UOB hosted Johor Menteri Besar Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Onn Hafiz bin Ghazi at its Singapore headquarters in UOB Plaza today, where he held discussions with UOB senior management on the new Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The Johor Menteri Besar and his delegation also held a roundtable discussion with UOB and regional business leaders.

His visit was part of UOB’s efforts to strengthen collaboration initiatives under the planned SEZ, which aims to boost cross-border economic connectivity between Singapore and Malaysia. The SEZ was announced in January 2024 by government leaders from Singapore and Malaysia.

Dato’ Onn was welcomed by Mr Wee Ee Cheong, UOB Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ms Ng Wei Wei, Chief Executive Officer, UOB Malaysia, and other members of the Bank’s senior management. Dato’ Onn was accompanied by Malaysia’s High Commissioner to Singapore, His Excellency Dato’ Dr Azfar Mohamad Mustafar, members of the Johor State Executive Council, and key senior officials from the Johor state government and agencies. 

During the visit, Dato’ Onn held private meetings with Mr Wee and other Bank leaders. Mr Wee reiterated UOB’s long-term commitment to Malaysia and discussed with Dato’ Onn on strengthening ties to boost Malaysia and Singapore connectivity through foreign direct investments. 

Mr Wee said, “The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone will benefit businesses across multiple sectors in Singapore and Malaysia, creating opportunities for the entire supply chain and boosting economic connections between both countries. UOB has a proven track record in helping our clients understand the local landscape when entering new markets as well as in linking them with the right partners. We also help channel foreign direct investments to support local enterprises in creating inclusive and sustainable businesses. With UOB’s extensive regional network, enhanced platform capabilities and sector expertise, we are well-positioned to support business growth in Singapore and Malaysia, and across the region.”

Ms Ng said, “The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone has potential to drive economic growth, create employment and improve the lives of the people across the Causeway. Having operated in Malaysia for more than 70 years, UOB Malaysia remains steadfast in supporting the businesses and consumers in the country. Leveraging off UOB Group’s strong regional connectivity, I am confident that we are able to contribute meaningfully to the development of the SEZ. We will continue to collaborate with the Johor Government and key stakeholders to drive investment and trade into the country.”

UOB also facilitated a roundtable discussion between the Johor delegation and representatives from large corporations and various business organisations such as the Singapore Business Federation, Singapore Manufacturing Federation, Singaporean-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce, China Enterprises Association (Singapore), the Korean Chamber of Commerce in Singapore and Japan External Trade Organisation. During the roundtable discussion, the Johor delegation presented on the strategies, priority sectors and implementation plans for the SEZ.

UOB has been operating in Malaysia since 1951 and has 55 branches across the whole country, including seven in Johor. In the last two years alone, UOB’s Foreign Direct Investment Advisory unit has facilitated more than 20 companies expanding into Johor.

In March 2024, UOB Malaysia and UOB China also held a roundtable dialogue for Dato’ Onn in Shenzhen, one of China’s SEZs, with Chinese business and public sector leaders to facilitate more foreign direct investments into the Malaysian state. Shortly after this meeting, at least three companies from China have made investment commitments into Johor with a total projected investment value of S$550 million (RM1.91 billion).

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