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Malay Mail
09-07-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Malaysia Fest 2025 in Singapore aims for RM15m sales, 180,000 visitors
SINGAPORE, July 9 — The Malaysia Fest 2025 expo at the Singapore Expo Convention Centre is targeting 180,000 visitors and RM15 million in direct sales during its eighth edition, said Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) chairman Aminuddin Zulkipli. He said the four-day expo, which begins on July 31, is organised by MegaXpress International in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security through Fama, and will feature 321 booths showcasing Malaysian agrofood products, tourism offerings, as well as health and beauty items 'The objective of this programme is to provide a platform for Malaysian entrepreneurs to promote their products to consumers in Singapore, while also offering opportunities to build business networks and connect with potential importers,' he said at the pre-launch press conference for Malaysia Fest on Tuesday. Aminuddin said Fama will bring 10 tonnes of tropical and seasonal fruits to the expo, including products featured for the first time such as limau susu from Sarawak, Pitaya Twin from Negeri Sembilan, and Abiu fruit from Johor, along with 1,500 stock keeping units (SKUs). He stated that Fama also plays a role in conducting market intelligence on the marketability and competitiveness of products produced by Malaysian entrepreneurs in the Singapore market during the expo. Meanwhile, the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Singapore, Datuk Dr Azfar Mohamad Mustafar, said that Malaysian products — especially fruits — have consistently found a place in the republic, as evidenced by the increase in trade value from around RM400 million in 2020 to nearly RM500 million in 2023. 'There is certainly great potential for Malaysian products here, perhaps because Singaporeans have greater purchasing power, with some of the fruits brought here being relatively expensive to sell in the Malaysian market,' he said. He added that the expo will also serve as a platform to help Malaysian micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs break into the Singapore market, in addition to promoting Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026). On another front, the Director of Tourism Malaysia (Singapore), Norliza Md Zain, said that this year the agency will bring 16 companies from the tourism sector to participate in the expo to market their packages to consumers in Singapore. The expo will, among other things, feature the participation of local celebrities such as Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin, Datuk Seri Hasmiza Othman (Datuk Seri Vida), Datuk Seri Aliff Syukri Kamarzaman, and Datuk Khadijah Ibrahim Malaysia Fest 2025, themed 'Unlock The Treasures of Malaysia', will take place from July 31 to August 3 at Halls 5A and 5B of the Singapore Expo, from 10am to 10pm. — Bernama
Independent Singapore
09-05-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Singapore SMEs eye JS-SEZ for growth amid rising costs and global trade tensions
SINGAPORE: The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is emerging as a beacon for Singaporean small and medium enterprises (SMEs). They would be beneficial for those who are looking to balance rising operational costs in Singapore with strategic growth opportunities. With the global trade environment unsettled by mounting US-China tensions, Singaporean businesses are increasingly looking across the Causeway for solutions. A surge in interest despite global uncertainties Malaysia's High Commissioner to Singapore, Datuk Dr Azfar Mohamad Mustafar, confirmed that interest in the JS-SEZ remains strong, underscoring its appeal even amid international market turbulence. 'As we know, the world is in a destructive mode now, with the US and China in competition. I think many investors are looking for a place to further invest without having any problems,' he told Bernama following the ASEAN Unity Drive 2025 flag-off event in Singapore. His remarks highlight a growing trend: Singaporean SMEs, often seen as the lifeblood of the republic's economy, are confronting significant pressures at home, including escalating rental and wage costs. 'I think SMEs in Singapore increasingly realise that the republic has become a more expensive place to operate. So they need to find a place to continue being competitive,' Mr Azfar added. Johor's advantages: Proximity and cost savings Johor's geographical closeness to Singapore, combined with significantly lower operating costs, places the JS-SEZ in a prime position to attract these cost-conscious SMEs. Mr Azfar noted that his officers receive daily inquiries about the JS-SEZ, reflecting sustained and growing interest. 'We at the High Commission in Singapore have been actively providing information to interested parties,' he shared, as quoted by Bernama. This move is seen as a practical solution for businesses aiming to maintain operational continuity while reducing overheads. Malaysia's ability to offer competitive business environments, without the baggage of major power rivalries, makes the JS-SEZ very appealing for these SMEs. A platform designed for broad industrial growth The JS-SEZ, officially established through a bilateral agreement signed in January, is tailored to bolster a wide range of economic sectors. Its nine flagship zones, which include Johor Bahru City Centre, Iskandar Puteri, Tanjung Pelepas-Tanjung Bin, Pasir Gudang, Senai-Skudai, Sedenak, Forest City, Desaru, and Pengerang Integrated Petroleum Complex (PIPC), show that the JS-SEZ is seeking to ensure a balanced, region-wide development within Johor. Investment in the region influenced by Malaysia's neutrality Malaysia's neutral position in the US-China trade tensions is another factor making the region attractive to investors. This stance has been reassuring to global investors and has been giving Singaporean SMEs some protection from international trade pressures. Mr Azfar's comments reflect a broader shift in business sentiment. As globalisation becomes increasingly complex, SMEs are seeking ecosystems that not only offer cost benefits but also provide regulatory and geopolitical stability—qualities the JS-SEZ is designed to deliver. Public sentiments on the JS-SEZ On social media, many have expressed positive reactions to the growing partnership between Singapore and Malaysia as both timely and necessary. 'To stay relevant and united, we need to work within ASEAN, Asian, and Africa. We have to build up our own talent pool,' one netizen stated, showing a regional aspiration for self-reliance. Another netizen emphasised, 'We need to start creating our own platforms to stay connected and develop our economies by trading within,' echoing wider calls for intra-regional collaboration. Others were more pragmatic, celebrating close ties with Malaysia: 'We have great partners to work with and, luckily, they are our neighbours.' Looking ahead: A deepening cross-border partnership The JS-SEZ's growing appeal underscores a deeper narrative: that ASEAN neighbours are increasingly recognising the value of mutual cooperation in weathering global economic storms. For Singaporean SMEs, Johor is not just a cost-effective alternative; it is rapidly becoming a vital extension of their business growth strategies. As interest continues to intensify for investors, the JS-SEZ will likely be playing a significant role in creating a more integrated regional economy. Through this initiative, mutual benefits are expected to materialise for both Singapore and Malaysia. Read also: Singaporean fined RM817 for undeclared Dyson vacuum at Malaysian Customs
