KUALA LUMPUR: Maybank and the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support manufacturers seeking investment and expansion opportunities in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and across Asean.
Maybank, in a statement, said the partnership would connect SMF's network of more than 5,000 local and multinational manufacturers and their vendors with the banking group's regional network and financing capabilities.
The bank will provide customised banking solutions including sustainable finance, cash management, payments, trade and supply chain financing, as well as cross-border financing.
It will also support capacity-building initiatives in areas such as sustainability and environmental, social and governance-focused supply chain practices.
“The bank is facilitating about RM22bil in financing and investment interests including support for digital infrastructure, manufacturing, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and businesses pursuing regional opportunities,” Maybank said.
The MOU was signed at a dialogue jointly organised by Maybank and SMF and witnessed by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
Onn Hafiz said the JS-SEZ has attracted RM126.9bil in foreign direct investment since its formalisation.
He said the upcoming JS-SEZ Masterplan and Blueprint would outline measures to accelerate investment approvals, ease the movement of people and goods and develop high-value industries.
“The longer-term goal is to position the JS-SEZ as a gateway to investing into ASEAN and create shared prosperity for our future generations,” he said.
Meanwhile, SMF president Lennon Tan said the JS-SEZ offered Singapore companies an opportunity to adopt a “twinning model”, retaining headquarters operations in Singapore while setting up production in Malaysia’s resource-rich ecosystem.
“As the JS-SEZ Program Manager, SMF has engaged over 700 participants keen on establishing or expanding operations, with interest continuously growing.
“We look forward to partnering with the Johor state government and Maybank to help our members scale and realise their growth aspirations within the zone,” he added.
Maybank Singapore chief executive officer Alvin Lee said the JS-SEZ was a strategic expansion option for businesses given its proximity to Singapore, the longstanding relationship between Malaysia and Singapore and the importance investors place on stability.
Maybank said the partnership also supports its ROAR30 strategy, which includes targets to mobilise RM300bil in sustainable finance and RM100bil each for the new economy and SMEs across Asean.
