The Nikkei Forum Medini, Johor 2025, the first ever Nikkei forum held outside of Japan, has concluded its two days of high-level dialogue, regional engagement, and impactful knowledge exchange.
Co-organised by Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) and Nikkei Inc., the forum brought together over 500 senior decision-makers from Japan, Malaysia, and across Southeast Asia, reaffirming Medini’s growing position as a regional centre for innovation and strategic business engagement as well as marking a new chapter in Japan–Malaysia cooperation and strengthened Southeast Asia’s leadership in the global innovation economy.
The forum received a nod from the government – both state and federal, with the attendance of Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, Johor Menteri Besar, Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi, both relaying closing keynote address and special remarks at the climax, opened by keynote speech from Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, Noriyuki Shikata.
Featuring a broad range of future-oriented discussions, including digital transformation, fintech and capital markets, ESG investment, sustainable infrastructure, and cross-border startup collaboration, Dato’ Idzham Mohd Hashim, President and Chief Executive Officer of IIB, described the forum to have not only validated Medini’s readiness but has also elevated its role as a launchpad for next-generation investment and regional collaboration.
“This forum was never just about hosting dialogue. It was about driving Asia’s innovation agenda forward by convening the right minds, sharing actionable insights, and strengthening the bridges between Japan, Malaysia, and the wider region,” he said in a statement.
“Medini serves as the platform that enables these connections to take root. With our infrastructure in place and our ecosystem thriving, we are honoured to have co-hosted this landmark forum with Nikkei Inc. as a step toward deeper regional cooperation and long-term impact,” he added.
Held at Sunway Hotel Big Box, Medini, Iskandar Puteri, Johor, the forum brought together senior government officials, corporate leaders, and subject-matter experts from both the public and private sectors where high-level discussions that highlighted the urgency for agile policymaking, enhanced digital connectivity, ESG-led investment strategies, and stronger public-private partnerships to unlock new regional value took place.
Participation from Japanese business leaders and institutions reflected the growing importance of Japan–ASEAN collaboration, while also reinforcing Medini’s positioning as Malaysia’s next destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) anchored by the Medini International Convention City (MICC) as a dynamic base for cross-border innovation, high-impact events, and long-term business engagement.
Positioned as a rising base for regional innovation, Medini’s appeal is anchored by three interlinked enablers: Talent, Infrastructure, and Ease of Government.
Through EduCity Iskandar and the Johor Talent Development Council, the area continues to nurture a skilled, future-ready workforce aligned with emerging industry needs.
Over RM2.2 billion has been invested into infrastructure upgrades, including the Rapid Transit System (RTS) and green-certified smart facilities designed for low-carbon, high-efficiency operations. At the same time, streamlined facilitation through the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JSSEZ) and coordinated state support reinforce Medini’s positioning as a scalable, business-friendly platform for international expansion.
Medini’s transformation is driven by IIB’s long-term strategy to develop a net-zero carbon central business district, expand Tech Medini as a deep-tech and digital hub, and fully integrate into the JSSEZ. These initiatives are backed by EduCity Iskandar’s growing talent pipeline and a focused push to attract high-value investments in green economy, advanced technology, and smart infrastructure.
The successful hosting of the Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025 represents a significant step in positioning Johor as an innovation-led economy and a strategic entry point into the Southeast Asian market. It also affirms IIB’s broader vision to make Medini a competitive, connected, and sustainable platform for global business.
The outcomes of the forum are expected to catalyse new strategic projects, policy dialogues, and long-term regional collaborations. For Medini, the success of this forum marks a pivotal milestone in its journey to becoming a regional hub for innovation, investment, and high-level engagement between ASEAN and its strategic partners, including Japan.
