JOHOR is set to position itself as a leading regional hub for green manufacturing, circular economy solutions and sustainable industrial integration.
In a statement, Iskandar Regional Development Authority (Irda) economic division director Rudyanto Azhar said the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) was uniquely positioned to support this transformation.
He said this could be achieved by combining Johor’s industrial capabilities, strategic infrastructure and renewable energy potential with Singapore’s technology ecosystem, innovation expertise and access to capital.
“The JS-SEZ will become the main driving factor as Malaysia and Singapore strengthen collaboration to address evolving global supply chain and environmental requirements,” he said.
Rudyanto said with Johor securing RM110bil investments last year, including RM79bil within JS-SEZ, stakeholders noted growing opportunities for the region to emerge as a competitive gateway for sustainable industrial growth in Asean.
“The region can unlock new opportunities in smart infrastructure, digital energy solutions and sustainable industrial development, while reinforcing through stronger cross-border collaboration, the region’s competitiveness as a future-ready economic hub for Asean,” he said.
Rudyanto said this in regards to the CEO Roundtable Meeting organised by Irda, Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei and Global Compact Singapore.
Industry and sustainability stakeholders from Malaysia and Singapore attended the meeting to discuss the region’s future economic competitiveness and green transition agenda.
“Discussions focused on the growing urgency for businesses within the JS-SEZ ecosystem to prepare for international regulatory shifts,” he said.
Rudyanto said these include the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, rising environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance standards and increasing demand for low-carbon manufacturing practices.
He said participants also explored how cross-border collaboration between Johor and Singapore could accelerate industrial sustainability readiness.
“Key focus areas included industrial material recovery, recycling infrastructure and the development of more resilient and resource-efficient supply chains.”
Rudyanto said among the strategic priorities highlighted were the recovery and reuse of industrial materials such as copper, iron, rubber and electronic waste components, including printed circuit board (PCB) materials, to support circular manufacturing ecosystems and reduced industrial waste leakage.
“Participants also emphasised the need to strengthen supporting infrastructure for industrial recycling and material collection as manufacturers face increasing pressure to meet international sustainability and carbon reporting standards,” he added.
