JS-SEZ On Track, Gaining Traction with More Regional and Global Businesses Entering the Area
JS-SEZ On Track, Gaining Traction with More Regional and Global Businesses Entering the Area
HLB’s Industry Update on Growth Opportunities in the JS-SEZ highlighted compelling value propositions for businesses looking to set base and expand beyond the ASEAN region.
Speakers at HLB’s JS-SEZ Implementation Update forum included [from left]: Khoo Hsu Chuang, Moderator; Tuan Haji Natazha Harris, Chief Executive of Invest Johor; Tan Jay Sern, Senior Economist at Bank Negara Malaysia; Bernard Yap, Malaysia Private Tax Leader & Partner at Ernst & Young Tax Consultants; Mohamad Reduan Mohd Zabri, Director at MIDA Johor; Ivan Liew, HLB’s Head of Commercial Banking; Hor Kwok Wai, HLB’s Managing Director of Global Markets; Tee Eng Joo, Executive Director of Alpha Astral Group; Rudyanto Azhar, Director of Economics & Investment, IRDA; and Sr Jonathan Lo, Director & Partner of
CBRE | WTW.
KUALA LUMPUR, 28 November 2025 – Hong Leong Bank (“HLB” or the “Bank”) recently hosted another of its industry-wide forum series on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (“JS-SEZ”), providing strategic insights and powerful networking opportunities for businesses looking to capitalize on this significant cross-border growth initiative. The forum served as a central component of HLB's differentiated customer value proposition, which actively moves beyond conventional product delivery to provide comprehensive advisory services and strategic market value.
The event featured speakers from organizations instrumental to the JS-SEZ's development, including the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (“MIDA”), Bank Negara Malaysia (“BNM”), the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (“IRDA”), Ernst & Young Tax Consultants, CBRE | WTW, Alpha Astral Group, Invest Johor, and multiple representatives from HLB.
The JS-SEZ has already demonstrated significant economic impact, with Johor recording over RM90 billion in foreign direct investments as of the third quarter of 2025, on track to reach over RM100 billion in approved investments by the end of the year. This momentum is further evidenced by ongoing developments like the Forest City Special Financial Zone (“SFZ”), where there is an indicative Assets Under Management (“AUM”) of almost RM400 million, and the impending development of the Johor Baru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (“RTS”) Link. With this, the JS-SEZ is projected to transform the region into a unified commercial powerhouse and solidify its position as Southeast Asia’s next major investment hotspot, especially with recent high-level discussions regarding expanding the zone to include Indonesia as well.
Commenting on the Bank's outlook towards the JS-SEZ, Kevin Lam, Group Managing Director and CEO of HLB, stated, "The JS-SEZ represents a pivotal moment of acceleration for regional growth, harnessing the potential to attract significant foreign direct investments and drive the transformation of the manufacturing ecosystem in Malaysia. This also comes as the region targets to create 20,000 new high-skilled job opportunities for Malaysians over the next decade, stemming from 100 high-impact planned projects being developed. As a Bank, we are well positioned to support businesses looking to enter this region, facilitating exciting business opportunities and developments which will lead to future economic prosperity."
HLB looks to offer businesses looking to establish a presence in the JS-SEZ with access to its comprehensive suite of corporate banking solutions alongside tailored advisory services. These include streamlined cash management solutions, competitive capital financing options, and access to treasury and foreign exchange solutions through its Global Markets division for businesses engaged in international trade.
Yow Kuan Tuck, HLB’s Managing Director of Business and Corporate Banking, commented, “The JS-SEZ will definitely create an ideal environment for businesses to seize generational growth opportunities, as it accelerates the development of new residential hubs, commercial precincts, and transit-oriented communities. We are committed to supporting Malaysian businesses to scale and thrive in this industry and further expand into foreign markets, utilizing our proven expertise to help them capture these opportunities, leading to sustainable business growth and wealth creation for entrepreneurs.”
For more information about HLB’s corporate banking solutions, please visit https://www.hlb.com.my/en/business-banking/home.html