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OCBC - your partner for Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ)
Leverage our best in Singapore and Malaysia
Johor Awaits: Chart your path to success with OCBC
The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is a bilateral initiative to strengthen economic connectivity between Singapore and Johor. It aims to enhance the cross-border flow of goods and people, bolster business ecosystems, and elevate the economic attractiveness of both Johor and Singapore.
The JS-SEZ presents a significant milestone in the enduring relationship between Singapore and Malaysia, particularly the state of Johor. From the early days of trade across the Johor Strait to the modern era of close economic and cultural exchanges, the bond between Johor and Singapore has continually evolved – and this initiative is the latest that builds on a longstanding history of close ties across both economies.
Both governments have committed to strengthening the business ecosystem within JS-SEZ to support investments, as well as enhancing cross-border flows of goods and people and the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTL) link.
Potential initiatives in the pipeline that will build towards the JS-SEZ include:
Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre – Johor (IMFC-J)
Digitised cargo clearance processes
Passport-free QR code clearance
Training and work-based learning initiatives to upskill talent and close skills gaps
With 9 in 10 Singapore businesses looking to tap opportunities in the JS-SEZ[1], there is significant interest in how the JS-SEZ will blend Johor’s favourable operating costs and land availability with Singapore’s talent expertise and connectivity. As Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong puts it –
“[The JS-SEZ] will serve as a bridge for both sides to tap on each other’s complementary strengths and seize opportunities to grow together.”
Yet with any new opportunity, there are also potential challenges as first-movers navigate the road ahead. A trusted partner makes all the difference in charting the path to success.
At OCBC, we know what it takes to thrive in Singapore and Malaysia, and we are here for you to make the most of opportunities in JS-SEZ and beyond.
Over 100 years of history in Johor dating back to 1917
More than 30 branches across Malaysia with 8 branches in Johor, including Johor Bahru, Skudai, Kulaijaya and Taman Molek located in JS-SEZ
OCBC branch within immediate sight upon crossing the Singapore-Johor Causeway
Longest established bank in Singapore formed in 1932 from the merger of three local banks, the oldest of which was founded in 1912
Second largest financial services group in Southeast Asia by assets with one of the world’s highest credit ratings (Aa1 by Moody’s and AA- by both Fitch and S&P)
1 Singapore Business Federation “Greater Together: Two Economies, One EcoSystem” Report
2 Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry, “Malaysia and Singapore strengthens economic connectivity with Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone” Press Release
OCBC, Your Partner for JS-SEZ
To succeed in the JS-SEZ, you need a trusted partner who has done it before. OCBC has an in-depth understanding of Singapore and Malaysia, as well as a proven track record of helping SMEs as well as large corporates to expand and succeed.
Simple, Seamless and Assured
Businesses venturing into Malaysia can leverage our OCBC network for business incorporation, business advisory to business account opening and financing. With our deep understanding of both Singapore and Malaysia, you can be assured of our support and advisory throughout your expansion journey.
Business Incorporation
Tap our network of knowledgeable and trusted partners of corporate secretaries, government agencies. We can connect you to our partners for preferential corporate secretarial packages to ease and lower the cost of business operation and expansion requirements.
OCBC JS-SEZ Advisory Desk
We have dedicated teams of experienced bankers in both Johor and Singapore to support your business aspirations. Our teams will provide advisory services to help you start and grow your business, as well as connect you with suitable partners in the JS-SEZ.
Best of Both Singapore and Malaysia
Our reputation and track record in Singapore need no introduction. We were awarded “The Strongest Bank in Singapore” and “10th Strongest Bank in Asia” by The Asian Banker in 2024, as well as “Bank of the Year in Malaysia 2024” by The Banker. With over 90 years of experience helping businesses and communities in Singapore and Malaysia achieve their ambitions, we are Southeast Asia’s 2nd largest bank by assets, and boast a strong credit rating of AAA from RAM Holdings Berhad, Aa1 by Moody’s, and AA- by both Fitch and S&P. That means when you choose us, you are choosing the best of both Singapore and Malaysia.
BENEFITS
Convenient, Cost-Efficient and Time-Saving OCBC JS-SEZ Banking Solutions From Singapore
You can leverage our comprehensive suite of banking solutions that are designed with your business in mind. Our award-winning digital banking platform – OCBC Velocity, as well as OCBC Business app, allows you to keep your pulse on your business as well as running your business on the go with confidence.
Remote Business Account Opening
You can open a new business account with limited paperwork – apply online or remotely without the need to visit any physical branches.
You can open a new business account with limited paperwork – apply online or remotely without the need to visit any physical branches.
Single Unified Account Overview
OCBC Velocity allows you to have one view of all your businesses in Singapore and Malaysia, providing unparalleled convenience without the need for multiple logins. Our OCBC Business app offers a quick, intuitive and easy-to-use option to banking on the move.
OCBC Velocity allows you to have one view of all your businesses in Singapore and Malaysia, providing unparalleled convenience without the need for multiple logins. Our OCBC Business app offers a quick, intuitive and easy-to-use option to banking on the move.
Transparent Transfer Fees
Enjoy flat fees and same-day transfers for outward telegraphic transfers (OTT), no-complications pricing and no hidden fees.
Enjoy flat fees and same-day transfers for outward telegraphic transfers (OTT), no-complications pricing and no hidden fees.
Seamless Payments Collection
Access free e-invoicing solutions, and leverage our OneCollect digital merchant solution that supports collection via PayNow, WeChat Pay, ShopeePay and UnionPay QR.
Access free e-invoicing solutions, and leverage our OneCollect digital merchant solution that supports collection via PayNow, WeChat Pay, ShopeePay and UnionPay QR.
Mitigate Currency Fluctuations
Lock in your preferred FX rates easily online. Access real time rates. Book 24/7 in 15 major currencies.
Lock in your preferred FX rates easily online. Access real time rates. Book 24/7 in 15 major currencies.
Competitive Business Protection Plans
Expand your business with peace of mind with our suite of business insurance solutions.
Expand your business with peace of mind with our suite of business insurance solutions.
Exclusive JS-SEZ Banking Bundle
Connecting you to a ‘zone’ of opportunities
Spotlighting Sectoral opportunities
With enhanced infrastructure, special tax arrangements and seamless connectivity potentially on the horizon, businesses across the board could be set to benefit. Here’s an early look at which industries could potentially enjoy the biggest boosts.
Advanced manufacturing
Johor’s advanced manufacturing sector is currently focused on back-end activities. The zone’s proximity to Singapore, itself a high-value manufacturing hub for semi-conductors and wafer chips, presents synergies that could realise Johor’s vast potential for moving up the manufacturing value chain.
Construction
Johor’s construction sector is already benefiting from increased residential and industrial engineering works, with big projects such as the Rapid Transit Link system well underway. The emphasis on easing traffic congestion and facilitating the smooth cross-border movement of people and goods means more development works could be in the pipeline.
Data Centres
Given the concentration of data centres in Singapore, companies looking to diversify their operations may be looking north towards Johor’s array of data centre parks such as Sedenak Tech Park and Nusajaya Tech Park. Work to enhance water and electricity to these parks is ongoing, which bodes well for further development and investment.
Logistics
This sector will complement the positive prospects of the construction and property sectors, while simultaneously reaping the benefits from greater connectivity of the RTS and Johor’s ports.
Healthcare
The fundamentals of a more ageing population in Singapore, and to a lesser extent Malaysia, suggest that this sector is ripe to benefit from greater cooperation between the two countries.
Opportunities in the JS-SEZ aren’t just limited to the above though. Initial findings from the Singapore Business Federation indicate that JS-SEZ could bode well for numerous sectors – be it strengthening offerings across the value chain or developing previously untapped potential.
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3 Source: Singapore Business Federation
our success stories
Santarli Group
When built environment firm Santarli Group’s needs to expand their pre-fabrication capabilities beyond Singapore, they look beyond the causeway. We partnered and supported them for their first foray out of Singapore in 20XX, and today their precast factory in Johor is fully equipped with state-of-the-art production lines and high quality and timely delivery of precast products. In 20XX, we worked on the take-over of another production facility to solidify their trajectory of growth.
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Don Joe,
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Glife Technologies
Agri-tech start-up Glife Technology wanted to expand regionally while maintaining sustainable growth. We provided support that enabled them to acquire a factory in Johor, and this acquisition enabled them to streamline operations and expand into a new sales vertical.
“Since our founding in 2018 as a Singapore startup, OCBC shared our vision of revolutionising agritech in the region, and provided support and counsel as we grew into a regional cross-border platform. Their trust, financial expertise, and forward-thinking approach have been instrumental in enabling our expansion and innovation.”
Caleb Wu
Cofounder & Deputy CEO
Glife Technologies
HMI Healthcare
When serial entrepreneur XXX sought to elevate her new venture, Posture Plus, we recognized her ambitions and supported her chiropractic practice’s growth from inception. Having achieved success in Singapore, she is now tapping into the growing demand for wellness services in Johor while also catering to the Singaporean visitors market. Her first overseas outlet in Johor opened in September 2024.
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resources
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If you’re interested to learn more about OCBC Malaysia, please find out more here.