Safe travels: Azfar (left) together with Rajpal flagging off the final leg of the Asean Unity Drive 2025 at the Malaysian High Commission in Singapore. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
Envoy: Johor makes for ideal economic expansion for Singapore
SINGAPORE: There is a lot of interest from both small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and multinational corporations regarding the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), says Malaysia’s top diplomat here.
Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore Datuk Dr Azfar Mohamad Mustafar shared that inquiries are being received almost daily, with Malaysia’s trade officers and representatives from the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (Mida) handling these queries.
He noted that this high level of interest is a positive sign of the excitement surrounding the new economic zone.
Azfar also pointed out that the ongoing global uncertainties, particularly issues surrounding the United States-China reciprocal tariffs, present opportunities for Asean countries, which are viewed as neutral in this regard.
“Maybe we (Asean) can also play a role as a bridge between both countries,” he said, adding that JS-SEZ is well positioned for success, especially with Singaporean SMEs looking to expand abroad to lower their operational costs.
Azfar acknowledged Singapore’s past successes in developing industrial parks in China and Indonesia, but noted that Johor’s proximity and skilled workforce make it an ideal location for expansion.
He added that the JS-SEZ would benefit both countries, as Singapore would continue to thrive as a financial services hub, while Johor would be the base for manufacturing and operations.
“This will not only help elevate wages in Malaysia but also provide Malaysians with high-paying jobs locally, reducing the need to commute daily to Singapore,” he said during the flag-off of the final lap of the Asean Unity Drive 2025 (AUD2025) at the high commission here yesterday.
Azfar also discussed Malaysia’s efforts to develop a robust electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem, which could be enhanced through collaboration with neighbouring countries such as Singapore and Thailand.
He suggested expanding EV charging infrastructure across the three countries and beyond as a key area for growth.
“The AUD2025 is centred on Uniting Automotive Across Borders,” he said, adding that it would reflect Malaysia’s vision for its Asean chairmanship under the theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability”.
The AUD2025, which spans 9,000km, involves a convoy journey through nine Asean member states, with Singapore marking the final stop of the southern route as the convoy returns to Malaysia.
Azfar described the AUD2025 as a bold statement of Asean’s commitment to a greener, smarter and more connected region, fostering regional unity and cultural exchange along with sustainable development.
The convoy would feature several Proton e.MAS 7, Malaysia’s own EV model, he said.
He also highlighted Malaysia’s commitment to advancing green transportation policies and industry-driven innovations.
Malaysia, he said, had proposed 18 Priority Economic Deliverables for 2025, including the Asean EV Policy and Guidelines.
He emphasised that Asean, as the fifth largest economic bloc, played a crucial role in global trade and supply chains, with the region set to become the third largest economic bloc by 2050.
The AUD2025, which also features the Proton X Series vehicles, is organised by the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), an agency under the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry.
MARii deputy chief executive officer Nizmar Mohd Nazar shared that the expedition would be split into two groups, one travelling north through Hanoi, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand, while the southern route includes Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines and Singapore.
The convoy is expected to complete its journey at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025, taking place at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park in Serdang from May 9 to 15.
Also present at the flag-off were Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Ministry director-general (Asean Directorate) Rajpal Singh and diplomats from other Asean member countries.
