Maybank and Perbadanan Usahawan Johor Sdn. Bhd. (PUJB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to bolster support for Johor’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the Halal industry. This collaboration, formalised at the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) Joint Business and Investment Forum, seeks to provide tailored banking solutions and strategic advisory services to local entrepreneurs.
The partnership will address key gaps by offering Halal Facilitation services, supply chain financing, and capacity-building programmes. Dato’ Khairussaleh Ramli, President and Group CEO of Maybank, highlighted the bank’s commitment to supporting local businesses and advancing the JS-SEZ’s economic focus. “This partnership will play a catalytic role in advancing business growth and investments in the JS-SEZ,” he stated.
Maybank’s extensive presence in Johor and Singapore, with 71 touchpoints in Johor and 23 branches in Singapore, positions it as a significant player in the region. The bank has also established a dedicated JS-SEZ Desk to provide comprehensive advisory and banking solutions.
The collaboration is timely, given the anticipated growth of Malaysia’s Halal industry, expected to reach $113.2 billion by 2030. Maybank Islamic has already assisted 360 MSMEs in obtaining Halal certification, and this initiative will now extend to foreign investors in various sectors.
Haji Mohd Radzi Mohd Amin, CEO of PUJB, emphasised the importance of empowering diverse communities through training and infrastructure support. The partnership aims to position JS-SEZ as a leading regional and global Halal hub, leveraging Maybank’s global Islamic banking expertise.
“`
