Johor-singapore: The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is poised to become a catalyst for a burgeoning ecosystem in the advanced semiconductor manufacturing sector in Johor, driven by the anticipated arrival of an industry-leading company, often referred to as a 'queen bee.'
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi expressed that the introduction of this 'queen bee' will likely bring along an entire ecosystem, potentially generating high-value job opportunities and enhancing the industrial landscape. 'When this 'queen bee' comes to Johor, it will bring the entire ecosystem and help us offer more job opportunities. What makes me even happier is that when these companies come in, they offer premium salaries,' he stated during an interview at Saujana, the Official Residence of the Johor Menteri Besar.
Onn Hafiz highlighted that salaries in the semiconductor sector could range between RM10,000 and RM15,000 per month for experienced workers, reflecting the high demand for skilled labour. Despite the requirement for high productivity, the lucrative salaries serve as a significant incentive for the local workforce.
The Menteri Besar also noted the potential in the computing and Information Technology (IT) sectors, which are similarly attracting positive interest from investors and offer attractive salaries. The JS-SEZ, formalized in an agreement signed in January 2025, encompasses development areas such as Iskandar, Forest City, Pengerang Integrated Petroleum Complex, and Desaru, covering 357,128 hectares.
Additionally, the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor (IMFC-J) has received over 1,000 investment enquiries related to sectors including manufacturing, tourism, data centres, and semiconductors under the JS-SEZ. The SEZ aims to create approximately 80,000 jobs, with hundreds of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) already benefiting from ongoing investments.
Onn Hafiz emphasized the importance of a skilled workforce, with the state government prioritizing upskilling and reskilling initiatives and forming the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC). Other educational initiatives include the Bangsa Johor Pioneer Schools and collaborations with higher education institutions.
Johor achieved a milestone by recording the highest approved investment in Malaysia for 2025, amounting to RM110 billion. The state government's focus on stability, good governance, and investor-friendly policies has fostered investor confidence, positioning Johor as a prime location for opportunities within the JS-SEZ.