Johor bahru: Strong multi-stakeholder collaboration, anchored on a holistic ecosystem approach, is set to accelerate Johor's economic transformation, particularly through the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) Singapore director T. Vinothan emphasized the importance of aligning government, industry players, and investors to ensure the seamless implementation of initiatives across investment, talent, and digital transformation. The Johor-Singapore Cooperation Ministerial Committee (JSCMC) has been established to oversee progress and deliverables under the JS-SEZ, supported by dedicated working groups focusing on digitalisation, talent development, and ease of doing business. Vinothan noted that these working groups are tasked with ensuring continued progress and discussing the JS-SEZ's relevance over the next five to 10 years. He stressed the significance of the agreement signed with Singapore, highlighting it as a functional agreement rather than merely an MOU. Proper coordination within the ecosystem is deemed essential to ensure the initiative delivers real results, with growth benefits spread across Malaysia. During a session titled 'Catalysing Regional Competitiveness: The JS-SEZ Blueprint for Cross-Border Innovation and Sustainable Industrial Growth', held at the Asia Summit Advanced Innovation and Manufacturing 2026, Vinothan also mentioned ongoing initiatives like passport-free QR code clearance systems, streamlined customs processes, and the upcoming Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, expected to be operational by January 2027, which will enhance the cross-border movement of people and goods. Additionally, the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor (IMFC-J) plays a crucial role in facilitating investments by bringing together key decision-makers across ministries and agencies. From January to December last year, IMFC-J handled more than 1,000 enquiries and evaluated about 131 potential projects, reflecting strong investor interest and aiming to ensure a seamless investment journey. Johor Corporation chief talent officer Najmie Noordin highlighted Johor's strong value proposition, supported by talent availability, proactive leadership, and federal-state alignment. The state produces approximately 35,000 to 36,000 graduates annually, with a significant proportion in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. Institutions like Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) continue to play a key role in supplying skilled talent, with initiatives under the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC) focusing on upskilling and reskilling the workforce. Najmie added that Johor's diversified economy and growing talent pool provide opportunities for investors to develop and scale their businesses over time, with the state targeting to double its gross domestic product from RM150 billion to RM260 billion by 2030. Achieving developed-state status by 2030 will require stron g participation from investors and industry players. Meanwhile, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) Regional Digital Economy Office director Raja Segaran stated that MDEC continues to strengthen collaboration with the private sector, particularly in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence (AI). Opportunities for collaboration span the entire AI value chain, with MDEC supporting companies as a go-to-market partner. MDEC works closely with IMFC-J, MIDA, and Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) to ensure coordinated investment efforts and value creation for investors, including those from Singapore.