Bernama has reported that the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Taiwan’s Taoyuan City Government to promote industrial collaboration, talent development, and mutual economic competitiveness.
In a statement, IRDA said the collaboration is a significant step towards strengthening economic and institutional ties between Iskandar Malaysia and Taoyuan City, bringing together two regions recognised as key drivers of economic growth, industrial development, and innovation in their respective countries.
Taoyuan City is widely regarded as Taiwan’s premier industrial and technology hub, boasting a robust ecosystem of advanced manufacturing, logistics, electronics, and innovation-driven industries, according to the report.
“The city plays an important role in supporting Taiwan’s global competitiveness, particularly in high-technology sectors and export-oriented industries,” it stated.
IRDA stated that the two parties would also look into collaboration in emerging and high-value industries such as advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, smart industries, and future-focused economic sectors.
The partnership, it said, also serves as a platform for deeper collaboration in areas such as investment facilitation, industrial development, technology exchange, and workforce development.
“It reflects a shared commitment to fostering innovation, strengthening industrial ecosystems, and increasing long-term economic resilience,” it stated.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Johor state financial officer and IRDA Chief Executive Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman and Taoyuan City Government Mayor Chang San-Cheng.
Mohd Noorazam said Taoyuan’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, innovation and industrial development complement the growing opportunities within Iskandar Malaysia and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
“We aim to facilitate meaningful connections between businesses, institutions and talent from both regions, creating new opportunities for investment, knowledge exchange and workforce development.
“Furthermore, this partnership reflects our shared aspiration to build resilient, innovative and globally competitive industrial ecosystems that will generate long-term value for our communities and economies,” he added.
According to IRDA, Johor is continuing to strengthen its position as one of Malaysia’s most dynamic economic regions, owing to strong investment performance, a growing industrial base, and strategic initiatives such as JS-SEZ.
It stated that Iskandar Malaysia, as the economic engine of southern Peninsular Malaysia, continues to be a popular destination for investment, talent, and business expansion.
