“We want this project to have a ‘wow factor’, distinct from our efforts in Iskandar. So we want to develop training programmes to upskill workers in Johor with an aim to supply skilled talent to meet the needs of various industries, including artificial intelligence and renewable energy,” said the source.
A survey of 160 businesses done by the Singapore Business Federation has shown that Singapore companies are keen to invest in Johor but face challenges such as talent shortages, cross-border movement needs and a fragmented investment landscape.
Although the findings, announced in July, showed that 93 per cent of respondents view Johor as an attractive investment destination, talent shortages posed a major concern for them. Nearly 60 per cent of the businesses polled reported difficulties in sourcing skilled workers in Johor.
Malaysia’s Ministry of Economy did not respond to ST’s queries regarding the potential plans for the JSSEZ. ST has also contacted Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry for comment.
Previously, the Johor state government had also proposed an additional ferry service between Puteri Harbour and Tuas to ease travel between Johor and Singapore.
The proposal to establish the JSSEZ comes after Iskandar Malaysia, which was conceptualised as an economic growth corridor in 2006, failed to hit investment targets, particularly after Covid-19 pandemic border restrictions.
On the JSSEZ, other potential concerns in the Malaysia-Singapore negotiations may include the security impact of faster border clearance, short-term effects such as tax disparities arising from tax incentives to facilitate movement of people and businesses, as well as commitments on infrastructure funding and co-investment opportunities, said Dr Ong Kian Ming, board member of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority.
“I believe that something substantive can be agreed on by year-end, and some of the more intractable issues can be put forward on a future date when the JSSEZ gains some momentum.” he told ST.
Analysts suggest that potential projects should include the construction of a third bridge connecting the heavy industrial area of Pasir Gudang in Malaysia to Singapore’s Changi Airport, potentially unlocking wider export markets for both countries.
Other underexplored areas include joint research in modern agriculture and urban farming by higher education institutions of both countries, leveraging Johor’s abundant land to enhance food security, said Socio-Economic Research Centre economist and executive director Lee Heng Guie.
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Publish date : 2024-08-14 21:35:00
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