PUBLISHED ONNovember 02, 2026 10:00 AMBYAsyiqin NadzriSingapore and Malaysia are stepping up bilateral co-operation through a new ministerial committee, as their joint economic zone secured RM88.83 billion (S$27.72 billion) in approved investments and is associated with nearly 29,000 potential jobs.
The investments were approved under the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) between January 2025 and June 2026, according to a joint statement released on Monday (Nov 2).
Of the total, RM40.3 billion, or about 45 per cent, had been implemented, with these projects associated with 12,796 jobs.
The approved projects are expected to create a total of 28,755 potential employment opportunities.
The figures were announced following the inaugural Johor-Singapore Cooperation Ministerial Committee (JSCMC) meeting in Singapore, co-chaired by Singapore's Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat and Malaysia's Minister of Economy Akmal Nasrullah Haji Mohd Nasir.
The ministers welcomed investments from Singapore and Singapore-based companies referred to the Investment Facilitation Centre - Johor by Singapore.
Speaking to media after the meeting, Akmal said both countries were committed to turning investment potential into tangible outcomes.
"The real challenge and the commitment by both of us, both countries, is to deliver this prospect with a really good outcome," he said.
Chee said the progress made since the establishment of the economic zone reflected the strong partnership between Singapore and Malaysia.
"I'm very heartened to see the investment projects that have been approved and the jobs that have been created. And, you know, this is really the beginning of many more to come," he said.
The inaugural JSCMC meeting marks a transition from the previous Joint Ministerial Committee for Iskandar Malaysia (JMCIM), reflecting the expanding scope of co-operation between Singapore and Malaysia.
The new committee will provide strategic direction, strengthen bilateral coordination and oversee the implementation of priority initiatives under the JS-SEZ.
It will bring together ministers from both countries, including Malaysia's Minister of Economy, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry and Johor's Menteri Besar, as well as Singapore's Minister for National Development, Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) and Minister for Transport.
The two countries will also discuss setting up working groups covering the economic zone, transportation and other mutually agreed areas.
Chee said the committee would provide a platform for ministers and government agencies from both sides, including Johor's state government, to identify areas where co-operation could be strengthened.
These include talent development, facilitating the movement of people and goods, trade and investments, joint promotions and improving connectivity.
He cited enhancements to cross-border taxi services between Singapore and Johor, as well as the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, which is expected to begin operations in February 2027.
Both sides are also in ongoing discussions to further enhance ferry services.
Chee said closer co-operation between the neighbouring countries was particularly important amid growing global uncertainty.
"In a time like this, when the world is more uncertain, less predictable, actually, like-minded partners and close neighbours, we need to work even more closely together," he said.
Both countries are also working towards launching a master plan for the JS-SEZ at the annual leaders' retreat in December.
Chee said the blueprint would outline the medium- to long-term vision for the economic zone, with both sides working to develop initiatives covering talent development, the movement of people and goods, trade and investments, as well as transportation and connectivity.
He added that agencies from both countries were working to iron out the details needed to translate the vision into tangible outcomes.
Akmal said the master plan would help sustain the momentum of investments into 2027, adding that co-operation would continue beyond its launch.
Both countries have also agreed to hold a joint investment forum in the first quarter of 2027 to maintain interest among investors and businesses.
Meanwhile, Malaysia is pursuing several initiatives under its Budget 2027 to support the economic zone.
These include the development of Nexus Sedenak, improvements to infrastructure and transport connectivity, facilitation of strategic investments, and strengthening financial services in Forest City.
Akmal also said the partnership between Singapore and Johor could be showcased when Singapore assumes the ASEAN chairmanship in 2027, describing the collaboration as a potential gateway for regional investment and cross-border co-operation.
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