Major Banks Support JS-SEZ With RM2.35 Billion In Investment Interest

Samuel Chua

19th May 2025 - 3 min read

Six leading Malaysian and international banks have signed letters of intent with the Ministry of Economy to support the development of the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), with RM2.35 billion in prospective investments already identified.

The participating financial institutions include Malayan Banking Bhd, CIMB Group Holdings Bhd, CGS International, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Malaysia, Bank of America Malaysia, and HSBC Malaysia. These banks are set to play a pivotal role in directing capital towards potential investors in the JS-SEZ, envisioned as a cross-border centre for innovation, logistics, healthcare, and sustainable industries.

Maybank announced that it has facilitated the submission of letters of intent by several of its Singapore-based clients, including Alpine Renewables, Edible Oils Pte Ltd, Centurion Corporation Ltd, and Thomson Medical Group Ltd. The planned investments by these companies amount to RM2.35 billion and are expected to be realised over the next three to 10 years.

The Ministry of Economy has tasked the six banks with playing a key role in supporting the zone by providing capital, promoting international engagement, and offering insights through research and market intelligence.

Minister of Economy Datuk Seri Mohd Rafizi Ramli, speaking at the JSSEZ Partners’ Dialogue titled Advancing Facilitation, emphasised the vital role of financial institutions in ensuring the success of the initiative.

He noted that the involvement of these major banks reflects strong private sector confidence in the project and provides a solid foundation for its future development.

“With banks being the conduits of capital, their presence is critical to galvanising private-sector participation through the pooling of capital and commerce. Having the buy-in from these anchors of the financial system is perhaps the best show of progress and belief in the JS-SEZ to date,” he said.

Image: Prime Minister’s Office of Malaysia/Afiq Hambali

Malaysia and Singapore formalised their partnership in January 2025 with the signing of an agreement to establish the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone. The initiative targets the attraction of 100 projects valued at RM100 billion over the next ten years and aims to generate approximately 100,000 new jobs in high-value sectors.

To encourage investment, the government has introduced a range of incentives, including a preferential corporate tax rate, designed to draw businesses into the zone, which spans from Kulai and part of Pontian to Pengerang.

Rafizi said the participating banks will play a central role in realising the zone’s objectives. Their responsibilities will include providing financing support, enhancing international visibility, engaging key stakeholders, and offering market intelligence.

He also noted that these institutions will have direct access to government policies and backing, enabling them to more effectively persuade their clients to consider investing in the zone.

The selection of banks was made with the goal of achieving wide international investor reach. CGS International will focus on Chinese investors, Sumitomo Mitsui will lead engagement in East Asia, and Bank of America will cover the United States market.

Rafizi also revealed that discussions are currently underway with a European bank, which is expected to join the initiative soon. “They will come on board. I believe it is just taking a bit more time for them to complete their internal processes,” he said.

(Source: The Edge)

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