Iskandar Investment reaffirms commitment to collaborate with stakeholders for Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone

• IIB president and chief executive officer Datuk Idzham Mohd Hashim said strategic investments, infrastructure enhancement, and sustainability are at the core of this initiative.

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 8): Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB) reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with stakeholders, including government agencies and international partners, to ensure the success of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).

In a statement on Wednesday, IIB president and chief executive officer Datuk Idzham Mohd Hashim said strategic investments, infrastructure enhancement, and sustainability are at the core of this initiative. These efforts aim to position Johor as a premier investment destination in Southeast Asia while establishing Iskandar Puteri as a benchmark for regional innovation and growth.

“We look forward to the JS-SEZ fulfilling its collective vision for a dynamic and inclusive future, one that promises to transform Iskandar Puteri and Johor into thriving centres of opportunity and innovation,” said Idzham.

IIB, 60%-owned by Khazanah Nasional Bhd, is an investment holding company tasked with driving the strategic development of Iskandar Malaysia. Its primary focus is on Iskandar Puteri, formerly known as Nusajaya or Flagship Zone B.

According to Idzham, to foster a business-friendly environment and support economic growth, Medini International Convention City (MICC) will provide world-class infrastructure for global business engagements.

Tech Medini is envisioned as a hub for entrepreneurship and skill development, empowering the region’s youth and workforce while cementing Iskandar Puteri’s reputation as a prime destination for investment and innovation, he said.

“As a key stakeholder in Johor’s economic development, IIB is deeply committed to the vast opportunities that the JS-SEZ will create for businesses and communities,” said Idzham.

“As Malaysia begins its Asean chairmanship in 2025, themed Inclusivity and Sustainability, the nation continues to strengthen its role in advancing regional collaboration and economic resilience. These priorities align seamlessly with the shared goals of the JS-SEZ, fostering sustainability, innovation, and integration across Asean. This synergy enhances Johor’s strategic importance as a leader in driving regional economic and environmental initiatives.

“Iskandar Puteri stands at the forefront of these efforts, leveraging its unique strengths to attract investments and forge partnerships that will contribute to a resilient and prosperous Asean,” he added.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Ministry of Finance announced a series of incentives for investors in the JS-SEZ, including a special tax rate of 5% for up to 15 years for companies investing in eligible manufacturing and service sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing supply chains, medical devices, aerospace manufacturing, and global service hubs.

In addition to the tax incentives, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced that the Johor state government would implement reduced entertainment duties starting Jan 1.

The JS-SEZ agreement, signed on Tuesday by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, aims to enhance trade and connectivity between Malaysia and Singapore, facilitate technology transfer, and drive growth across various sectors.

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