Summary of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) Report from Maybank Kim Eng

Summary of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) Report

1. Overview and Potential
The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), announced during the Singapore-Malaysia leaders’ retreat, aims to create a synergistic partnership. By leveraging Singapore’s global finance and logistics expertise with Johor’s cost-competitive resources (land, labor, and energy), the JS-SEZ could offer a differentiated value proposition, especially for supply chains seeking alternatives to North Asia amidst the US-China trade tensions.

2. Beneficiary Sectors in Singapore
Key sectors likely to benefit include Banks, Gaming, Industrials, Technology, and Telecommunications. Highlighted stocks: AEM, CICT, FRKN, GENS, MLT, OCBC, SCI, ST, TMG, UMS, UOB, and VMS.

3. Strong Bilateral Commitment

• Targets: 100 projects within 10 years, focusing on sectors like aerospace, electronics, chemicals, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals.
• Support Measures:
  • Malaysia: Infrastructure funding.
  • Singapore: Funding support and operational integration for companies entering the JS-SEZ.
  • Enhanced cross-border mobility through technology, visas, and tax incentives.

4. Themes Driving Equity Catalysts
The JS-SEZ's initiatives align with four major themes expected to stimulate equities:

• Cost Efficiency: Reducing operating costs and addressing labor shortages.
• Supply Chain Shifts: Facilitating North-South supply chain realignments.
• Sustainability: Accelerating the transition to Net Zero.
• Infrastructure Growth: Expanding investments in infrastructure and property development.

5. Sector-Specific Impacts

• Banks: Benefit from cross-vertical opportunities as supply chains shift to the JS-SEZ.
• Tech & Telecoms: Strengthened through Johor’s growing role as a data center hub.
• Industrials: Gain from increased demand for renewable energy and green initiatives.
• Developers & REITs: Opportunities in Johor’s infrastructure development, though initial business leakages to Malaysia are expected.
• Gaming: Increased border connectivity may boost mass-market gaming demand.

Conclusion

The JS-SEZ promises to be a transformative initiative, leveraging cross-border strengths to create a globally competitive ecosystem. The policy, capital, and infrastructure stability it offers could redefine regional supply chains and spur economic growth for both Singapore and Johor.

The above report is extracted from Maybank Kim Eng Research Report dated 7/1/2025.