Latest news with #IskandarInvestmentBerhad
New Straits Times
4 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.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Nikkei Forum 2025: Johor pushes for global investment spotlight
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor is playing host to the inaugural Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025, positioning itself as a key driver of regional innovation and cross-border economic integration in Southeast Asia. The two-day event, co-organised by Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) and Japan's leading business media group Nikkei Inc., will take place in Medini today and tomorrow, with the Johor state government support. Held under the theme "Driving Asia's Innovation Hub", the forum drew over 500 delegates, including investors, corporate leaders and policymakers, for high-level discussions on digital transformation, emerging technologies, sustainability, and regional economic alignment. Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) president and CEO Datuk Idzham Mohd Hashim said with the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) gaining momentum, the forum will open doors for deeper international partnerships and future-ready growth. "The forum marks a strategic leap for Johor and the region. As one of Asia's leading platforms for economic dialogue, the forum comes at a pivotal time against the backdrop of the JS-SEZ and a surge in cross-border collaboration. "The event positions Asia as a rising powerhouse for innovation, sustainability and digital transformation, while it offered a critical springboard for high-level policy discussions, emerging technologies and regional integration. "It is set to catalyse impactful partnerships and sharpen Asia's global economic edge," Idzham said. Among the top-tier attendees are Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Japan Ambassador to Malaysia Shikata Noriyuki, and senior figures from regional and global institutions. The Nikkei Forum, launched in 1995, is widely regarded as one of Asia's most influential platforms for business and policy discourse. Its presence in Johor signals rising international confidence in Medini's role as a strategic hub within Iskandar Malaysia. The event will feature more than 20 distinguished speakers and 10 panellists, along with exclusive networking and investment tours aimed at fostering long-term partnerships. "Medini was chosen as the forum's venue for its rise as an innovation-driven township, backed by cutting-edge infrastructure and a future-ready talent pool," said Idzham, adding the forum reaffirms Johor's growing stature on the global investment map. The venue, Medini International Convention City (MICC), serves as a cornerstone for future international events that align with Malaysia's Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) ambitions and Madani economic vision. The forum also strengthens IIB's commitment to sustainable development and digital economy growth.
