Latest news with #Johoreans
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
‘Choose more appropriate locations to pick up workers'
Johor government is looking into ways to address the issue of people working in Singapore hogging parking bays in Johor Baru. State housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said he had been receiving an increasing number of complaints about the problem, particularly from business owners. 'This issue was also raised during the recent state assembly sitting, and it seems to have gotten worse over time. 'We need to study this matter thoroughly before implementing any measures, so that we can come up with a win-win solution for all. 'No doubt this is an issue that needs to be addressed, but at the same time, we do not want to make an abrupt decision that can negatively affect people's lives,' he told StarMetro. Mohd Jafni said one of the options the state government was considering was to emulate Kuala Lumpur City Hall's (DBKL) move to impose a time limit. 'That is one of the things we are looking into, but we need to examine the situation carefully. 'We will have to look into this as it will only get worse with more vehicles entering Johor and more Johoreans owning cars,' he said. He added that areas affected by the issue included Taman Universiti, Larkin and Taman Ungku Tun Aminah. Mohd Jafni urged those working in Singapore to be more considerate and not hog parking bays. 'It is unfair for businesses that are losing customers because of this problem, and I appeal to those involved to be more thoughtful. 'They could just pay a little extra to park at the many available parking areas throughout the city. 'They are affecting other people's livelihoods simply because they refuse to pay for parking. 'If we take action, including imposing a two-hour parking limit, they may end up paying even more in the long run,' Mohd Jafni noted. He said companies picking up Malaysian workers heading to Singapore should also take this into consideration and choose more appropriate pick-up points. 'They can arrange to pick up passengers at areas where workers can park without adversely affecting others or occupying parking meant for businesses or residents. 'These are simple steps that could make a significant difference, and I hope that they take this into account,' he added. — By VENESA DEVI
Business Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
Malaysia hopes to draw back talent to power JS-SEZ
[SINGAPORE] Malaysia hopes to draw back some of the hundreds of thousands of Malaysians who cross the causeways daily, by tapping them to power the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), said panellists on Wednesday (Jun 18). However, Idzham Mohd Hashim, president and chief executive officer of Iskandar Investment (IIB), stressed that this was not about competing with Singapore, but about creating a 'symbiotic relationship' that benefits both countries. He was speaking on a panel titled 'Johor Focus: Building the Future with JS-SEZ', alongside Mohd Noorazam Osman, CEO of the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) and former mayor of Johor Bahru. The discussion was part of the Nikkei Forum held in Medini, Johor, and moderated by the Japanese news organisation's senior producer Kaori Takahashi. IIB is leading the infrastructure development in the JS-SEZ, while IRDA oversees planning and coordination. The agreement to establish the SEZ was signed by Singapore and Malaysia in January with the aim of having both countries work together to attract new investment projects from around the world. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up The SEZ covers an area of more than 3,500 sq km, roughly four times the size of Singapore. Idzham said that while the zone's infrastructure – including roads, power supply, and fibre optic networks – is already in place, what is still missing is the 'software'. 'Most of the businesses who come here… they ask: 'Do you have (the) talents?'' said Idzham. 'We do have (the) talents, because 300,000 of them go to Singapore every day.' Both Idzham and Noorazam pointed to plus points in Johor that could woo back these residents, such as more industry-relevant training, increased job opportunities through business expansion, and the lower cost of living in the state. For instance, Noorazam said the Johor Talent Development Council is working with academic and vocational institutions, as well as industry players, to ensure that training matches demand. While he did not go into detail, he added there are also plans to offer tax incentives and to work towards a minimum starting salary of RM4,000 (S$1,210) for graduates in Johor. He added that investors should see the lower wage expectations – at around 50 to 75 per cent of Singapore's salary levels – as part of the SEZ's broader cost advantage. In a separate panel discussion at the forum titled 'Building Digital Nations: Innovation, Inclusion and Impact' – which mostly focused on retaining talent in Johor – Johor Corp's chief talent officer Najmie Noordin acknowledged that it will be an uphill task to bring Malaysians working across the border back home. He noted that it would be difficult to convince Johoreans earning the equivalent of RM15,000 in Singapore to return for just RM5,000. Moderator Brian Fernandez, CEO of BizTech Asia, pointed out that many of these Johoreans – 'the cream of the crop' – work in the Republic purely for the higher pay. However, he added, many would also be willing to stay if salaries were even half of those in the city-state, especially given the daily grind of commuting. In any case, Najmie noted that one plan is to develop more high-quality local talent and encourage them to stay, as well as attract workers from other parts of Malaysia, such as Melaka. Responding to the discussion, Fadzli Abdul Wahit, head of digital transformation at Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, said that efforts to retain talent must also focus on understanding industry demand. Rather than compete directly with advanced economies, Malaysia should identify niche opportunities, such as supplying digital assets to mature gaming and animation markets such as Japan and South Korea, where such content is in short supply, he added. Even so, panellists discussing the JS-SEZ maintained that Johor's cost and location advantages make it a compelling base for companies looking to scale up. Idzham noted that the cost of doing business in Johor is nearly 60 per cent lower than in Singapore, and about 30 per cent lower than in Kuala Lumpur – a key advantage for companies looking to expand across the border to grow their businesses. As for what Singapore brings to the table, Noorazam highlighted its global networks and financial strength. He added that Johor's vast land availability, affordability and talent pool make it a natural partner. In response to Takahashi on how the JS-SEZ would shape Johor's future as an innovation hub, Idzham said that the master plan for Medini is focused on business tourism, research and development (R&D), and environmental, social and governance-led urban development. The plan includes a new convention city near Legoland, a tech zone for R&D, and a net-zero carbon business district, with support from universities, the government and industry players. 'We should look at both Johor and Singapore as one growth area,' noted Noorazam. 'The JS-SEZ… can become the gateway to Asean, a market of 700 million people.'
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Senai Airport City attracts RM8bil investments, commits to developing Johor workforce
JOHOR BARU: Senai Airport City (SAC) has attracted about 160 investors, with total committed investments nearing RM8 billion. Senai Airport City Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Gan Seng Keong said the 1,099-hectare integrated industrial development has already developed 50 per cent of its land, transforming it into a vibrant and diversified industrial ecosystem. Senai Airport City Sdn Bhd is the master developer of the project and a wholly owned subsidiary of MMC Bhd. SAC is now home to key sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), advanced electrical and electronics (AE&E), electric vehicles (EV), healthcare and life sciences, and regional distribution centres (RDCs). "The remaining 50 per cent of undeveloped land presents tremendous opportunities for future investment. We aim to meet growing investor demand and expand our industrial footprint by leveraging additional land resources within the MMC Group," he told Bernama. Gan emphasised SAC's commitment to ensuring that the 28,000 jobs created through its investments benefit the local community, particularly Johoreans. To support this, SAC actively collaborates with local institutions such as Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and vocational colleges to provide targeted skills training aligned with high-growth industries, including AI, AE&E, and life sciences. Gan noted that foreign direct investors like Wiwynn employ more than 80 per cent of local staff out of a 1,200-strong workforce, and prioritise local procurement. The company also works closely with UTM and other educational partners to develop talent pipelines. In addition, selected employees are sent abroad for advanced training and knowledge transfer, ensuring continuous upskilling and the adoption of global best practices in Johor's workforce. "Senai Airport City supports these efforts by creating quality jobs, offering competitive salaries, and promoting meaningful career growth. Through upskilling, local hiring, and global knowledge sharing, we aim to ensure long-term, inclusive benefits for Johor's workforce and the wider community," he said.
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Senai Airport City attracts RM8bil investments, commits to developing Johor workforce
JOHOR BAHRU: Senai Airport City (SAC) has attracted about 160 investors, with total committed investments nearing RM8 billion. Chief executive officer of Senai Airport City Sdn Bhd, Gan Seng Keong, said the 1,099-hectare integrated industrial development has already developed 50 per cent of its land, transforming it into a vibrant and diversified industrial ecosystem. Senai Airport City Sdn Bhd is the master developer of the project and a wholly owned subsidiary of MMC Bhd. SAC is now home to key sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), advanced electrical and electronics (AE&E), electric vehicles (EV), healthcare and life sciences, and regional distribution centres (RDCs). "The remaining 50 per cent of undeveloped land presents tremendous opportunities for future investment. We aim to meet growing investor demand and expand our industrial footprint by leveraging additional land resources within the MMC Group,' he told Bernama. Gan emphasised SAC's commitment to ensuring that the 28,000 jobs created through its investments benefit the local community, particularly Johoreans. To support this, SAC actively collaborates with local institutions such as Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and vocational colleges to provide targeted skills training aligned with high-growth industries, including AI, AE&E, and life sciences. Gan noted that foreign direct investors like Wiwynn employ more than 80 per cent of local staff out of a 1,200-strong workforce, and prioritise local procurement. The company also works closely with UTM and other educational partners to develop talent pipelines. In addition, selected employees are sent abroad for advanced training and knowledge transfer, ensuring continuous upskilling and the adoption of global best practices in Johor's workforce. "Senai Airport City supports these efforts by creating quality jobs, offering competitive salaries, and promoting meaningful career growth. Through upskilling, local hiring, and global knowledge sharing, we aim to ensure long-term, inclusive benefits for Johor's workforce and the wider community,' he said. - Bernama
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Senai Airport city attracts RM8b investments
JOHOR BAHRU: Senai Airport City (SAC) has attracted about 160 investors, with total committed investments nearing RM8 billion. Chief executive officer of Senai Airport City Sdn Bhd, Gan Seng Keong, said the 1,099-hectare integrated industrial development has already developed 50 per cent of its land, transforming it into a vibrant and diversified industrial ecosystem. Senai Airport City Sdn Bhd is the master developer of the project and a wholly owned subsidiary of MMC Bhd. SAC is now home to key sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), advanced electrical and electronics (AE&E), electric vehicles (EV), healthcare and life sciences, and regional distribution centres (RDCs). 'The remaining 50 per cent of undeveloped land presents tremendous opportunities for future investment. We aim to meet growing investor demand and expand our industrial footprint by leveraging additional land resources within the MMC Group,' he told Bernama. Gan emphasised SAC's commitment to ensuring that the 28,000 jobs created through its investments benefit the local community, particularly Johoreans. To support this, SAC actively collaborates with local institutions such as Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and vocational colleges to provide targeted skills training aligned with high-growth industries, including AI, AE&E, and life sciences. Gan noted that foreign direct investors like Wiwynn employ more than 80 per cent of local staff out of a 1,200-strong workforce, and prioritise local procurement. The company also works closely with UTM and other educational partners to develop talent pipelines. In addition, selected employees are sent abroad for advanced training and knowledge transfer, ensuring continuous upskilling and the adoption of global best practices in Johor's workforce. 'Senai Airport City supports these efforts by creating quality jobs, offering competitive salaries, and promoting meaningful career growth. Through upskilling, local hiring, and global knowledge sharing, we aim to ensure long-term, inclusive benefits for Johor's workforce and the wider community,' he said.
