“OCBC Group commits RM14 billion to the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), backing real estate, data centres, and manufacturing. The bank plans RM3 billion more in financing by end-2025 to boost cross-border investment.“
Johor, 23th June 2025, 11.15am – OCBC Group has pledged RM14 billion in total financing to support the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), with RM11 billion already deployed since early 2024 and an additional RM3 billion earmarked by the end of 2025.
In a statement on Saturday, OCBC said the funds will facilitate investments across strategic sectors, including real estate, oil and gas, manufacturing, and data centres—key areas identified under the JS-SEZ bilateral framework.
A Century-Long Legacy in Johor
OCBC Group CEO Helen Wong reaffirmed the bank’s long-standing ties to Johor, noting that OCBC Malaysia opened its first branch in Johor in 1917. The group now operates eight branches in Johor, out of 38 nationwide.
“Our commitment to Johor and the JS-SEZ reflects our long-term confidence in the region’s growth trajectory. Through our One Group approach—which brings together OCBC Bank, Great Eastern Holdings, Bank of Singapore, and our leasing and wealth management arms—we are well-positioned to enable cross-border business expansion and economic integration,” Wong said.
She made the remarks during a courtesy visit to Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi at his official residence in Saujana, joined by OCBC Group’s senior leadership team.
Johor Welcomes OCBC’s Support
Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz welcomed the move, calling it a strong endorsement of Johor’s economic agenda.
“OCBC’s total commitment of RM14 billion reflects solid private sector confidence in the JS-SEZ vision. We look forward to strengthening this collaboration to realize our cross-border growth goals,” he said.
Promoting JS-SEZ on the Global Stage
OCBC Bank (Malaysia) CEO Tan Chor Sen said the group had already taken proactive steps to position the JS-SEZ among global investors, even before the formal agreement between Malaysia and Singapore was inked in January 2025.
He highlighted ongoing collaborations with key agencies including the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), and Invest Johor.
“Our international network—especially in Greater China—gives us a strong platform to attract inbound investments and support business expansions into Johor and Malaysia,” Tan added.
Insurance and Financial Solutions to Support Growth
Meanwhile, Great Eastern Life Assurance (Malaysia) Bhd CEO Datuk Koh Yaw Hui said the insurance arm of OCBC is ready to support the economic development of the JS-SEZ through a comprehensive suite of life, general, and takaful insurance offerings tailored to businesses and communities in the region.
