Johor Bahru Takes Centre Stage as CTOS Champions SME Innovation and Digitalisation

Through CTOS SME Biz Day Johor Bahru, participants will gain access to expert insights, essential business tools, and strategic partners from government agencies, corporates, and industry leaders

0
468
Promotional poster for the CTOS SME Biz Day

CTOS SME Biz Day continues its journey to Johor Bahru, marking the third stop in its nationwide tour following resounding successes in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

This Johor edition is dedicated to empowering SMEs in their mission to digitalise, transform, and innovate in one of Malaysia’s most vibrant and fast-growing business corridors. CTOS invites SMEs to be part of this transformative movement on 9th July 2025 at Persada Johor International Convention Centre for a day of inspiration, innovation, and growth.

Johor has long held a strategic position in the business landscape due to its resource-rich environment and proximity to Singapore.

The recently formalised Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) amplifies this advantage by fostering a collaborative cross-border ecosystem between the two economies.

With a focus on high-impact sectors, skilled talent, and flagship business locations, the JS-SEZ presents significant opportunities for Johor SMEs to scale and lead, putting them in a prime position to move beyond domestic markets and expand regionally.

To date, over 50,000 SMEs in Johor have already embarked on their digital transformation journey, signalling strong momentum in the region. Yet, to fully harness the potential of JS-SEZ, deeper integration into the digital economy is key.

While there has been a strong national push towards digitalisation, most Malaysian SMEs have yet to fully harness the transformative power of technologies such as AI, social media, and data analytics.

Many remain at a basic level of digital maturity — missing out on tools that could significantly enhance their operations, customer engagement, and competitiveness. This is often due to persistent barriers such as digital skills gaps, limited access to financing, and difficulties in meeting evolving regional compliance standards.

Commenting on these developments, Kevin Loh, Interim Group CEO (IGCEO) of CTOS Digital, said “The bilateral strengths of Malaysia and Singapore create a powerful foundation for cross-border collaboration, innovation, and economic growth. At CTOS, we are committed to building on this momentum by equipping Johor’s SMEs with the tools, insights, and support they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy. This reinforces our commitment at CTOS to be an enabler and ecosystem builder for SMEs as well as supporting Malaysia’s broader national development goals.”

CTOS is taking the lead in sparking critical conversations that matter most to today’s SMEs.

Through CTOS SME Biz Day Johor Bahru, participants will gain access to expert insights, essential business tools, and strategic partners from government agencies, corporates, and industry leaders. Key discussion areas include:

The Latest in e-Invoicing: Stay informed with the latest updates, practical guidance, and compliance requirements surrounding the implementation of e-Invoicing in Malaysia, featuring expert insights from LHDN.

Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ): Understand what businesses, investors, and innovators need to know to seize opportunities within the JS-SEZ. This session unpacks key expectations and preparations required to thrive in this emerging cross-border ecosystem.

Transforming Business with AI, Social Media & Smart Tools: Explore the latest business solutions and technologies designed to enhance operations, sales performance, and strategy. Learn how AI, social media, and digital tools are reshaping business success in today’s competitive landscape.

The event features power-packed panels and thought leadership from industry trailblazers, including:

Dato’ CC Ngei – Founder, Feruni Ceramiche

Dato’ Calvin Chan – Managing Director, Oriental Kopi

Dr. Jeff Lim – CEO, Luckin Coffee Malaysia & Hextar Retail Berhad

Mohd. Redzuan Affandi – Director, Digital Services Department, MDEC

Mohd Syazli Mokhtar – Assistant Director, Tax Operations Department, LHDN

Mohd Haris Abdul Latif – Senior Manager, MATRADE

Pamela Tan – Founder & Director, Poh Sin Studio

Anjoe Koh – Founder, Anjoe Skincare / MadebyAnjoe

Nur Azre Abdul Aziz – Director, Strategic Partnerships, TikTok Malaysia

CTOS SME Biz Day Johor Bahru is a must-attend platform for growth-minded SMEs ready to embrace change. Johor SMEs looking to stay ahead in today’s competitive landscape are encouraged to secure their tickets now at ticketmelon.com/ctos/smebizdayjb.

To learn more about CTOS and its initiatives, visit http://www.ctoscredit.com.my.