Latest news with #IdzhamMohdHashim
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Johor-Singapore SEZ draws Japanese investor attention
Iskandar Investment Bhd president and chief executive officer Datuk Idzham Mohd Hashim (centre) and Iskandar Regional Development Authority chief executive Datuk Noorazam Osman (right) participating in a panel discussion titled Johor Focus: Building the Future with Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone at the Nikkei Forum Medini Johor on June 18, 2025. ISKANDAR PUTERI: Japanese investors have expressed keen interest in investing in Johor, particularly in sectors such as finance and technology. Iskandar Regional Development Authority chief executive Datuk Noorazam Osman said while most investment enquiries in Johor come from Singapore, China, and South Korea, many Japanese companies have also been enquiring. "I think that is the reason why they have the two-day Nikkei Forum in Medini here, where they can see the potential and understand where they can fit in. "With the volatility happening around the world, I think they are looking at the potential of coming into a place where it can be a gateway to a new market - a regional market - which is Asean. "For the Japanese, they are mainly looking at the digital economy, technology, as well as electrical and electronic sectors," he told the media on the sidelines of the forum on Wednesday (June 18). Mohd Noorazam earlier engaged in a panel discussion with Iskandar Investment Bhd president and chief executive officer Datuk Idzham Mohd Hashim titled Johor Focus: Building the Future with Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). Both highlighted the potential of JS-SEZ and Johor's readiness in infrastructure and talent to support the investments. About the forum, Idzham said there were some 800 in-person and online participants and delegates taking part in the discussions. He added that the event marks a significant milestone in positioning Medini as a vibrant, future-forward hub for innovation, investment, and regional collaboration in Southeast Asia. The forum, themed Driving Asia's Innovation Hub, brings together thought leaders, policymakers, corporate leaders, and investors from across Asia and beyond.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Nikkei Forum opens with Medini in spotlight
ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025 opened today with a bold ambition to position Asia as the world's next innovation leader, with Medini at the heart of its transformation. Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) president and chief executive officer Datuk Idzham Mohd Hashim said the forum marks a turning point for Medini as it emerges as a regional nucleus for tech-driven growth. "This is more than a branding exercise; it's about anchoring real capital, talent and partnerships here in Johor," he said. Co-organised by IIB and Japan's Nikkei Inc., the two-day forum is hosted by the Johor state government with support from Invest Johor, the Johor Economic Planning Division and the Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP). Carrying the theme "Driving Asia's Innovation Hub", the forum sets the stage for high-impact conversations on digital transformation, cross-border investment and sustainable growth. Medini, a master-planned development, is now being actively positioned as a strategic node in Southeast Asia's future economy. Attendees engaged in keynote sessions, investment talks, networking events and curated visits to key development sites. Nikkei said the collaboration signals a deeper push for regional integration, especially in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, fintech, smart mobility and renewable energy. With rising investor interest in Johor, particularly under the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), the forum is expected to catalyse new partnerships and policy momentum.
The Star
27-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Global forum for thought leaders coming to Medini
ONE of the most anticipated international business forums is coming to Johor in June. Over 500 business and government leaders from across Asia are set to convene in Medini, Iskandar Puteri. Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB) president and chief executive officer Datuk Idzham Mohd Hashim said Japan's Nikkei Forum, a series of global events organised by Nikkei Inc, would explore critical themes like digital transformation, sustainable development and emerging technologies. 'The event will help shape the future of the region by creating opportunities for businesses and policymakers to connect, grow and drive economic progress. 'The forum is also a golden opportunity to present Johor's dynamic investment landscape to the world and position the state as a leading meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) hub for investment and business development in Asian markets,' he said in an interview. Idzham added that in the past, the forum had attracted delegates from about 40 countries with the objective of fostering collaborations and creating strategic partnerships. Last December, IIB, Nikkei Inc and Nikkei Business Publications signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly host the Nikkei Forum in Medini. The Nikkei Forum was founded in 1999 as a platform for thought leadership in Asia. Idzham added that the partnership reflected a shared vision to promote meaningful exchanges across Asia. It would also build on strong historical ties between Japan and Malaysia in sectors such as manufacturing, automotive and electronics. 'As the strategic developer of Medini, IIB plays a critical role in driving regional growth and innovation. 'Medini, located some 30km from Singapore, is rapidly developing into a technology focused urban hub with projects such as Tech Medini, which emphasises artificial intelligence, blockchain and robotics,' he added. Idzham said the location and support for cross-border economic activity made it an ideal destination for businesses looking to expand in South-East Asia. The event would further highlight the region's growing role as an innovation and investment hub, added Idzham. — By YEE XIANG YUN
