On 19 August 2025, AAIS members from across the aviation and aerospace value chain packed the EDB Lounge for an industry briefing on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. The seminar explored how the JS-SEZ initiative, more than just a policy measure, represents a strategic opportunity to harness the complementary strengths of Singapore and Johor.
Following opening remarks by AAIS Chief Executive, Ms Gennie Neo, EDB Senior Manager, Mobility and Industrial Solutions, shared an overview of aerospace sector developments. She highlighted Singapore’s growth trajectory and macroeconomic trends, setting the context for opportunities in the JS-SEZ. Gennie also introduced the EDB Toolkit covering grants, tax and non-incentive tools designed to support aerospace companies in capability development, capacity expansion, innovation and R&D, talent growth, and supplier development. Ms Esther Teo, Director of EDB’s Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone Programme Office then provided a deep dive into the JS-SEZ initiative, outlining its industrial infrastructure and targeted economic sectors. Participants also heard compelling examples of how businesses are already twinning their operations across the border, unlocking new efficiencies.
In the second part of the programme, Mr Melvin Teng, Director, Business Incentives Advisory, EY, presented a strategic framework for location strategy and site selection, underscoring that decisions must weigh more than headline costs. He noted that beyond tax incentives, businesses need to carefully assess infrastructure readiness, energy and utilities, logistics, talent pools, and long-term scalability. Mr Johanes Candra, Partner, Business Incentives Advisory, then elaborated on corporate and personal tax reliefs, business adaptation grants, and other incentives available under the JS-SEZ framework.
The session concluded with a lively Q&A discussion, where participants raised practical considerations such as cross-border movement of people and goods, talent strategies, and operational challenges such as tariffs and skill shortages. These remain areas to watch, though efforts are underway to address them.
We thank our speakers from EDB and EY for the valuable insights, and members for the active engagement.
Next Up: Learning Visit to Johor–Singapore SEZ
Following the strong interest generated at this briefing, AAIS is organising a one-day learning visit to Johor Bahru to provide members with direct exposure to the SEZ’s growing aerospace and industrial ecosystem. Participants will:
- Explore the industrial infrastructure at Nusajaya Tech Park (NTP)
- Engage with aerospace companies operating in Johor
- Hear expert perspectives on Malaysia’s aerospace and business landscape
- Network with peers from the Malaysia Aerospace Industry Association (MAIA)
Learn more and register here: https://aais.glueup.com/event/visit-to-johor-special-economic-zone-152827/
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