Latest news with #MohdNoorazamOsman
The Sun
10 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
JS-SEZ draws global investor interest
JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is drawing increasing interest from international investors, particularly from Japan, South Korea, China, and Europe, as Johor positions itself as a strategic gateway to the Asean market. Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) chief executive Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman said recent investment enquiries received by the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor reflect strong interest from these key markets, underscoring Johor's emergence as a promising regional growth hub. 'This is a very positive outlook not only for Johor, but also for Malaysia as a whole. Amid ongoing global volatility, investors are looking to Asean as a promising entry point into new regional markets,' he said when met after speaking as a panellist at the Nikkei Forum Medini 2025: Driving Asia's Innovation Hub held here yesterday. On key investment sectors, Mohd Noorazam said Japanese investors are particularly drawn to electrical and electronics, financial services, technology, and the digital economy. Asked about confirmed Japanese investments, he noted that while specific names could not yet be disclosed, several companies had requested meetings with Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, a clear indication of their strong interest. 'We have also received enquiries from Japanese banks acting on behalf of their clients. We are facilitating engagements, particularly with institutions such as Mizuho Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, with whom the Economy Ministry recently signed a letter of intent,' he added. Meanwhile, Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB) president and CEO Datuk Idzham Mohd Hashim said Medini is fully equipped to welcome new investors, supported by comprehensive infrastructure and a business-friendly ecosystem. He said the 'plug and play' development model implemented in Medini enables investors to begin operations immediately, without delays. 'The land is ready, and essential utilities, including electricity, water, fibre optics, and cabling, are already in place. Instead of starting from scratch, investors can establish operations in Medini, which already hosts nearly 40 international companies. 'These businesses are thriving, and it's now a matter of scaling up. At IIB, we see ourselves as growth partners, committed to helping businesses succeed in Medini,' he said. Idzham also emphasised Medini's high quality of life, supported by amenities such as pocket parks, Sireh Park, golf courses, Legoland, and the revitalised Johor Zoo, all catering to diverse lifestyles and income groups. Commenting on global uncertainties and Singapore's recent downward revision of its gross domestic product growth forecast to 0.2%, he acknowledged that some investors are adopting a wait-and-see approach due to geopolitical tensions. 'There may be short-term corrections, such as what Singapore is experiencing, but we believe these are temporary. Asean remains one of the world's fastest-growing regions, with a youthful and expanding middle class. Young people account for about 50 to 60% of Southeast Asia's 650 million population,' he said. He also highlighted the natural geographic advantages of Johor and Singapore as investment destinations, further bolstered by political stability and the absence of natural disasters. On IIB's development strategy, he stressed that focus is not solely on physical infrastructure but also soft infrastructure. 'Soft infrastructure includes talent development, facilitation by government agencies, and enabling businesses to access markets. 'That's the ecosystem we're building, not just buildings and roads, but the support systems businesses need to thrive.' The two-day Nikkei Forum Medini 2025 forms part of broader efforts to position Johor as a regional innovation hub, supporting the JS-SEZ initiative to attract high-quality investments and integrate value chains between Malaysia and Singapore. – Bernama
New Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
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.
