Johor is intensifying its efforts to establish itself as a leading investment destination, following productive discussions with several prominent Japanese corporations at the recent Johor Week event during Expo Osaka 2025. The state delegation, led by key officials, engaged in targeted meetings that highlighted Johor’s strategic advantages and its appeal to international investors looking for a stable and well-connected base in the region.
The four Japanese companies involved—IL Holdings, Morishita Jintan, Nissei, and Fuji Oil—operate in diverse, high-value sectors including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, precision engineering, and food and chemical manufacturing. Their interest underscores Johor’s capacity to attract sophisticated industries. These firms bring not only potential capital but also advanced technological expertise and supply chain development, which align with the state’s industrial growth objectives and long-term development plans.
A significant outcome of these engagements is the heightened focus on the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) as a central feature for future investment. The state also co-hosted an investment forum with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, drawing participation from dozens of Japanese firms. This collective interest signals strong confidence in Johor’s political stability, infrastructure, and business-friendly policies as a trusted gateway into the ASEAN market.
The final investment values from these discussions will be confirmed by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority office in Osaka. These secured projects are anticipated to generate high-value employment, facilitate technology transfer, and support Johor’s broader economic agenda, including the Maju Johor 2030 blueprint and the development of the JS-SEZ. This blueprint aims to position the state as a regional hub for investment and innovation while promoting sustainable growth.
Johor’s participation in Expo Osaka 2025 forms part of a wider strategy to strengthen global partnerships and attract foreign direct investment. By mid-2025, the state had already recorded over RM56 billion in investments, creating thousands of jobs. Recent initiatives, such as the Forest City Special Financial Zone and enhanced cooperation with Japan in sectors like semiconductors and renewable energy, further reinforce Johor’s evolving role as a financial and industrial gateway in Southeast Asia.