Johor’s Menteri Besar urges local businesses to enhance competitiveness and seize opportunities from the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone

As the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) takes shape, Johor’s Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi is calling on entrepreneurs and traders to upskill and reskill in order to compete on a global scale. Speaking at the Johor Business Summit & Expo 2025 (JBSE 2025), he emphasized that the state’s economic future depends on the readiness of its people to meet world-class standards.

Preparing for Global Competition

Onn Hafiz highlighted that the JS-SEZ, spanning 3,500 square kilometres—four times the size of Singapore, will open vast opportunities across manufacturing, logistics, retail, and tourism. However, he cautioned that these prospects will only translate into long-term growth if Johor’s entrepreneurs are prepared to deliver world-class quality and innovation.

“We can’t offer investors sub-standard or average entrepreneurs. If they are not ready, investors may only come once and leave disappointed,” he said.

Building Skills for a Global Economy

The Menteri Besar underscored that upskilling and reskilling are essential for Johoreans to compete with developed nations. He urged entrepreneurs to take advantage of the facilities and incentives made available through the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).

He added that while the government can facilitate growth, true success depends on entrepreneurs’ personal initiative and service excellence.

“There is no such thing as a free meal. Just as I need to strengthen my leadership, entrepreneurs must also improve their capabilities and quality of service,” he emphasized.

JS-SEZ: A Gateway for Investment

The JS-SEZ aims to deepen Malaysia-Singapore economic integration, attracting multinational brands and investors to Johor. The zone is expected to create thousands of jobs, modernize local industries, and position Johor as a regional hub for innovation and trade.

To sustain investor confidence, the state government plans to highlight only the most competitive local businesses, reinforcing Johor’s reputation as a reliable and skilled investment destination.

Johor Business Summit & Expo 2025

Held at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre, the JBSE 2025 serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. The two-day event features 80 exhibition booths showcasing local suppliers, SMEs, and innovations under the “Meh Sapot Lokal” campaign.

Industry experts, policymakers, and business leaders gathered at the summit’s forums to discuss the direction and growth strategies for Johor’s evolving business landscape.

Empowering Local Entrepreneurs

Onn Hafiz’s message reflects a growing focus on inclusive development, where local entrepreneurs play a key role in transforming Johor’s economy from a regional player into a global contender. His administration aims to ensure that Johor’s growth under JS-SEZ benefits both international investors and the state’s local business community.

Johor stands on the brink of a major economic transformation through the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. As opportunities expand, Onn Hafiz’s call for upskilling serves as a timely reminder that the state’s competitiveness will rely not just on government incentives, but on the readiness, innovation, and resilience of its entrepreneurs.

Sources: Malay Mail (2025) , The Sun (2025)

Keywords: Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Johor Entrepreneurs, Business Summit 2025, MITI, MIDA