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 Southeast 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 RM8 billion in investments into the zone.

The "Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (“JS-SEZ”) Partners’ Dialogue: Advancing Facilitation” in 19 May 2025. (L to R): Chong Wee Yeat, Head of Corporate Banking, Maybank Singapore; Kong Chee Min, CEO of Centurion Group; Steven Chiang, CEO of Alpine Renewables and Edible Oils; Dato’ Dr Adzuan Abdul Rahman, CEO of TMC Life Sciences; Dr Melvin Heng, CEO of Thomson Medical Group; YB Rafizi Ramli, Economy Minister of Malaysia; YAB Dato' Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Johor Menteri Besar; Dato’ John Chong, Group CEO, Global Banking of Maybank; Syed Ahmad Taufik Albar, Group CEO of Community Financial Services, Maybank; Farid Kairi, Group Deputy CEO, Global Banking, Maybank; Dato’ Haji Noorazam Osman, Chief Executive, Iskandar Regional Development Authority.

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 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.

A Dedicated Desk to Simplify 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.

Connecting You to the Right People

At the foreground (L to R), the exchange of MOUs between Tuan Haji Mohd Radzi bin Haji Mohd Amin, CEO of Perbadanan Usahawan Johor Sdn Bhd and Dato' Seri Khairussaleh Ramli, President & Group CEO, Maybank. In the background, witnessing the exchange of MOUs (L to R) - Tan Sri Datuk Dr Haji Azmi Rohani, Chairman of Perbadanan Usahawan Johor Sdn Bhd, YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade & Industry, YAB Dato' Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Chief Minister of Johor, YB Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade & Industry and Tan Sri Dato' Sri Ir. Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa, Chairman of Maybank.

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)
• SIRIM
• Perbadanan Usahawan Johor (PUJB)
• Johor Muslim Chamber of Commerce, and

These partnerships also extend across the border with the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce & 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.

As momentum builds within the JS-SEZ, Maybank stands ready to support. Contact the Maybank JS-SEZ Desk by visiting maybank.my/jssez.