractive regions in terms of investments and economic activity.
“There are high expectations for Malaysia, and our advantage lies in maintaining excellent relations with all our neighbours—perhaps more so now than ever before,” Anwar said in an exclusive interview with FMT.
The upcoming JS-SEZ represents a concerted effort to shift investment focus away from traditional hubs like Vietnam by providing a compelling dual proposition: the sophistication of Singapore combined with the competitive costs and resource advantages on offer in Johor.
Malaysia’s economy minister, Rafizi Ramli, describes the SEZ as an ideal launchpad into the Asean market, set to create a seamless economic corridor that fosters robust cross-border investment and collaboration.
Spearheading regional transformation
At the forefront of this initiative is Iskandar Malaysia, and particularly its vibrant city, Iskandar Puteri.
Guided by a strategic framework known as “PAR”, Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) led by CEO Idzham Mohd Hashim, is set to play the leading role in actualising the vision for the JS-SEZ.
“‘P’ stands for populate, where we aim to populate this area, because a metropolis will only be a metropolis if you have people living in it. ‘A’ stands for attracting investments, and ‘R’ stands for reinvigoration of the commercial attractiveness,” he told FMT in an interview.
Idzham sais IIB is dedicated to creating vibrant communities within Iskandar Malaysia.
Initiatives like Medini Innopolis are crucial, as they create job opportunities and provide advanced infrastructure for sectors such as IT and biotechnology, helping to populate the area with a dynamic community.
The proximity of Iskandar Malaysia to Singapore enhances its attractiveness as a regional hub, drawing significant investments and enabling cross-border collaborations.
“We foster cross-border collaborations and work to create a synergistic environment that benefits both the Malaysian and Singaporean ecosystems. By leveraging our proximity to Singapore, Iskandar Malaysia is positioning itself as a key tech and innovation hub.
“We complement Singapore’s strengths and attract talent and investment, while collaboratively pursuing growth opportunities for both regions,” Idzham added.
Developments like the Medini International Convention City (MICC) and Tech Medini—a dedicated hub for AI, robotics, cybersecurity, and biotech—are central to its role as a nucleus for business and innovation.
IIB is also focused on reinvigorating the commercial landscape, with initiatives like the development of a net-zero carbon central business district in Medini, demonstrating IIB’s commitment to sustainability and aligning with national carbon reduction goals.
Under the stewardship of IIB, Iskandar Malaysia is evolving into a hub for economic activity while also setting new benchmarks for sustainable development.
The region is pioneering green infrastructure projects and energy-efficient systems, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable urban development.
Johor’s strategic economic vision
Iskandar Puteri’s unique position as a cornerstone of the JS-SEZ offers investors not only access to Southeast Asia’s booming market but also a strategic base with unmatched incentives.
With a variety of business-friendly programmes, tax incentives, and an accessible talent pipeline, Iskandar Puteri is an ideal location for companies looking to expand within the region.
Programmes like the Johor Talent Development Council and partnerships with organisations like the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) provide invaluable support to help businesses thrive.
With the JS-SEZ and Iskandar Malaysia at its core, Johor is poised to become a key economic force in Southeast Asia. Supported by innovative and sustainable development plans, the region is expected to attract a wide array of opportunities, positioning itself as a highly desirable destination for investors.
As the vision for this transformative project unfolds, the prospects for Johor’s economic and sustainable growth appear bright, heralding a new era of prosperity for the region.
“If your business is suited for this part of the world, look no further than Medini. We have everything needed to help you elevate your business to the next level and unlock new opportunities for growth,” said Idzham. - FMT
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