Maybank, PUJB join forces to power JS-SEZ growth

New Straits Times

22-04-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Perbadanan Usahawan Johor Sdn Bhd (PUJB) to boost support for local entrepreneurs in Johor.
The partnership will focus on micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) businesses aligned with the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
Under the MoU, both parties aim to address key gaps by providing tailored banking and non-banking support, including halal facilitation, supply chain financing, training and advisory services.
Maybank president and group chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Khairussaleh Ramli said the partnership reflects the bank's commitment to support local entrepreneurs and strengthen Johor's MSME ecosystem with PUJB.
"As a leading bank of Asean with the largest branch network in Johor and 65 years of banking presence in Singapore, this partnership will play a catalytic role in advancing business growth and investments in the JS-SEZ covering over 60,000 local MSME entrepreneurs whom are currently part of PUJB's ecosystem.
"With JS-SEZ's focus on halal, this partnership with PUJB will also contribute towards the development and positioning of JS-SEZ as the preferred regional and global halal hub.
"Our strong global Islamic banking experience has strategically positioned us to assist in not only providing Shariah-compliant financing solutions, but also enables us access to the halal ecosystem and marketplace for businesses," he said.
Maybank Islamic has guided 360 MSMEs in their halal certification journey under its halal facilitation programme.
The programme will now be extended to benefit not only local entrepreneurs but also foreign investors in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors who are seeking entry into the halal market.
Maybank described the partnership with PUJB as timely in the context of increasing regional economic integration and the growing demand for halal-certified products and services.
PUJB chief executive officer Mohd Radzi Mohd Amin said the company is focused on building a strong and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
"PUJB is committed to empowering youth, women and rural communities through training, mentoring, access to technology, financing, and infrastructure support for shared economic prosperity," he said.
Maybank has also set up a dedicated JS-SEZ desk as a one-stop platform offering advisory, banking and beyond banking solutions, and linking clients with the relevant approving authorities.
This will be further supported by Maybank's presence in both Johor and Singapore.