Johor is positioning itself as a key investment destination in Southeast Asia, following a series of high-level meetings with Japanese corporate leaders at the recent Johor Week event in Osaka. The state delegation, led by Johor Trade and Investment Committee Chairman Lee Ting Han, engaged with four prominent Japanese firms to discuss expansion opportunities, particularly within the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone. These discussions signal growing international confidence in Johor’s economic strategy and infrastructure.
The companies involved—IL Holdings, Morishita Jintan, Nissei, and Fuji Oil—operate across diverse, high-value sectors including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, precision manufacturing, and food and chemical production. Each has shown strong interest in establishing or expanding operations in Johor, drawn by the state’s political stability, advanced infrastructure, and supportive regulatory environment. An investment forum co-hosted with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation further attracted 60 Japanese firms, underscoring Johor’s appeal as a strategic entry point into ASEAN markets.
These engagements are expected to yield significant economic benefits, including high-value job creation, technology transfer, and strengthened industrial supply chains. The Malaysian Investment Development Authority’s Osaka office will confirm the final investment values following the conclusion of Expo Osaka 2025. The secured projects align with Johor’s long-term Maju Johor 2030 development agenda, which aims to foster sustainable growth, innovation, and improved quality of life for residents.
Johor’s investment landscape has already demonstrated robust performance, with more than RM56 billion in investments secured by mid-2025, generating over 8,000 jobs. Recent initiatives such as the Forest City Special Financial Zone and the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone further enhance the state’s role as a financial and trade gateway. With deepening cooperation in semiconductors, cybersecurity, and renewable energy, Johor continues to build on its decades-long partnership with Japan, reinforcing its status as a premier hub for regional investment.