6 days ago
‘Many firms partly moving to Johor, offer career growth'
THE Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) will eventually help draw more talent back into Johor, especially with the growing presence of high-value industries, business groups say.
Johor Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JICCI) council member Joel William said there was increasing interest from multinational companies, including those based in Singapore, in relocating parts of their operations to Johor.
'These companies have their headquarters in Singapore, but have moved their manufacturing operations to Johor to take advantage of lower costs and incentives under the SEZ.'
William says workers in their late 30s or 40s are willing to take a pay cut to avoid the daily commute.
He said some companies have brought back Malaysian talents from Singapore despite offering slightly lower salaries than those in Singapore.
'Many of these employees, especially those in their late 30s or 40s, are willing to take a pay cut to avoid the daily commute,' he noted.
William said the trend was already underway with several US-based companies such as Insulet, Brooks Automation, SICK and Colorcon establishing high-tech manufacturing bases in Johor.
'We can already see the increase in job opportunities
in Johor. This is expected to continue to grow.
'In the next one to two years, more high-end manufacturing companies will move in and begin hiring and training local workers,' said William, who is also in JICCI's subcommittee that looks into investment and trade.
Mohammad Alif believes JS-SEZ will offer workers more time with family.
Johor Youth Council deputy president Mohammad Alif A. Rahim said the state government's effort to offer premium salaries through the JS-SEZ was encouraging.
'While it may not be able to fully solve the brain drain issue, and many may still want to work in Singapore, I believe the efforts from the state government will at least help a little.
'Most young Malaysians, especially Johoreans, are still drawn to Singapore due to
the significantly higher wages and their growing financial burden.
'The reality is, with the rising cost of living and increasing responsibilities, they need jobs that allow them to save and manage daily expenses,' he said.
Mohammad Alif also said that although the JS-SEZ might not be able to offer salaries
as high as in Singapore, it would offer something more meaningful – time with family.
'While the salary will not be as high, it will at least allow them to spend more time with their loved ones and cut down their travelling time.
'This is a very significant trade-off and I believe many Johoreans are looking forward to such opportunities near their homes.
'Besides, many of these companies are also able to provide good career progression, another thing that is important to many,' he added. — By VENESA DEVI
