Maybank has established a specialised desk to assist businesses with cross-border account openings, regulatory approvals, and setup processes in both Johor and Singapore.
AS businesses seek supply chain resilience and new growth frontiers, Malaysia is emerging as a compelling base of operations, particularly with the launch of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
Designed to ease cross-border trade, ease regulatory processes, and enhance business mobility between Malaysia and Singapore, the JS-SEZ is set to become one of South-East Asia’s most active commercial corridors.
Maybank is playing a key role in facilitating this momentum, having channelled close to RM8bil in investments into the zone to date.
Local expertise, Asean perspectives
As Malaysia’s largest bank by assets and branch network, Maybank provides local familiarity that few can match.
Supporting 70% of the nation’s small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs) it brings deep insight into the domestic supply chain and operational ecosystem, a critical edge for businesses setting up or scaling in the JS-SEZ.
To support this, Maybank has established a dedicated JS-SEZ Desk.This specialised unit provides guidance across every stage of their business journey, from cross-border account openings, facilitating regulatory approvals, and business setup, supported on the ground in both Johor and Singapore.
An exclusive “green lane” financing process also enables eligible SMEs to move quickly from setup to execution.
Where Maybank distinguishes itself as a truly local partner is in its ability to connect clients with the wider regulatory and business ecosystem.
Through close collaboration with key government agencies and local authorities, Maybank helps open doors that go beyond banking. These include:
> Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida)
> Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade)
> Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (Motac)
> Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (Jakim)
> Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (Sirim)
> Perbadanan Usahawan Johor (PUJB)
> Johor Muslim Chamber of Commerce
These partnerships also extend across the border with the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
From facilitation of licensing and halal certification, to industry accreditation, Maybank supports clients through every step of integration into Malaysia’s business landscape.
Building resilience and sustainability
Maybank’s solutions extend across digital enablement, ESG, and Islamic banking.
Through initiatives such as myimpact SME and Halal2u, the bank supports sustainable financing, cross-border payment capabilities, e-invoicing readiness, and halal financing and facilitation services.
Recognising that business and personal ambitions often go hand-in-hand, Maybank also offers integrated wealth and succession solutions for business owners looking to plan for the long term.
The local advantage
With a presence in every Asean market, Maybank brings both regional reach and local mastery. Its strength lies in its ability to act as a true partner: simplifying the journey, connecting the dots, and helping businesses succeed not just in Malaysia, but also from Malaysia, Singapore and the Asean region.
As momentum builds within the JS-SEZ, Maybank stands ready to support.
Learn more by visiting
maybank.my/jssez to contact the JS-SEZ Desk.
