JOHOR BARU: With billions of ringgit in foreign investment pouring into Johor, locals here are hopeful that they will be able to reap the spillover benefits.
Ahmad Fahmy Fahd, 38, a senior marketing manager, said AirTrunk’s investment to expand its operations in Johor is a sign that the nation is gaining global recognition as an investment hub.
“As a Johorean, I am happy to hear such news as it puts Johor on the global map, since AirTrunk is widely known around the world.
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“This kind of large-scale investment creates opportunities for locals, whether directly through job openings for youth or indirectly through spillover effects in industries such as food and beverage, logistics and other supply chain sectors,” he said.
He noted that the Johor Skills and Johor Talent Development Council needs to raise greater awareness of initiatives and programmes aimed at preparing workers for high-value industries.
He said wider publicity would also help raise awareness of available opportunities, particularly those arising from the use of new technologies and artificial intelligence (AI).
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“As someone who uses AI, data and analytics in my daily work, we cannot escape it.
“We must learn to adapt and work around it,” he said, adding that he is encouraging his two sons to develop an interest in this sector due to future opportunities.
Business development executive Ng Hsing Li, 29, said foreign investments strengthen the state’s economy, despite concerns about the growth of data centres.
“Some of my older relatives have voiced concerns over data centres competing for water and electricity supplies.
“However, I believe such projects had undergone proper feasibility studies before receiving approval,” she said.
Ng hopes the benefits of such investments reach the public.
“Initiatives such as Bantuan Kasih Johor are a good example of how the state government channels economic gains back to the people.
“But public awareness of how to apply for such aid could be further improved and the process simplified,” she said.
Ng also hopes the state government will also address rising residential and commercial rental prices, as they could affect the livelihoods of locals.
Last Wednesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said AirTrunk would increase its investment in Malaysia by another RM12bil this year, bringing its total committed investment in the country to RM27bil.
He said the increase reflected investor confidence in Malaysia’s position as a strategic partner.
