Industrial hub attracts 160 investors and 28,000 jobs while prioritising local skills development
Senai Airport City (SAC) is fast becoming a cornerstone of Johor’s industrial and workforce evolution. With nearly RM8 billion in investments and half its land developed, SAC is reshaping regional growth through job creation and advanced sector integration.
A Booming Industrial Ecosystem in Johor
Senai Airport City Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of MMC Bhd, has successfully attracted about 160 investors with committed investments nearing RM8 billion. Spread across 1,099 hectares, SAC has already transformed 50% of its land into a thriving industrial zone. Key sectors established include artificial intelligence (AI), advanced electrical and electronics (AE&E), electric vehicles (EV), healthcare, life sciences, and regional distribution centres (RDCs).
Strategic Vision for Long-Term Growth
Chief Executive Officer Gan Seng Keong announced that the remaining 50% of undeveloped land presents vast potential for new investors. “We aim to meet growing investor demand and expand our industrial footprint by leveraging additional land resources within the MMC Group,” he told Bernama. SAC’s strategic location near key logistics nodes, including Senai International Airport and major highways, adds to its investment appeal.
28,000 Jobs for Johoreans
SAC’s commitment to the community is clear: 28,000 jobs created are intended to benefit Johor locals. To ensure relevance and sustainability, SAC partners with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and vocational institutions to tailor skills training. These programs target high-demand fields like AI, AE&E, and life sciences, building an adaptable and forward-ready workforce.
Foreign Investors Empower Local Talent
One of SAC’s major tenants, Taiwanese tech firm Wiwynn, employs over 80% local staff within its 1,200-strong workforce. The company prioritises local procurement and talent development through partnerships with educational institutions. Selected employees are sent overseas for advanced training and knowledge transfer—an initiative that aligns with global best practices while strengthening Johor’s industrial capabilities.
Inclusive Growth Through Upskilling
Gan underscored the long-term vision of creating quality jobs with competitive wages. “Through upskilling, local hiring, and global knowledge sharing, we aim to ensure long-term, inclusive benefits for Johor’s workforce and the wider community,” he said. These initiatives do not just serve businesses—they uplift entire communities and ensure sustainable development across multiple layers of society.
Future Opportunities for Southeast Asia
Senai Airport City’s success showcases how targeted investment, skills development, and industrial innovation can reshape a region’s economic landscape. With more land available and continuous engagement with education and industry leaders, SAC is poised to become a model for sustainable growth—benefitting not only Malaysians, but offering economic inspiration and partnership opportunities for neighboring Indonesia and Singapore.
Senai Airport City’s RM8 billion transformation goes beyond industrial expansion—it symbolises the new direction for regional development, one anchored in innovation, local empowerment, and long-term sustainability. For neighbouring countries like Indonesia and Singapore, SAC offers a compelling case for strategic collaboration, talent mobility, and regional economic integration in Southeast Asia’s future.
Sources: The Star (2025) , The Edge Malaysia (2025)
Keywords: Senai Airport City, Johor Workforce, RM8 Billion Investment, Industrial Development, Local Hiring, AI Training
