10 November 2025
10-min read
Johor, Malaysia - Maybank is facilitating more than RM15 billion into the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) that comprises approximately RM10 billion in committed financing, and separately, up to RM5.35 billion in the next 3-10 years in investment interests via Letters of Intent (LOIs) from clients.
The financing and investment facilitated by Maybank covers the whole spectrum of client segments - from SMEs, mid-cap companies to large and multinational corporations - all of which play a key role in the supply chain of the JS-SEZ-focused industries including high-value manufacturing, digital economy, food security, healthcare, and logistics.
Total financing of approximately RM120 million to five Johor-based SMEs and mid-cap corporations were also announced, with letters of offer extended to Cape EMS Berhad, Haily Construction Sdn Bhd, NES Packaging Sdn Bhd, MCH M&E Sdn Bhd, and TSH Manufacturing Solution Sdn Bhd.
From L-R: Paul Lee - Managing Partner, Nortmod, YM Raja Taufik Azad Ahmad Suhaimi - Iskandar Regional Development Authority, Mohd. Yasin Abdullah - Group CEO Maybank Islamic, YB Dato' Haji Asman Shah bin Abdul Rahman - Johor State Secretary, YAB Dato' Onn Hafiz Ghazi - Menteri Besar Johor, Dato' Sri Khairussaleh Ramli - President & Group CEO of Maybank, YB Lee Ting Han - Johor State EXCO, Syed Ahmad Taufik Albar - Group CEO, Maybank Community Financial Services, and Teo Chee Yow - Executive Director Country Garden Pacific View Sdn Bhd.
The launch of Maybank's Forest City Service Centre was officiated by Yang Amat Berhormat Dato' Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Chief Minister of Johor and Dato' Sri Khairussaleh Ramli, President & Group Chief Executive Officer of Maybank.
Executive Director Country Garden Pacific View Sdn Bhd, YB Datuk Pandak Ahmad - ADUN Kota Iskandar, YB Dato' Haji Asman Shah bin Abdul Rahman - Johor State Secretary, YAB Dato' Onn Hafiz Ghazi - Menteri Besar Johor, Dato' Sri Khairussaleh Ramli - President & Group CEO of Maybank, and Syed Ahmad Taufik Albar - Group CEO, Maybank Community Financial Services.
Facilitating Letters of Intent (LOIs)
Maybank has facilitated client LOIs totalling up to RM5.35 billion to the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA). This includes a RM3 billion LOI from Equalbase, a Singapore-based sustainable industrial real estate developer. This investment aims to expand 2.2 million sq ft facilities in Senai, supporting green-certified supply chain operations and tech-enabled jobs - further boosting the JS-SEZ's appeal to top multinational tenants.
Earlier announced LOIs of RM2.35 billion were from Alpine Renewables and Edible Oils Pte Ltd, Centurion Corporation Limited, and Thomson Medical Group Limited for projects over the next 3-10 years. Building on these commitments, Maybank is extending financing and other banking solutions to support these plans.
Beyond banking services - Single Family Offices, Islamic finance and Halal facilitation
Maybank has been at the forefront of advising and facilitating approvals for its clients to set up Single Family Offices (SFOs), a key differentiator of the Bank's wealth management offerings. To date, Maybank has provided advisory services in the successful establishment of two SFOs in the Forest City Special Financial Zone (FCSFZ), for One KL Management Sdn Bhd, the first in Malaysia, and the other for Beach Capital Holdings Sdn Bhd, with 13 more in the pipeline.
Within its scope of Islamic finance and Halal facilitation, Maybank Islamic has been providing advisory services to homegrown Johor businesses such as Kopi Rakyat and Holiday Inn Johor Bahru to secure Halal certification. This has enabled them to unlock growth and new market access. Maybank continues to receive expressions of interest from clients in Malaysia as well as from the region to set up Halal-certified global production hubs in the JS-SEZ.
Next-Gen Forest City Service Centre - Maybank's 67th Touchpoint in Johor
Maybank's Forest City Service Centre strategically aligns with FCSFZ's vision to be a regional financial hub, while supporting JS-SEZ's aspirations. This presence allows Maybank to facilitate and support client investment and drive growth across key sectors, including wealth management, semiconductors, electric vehicles, healthcare, and Halal economy.
The new Service Centre also exemplifies Maybank's concept for the "future of banking" experience, offering clients the option of hybrid experience that blends high touch, face-to-face interactions with seamless digital experiences.
Located within the vicinity of the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor (IMFC-J), and designed for accessibility, the new service centre features a consultative-designed space for clients to meet with advisors for personalised guidance; a Digital Xperience Zone with iPads and self-service terminals; Virtual Rooms with secure video conferencing with our bankers; and a Community Area for engagements and collaborations.
Officiated by YAB Dato' Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Menteri Besar Johor, and Dato' Sri Khairussaleh Ramli, President & Group CEO of Maybank.
Dato' Sri Khairussaleh Ramli, President & Group Chief Executive Officer of Maybank said, "Maybank is excited to support the development of JS-SEZ. Over the past two years, we have collaborated with government bodies, industry associations and regulators in Malaysia and Singapore to drive investments in the JS-SEZ-focused industries, strengthen SME ecosystems and build more resilient supply chains including Johor's Halal ecosystem. We are also at the forefront in supporting our wealth clients to set up their SFOs in the FCSFZ. This complements our commitment in providing beyond banking support to include advisory services, positioning us as a trusted, values-based partner to our clients."
"Our latest Forest City Service Centre reinforces our commitment in the JS-SEZ and FCSFZ, while advancing our M25+ digitalisation initiatives of creating a space where efficiency, convenience and human connection can co-exist in the age of AI. Building on this momentum, we are working to position both zones as a gateway to invest and trade in ASEAN. Together with our stakeholders, our vision is to contribute sustainably in efforts to uplift both Malaysia and Singapore, and add to ASEAN's competitiveness, resilience, and integration."