In the second episode of Johor Corporation (JCorp)’s CEREBRUM Insight’s series, JS-SEZ 360°: Beyond the Hype, a cohort of leading experts weighed in on the works and assets needed to make the hot, up-and-coming economic zone unleash its full potential, benefiting investors and the economy of both Malaysia, through Johor, and Singapore.
Through a segment titled Academic Lens: What the Data Reveals, Datuk Seri Utama Ir. Haji Hasni bin Haji Mohammad, Johor State Economic and Investment Advisor, Chairman of Johor Sustainability Centre and Prof. Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, 7th Vice Chancellor, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, both agreed that the relationship between Johor and Singapore is complementary, not dependent—each brings its own unique competitive advantages to the partnership.
With SEZ focusing on attracting high-value investments and creating well-paying, high-skilled jobs to boost the local economy to combat Malaysia’s grapple with brain drain, universities play a crucial role in developing talent and fostering industry partnerships to meet the needs of the evolving job market.
In the Policy Lens: The Art of the Possible segment with Professor Dr Kian-Ming Ong, Pro Vice Chancellor, Taylor’s University and Zaid Hamzah, AI & Data Strategist, National University of Singapore, the panels discussed that the key to success in the JSSEZ lies in identifying complementary strengths between Johor and Singapore, rather than focusing on cost advantages alone.
Exploring innovative free trade zone arrangements within the JSSEZ could create mutual benefits for both countries’ logistics and trade sectors. As the first cross-border special economic zone, with the Shenzhen-Hong Kong model serving as a close comparison, JS-SEZ must first design a clear framework, test it through a pilot programme, and ensure its effectiveness. Once the prototype has been proven successful, it can be scaled up with greater confidence.
Moving on to the final segment, Media Lens: Crafting the Narrative – Watchdog or Cheerleader?, lone panellist Datuk Seri Chun Wai Wong, Chairman, Malaysian National News Agency (BERNAMA), emphasised the importance of fostering collaboration between Malaysian and Singaporean media outlets to ensure more balanced, nuanced coverage of the JS-SEZ—capturing diverse perspectives and addressing concerns from both sides of the border.
When promoting the JS-SEZ to international investors, it is critical to highlight its strategic location, political stability, strong legal frameworks, and high quality of life in Johor and Singapore as compelling benefits.
He also emphasised the importance of balancing the narrative, highlighting both opportunities and potential challenges, in order to manage expectations and prepare stakeholders for the road ahead.
“We need to tell a clear story that manages expectations from the beginning. Because this is a new initiative, we have a unique opportunity to shape the narrative early on. This story is not only for stakeholders such as investors, businesses, and the government; it is also about the people. Everyone should understand the vision and feel part of the journey,” he said, citing examples to acknowledge and address public concerns about potential negative impacts, such as increased cost of living, while emphasising the long-term benefits and opportunities the JS-SEZ will bring.
CEREBRUM Insights is a thought leadership series designed to provide timely, multi-sector perspectives on developments shaping Malaysia’s business and policy landscape.
Najmie Noordin, Chief Talent Officer of Johor Corporation, introduced CEREBRUM as an initiative that has evolved from a physical think tank to an innovation platform designed to capitalise on the newly launched JS-SEZ in the opening remarks.
He added that partnerships play a crucial role in CEREBRUM’s mission, acknowledging collaborations with organisations such as MDEC, IDO, and JCS Academy, emphasising their importance in turning ideas into actionable strategies.
The CEREBRUM Councils, comprising esteemed members like Professor Dato Ir Technologist Fauzi and Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, were recognised for their full-day commitment to sharing insights and shaping the future of innovation in Johor.
Noordin concluded by underlining the collective effort required to drive next-generation innovation and economic opportunities in the region, inviting attendees coming from the business, policy, academia or media industry to contribute to CEREBRUM and the JS-SEZ.
“This event marks a significant step in Johor Corporation’s ambition to lead rather than follow in capitalising on the opportunities presented by the Special Economic Zone, positioning CEREBRUM as a catalyst for cross-border collaboration and innovation.” he said in a statement.
Full takeaways and summary from the panels at the CEREBRUM Insights Series 2’s JS-SEZ 360°: Beyond the Hype, full takeaways and a summary are here for those interested.
