Latest news with #IdzhamHashim
Free Malaysia Today
10 hours ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
JS-SEZ safe bet for investors amid global tensions, says Iskandar Investment CEO
IIB president and CEO Idzham Hashim said Johor's strategic location and political stability have helped it remain among Malaysia's top three destinations for foreign direct investment in recent years. ISKANDAR PUTERI : The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) offers investors a secure proposition amid growing global uncertainty, Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB) president and CEO Idzham Hashim said today. He said Johor's strategic location and political stability had helped it remain among Malaysia's top three destinations for foreign direct investment in recent years. 'Despite the fact that many politicians all over the world are trying to make the world smaller, the majority believe globalisation is key to uplifting the quality of life. 'Because of our location and the strong relationship between Malaysia and Singapore – and Malaysia's good relationship with all nations – we are in a good position to capitalise on this,' he said at the Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025 co-organised by IIB here today. Idzham said in today's uncertain political climate, the formalisation of JS-SEZ had been crucial to ensuring its long-term competitiveness. The zone was formally established in January through an agreement between Malaysia and Singapore to boost economic connectivity between the state and the republic. It aims to attract 100 projects worth RM100 billion and create about 100,000 jobs in high-value sectors such as manufacturing, digital economy, logistics, clean energy, and tourism over the next decade. Spanning nine flagship zones, including Iskandar Malaysia and Pengerang, JS-SEZ offers competitive tax incentives and streamlined regulations to attract global investors. The initiative has begun to draw strong interest from investors in Japan, South Korea, China and Europe, positioning Johor as a strategic gateway to the Asean market. Idzham said the region's relatively low operating cost made it especially appealing. 'The cost of doing business in Johor is almost 60% cheaper than in Singapore and almost 30% cheaper than in Kuala Lumpur. 'We have the ability to help (Singaporean businesses) scale up, reduce their cost of doing business, and give them the space they need to grow,' he said. At a time when cross-border dynamics are easily politicised, Idzham reframed Johor-Singapore ties as collaborative rather than competitive. He said the two neighbours, separated only by the Johor Strait, each brought unique strengths to the table and complemented one another economically.
Free Malaysia Today
6 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Iskandar Investment to co-organise inaugural Nikkei Forum in Medini
A view of the Medini township in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, the emerging innovation hub which is set to host the inaugural Nikkei Forum Medini. PETALING JAYA : Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB) is set to co-organise the inaugural Nikkei Forum in Medini, scheduled to run from June 18 to 19. Held in partnership with Japan's Nikkei Inc and supported by the Johor state government, the event will gather over 500 global delegates in Medini, a fast-rising township in Iskandar Puteri. The two-day event, themed 'Driving Asia's Innovation Hub', will feature more than 20 speakers and 10 panel sessions focused on emerging technologies, digital transformation, and sustainability. Onn Hafiz Ghazi. Among the top names expected are Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi, and Japan's ambassador to Malaysia Shikata Noriyuki. IIB president and CEO Idzham Hashim said Medini was more than a location, describing it as the 'beating heart' of Iskandar Puteri's dynamic ecosystem. 'This event not only showcases Medini's readiness but also reflects the strength of the broader Iskandar Puteri ecosystem, a thriving mix of industry, education, innovation, and lifestyle that together create an environment ripe for regional collaboration and sustainable growth,' he said. Idzham Hashim. 'We are proud to position Johor as a leading destination for global business engagement.' This is the first time that the Nikkei Forum, widely regarded as one of Asia's most respected platforms for business and economic dialogue, will be held in Johor. The event comes amid growing regional interest in deepening economic ties and advancing green, tech-driven growth. An investment immersion tour of Medini and exclusive networking sessions will be held alongside the forum, aimed at sparking partnerships and promoting Medini's readiness as a base for innovation-led industries. Onn Hafiz said the forum was a milestone that reflected Johor's growing role as a global dialogue and investment platform. 'With strong international partnerships and the momentum of the Johor-Singapore special economic zone, we are paving the way for a bold, inclusive, and future-ready growth trajectory,' he said. As the master developer of Medini, IIB continues to lead strategic efforts to attract high-impact investments and build an inclusive, resilient and innovation-driven metropolis that reflects the aspirations of a connected Asean and beyond.
