IIB will host a significant business forum at Medini, with Nikkei Inc., one of Japan’s leading media organisations and the organiser of Nikkei Forum and Nikkei Global Management Dialogue. This highly anticipated event, which will be held in June 2025, brings together thought leaders, industry experts, and investors to discuss pressing issues in the digital economy, technology, innovation, sustainability, and the future of Asian markets.
In order to formalize their relationship and bring a Nikkei Forum to Medini Johor in 2025, Nikkei Inc., Nikkei Business Publication (Nikkei BP), and Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Tokyo. The MOU was signed on behalf of IIB by the Chief Investment Officer, Haris Hardi Zakaria, and the President/CEO, Dato’ Idzham Mohd Hashim. Nikkei was represented by Daisuke Arakawa, Managing Director of Nikkei Inc., and Naoki Asami, Senior Managing Director of Nikkei Publications. Representatives from Invest Johor and the Malaysian Embassy in Tokyo attended the signing, which was witnessed by Lee Ting Han, Chairman of the Johor Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee. It is anticipated that the forum will attract roughly 500 possible investors and government dignitaries from Japan and Southeast Asia.
“Nikkei Forum Medini, Johor 2025 offers a unique opportunity for Medini and Johor to showcase our dynamic investment potential on the global stage. As announced by Johor Menteri Besar Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi, in the recent Johor Budget 2025, the forum exemplifies on the strong partnership between the state of Johor, IIB, and Nikkei Inc. As we continue to drive innovation and sustainability in the region, we look forward to fostering valuable partnerships and collaborations that will shape the future of digital economy in Medini, gateway to Asian market. This forum will be an important milestone in positioning Johor as a leading Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) for investment and business development in the Asian markets,” said Dato’ Idzham Mohd Hashim, the President/CEO of IIB.
As a flagship of Nikkei BP, Nikkei Forum is a special annual event that gathers a select group of the world’s top business leaders in Tokyo. Established in 1999, it has gained a reputation as one of Asia’s most prestigious international conferences.
The Nikkei Forum Medini, Johor 2025 will focus on the latest digital trends and innovations particularly within the realms of digital transformation, global business services, education and human capital development. The discussions will also centre around the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapidly expanding digital economy, offering insights into areas such as sustainable urban development, smart city development, and special economic zones.
This aligns seamlessly with Iskandar Investment Berhad’s (IIB) initiatives, particularly Medini Innopolis. Built around three core pillars, the Medini International Convention Centre (MICC), Tech Medini, and the region’s first Net Zero Carbon Central Business District. Through these initiatives, IIB is committed to establishing Johor as a resilient regional hub, nurturing a dynamic ecosystem that seamlessly combines technology, sustainability, and talent development.
In addition to its role as a platform for knowledge sharing and networking, the forum will also highlight Johor’s growing investment potential, with a particular focus on Medini and Iskandar Puteri. The event offers a significant opportunity for stakeholders to connect with regional investors, government representatives, and industry leaders to explore investment prospects in Johor and Southeast Asia.
The forum will feature a range of engaging activities, including keynote sessions from renowned speakers, an exhibition showcasing the latest innovations, and immersive networking opportunities. Additionally, there will be an immersion trip to key sites organised by IIB and its partners, as well as a networking golf session with VIPs and industry leaders.
Participation in the Nikkei Forum Medini, Johor 2025 will be by invitation only, underscoring IIB’s commitment to creating a high-impact platform that drives meaningful dialogue and fosters collaborations. The forum will serve as a strategic touchpoint for thought leadership, policy development, and investment opportunities, reinforcing Medini’s position as a premium gateway for innovation, sustainability, and economic growth in Asia.
