Latest news with #JohorTalentDevelopmentCouncil
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Japan to aid Johor's rapid economic development
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Japan is ready to support Johor in easing traffic congestion as the state prepares for rapid economic development, says Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Noriyuki Shikata. He said that addressing congestion was essential for the state as it anticipates significant economic growth with the rapid progress of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). 'Japan is eager to collaborate with Johor by offering cutting-edge solutions, including smart transportation systems and quality infrastructure development. 'By employing Japan's artificial intelligence-driven traffic control systems and digitally optimised public transportation networks, we aim to support Johor in overcoming serious traffic congestion,' he said in his speech during the closing ceremony of the Nikkei Forum. He said that traffic jams not only hamper economic activities, but also waste energy, harm the environment and increase the risk of accidents. 'We hope to cooperate with Johor in becoming a model smart city for transportation solutions, not only in Kuala Lumpur or Johor, but also other megacities in Asean and beyond that are facing traffic congestion issues,' he said. He said the upcoming Rapid Transit System Link, along with the proposed Elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit system, are key to improving public transportation in Johor. On another matter, Shikata also noted that there have been extensive discussions on new green investments in Malaysia, which have resulted in concrete expressions of interest. 'Johor is also emerging as a vital hub for data centres, and these facilities require substantial energy for cooling, presenting a significant environmental challenge. 'In this regard, Japan's liquefied natural gas cooling technology offers an environmentally friendly and efficient solution. 'By adapting this technology, data centres in Johor can significantly improve energy efficiency, reduce their environmental impact and enhance operational performance,' he said. Meanwhile, Invest Johor chief executive officer Natazha Harris said Johor is well-equipped with the necessary frameworks and support systems to welcome more Japanese investments. He said that elements crucial to Japanese investors, particularly talent development and policy consistency, are already in place in Johor. 'For talent, we already have the Johor Talent Development Council, which includes collaboration between academia and industry. 'And on the policy side, we have the Johor Super Lane and the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor. 'We already have many things to offer. Now it's a matter of ramping up promotion,' he said when met on the sidelines of the forum here in Medini. He said Invest Johor is focusing its efforts on real projects and partnerships that showcase ongoing progress on the ground. 'These initiatives are not just theoretical, they are already being implemented. 'We have strong case studies to highlight, particularly in Kulai under the Kulai Fastlane, and now with the rollout of the Johor Superlane,' he added. Natazha said the two-day forum here was a good platform for Japanese investors to learn more about what the state has to offer. 'Japanese companies already have a presence in Johor even before the forum. 'Now, interest is growing stronger as Japanese companies have more clarity about what Johor has to offer, on top of the ecosystem already in place. This helps us tell our story to a wider audience, especially with the added leverage from the JS-SEZ,' he said. During the closing ceremony here, Invest Johor also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Yokohama-based listed technology company NEOJAPAN Inc. Natazha said the MoU marks the start of a strategic collaboration to establish the South-East Asian Centre of Excellence (SEA CoE) within the JS-SEZ. 'Through this initiative, Johor aims to position itself as a leading Asean hub for digital transformation by promoting the JS-SEZ as a base for cutting-edge innovation and talent development. 'As part of the effort, the SEA CoE is expected to train over 1,000 local talents in cloud infrastructure, multilingual IT support, and no-code development, while creating 300 high-skilled jobs in the region,' he said.
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Johor fully equipped to receive more Japanese investment, says Invest Johor CEO
JOHOR BARU: Johor is well-equipped with the necessary frameworks and support systems to welcome more Japanese investments into the state, says Invest Johor chief executive officer Natazha Harris. He said that elements crucial to Japanese investors, particularly talent development and policy consistency, were already in place in Johor. 'For talent, we already have the Johor Talent Development Council, which includes collaboration between academia and industry. 'And for the policy side, we have the Johor Super Lane and the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor (IMFCJ). 'We already have many things to offer. Now it's a matter of ramping up promotion,' he said when met on the sidelines of the Nikkei Forum in Medini on Thursday (June 19). He said Invest Johor was focusing its efforts on real projects and partnerships that showcase ongoing progress on the ground. 'These initiatives are not just theoretical, they are already being implemented. 'We have strong case studies to highlight, particularly in Kulai under the Kulai Fastlane, and now with the rollout of the Johor Superlane,' he added. Natazha said the two-day forum here was a good way for Japanese investors to know what the state has to offer. "Japanese companies already have a presence in Johor even before the forum. 'Now, interest is growing stronger as Japanese companies have more clarity about what Johor has to offer, on top of the ecosystem already in place. 'This helps us tell our story to a wider audience, especially with the added leverage from the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ),' he said.
The Star
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
RM4,000 starting salary to retain Johorean talent
KULAI: While there is nothing to stop Johoreans from working in Singapore, job seekers should also look for opportunities within the state as its talent development council is teaming up with industry players to offer a basic salary of RM4,000, says exco member Aznan Tamin. The state education and information committee chairman said the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC) has been collaborating with industry players in sectors such as manufacturing and data centres to offer salaries that are higher than the market rate. He said various companies have started offering a higher salary scheme since the initiative was mooted by Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. 'We do not stop people from taking up jobs in Singapore, but we want them to know that there are opportunities for them to earn attractive salaries here without having to cross the border. 'During a premium job fair in Johor Baru recently, many companies offered starting salaries of RM4,000 and above for high-skilled degree holders. Some of the job seekers I met there also expressed their willingness to return to work in Johor. 'Besides the pay, they cited reasons such as convenience and time, as they do not have to commute across the border daily, as among the factors considered,' he said yesterday. JTDC, he added, is also involved when investors sit down with Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor, as a move to ensure the state government's vision of having high-paying jobs is realised. Aznan earlier witnessed the signing of a note of understanding between JTDC and Sun Bus Tech Sdn Bhd, a Johor-based bus manufacturing company. He added that the company has set a new benchmark for the industry with their willingness to accept the state government's call to offer a basic salary of RM4,000 to high-skilled workers. 'Through this initiative, JTDC and Sun Bus Tech will also offer on-site training to match the industry's needs. 'Their participation reflects how local industries can help to champion and build a stronger future for Johor's talent development,' he added. Meanwhile, the company's chief executive officer Shyan Phang said about 200 vacancies with the premium salary scheme are available, with around 40% already filled. 'Through this programme, we will welcome trainees into our workshops and assembly lines for immersive on-the-job training. 'They will learn directly from our engineers and technicians, mastering the skills that turn raw materials into buses that serve communities across the region,' she said, adding that the company's aim is to attract, groom and retain Johor talents.
New Straits Times
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Sun Bus Tech, Johor council pact sets RM4,000 skilled wage benchmark
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor's push for a future-ready workforce gained traction today as Sun Bus Tech inked a strategic pact with the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC), to introduce a new RM4,000 starting salary benchmark for skilled workers. The new pay scale benchmark supports state's push to raise wages and retain talent in high-demand sectors, such as mobility and advanced manufacturing. Under a memorandum of understanding, Sun Bus Tech will also offer structured, on-site industrial training for trainees from the state's small and medium-sized industries (SMIs) while bridging classroom theory with hands-on practice. Johor Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin said the collaboration was "a model public-private partnership", He added that Sun Bus Tech's commitment to competitive wages and talent development supports the state's ambition to attract skilled workers and sustainable investment. Sun Bus Tech chief executive officer Shyan Phang said the RM4,000 starting pay was more than a salary upgrade; it was a message to young Malaysians. "We believe a company's strength lies in its people. With this initiative, we are opening doors for young talent not just to find jobs, but to build careers," she said. "Our collaboration with JTDC signals our commitment to grow hand-in-hand with Johor." The initiative includes tuition support, technical immersion at Sun Bus Tech's Senai facility, a The model is seen as a potential blueprint for industry-led solutions to Malaysia's growing skilled labour gap. Sun Bus Tech has emerged as a transport solutions provider, specialising in high-quality bus bodies for conventional and electric fleets. In just a year since its formal establishment, the firm has secured a partnership with Swiss engineering giant Carrosserie HESS AG. It also opened a green-rated, solar-powered headquarters at Senai Airport City. The JTDC partnership marks another milestone in the company's rapid rise. It also signals Johor's renewed focus on workforce development and industrial innovation.
The Sun
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Sun Bus Tech, JTDC to offer RM4,000 starting pay in talent drive
KULAI: Bus body manufacturer Sun Bus Tech has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC) to launch an industrial talent development initiative, offering a starting salary of RM4,000 to newly skilled workers. State Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin, who is also JTDC chairman, said the collaboration reflects a proactive approach to enhancing local talent capabilities in support of Johor's development agenda. He said the company's commitment to providing both training and competitive salaries demonstrates how the private sector can lead in building a stronger future for the state. 'We hope this premium salary initiative sets a benchmark and encourages more companies in Johor to invest in talent development and create high-quality jobs. 'It aligns with our vision to retain skilled workers, strengthen the industrial base, and ensure Johor remains a prime destination for investment and innovation,' he said at the MoU signing ceremony here today. JTDC is a key initiative under the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), aimed at producing highly skilled local talent to meet the growing needs of investors and industries in the state. It targets the creation of 20,000 high-income jobs, with phased implementation beginning this year. Aznan also noted that several companies have expressed interest in the initiative, with more MoUs and agreements currently being finalised. Meanwhile, Sun Bus Tech chief executive officer Shayn Pang said the company aims to hire about 200 workers through the programme, with 40 per cent of the positions already filled. The rest will be filled in stages through a screening and training process. The programme will focus on technical and manufacturing roles, such as skilled operators and technicians. 'This partnership not only provides tuition support, but also offers industrial exposure, hands-on training at our facilities, and a guaranteed career path upon graduation. 'It highlights the strong synergy between the Johor state government and industry players, and reinforces our commitment to positioning Johor as a hub for skilled talent in the mobility and manufacturing sectors,' she said. Sun Bus Tech, based in Senai Airport City, is a leading player in the transport industry, specialising in high-quality bus body construction for both conventional and electric vehicles.
