On 7th January 2025, Malaysia and Singapore signed an agreement to establish the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) in Putrajaya. Witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong, this milestone reflects a deep commitment from both nations to build a stronger economic partnership.
The JS-SEZ is more than just a policy or project. It is a bold step towards creating better lives for the people of Johor and Singapore. Stretching across parts of the Iskandar Development Region and Pengerang, Johor, this zone aims to bring in high-value investments in areas like manufacturing, logistics, renewable energy, and digital technology. These sectors are the future, and Johor is at the heart of this transformation.
Creating Opportunities for Johoreans
One must credit Anwar for being instrumental in transforming the long-standing vision of Johor-Singapore economic integration into the concrete reality that is JS-SEZ. As a Johorean, I feel deeply proud about the opportunities this initiative brings.
For example, JS-SEZ is expected to create 20,000 skilled jobs. For young graduates and those with such skills from towns like Jementah, Johor this opens up employment opportunities in cutting-edge industries without having to leave their home state.
To be honest, residents of areas like Jementah sometimes feel that the benefits of large-scale developments such as JS-SEZ are only concentrated in Johor Bahru and its surroundings. A persistent issue here is the migration of youth seeking opportunities elsewhere, leaving behind a gap in manpower for local businesses. Addressing this challenge is key to ensuring no district is left behind in Johor’s economic transformation.
This is where the Government needs to ensure that the JS-SEZ’s benefits extend beyond its immediate borders to towns like Jementah, Segamat, and Labis, bringing renewed economic activity to local businesses and creating opportunities that reach every corner of Johor—and beyond.
Investing in skills and education
However, to fully realise the potential of the JS-SEZ, we need to address key priorities, starting with education and training. Equipping Johoreans with the right skills will ensure they can actively contribute to and benefit from the opportunities this economic zone creates.
As an ADUN, I have played my part to sponsor over 20 students from my constituency to learn coding since 2023 and provided laptops to needy students there. Equipping our young people with these skills is not just an investment in their future, but about the state’s success.
When JS-SEZ thrives, it will attract more investors and industries to Johor. This success will not only bolster Johor Bahru and Pengerang but also pave the way for secondary hubs like Segamat to emerge as centres for support services, manufacturing, and logistics.
Smart linkages and sustainability
This is where improved connectivity comes in. For towns like Jementah, where travelling to Johor Bahru currently takes up to three hours, improved infrastructure such as upgraded roads or enhanced rail networks can be transformative. Shorter travel times and enhanced accessibility would allow more residents to tap into the opportunities provided by the JS-SEZ, fostering inclusion and ensuring development benefits reach every corner of the state.
The JS-SEZ is also an opportunity for us to grow responsibly. Johor can lead the way by adopting sustainable practices and promoting renewable energy, especially with the huge amount of power consumed by the booming data centres in the State. By doing so, we are not just building an economy for today but ensuring that future generations can thrive in a world that is cleaner and greener.
Inclusivity is key
JS-SEZ also needs to be inclusive. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are the backbone of our economy, need to be given the tools and opportunities to thrive in this new environment. Women, too, should be empowered to take on leadership roles in the industries and projects that emerge from the JS-SEZ. An inclusive approach will ensure that no one is left behind as Johor takes this bold step forward.
The JS-SEZ also represents an opportunity to rethink regional development. By investing in training for local youths and strengthening infrastructure in second-tier towns like Segamat, we can ensure the zone’s benefits are distributed equitably across Johor. This is how we build not just an economic hub, but a state where no community is left behind.
The JS-SEZ represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our state and the nation. It has the potential to not only transform our economy but also uplift the lives of its people. By addressing challenges and embracing inclusivity, we can build a Johor and Malaysia that is more prosperous, more connected, and more inclusive than ever before.
Ng Kor Sim is the State Assemblywoman for Jementah, Johor
