Japan, Korea, Europe circle Johor in bid for Asean foothold
ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) drew growing attention from global investors, particularly from Japan, South Korea, China, and Europe, positioning Johor as a strategic entry point into the Asean market.
Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) chief executive Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman said the state Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre has seen a marked uptick in enquiries, reflecting international confidence in Johor's regional promise.
"This outlook bodes well not just for Johor but for Malaysia. Amid global volatility, investors are looking to Asean for fresh market access," he said after participating as a panellist at the Nikkei Forum Medini 2025: Driving Asia's Innovation Hub, held at Sunway BigBox here today.
He said Japanese investors are showing keen interest in sectors such as electrical and electronics, technology, digital economy, and financial services. While the potential investors remain confidential, he confirmed several Japanese firms had sought direct engagement with Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
"Japanese banks like Mizuho and Sumitomo Mitsui are actively facilitating discussions. The recent letter of intent signed by the economy ministry with these banks highlights the momentum," he added.
Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB) president and chief executive officer Datuk Idzham Mohd Hashim said Medini is fully equipped to absorb new investments through a 'plug and play' model, with utilities and infrastructure already in place.
"Investors don't have to build from scratch. We already host nearly 40 international firms. The environment is right for scaling," he said.
Idzham cited Medini's lifestyle appeal, with green spaces, leisure attractions like Legoland, and high liveability standards.
He acknowledged global uncertainties, including Singapore's trimmed GDP growth forecast, but said Asean's long-term fundamentals remain strong.
"Young people make up nearly 60 per cent of Southeast Asia's 650 million population. "That's a long-term growth engine," he said.
IIB's strategy is focused on physical development and also soft infrastructure, which includes talent, facilitation, and market access, to support sustainable investor success.
The two-day Nikkei Forum forms part of ongoing efforts to anchor Johor as a regional innovation hub, supporting the JS-SEZ's vision of deeper cross-border integration with Singapore.
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