How the Johor-Singapore SEZ could redefine regional growth
Alumni Soo Hoo Khoon Yean from PwC Malaysia and Dr Carrine Teoh from Bond Holdings explore how the Johor-Singapore SEZ is creating new growth pathways across industries ahead of the NTU Alumni Regional Conference in KL.
By Sadia Roohi
With Malaysia holding the ASEAN chairmanship in 2025, regional cooperation is in sharp focus – and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) has emerged as a timely symbol of that effort. Launched by both governments in early 2024, the JS-SEZ aims to ease cross-border movement, boost bilateral trade, and drive innovation between two of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic economies.
The upcoming NTU Alumni Regional Conference 2025 in Kuala Lumpur on 12 July offers a timely platform to explore this topic and more.
“The NTU Alumni Regional Conference 2025 is timely and strategically held in Kuala Lumpur, as Malaysia is ASEAN Chair this year,” said EEE alumna Dr Carrine Teoh, Chief Strategy Officer at Bond Holdings and President of the NTU Alumni Association (Malaysia).
“It will be a meeting point for alumni to connect, discuss, and collaborate in line with the region’s growth and prosperity. The time is right, and opportunities are aplenty. NTU alumni from around the world are invited to join us in meeting fellow alumni from Malaysia and the region," she added.
Ahead of conference in Kuala Lumpur, we speak with Dr Teoh and NBS alumnus Soo Hoo Khoon Yean, Managing Partner at PwC Malaysia, who will share his insights about the JS-SEZ at the event. Together, they explore how the JS-SEZ could reshape industries, open doors for talent, and reinforce regional economic ties.
 | Soo Hoo Khoon Yean says the JS-SEZ could boost cross-border trade and talent flow by leveraging shared strengths. |
 | With Malaysia as ASEAN Chair this year, Dr Carrine Teoh sees the conference as a timely platform for alumni dialogue. |
Why is the JS-SEZ such a significant development for the region?
Soo Hoo: As someone who has moved between Malaysia and Singapore for years, the JS-SEZ feels personal to me. Every day, over 350,000 people cross the Causeway, and passport-free QR clearance could cut immigration times by 75%, making daily life smoother and boosting productivity.
Dr Teoh: The JS-SEZ is a timely move between two like-minded countries. It’s set to boost growth in the region by strengthening supply chains and supporting long-term progress. When both sides share a clear understanding and common goals, it becomes much easier and faster to create meaningful economic and social impact.
What potential do you see in the JS-SEZ for reshaping economic collaboration between Malaysia and Singapore?
Soo Hoo: Trade between Singapore and Malaysia grew by 6.7% from January to November 2024, with Singapore contributing 23% of Malaysia’s total Foreign Direct Investment, but investors still face hurdles. The Singapore Business Federation highlighted that the investment landscape between Singapore and Johor is fragmented and difficult to navigate.
That’s where Malaysia’s regulatory sandbox approach comes in – offering a controlled environment to test new technologies, policies, or business models. This approach could reduce red tape and fast-track projects across borders. With Malaysia leading ASEAN this year, Johor is in a strong position to drive harmonisation of regulations and lead initiatives under the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, such as digital customs and dual certification of goods.
Advanced infrastructure is another catalyst. For instance, I recently held a management conference at Desaru Coast, in Johor’s revitalised Kota Tinggi district – an area increasingly popular with Singaporeans. Nearby Pengerang could soon host Southeast Asia’s largest solar energy storage system. More than S$40 million in green energy investment is expected annually through the JS-SEZ. There’s already cross-border collaboration between Tenaga Nasional Berhad and Sembcorp to deliver 50MW of green electricity to Singapore within two years.
What types of industries are expected to benefit most?
Soo Hoo: We’ll see a wide range of beneficiaries. In addition to infrastructure, logistics, and property development, three sectors stand out. First is advanced manufacturing. The JS-SEZ could attract companies looking to relocate operations from China, with Malaysia’s lower costs already drawing interest from semiconductor firms.
Healthcare is another key sector. The ageing populations in both countries are driving demand for medical services. Danish investors have shown interest, and the establishment of cross-border centres of excellence in healthcare could help ease the burden on patients while raising service standards.
Finally, the digital economy is poised for major gains. With ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement aiming to unlock US$2 trillion by 2030 in the region’s digital economy, the JS-SEZ’s digital policies and infrastructure position it well for growth in e-commerce, AI, and other tech ventures.
How do you envision this initiative impacting the region’s businesses, talent mobility, and innovation?
Dr Teoh: The business and tax incentives in JS-SEZ spur interest and growth towards new technology, bringing creative and innovative solutions to develop new businesses and improve current industries. JS-SEZ also encourages an exchange of minds, movement of talent, and collaborative initiatives to drive and expand capabilities and capacities for the region.
Soo Hoo: It’s going to reshape how businesses operate. Companies might manage innovation from Singapore while running production from Johor. For instance, an aerospace company specialising in maintenance, repair and overhaul services can realise cost efficiencies through collaboration with a warehouse player within the JS-SEZ, while integrating innovative technologies from a technology alliance partner into its operations.
AI, blockchain, and IoT are set to transform this ecosystem. PwC’s research shows companies that digitise their supply chains can save nearly 7% in costs and grow revenue by 7.7%. With 5G and sandbox-friendly policies, the JS-SEZ provides fertile ground for startups and technopreneurs to scale.
On the talent front, we’ll see more fluid movement across the Causeway. The JS-SEZ creates that possibility for Malaysians working in Singapore who wish to return home,– without giving up professional opportunities. Skilled knowledge workers who meet the criteria can enjoy a 15% personal income tax rate for 10 years. Even starting salaries for diploma and degree holders in the JS-SEZ are expected to be significantly higher than Johor’s current median wage.
Explore the future of Southeast Asia in Kuala Lumpur this July
Join the NTU Alumni Regional Conference 2025 to hear more from alumni like Soo Hoo and Dr Teoh, and take part in conversations on regional partnerships, digital innovation, and cross-border opportunity.
