Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong highlights strong cross-border momentum and new flagship projects at the 2nd JS-SEZ Forum.

Singapore companies have pledged more than S$5.5 billion (RM17.8 billion) in investments into Johor since the signing of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) agreement last year, underscoring deepening economic ties between both nations, said Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Trade Minister Gan Kim Yong.

Cross-Border Growth Gains Momentum

Speaking at the 2nd JS-SEZ Joint Investment Forum held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Gan said the zone’s progress exemplifies how Singapore and Malaysia can “choose cooperation over contestation and partnership over protectionism” amid rising global trade tensions.

He noted that the JS-SEZ aims to create a connected business community capable of growing together and competing more effectively in a shifting global economy. “Together, we are building a cross-border ecosystem that supports enterprise growth, innovation, and the creation of good jobs on both sides of the Causeway,” he said.

S$5.5 Billion in Singapore-Backed Investments

Since the signing of the JS-SEZ MoU in 2024, Singapore-based firms have committed over S$5.5 billion (RM17.8 billion) in investments in Johor. The commitments reflect strong investor confidence in Johor’s industrial transformation and the zone’s long-term potential.

Gan outlined three strategic priorities to strengthen the JS-SEZ:

• Anchoring flagship projects to attract sustained foreign investment.
• Streamlining business operations to make cross-border trade more efficient.
• Ensuring inclusive growth, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their workers.

Flagship Projects and Regulatory Support

Johor has designated nine flagship zones across the state and introduced a tax incentive package to attract investors. The Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre–Johor (IMFC-J) was also established to assist businesses navigating regulatory procedures.

On Singapore’s end, a Joint JS-SEZ Project Office has been formed, bringing together the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), Economic Development Board (EDB), and EnterpriseSG to streamline approvals and support companies operating across both territories.

Agritech and Medical Firms Lead the Way

Highlighting real-world outcomes, Gan cited the example of Singapore-based agritech firm Archisen, which signed an MoU with Southern Catalyst to develop an 80.94-hectare modern agricultural hub in Sedenak, Johor. The project will use indoor farming technologies to boost regional food production and enhance food security.

Meanwhile, ResMed, a medical technology company from the US and Australia, continues to expand operations on both sides of the Causeway, reflecting how the SEZ enables firms to function within an integrated regional ecosystem.

Building a Resilient Regional Ecosystem

Gan emphasized that the JS-SEZ not only connects economies but also people, facilitating talent exchange, skills upgrading, and innovation-driven growth. “We look forward to more investments in the months ahead,” he said, reaffirming Singapore’s commitment to developing a future-ready, borderless business environment.

The one-day forum was co-organised by Singapore and Malaysia and attended by Malaysia’s Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, marking another step forward in bilateral economic cooperation.

The surge in Singapore’s investment into Johor highlights the strengthening of economic integration between the two neighbours. As the JS-SEZ takes shape, it could serve as a blueprint for regional cooperation—creating new opportunities for trade, innovation, and job creation across Southeast Asia’s most dynamic growth corridor.

Sources: Malay Mail (2025) , Free Malaysia Today (2025)

Keywords: Johor Singapore SEZ, Gan Kim Yong, Malaysia Singapore Cooperation, Cross Border Investment, JS-SEZ Forum