Ng Fie Lih
Partner - Corporate Tax (Johor)
KPMG in Malaysia
On 21 January 2025, KPMG in Malaysia hosted a key forum on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), an initiative poised to transform the region’s economic landscape. The event gathered industry leaders, policymakers and experts to explore the JS-SEZ’s potential to reshape business opportunities and attract investment.
Designed to foster sustainable growth and strengthen cross-border collaboration, the JS-SEZ is positioned as a key player in Southeast Asia’s economic future.
(from left to right: Ms. Lim Wai Yin, Partner – Corporate Tax at KPMG in Malaysia, Ms. Chang Mei Seen, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Tax at KPMG in Malaysia, Mr. Soh Lian Seng, Head of Tax at KPMG in Malaysia, En. Adny Jaffedon bin Ahmad, Advisor of Investment, Invest Johor, En. Ibrahim bin Abdullah, Head of Incentive Section, Tax Division of the Ministry of Finance (MOF), and Ms. Ng Fie Lih, Partner – Corporate Tax (Johor), KPMG in Malaysia)
The forum began with an insightful keynote address by Mr. Soh Lian Seng, Head of Tax at KPMG in Malaysia, who highlighted the JS-SEZ’s role in driving regional economic growth. He emphasized its potential to enhance business competitiveness and create opportunities for high-value investments.
Panel discussion: Insights for businesses
Moderated by Ms. Lim Wai Yin, Partner – Corporate Tax at KPMG in Malaysia, the panel featured distinguished speakers:
- En. Ibrahim bin Abdullah, Head of Incentive Section, Tax Division of the Ministry of Finance (MOF)
- En. Adny Jaffedon bin Ahmad, Advisor of Investment, Invest Johor
- Ms. Ng Fie Lih, Partner – Corporate Tax (Johor), KPMG in Malaysia
These panelists shared key strategies for businesses to leverage the JS-SEZ’s offerings, navigate regulatory complexities and capitalize on growth opportunities in the region.
Building on this, En. Ibrahim emphasized the importance of Malaysia’s value proposition beyond tax incentives. Political stability, the recognition of skilled talent, and sustainable investment practices are essential to long-term growth.
En. Adny Jaffedon highlighted the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor (IMFC-J), a one-stop center which centralizes investment processes across government bodies and local authorities. With a dedicated account manager and streamlined applications for licenses and approvals, the center is anticipated to significantly reduce the turnaround time for investors. Additionally, the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC) has been set up to prepare the right talents to meet the demands of high-growth industries, ensuring a robust workforce to support the JS-SEZ’s objectives.
The JTDC initiative plays a pivotal role in cultivating a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals, enhancing the region’s appeal to investors seeking a dependable and capable workforce. By aligning talent development with industry demands, the JS-SEZ strengthens its positioning as a hub for innovation, high-value manufacturing, and advanced services.
The JS-SEZ combines robust infrastructure with attractive tax incentives, establishing itself as a hub for high-value investments. Key offerings include special corporate tax rates and special tax rate for knowledge workers to encourage high-growth activities. The JS-SEZ’s focus on data centers and eleven (11) targeted sectors across nine (9) flagship zones makes it a competitive player in the region’s economic transformation.
The forum underscored the JS-SEZ’s transformative potential in shaping the region’s economic landscape. KPMG in Malaysia remains committed to supporting businesses as they navigate opportunities within this initiative.
This is just the beginning – stay tuned for more events and updates as the JS-SEZ continues to evolve and shape the region’s future.
