KUALA LUMPUR: OCBC Bank has established dedicated teams in both Singapore and Malaysia to support SME customers across its core markets, which include Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Mainland China, and Hong Kong.
In a statement, the bank said these teams aim to capture opportunities arising from the planned Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
OCBC expects to expand the number of teams beyond Singapore and Malaysia in future.
For a start, the two dedicated teams will comprise 25 experienced bankers in total, with an average of over 10 years of experience supporting SMEs across the region with their business aspirations.
These bankers will provide advisory services to help the SMEs start and grow their businesses, as well as connect them with suitable partners in the special economic zone.
OCBC recently co-organised with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) familiarisation visits to Forest City and the integrated industrial and commercial hub of EcoWorld Business Park in Johor Bahru, for 28 Singapore and Chinese mid-sized enterprises in the manufacturing sector.
A roundtable discussion was also organised, where MIDA shared about the investment opportunities and business landscape in Malaysia. Wiwynn Technology Service Malaysia and Huirui Polymers Sdn Bhd also spoke about their experiences doing business in Malaysia.
OCBC global wholesale banking head, Tan Teck Long said that although details of the JS-SEZ have not been shared, the bank has already received numerous enquiries from SMEs across the region looking to set up operations there.
“By setting up dedicated teams on both sides of the Causeway, we are well placed to support this growing interest of regional SMEs in entering the Johor and wider Malaysia market. Recent geopolitical developments, the continued rise of ASEAN for supply chain diversity and resilience, and the significant growth of foreign direct investments into Malaysia these two years will further amplify the potential of the JS-SEZ,” Tan said.
