As Malaysia’s largest bank, Maybank supports 70% of SMEs and helps businesses navigate regulations, infrastructure, and financing in Malaysia.
Maybank’s local insight and Asean reach offer businesses the right blend of familiarity and scale
AS businesses across the globe look to strengthen supply chain resilience and explore new growth opportunities, Malaysia is emerging as a compelling base of operations.
Fuelled by the launch of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), the southern region of Johor is poised to become one of South-East Asia’s most active commercial corridors.
Designed to ease cross-border trade, ease regulatory processes, and enhance business mobility between Malaysia and Singapore, the JS-SEZ is already attracting a wave of investments.
Among the key facilitators of this momentum is Maybank, which has so far helped channel close to RM8bil in investments into the zone.
Maybank was part of ‘The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone Partners’ Dialogue: Advancing Facilitation’ talk held on May 19. From left to right: Maybank Singapore corporate banking head Chong Wee Yeat, Centurion Group chief executive officer Kong Chee Min, Alpine Renewables and Edible Oils chief executive officer Steven Chiang, TMC Life Sciences chief executive officer Datuk Dr Adzuan Abdul Rahman, Thomson Medical Group chief executive officer Dr Melvin Heng, Rafizi Ramli, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Maybank Global Banking group chief executive officer Datuk John Chong, Maybank Community Financial Services group chief executive officer Syed Ahmad Taufik Albar, Maybank Global Banking group deputy chief executive officer Farid Kairi, and Iskandar Regional Development Authority chief executive Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman.
Combining local expertise with Asean perspectives
Businesses entering a new market often face challenges that go beyond product-market fit. They must also navigate regulatory frameworks, set up operational infrastructure, and secure banking solutions that are both fast and flexible.
As Malaysia’s largest bank by assets and branch network, Maybank brings a level of local familiarity that few can match.
It currently supports 70% of Malaysia’s small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs), giving it not just scale, but a depth of understanding of the domestic supply chain and ecosystem that global businesses increasingly rely on.
This insight is particularly valuable for companies exploring regional expansion, foreign investors seeking a base in Malaysia, or local businesses looking to partner across borders.
Simplifying entry and expansion
To help businesses capitalise on the opportunities in the JS-SEZ, Maybank has established a JS-SEZ Desk — a specialised unit designed to support clients across every stage of their business journey.
From cross-border account openings to facilitating regulatory approvals, the desk provides tailored guidance with on-ground support spanning both Johor and Singapore.
To fast-track operations, Maybank also offers a “green lane” financing process for businesses within the JS-SEZ, helping them move quickly from setup to execution.
Maybank has established a specialised desk to assist businesses with cross-border account openings, regulatory approvals, and setup processes in both Johor and Singapore. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
Connecting you to the right people
Where Maybank distinguishes itself as a truly local partner is in its ability to connect clients with the wider regulatory and business ecosystem.
Through close collaboration with key government agencies and local authorities, Maybank helps open doors that go beyond banking. These include:
> Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida)
> Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade)
> Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (Motac)
> Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (Jakim)
> Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (Sirim)
> Perbadanan Usahawan Johor (PUJB)
> Johor Muslim Chamber of Commerce
These partnerships also extend across the border with the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
From facilitation of licensing and halal certification to industry accreditation, Maybank supports clients through every step of integration into Malaysia’s business landscape.
Building resilience and sustainability
Maybank’s role extends into long-term business enablement by championing the voice of the customer.
The bank offers comprehensive support for operational needs that addresses various pain points — including trade solutions, cross-border FX and payment capabilities, e-invoice integration, as well as digital enablement through partners like Autocount, Bukku, financio, Mesinkira and SQL.
Meanwhile, Banking-as-a-Solution (BaaS) API solutions developed in-house provides a seamless experience for SME clients to manage their finances more effectively.
Recognising the global emphasis on responsible business practices, Maybank has also developed myimpact SME, a platform that helps businesses strengthen their ESG credentials while gaining access to sustainable financing.
The initiative includes capacity-building programmes, advisory facilitation and green financing packages aligned with international standards.
For halal-oriented businesses, Maybank Islamic – the world’s fifth-largest Islamic bank by assets – provides an integrated suite of solutions with Halal2u.
These encompass halal facilitation services, halal financing and Salaam Market, Malaysia’s first B2B Halal marketplace that connects businesses with halal-certified suppliers across Malaysia.
Supporting businesses — and their founders
Maybank understands that behind every business is an individual or family planning for the future.
That is why Maybank offers seamless integrated support for both business needs and personal wealth goals.
From wealth management and privileges, succession planning and even Single Family Office (SFO) facilitation, the bank is equipped to serve the dual needs of business owners, enabling them to build a legacy for their companies and future generations, all under one roof.
The local advantage
With a presence in every Asean market and standing as the fourth-largest bank in the region by assets, Maybank brings both regional reach and local mastery.
However, its strength lies in its ability to act as a true partner: simplifying the journey, connecting the dots and helping businesses succeed not just in Malaysia, but also from Malaysia, Singapore and the Asean region.
Contact the Maybank JS-SEZ Desk by visiting maybank.my/jssez
