ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor offers a fully integrated ecosystem with high-performance tech infrastructure, renewable energy solutions, and regulatory clarity, making it an ideal destination for investments in AI, green data centres, fintech, and more.
Johor investment, trade, consumer affairs, and human resources committee chairman Lee Ting Han stated that Medini, is a smart city that has attracted over RM13bil in cumulative investments, including healthcare, education, business services, and smart infrastructure.
It is currently hosting the inaugural two-day Nikkei Forum Medini Johor
“Subnational regions like Johor are more important than ever.
“We are not just passive beneficiaries of policies; we are active participants in driving the growth of our countries and regions,” he said during his closing speech on day one of the forum on Wednesday (June 18).
He said initiatives like the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) illustrate how targeted policies can unlock cross-border synergies in trade, talent, and technology, creating a seamless ecosystem for high-value industries.
By focusing on execution, infrastructure readiness, and investor confidence, Johor demonstrates that growth can be decentralised and that real transformation often happens where industries operate and people live.
Lee noted that forum speakers discussed the need to deepen regional cooperation, emphasising sustainability and the critical role of technology and innovation, particularly AI and digital platforms.
“One key takeaway is that Asia, with over 4.7 billion people, will remain the world's manufacturing hub and is also emerging as its innovative engine.
“In this era of uncertainty, investors and innovators seek environments where rules are transparent, decisions are predictable, and institutions are stable. Johor is ready to offer these,” he added.
The forum is expected to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday (June 19 and has about 800 participants and delegates attending in person and online for discussions and fireside chats.
Themed "Driving Asia’s Innovation Hub," the event brings together thought leaders, policymakers, corporate leaders, and investors from across Asia and beyond.
