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OCBC – your partner for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ)
Leverage our best in Malaysia and Singapore
Johor awaits: chart your path to success with OCBC
The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is a bilateral initiative to strengthen economic connectivity between Johor and Singapore. It aims to enhance the cross-border flow of goods and people, bolster business ecosystems, and elevate the economic attractiveness of both Johor and Singapore.
The JS-SEZ presents a significant milestone in the enduring relationship between Singapore and Malaysia, particularly the state of Johor. From the early days of trade across the Johor Straits to the modern era of close economic and cultural exchanges, the bond between Johor and Singapore has continually evolved; this initiative is the latest to build on a longstanding history of close ties across both economies.
Both governments have committed to strengthening the business ecosystem within JS-SEZ to support investments, as well as enhancing cross-border flows of goods and people and the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTL) link.
Potential initiatives in the pipeline that will build towards the JS-SEZ include:
Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre – Johor (IMFC-J)
Digitised cargo clearance processes
Passport-free QR code clearance
Training and work-based learning initiatives to upskill talent and close skills gaps
"Johor is entering a golden era, driven by a surge in international investments, supported by concrete statistics. Our state government is dedicated to streamlining the investment process through initiatives like the 'Kulai Fast Lane', soon to be expanded as the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre."[1]
— Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Johor Menteri Besar
1 Sourced from BERNAMA
Yet with any new opportunity, there are also potential challenges as first-movers navigate the road ahead. A trusted partner makes all the difference in charting the path to success.
At OCBC, we know what it takes to thrive in Malaysia, and we’re here to help you make the most of opportunities in JS-SEZ and beyond.
Over 100 years of history in Johor dating back to 1917
More than 30 branches across Malaysia with 8 branches in Johor, including Johor Bahru, Skudai, Kulaijaya and Taman Molek located in JS-SEZ
OCBC branch within immediate sight upon crossing the Singapore-Johor Causeway
Longest established bank in Singapore formed in 1932 from the merger of three local banks, the oldest of which was founded in 1912
Second largest financial services group in Southeast Asia by assets with one of the world’s highest credit ratings (Aa1 by Moody’s and AA- by both Fitch and S&P)
If you are interested in personal banking, click https://www.ocbc.com.my/personal-banking/welcome2malaysia
OCBC, YOUR PARTNER FOR THE JS-SEZ
To succeed in the JS-SEZ, you need a trusted partner who has done it before. OCBC has an in-depth understanding of Malaysia and Singapore, a proven track record of helping SMEs as well as large corporates to expand and succeed.
Simple, seamless, and reliable
Businesses venturing into Malaysia can leverage our OCBC network for business incorporation, business advisory to business account opening and financing. With our deep understanding of both Malaysia and Singapore, you can be assured of our support and advisory throughout your expansion journey.
Business incorporation
Tap into our network of knowledge and trusted partners of corporate secretaries and government agencies.
OCBC JS-SEZ Advisory Desk
We have dedicated teams of experienced bankers in both Johor and Singapore to support your business aspirations. Our teams will provide advisory services to help you start and grow your business, as well as connect you with suitable partners in the JS-SEZ.
Best of both Malaysia and Singapore
Our reputation and track record in Malaysia and Singapore are well attested to. We were name by The Banker of London as Malaysia's Bank of the Year in 2023 and 2024. We were also named The Strongest Bank in Singapore and 10th Strongest Bank in Asia by Asian Banker in 2024.
With over 90 years of experience enabling businesses and communities in Malaysia to realise their ambitions, we bring with us a strong credit rating of AAA from RAM Holdings Berhad, and are Southeast Asia’s second largest bank by assets. When you chose us, you know you are banking with Malaysia and Singapore's Best.
OUR AWARDS AND ACCOLADES
Bank of the Year 2023 and 2024 (Malaysia)
The Banker
Best SME Bank (in Treasury and Working Capital), Malaysia
The Asset Magazine
Best Bank for Corporates (Malaysia)
Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2024
BENEFITS
Convenient, Cost-Efficient and Time-Saving OCBC JS-SEZ Banking Solutions
You can leverage our comprehensive suite of banking solutions that are designed with your business in mind. Our award-winning digital banking platform – OCBC Velocity, as well as OCBC Business app, allows you to keep your pulse on your business as well as running your business on the go with confidence.
Convenient, Cost-Efficient and Time-Saving OCBC JS-SEZ Banking Solutions
You can leverage our comprehensive suite of banking solutions that are designed with your business in mind. Our award-winning digital banking platform – OCBC Velocity, as well as OCBC Business app, allows you to keep your pulse on your business as well as running your business on the go with confidence.
Remote business account opening
You can open a new business account with limited paperwork. Apply online or remotely without the need to visit any physical branch.
You can open a new business account with limited paperwork. Apply online or remotely without the need to visit any physical branch.
Single unified account overview
OCBC Velocity allows you to have one view of all your businesses in Malaysia and Singapore, providing unparalleled convenience without the need for multiple logins. Our OCBC Business app is quick, intuitive and an easy-to-use option for banking on the go.
OCBC Velocity allows you to have one view of all your businesses in Malaysia and Singapore, providing unparalleled convenience without the need for multiple logins. Our OCBC Business app is quick, intuitive and an easy-to-use option for banking on the go.
Transparent transfer fees
Enjoy flat fee, same day transfer for outward telegraphic transfers (OTT), no complicated pricing and no hidden fees. OCBC Network transfer is a transparent cross-border payment service designed to facilitate business operations across key treasury centres [i.e., Hong Kong, Singapore, and Shanghai, China] in ASEAN and Greater China.
Transfer between Malaysia and Singapore in a flash for only RM10, and Malaysia to China for only RM30, through OCBC Flash, another of our low-cost options.
Enjoy flat fee, same day transfer for outward telegraphic transfers (OTT), no complicated pricing and no hidden fees. OCBC Network transfer is a transparent cross-border payment service designed to facilitate business operations across key treasury centres [i.e., Hong Kong, Singapore, and Shanghai, China] in ASEAN and Greater China.
Transfer between Malaysia and Singapore in a flash for only RM10, and Malaysia to China for only RM30, through OCBC Flash, another of our low-cost options.
Seamless payment collection
Access free e-invoicing solutions and leverage our cross border QR collection solution to collect payments from Singapore customers via PayNow and Malaysia customers via DuitNow QR (applicable from mid-January 2025).
Access free e-invoicing solutions and leverage our cross border QR collection solution to collect payments from Singapore customers via PayNow and Malaysia customers via DuitNow QR (applicable from mid-January 2025).
Mitigate currency fluctuations
Lock in your preferred FX rate easily online, access real time rates, book 24/7 in more than 15 major currencies.
Lock in your preferred FX rate easily online, access real time rates, book 24/7 in more than 15 major currencies.
Business protection
Expand your business with peace of mind through our comprehensive business insurance solutions.
Expand your business with peace of mind through our comprehensive business insurance solutions.
Connecting you to a ‘zone’ of opportunities
SPOTLIGHTING SECTORAL OPPORTUNITIES
With enhanced infrastructure, special tax arrangements and seamless connectivity potentially on the horizon, businesses across the board are set to benefit. Here’s an early look at which industries could potentially get the biggest boosts.
Advanced manufacturing
Johor’s advanced manufacturing sector is currently focused on back-end activities. The zone’s proximity to Singapore, itself a high-value manufacturing hub for semiconductors and wafer chips, presents synergies that could realise Johor’s vast potential for moving up the manufacturing value chain.
Construction
Johor’s construction sector is already benefiting from increased residential and industrial engineering works, with big projects such as the Rapid Transit Link system well underway. The emphasis on easing traffic congestion and facilitating smooth cross-border movement of people and goods means more development works could be in the pipeline.
Data centres
Given the concentration of data centres in Singapore, companies looking to diversify their operations may be looking north towards Johor’s array of data centre parks such as Sedenak Tech Park, and Nusajaya Tech Park. Work to enhance water and electricity to these parks is ongoing, which bodes well for further development of, and investment into the area.
Logistics
This sector will complement the positive prospects of the construction and property sectors, while simultaneously reaping the benefits from greater connectivity of the RTS and Johor's ports.
Healthcare
The fundamentals of a more ageing population in Singapore, and to a lesser extent Malaysia, suggest that this sector is ripe to benefit from greater cooperation between the two countries.
Opportunities in the JS-SEZ aren’t just limited to the above. Initial findings from the Singapore Business Federation indicate that JS-SEZ could bode well for numerous sectors – be it strengthening offerings across the value chain or developing previously untapped potential.
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2 Source: Singapore Business Federation
RESOURCES
Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone
OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad welcomes the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) by Malaysia and Singapore today and what it holds for the future of economic growth in the region
Learn more >
Learn more >
More than 1,300 throng the all-new Johor Bahru Car-Free Morning sponsored by OCBC Bank
More than 1,300 participants – the biggest number to date – thronged the recently-revived Johor Bahru Car-Free Morning last Saturday with OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad (OCBC Bank) coming in for the first time as main sponsor of the monthly event
Learn more >
Learn more >
OCBC Bank signs agreement to help China-based Yingke’s customers in Malaysia
In a boost to incoming business from China to Malaysia, OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad (OCBC Bank) has tied up with China-based Yingke Consulting Sdn Bhd (Yingke Malaysia) to provide their existing and potential customers with value-added banking solutions
Learn more >
Learn more >
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(Excluding public holidays)