Johor bahru: Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Johor are being urged to capitalize on the development opportunities presented by the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) to engage with the global supply chain effectively.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysian Malay Chamber of Commerce (DPMM) Johor head Yazid Khalid emphasized the significance of the presence of technology giants like NVIDIA and Microsoft in Johor, which facilitates direct access to the international market ecosystem for local entrepreneurs. Yazid highlighted that under the leadership of Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, initiatives such as the JS-SEZ have transformed Johor into a robust regional investment hub, reducing the costs for local businesses to enter the global market. This initiative allows Johor entrepreneurs to collaborate with multinational companies and integrate into the global supply chain.

Yazid further explained that digitalization is now a mandatory requirement for entrepreneurs to stay competitive and relevant in the evolving market landscape. He identified three essential levels of digital readiness: awareness of basic digital platforms, automation of business processes, and expanding market access through e-commerce. He noted that while micro-entrepreneurs are increasingly utilizing social media and e-wallets, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) must transition to automated systems like cloud accounting and stock management to enhance operational efficiency. However, Yazid acknowledged that the main challenges remain the costs associated with technology implementation and the necessity for ongoing technical skills training.

DPMM Johor is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs through business networking, policy advocacy, and capacity training initiatives to enable them to access larger markets. Yazid stated that the current primary focus of DPMM is to ensure that Johor entrepreneurs actively participate in the JS-SEZ ecosystem rather than merely being observers. He expressed the hope that Johor entrepreneurs not only survive but also compete internationally, aligning with the Maju Johor 2030 vision.