In January 2025, Singapore and Malaysia formalised a landmark agreement establishing the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), signalling a new era of bilateral collaboration and shared economic ambition. The zone presents a unique opportunity for businesses to tap into a seamlessly connected ecosystem—combining Singapore’s strengths in innovation, finance and governance with Johor’s land resources, talent pool and operational capacity.
Against a backdrop of supply chain shifts and growing regional competition, the JS-SEZ stands out as a strategic platform for companies seeking operational resilience, cost-effective expansion and access to ASEAN’s fast-growing markets. From multinationals to ambitious SMEs, the zone offers a practical path to diversify footprints, scale more efficiently and participate in emerging regional value chains.
This whitepaper explores the strategic considerations for businesses evaluating the JS-SEZ, including supply chain optimisation, entry pathways into regional markets and the implications of incentives and regulatory requirements. It also highlights how confidence-building measures—such as the upcoming Rapid Transit System (RTS), streamlined border processes and coordinated working groups—are laying the foundations for a more fluid, business-ready environment.