KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and the Johor State Government have successfully organised the Invest Series: Unfolding States 'Business Potential' - Johor programme to showcase the untapped investment opportunities in the state. The event which took place at MIDA Headquarters, attracted 400 participants, including captains of industry, government officials, entrepreneurs and senior managements from various sectors.  

The programme started with a welcome address by Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MIDA and was followed by the keynote address by YAB Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Menteri Besar Johor. Also present at the event were YB Tuan Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister Of International Trade And Industry (MITI); YB Tuan Lee Ting Han, Chairman of Johor State Investment, Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee; YBhg. Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Sulaiman Mahbob, Chairman, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA); YB Dato’ Haji Mohammed Ridha Dato’ Haji Abd Kadir, Deputy State Secretary of Johor Development, Johor State Secretary's Office; YBhg. Dato’ Badrul Hisham Kassim, Chief Executive, Iskandar Regional Development Authority, YBrs. Puan Zarina Abdul Kadir, Chief Executive, Invest Johor and head of state and federal and government department and agencies. 

YAB Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Menteri Besar Johor in his address shared the latest Johor Development Plan and emphasised Johor's investment aspirations, stating that it is the "Southern Jewel of Malaysia." 

“Johor’s total approved investments for 2022 reached an all-time high of RM 70.6 billion, which is the highest in Malaysia. Since taking over the helm of the State Government last year, my colleagues and I have worked tirelessly to enhance our economic resilience by assisting the people in cushioning the impact from price increases and facilitating businesses recovery. In tandem, we have sought to generate quality investments, secure more job opportunities, and put in place the building blocks of a more dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable economy. We are consistent in our efforts to ensure the rapid recovery of our economy, while strengthening its resilience to new challenges posed by the changing landscape of the global economy. There is a lot to be done still, and we must keep focused on the bigger picture and the longer game of creating a dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable economy for Johor and Malaysia.” said YAB Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

Datuk Wira Arham, CEO of MIDA highlighted on the recently announced Malaysia’s investment performance in 2023, said “Malaysia has successfully attracted RM264.6 billion worth of approved investments in the services, manufacturing and primary sectors for 2022, creating 140,370 job opportunities in the country. Johor played a significant role, accounting for a substantial proportion of the approved investments at RM70.6 billion. Congratulations to Johor for showcasing its economic potential through its attractive investment climate and strategic location, and for its outstanding contribution to Malaysia’s economy.” 

“As part of its commitment to boosting domestic investment, the Government, in collaboration with MIDA, has undertaken several initiatives aimed at attracting investment in Johor and other states. From the MIDA Invest Series Conference to the Domestic Investment Coordination Platform (DICP) initiative, the SME Investment Desk and joint programmes with local industry associations and chambers of commerce, these efforts are designed to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. The Domestic Investment Seminar, the Domestic Specific Project Mission (DSPM), and the Industry Linkage Program (ILP) / Supply Chain Programme are also in place to help foster partnerships and drive innovation.” added Datuk Wira Arham.

Over the years, Johor has remained a crucial gateway for the country, thanks to its advanced infrastructure projects. One of the most vital infrastructure developments in Johor are the connections to Singapore, including the Johor-Singapore Causeway built in 1924, and the Tuas Second Link bridge constructed in 1998, both of which have played a significant role in linking Singapore and Malaysia via Johor. In addition, Johor offers other excellent infrastructures for investors such as the international airport (Senai) and three ports (Pasir Gudang Port, Tanjung Pelepas Port, and Tanjung Langsat Port), thus, positioning Johor as a hub for investments.

MIDA continues to aggressively promote the digital tech sector, including data centres, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), creative and digital content such as gaming and animation, as well as system integrators and solution providers, to make Malaysia the region's tech launchpad. The data centre investments into Johor accounted for RM51.1 billion of the investment in 2022, and MIDA welcomes investments from leading data centre companies to tap into the vast market demand for such services by building a critical presence in Malaysia.

The Invest Series: Unfolding States 'Business Potential' - Johor programme was a significant success, highlighting Johor's investment landscape and its potential to attract investors. With its excellent infrastructure, strategic location, and dynamic ecosystem, Johor is one of the promising destinations in the country for investment, and MIDA remains committed to supporting and facilitating investments in the state.
 
About MIDA 
 
MIDA is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 21 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube.
 
About Invest Johor

Invest Johor is a one-stop-centre that represents the state of Johor in dealing with investors and helps to position Johor as an attractive destination for investment. Invest Johor plays an important role in matters related to the promotion, facilitation, coordination, and development or investments in a broad sector of industries. Ultimately, Invest Johor strives to help transform Johor into a regional hub for high-technology, knowledge-based, and capital-intensive industries.

 
Associated images for the media release can be found at
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LC9fBCpb1nBpBdRs5svoU7FMsU1zgdq1?usp=sharing


SOURCE : Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
MIDA
Name : Mr. Sukri Abu Bakar
Director, Domestic Investment Division, MIDA 
Tel : + 603- 2267 3685
Email : sukri@mida.gov.my

Invest Johor
Name : Ms. Zarina binti Abd Kadir
Chief Executive, Invest Johor
Tel : (6) 07-290 9000
Fax : (6) 07-290 8000 
Email : info@johor.gov.com

--BERNAMA