ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor’s recent investment mission to Shanghai has generated strong interest from global investors, with potential investments estimated at about RM10bil, says state investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee chairman Lee Ting Han (pic).
He said the outcome reflected growing international confidence in Johor, particularly in the implementation of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.
Lee said the delegation engaged with more than 150 high-potential global investors during the visit, involving business owners and top-level decision-makers across industries.
"From these sessions, 36 companies have expressed early commitments or strong interest to invest in Johor," he said during the state assembly sitting at Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar on Wednesday (May 6).
Lee was replying to Andrew Chen Kah Eng (PH-Stulang), who asked about the findings from the recent delegation to Shanghai.
He said the potential investments were concentrated in strategic sectors such as electrical and electronics, battery technology, aerospace, automotive and high-tech manufacturing.
Lee said the mission adopted a structured, ecosystem-driven approach instead of conventional investment promotion methods.
He said the state government worked closely with major financial institutions including Maybank, AmBank, UOB, OCBC, China Construction Bank and ICBC to broaden access to investor networks in China and the wider region.
"This ensures that the effort does not end with a single visit, but continues through sustained engagement with investors via these financial institutions," he said.
Lee said the delegation also held one-on-one discussions with key industry players, including companies involved in semiconductor materials, specialised alloys and automotive components.
He said the strategy aimed to build complete industrial ecosystems rather than attract isolated investments.
"For example, in aerospace, Johor is developing a manufacturing cluster that includes anchor companies, component suppliers and supporting service providers," he said.
He said similar ecosystem-building efforts were being pursued in the semiconductor sector through industrial automation and specialised materials, as well as in automotive and advanced manufacturing.
Lee said the initiatives were aligned with national frameworks such as the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the National Semiconductor Strategy.
However, he said the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone was still at an early stage and its long-term success would depend on consistent efforts to maintain a strong investment pipeline.
Lee said geopolitical uncertainties and shifting supply chains meant investors needed long-term confidence before committing to large projects.
He said Johor recorded RM110bil in approved investments in 2025, calling it a historic achievement reflecting progress from planning to implementation.
"These investments are expected to create high-skilled job opportunities and open up participation for local companies, especially SMEs, within the supply chain," he said.
Lee said the state’s approach was not only to attract investments but to ensure economic spillover benefits for Johoreans.
