JOHOR BARU: UOB Malaysia has facilitated more than RM18bil in foreign direct investments (FDI) into the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) since 2024, underscoring growing investor confidence in the cross-border economic corridor.
The bank said the milestone reflects the effectiveness of public-private collaboration following the launch of its Green Lane initiative with Invest Johor last year to streamline and accelerate investment facilitation.
At the UOB–Invest Johor JS-SEZ Strategic Forum 2026 held at a hotel here yesterday (April 20), the bank also announced two new investor commitments totalling more than RM1bil, which will be channelled through the Green Lane framework.
The new commitments signal continued momentum in cross-border investments and deeper regional supply chain integration between Malaysia and Singapore.
UOB also used the platform to officially launch its UOB My Digital Space (MDS) programme in Malaysia, an education initiative aimed at building future-ready digital talent among school students.
Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the collaboration between Invest Johor and UOB demonstrates how effective public-private partnerships can deliver tangible outcomes.
He said UOB Malaysia was among the earliest institutions to support Invest Johor’s Green Lane initiative to accelerate investments into the JS-SEZ.
According to him, the bank has also played a wider role in strengthening regional investor engagement.
“UOB Malaysia was one of the first companies to embrace Invest Johor’s Green Lane initiative to accelerate investments into the JS-SEZ.
“They have also hosted regional dialogues and signed various memoranda of understanding between different chambers of commerce while pushing digital infrastructure growth,” he said.
Onn Hafiz said such efforts have helped strengthen Johor’s position as a competitive investment destination.
“The strong partnership between Invest Johor and UOB reflects how well-aligned public-private collaboration can deliver real results, attracting high-quality investments, creating skilled jobs and generating meaningful impact on the ground,” he said.
He added that the Johor government’s priority is to ensure every investment translates into meaningful local benefits.
“Our priority is clear. Every investment secured must translate into real outcomes, including better job opportunities, stronger local industries and lasting value for every Johorean,” he said.
Meanwhile, UOB Malaysia chief executive officer Ng Wei Wei said the bank has focused on practical mechanisms to convert investment interest into actual projects on the ground.
“From the outset, UOB has focused on practical enablers to turn interest into action,” she said.
She added that the complementary strengths of Johor and Singapore are key to driving regional economic growth.
“Combining Johor’s development priorities with Singapore’s role as a global business hub enables companies on both sides of the Causeway to execute cross-border opportunities effectively,” she said.
Ng said UOB continues to work closely with Invest Johor, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida), Iskandar Regional Development Authority (Irda) and other stakeholders to facilitate high-value investments.
She said these efforts are also aimed at strengthening supply chain connectivity while delivering economic benefits for both Malaysia and Singapore.
The bank said the latest commitments further strengthen the JS-SEZ’s position as a strategic investment gateway for companies seeking to expand their footprint across South-East Asia.
During the forum, key investors including GSP Automotive Malaysia, Paragon Globe and JT Automation Technology presented their letters of intent to Invest Johor chief executive officer Natazha Hariss on plans to invest and expand within the JS-SEZ.
The presentations were witnessed by Onn Hafiz, state investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee chairman Lee Ting Han and Ng.
The UOB–Invest Johor Strategic Forum 2026 was jointly supported by EcoWorld, Knight Frank Malaysia, Liberty General Insurance Bhd and RDS Partnership.
The event drew more than 400 delegates, including prospective foreign investors, multinational corporations, small and medium enterprises, as well as representatives from business chambers and trade associations.
Beyond investment facilitation, UOB also highlighted its commitment to talent development through its My Digital Space initiative.
Ng said the programme reflects the bank’s broader role in supporting digital education and preparing future generations for the digital economy.
“Beyond driving investments into the JS-SEZ, UOB is committed to developing future-ready talent for the digital age,” she said.
She said the programme aims to equip students with foundational digital skills, artificial intelligence awareness and critical thinking abilities through structured learning modules.
The initiative is designed for students aged between 10 and 16 years, aligning with national priorities on digital inclusion and youth development.
MDS is currently implemented across several markets in Asean and Greater China, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, China and Hong Kong.
Regionally, the programme is expected to benefit more than 100,000 students, helping bridge the digital divide and strengthen digital literacy.
In Malaysia, the programme has been developed into a multi-year initiative and was officially launched in Johor, marking its first phase in the country.
