Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone: A Bold Model of Cross-Border Cooperation

Marcus Liew
Jun 29
2 min read

"Name me one other economic zone that involves two countries, built entirely on mutual trust and the spirit of working as one formidable team." — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim

ISKANDAR PUTERI, June 19 — Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has hailed the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) as a world-first in cross-border economic collaboration, setting a new global benchmark for bilateral partnerships.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Nikkei Forum Medini 2025, Anwar described the JS-SEZ as “not an ordinary SEZ,” but a product of mutual trust, political will, and a formidable joint effort between Malaysia and Singapore.

A Magnet for Global Investment

Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, said the JS-SEZ has already drawn strong international attention, particularly from:

Japan
China
South Korea
Europe

“This is a new global investment dynamo,” he said, stressing that Malaysia and Singapore’s partnership is key to the zone’s success.

Governance Over Incentives

Anwar emphasized that while other countries may dangle more generous investment incentives, the JS-SEZ is unique because of its governance and political stability.

“I am not interested in giving out new incentives — we have given enough. What other countries lack is what we have: political stability, a strong coalition with a two-thirds majority, and the courage to admit and correct the abuses of the past,” he said.

Institutional Backbone: Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre

One of the key enablers behind the JS-SEZ’s rapid development is the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre, established to fast-track investment approvals and remove red tape.

Anwar explained that:

Investors are increasingly turning to this centre when facing delays at the state level.
The centre has become a model for other states and federal agencies to replicate.

“We facilitate, not for personal gain, but for the greater good,” he said.

A Team Effort with Strong Institutional Support

The Prime Minister credited the rapid momentum of the JS-SEZ to contributions from:

Iskandar Investment Bhd
Khazanah Nasional Bhd
Johor State Government

He stressed that policy clarity, executive efficiency, and commitment on the ground are all critical factors.

“You may have brilliant minds and a stable system, but without pace, approval, and commitment, progress stalls,” he noted.

Also present at the forum was Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, highlighting the close cooperation between federal and state leadership.

A Highlight at the World Economic Forum

Anwar also shared insights from the World Economic Forum in Davos, where the JS-SEZ stood out as a model for international observers.

“What makes this SEZ stand out is not just the incentives. It’s the values — strong governance, clarity, and a government willing to correct the past,” he said.

Final Thoughts: Why JS-SEZ Matters

The Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone isn’t just a regional project—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when two nations commit to shared economic prosperity.

It brings together:

Policy clarity
Cross-border collaboration
High investor confidence
Strong governance

In a world increasingly shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, the JS-SEZ is a rare success story—and Malaysia’s bold step into the future of global investment.