JETCO held high-level discussions with RHB Investment Berhad and RHB Bank Berhad in Singapore to strengthen strategic collaboration and unlock investment opportunities within the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone.

The Johor Economic, Trade and Tourism Office (JETCO) convened a high-level discussion with RHB Investment Berhad and RHB Bank Berhad in Singapore, aimed at strengthening strategic collaboration in support of the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). The engagement reflects ongoing efforts to deepen cross-border economic cooperation between Johor and Singapore.

During the meeting, JETCO presented a range of high-impact projects and strategic initiatives planned for 2026, outlining key opportunities for investment, cross-border synergies, and sustainable development within the JS-SEZ. The discussions provided a platform for participants to align priorities, exchange insights, and explore collaborative approaches that could drive long-term economic growth across the economic corridor.

Particular emphasis was placed on the role of financial institutions in supporting the development of the JS-SEZ. By engaging directly with RHB Investment Berhad and RHB Bank Berhad, JETCO sought to enhance the visibility of JS-SEZ projects among key financial stakeholders and to identify financing solutions that could accelerate project implementation and investor participation.

The dialogue also underscored the importance of public–private collaboration in realising the full potential of the JS-SEZ. Participants discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Johor and Singapore through coordinated investment strategies, improved connectivity, and sustainable development initiatives that deliver tangible economic benefits.

The engagement in Singapore highlights JETCO’s continued commitment to fostering partnerships that generate measurable impact, create strategic value, and position the JS-SEZ as a leading regional investment hub. Through sustained collaboration with financial institutions and other stakeholders, JETCO aims to support the long-term growth and competitiveness of the Johor–Singapore economic partnership.

Source: The Facebook Page of Johor Economic, Tourism and Cultural Office Singapore

Amid rising protectionism and structural trade realignments, Singapore is sharpening its economic strategy to adapt to a new global reality. At a closed-door dialogue held this week by the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF), Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong addressed leaders from the manufacturing sector on how Singapore can stay competitive in an increasingly complex trade environment.

The event, held in Singapore, took place against the backdrop of escalating tariff regimes, particularly from the United States, which is expected to maintain baseline tariffs as part of its domestic reindustrialisation agenda. DPM Gan acknowledged that the multilateral trading system is under strain and that Singaporean firms must now plan with longer-term resilience in mind. “Tariffs are no longer temporary. They are structural,” he stated, urging businesses to exercise foresight and flexibility in their international strategies.

In a world marked by geopolitical tension and trade fragmentation, DPM Gan emphasised the importance of Singapore’s role as a high-trust, rules-based node in global value chains. He encouraged firms to deepen linkages within ASEAN, explore new partnerships in emerging markets, and strengthen integration with long-standing partners such as the EU. Innovation, he stressed, is central to this journey. “Every day, ask yourself: What can I do today that’s different from yesterday?” he said, urging companies to build capabilities in AI, green technologies, and new product development.

Supply chain resilience also emerged as a major theme. Firms were advised to diversify their supplier networks and reduce dependencies on single markets. DPM Gan noted that cross-border partnerships such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), could provide new pathways for collaboration and growth. He underscored the importance of industry feedback in shaping this bilateral initiative, stating that real-world challenges must inform government-to-government discussions.

Another key priority outlined was sustainability. With carbon border adjustments and ESG transparency increasingly becoming prerequisites for market access, DPM Gan called on companies to embed sustainability into their core operations. “It’s no longer a compliance exercise. It’s a competitiveness issue,” he said, signalling that environmental considerations will shape trade just as much as economic factors moving forward.

The dialogue was part of SMF’s ongoing commitment to fostering an innovation-led and globally connected manufacturing ecosystem. Industry participants left with a clear message: long-term growth depends on bold adaptation, strategic foresight, and active public-private collaboration.

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