Johor bahru: Finland is eyeing more business opportunities in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), reflecting its growing interest in expanding in Malaysia. For Finland’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Anne Vasara, this interest is reflected in SRXGlobal, a Scanfil company which has invested RM15.8 million to expand and modernise its facility in Johor Bahru, Johor.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, some Finnish companies had the opportunity to visit Johor Bahru during Foreign Trade and Development Minister Ville Tavio’s official visit to Malaysia in May. They are exploring potential business opportunities, particularly in the circular economy, sustainable energy solutions, and semiconductors to enhance collaboration in the region. Vasara expressed hope for stronger business collaboration between Finland and Malaysia.
Scanfil, a multinational company from Finland, is the largest listed electronics manufacturing services company in Europe. Vasara noted that Tavio’s recent visit to Kuala Lumpur and Penang created traction with positive engagements from both government and industry players.
The momentum is building as more Finnish companies see Malaysia as a strategic gateway to Southeast Asia, boosted by the opening of the JS-SEZ. As Finland is a frontrunner in the circular economy, it hopes for more cooperation and increased trade and investment in the region.
Vasara also looks forward to strengthening collaboration through bilateral engagement and hopes that the long-awaited Malaysia-EU Free Trade Agreement (MEUFTA) will conclude smoothly. Despite challenges such as US tariffs, Finland remains focused on green growth, innovation, and economic resilience, aligning with Malaysia’s aspirations to enhance competitiveness and attract investment.
Until May 2025, Finland’s exports to Malaysia stood at 101 million euros, while Malaysian exports to Finland reached 69 million euros. Last year, imports from Finland totaled 254 million euros, and Malaysian exports to Finland amounted to 32 million euros. Top Malaysian exports to Finland are electrical and electronics equipment, machinery, and paper-based products, while key imports from Finland include machinery, chemicals, and food products.