The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is a landmark bilateral initiative launched in January 2025 by Malaysia and Singapore to boost cross-border economic integration, attract investments, and support sustainable development. As the only cross-national SEZ in ASEAN, the JS-SEZ offers a unique package of benefits, including tax and duty exemptions, streamlined customs processes, and mobility incentives for businesses and talent. However, since its launch, not much is known about the opportunities available for companies looking to tap into the JS-SEZ. Previous iterations of cross-border investment schemes in ASEAN have included discussions about expedited visas for investors, lower tax rates for skilled workers, and streamlined procedures.The US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) is organizing a deep dive into the Johor-Singapore SEZ, working with United Overseas Bank (UOB) to facilitate two days of meetings in Singapore and Johor. This will also include a site visit to Johor for companies to see the developments in Malaysia. Government meetings planned include Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), the Johor State Government, Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA), and the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre - Johor (IMFC-J).

Dr. James Andrade joined the Council’s Singapore office in June 2025 as the Singapore Chief Country Representative and Senior ASEAN Advisor. Dr. Andrade is a seasoned international executive with experience in Asia, Europe, and Latin America. He has held numerous leadership positions in the real estate industry, government, academia and the consumer packaged goods industry, with a track record of strategic and creative technical contributions within a broad spectrum of disciplines, including product development, marketing research, nutrition and health, sensory and statistical science, manufacturing, and business development.

During this third and final planning call, the Council will provide detailed information on the upcoming Business Mission, including information on the confirmed meetings & the notional schedule, meeting formats & talking points, submission reminders, mission logistics, and other pertinent information.

For the first part of the call, we have invited Mr. Timothy Chin, Director General, Americas, Europe and Central Asia, Ministry of Trade and Industry to provide a briefing on Singapore’s economic engagement with the United States amidst evolving trade dynamics. During the second half of the call, we look forward to discussing updates on the Business Mission as well as relevant details on the mission themes, proposed mission meetings, mission fees, mission materials, mission logistics, and other important information.