Singapore and Malaysia Collaborate on Skills Training for JS-SEZ

Singapore and Malaysia are collaborating on skills training for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). Institutes of higher learning in Singapore are working with Malaysian counterparts to train workers on necessary skills. The JS-SEZ is seen as a value proposition for others to invest, with Singapore's strengths in research, development, and finance complemented by Johor's growing talent and resources. The Ascott Coronation Square Johor Baru is a key development, with a five-star hotel set to open in 2029.

Singapore and Malaysia are collaborating on skills training for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), a significant initiative aimed at bolstering the region's economic potential. Institutes of higher learning in Singapore are working with their Malaysian counterparts to train workers on the necessary skills required for the JS-SEZ. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of talent development in driving the success of the economic zone.

Minister of State for Trade and Industry and National Development Alvin Tan highlighted the significance of skills and talent development for the JS-SEZ. He noted that institutions like Singapore Polytechnic are partnering with the Johor Skills Development Council and other Malaysian institutes to ensure workers possess the requisite skills. This collaboration is a key ingredient in creating a strong value proposition for both Johor and Singapore, leveraging Singapore's strengths in research, development, and finance, while complementing Johor's growing talent and resources [1].

The JS-SEZ is not just a regional initiative but a value proposition for investors outside the ASEAN region. The Ascott Coronation Square Johor Baru, a five-star hotel set to open in the second half of 2029, is a pivotal development within the JS-SEZ. The hotel, managed by Ascott, will cater to leisure, business, and long-stay travelers and is part of the RM5 billion (S$1.5 billion) integrated development in Johor Bahru's Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD) [2].

The Coronation Square development, which includes a hotel, medical, office, and residential components, as well as a 1.2 million-square-foot mall, is strategically located within the JS-SEZ. The project is expected to attract international investors, tourists, and talents, contributing to a more diverse and resilient economy. The arrival of Ascott Limited in Coronation Square marks a turning point for Johor's hospitality landscape, elevating its profile on a global stage.

The JS-SEZ's success hinges on comprehensive infrastructure, including the Rapid Transit System (RTS), which will be directly connected to the development. The partnership between Singapore and Malaysia, along with the Ascott Coronation Square project, signifies a promising future for the JS-SEZ, poised to become a dynamic, future-ready, and internationally connected state.

References:
[1] https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2025/08/08/singapore-malaysia-collaborate-on-skills-training-for-js-sez
[2] https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/property/ascott-inks-deal-malaysian-developer-coronade-properties-manage-hotel-johor-singapore-sez