Singapore-based companies have committed over S5.5billion(US4.23 billion) in investments into the JS-SEZ in Johor

The article summarizes key announcements from the 2nd Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) Joint Investment Forum, highlighting new measures to boost investment momentum and the significant capital already committed.

Key Highlights of the JS-SEZ Forum

Investment & Commitment

• Significant Investment: Singapore-based companies have committed over S5.5billion(US4.23 billion) in investments into the JS-SEZ in Johor since the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in January 2024.

• Cooperation: Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong stressed that the JS-SEZ is a clear example of countries choosing "cooperation over contestation" and building on their complementary strengths: Johor's land and resources, and Singapore's capital and global connectivity.

New Malaysian Measures to Bolster Investment

Malaysia's Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz announced several initiatives, mainly drawing from Malaysia's Budget 2026:

• Fast-Track Approvals: Approval for manufacturing licences for non-sensitive industries within the SEZ's identified sectors will be granted within seven working days. A required "no objection letter" from the Johor state government will also be issued in the same timeframe.

• SME Funding: An additional RM200 million (US.3 million) has been allocated under the Strategic Co-Investment Fund to co-invest with the private sector in high-impact projects by Malaysian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the zone.

• Talent Development: RM650 million is allocated via the Skills Development Fund Corporation to support talent development for roughly 25,000 trainees in key sectors like Artificial Intelligence (AI), electric vehicles, and semiconductors.

• Investor Pass: The existing Investor Pass initiative has been expanded, offering eligible foreign investors a multiple entry visa valid for up to 12 months to reduce "friction for high-impact investors."

Operational Focus

• Streamlining: Both countries are focused on streamlining regulatory processes, improving the ease of cross-border flow of goods and professionals, and anchoring flagship projects in the SEZ's 11 identified economic sectors across its nine flagship areas.

• Business Example: Global logistics firm Kuehne+Nagel (KN) was cited as a success story, leveraging a dual-location model where Singapore provides global connectivity for time-critical cargo, and Johor offers cost-effective, scalable fulfillment capacity. KN's experience suggests that digital customs processes and paperless trade are next areas for improvement.

The forum emphasized that the JS-SEZ is progressing well, with a focus on ease of doing business and inclusive growth for SMEs across the designated sectors of manufacturing, logistics, digital economy, energy, food security, and more.