Maybank, PUJB to aid SMEs in Johor-SG special eco zone

The partnership follows rising demand for Halal-certified services and products.

Maybank and Perbadanan Usahawan Johor (PUJB) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen support for local entrepreneurs in Johor, with a particular emphasis on businesses aligned with the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).

Under the agreement, both parties will address key challenges by offering tailored banking and non-banking solutions, including Halal facilitation services, supply chain financing, capacity-building programmes, and strategic advisory support.

The partnership comes amidst increasing regional economic integration and rising demand for Halal-certified products and services. 

According to the Halal Industry Master Plan 2030, Malaysia's Halal industry is projected to reach $148.3b (US$113.2b) by 2030, contributing 8.1% to the country’s GDP by 2025.

“With JS-SEZ’s focus on Halal, this partnership with PUJB will also contribute towards the development and positioning of JS-SEZ as the preferred regional and global Halal hub. Our strong global Islamic banking experience has strategically positioned us to assist in not only providing Shariah-compliant financing solutions, but also enables us access to the Halal ecosystem and marketplace for businesses,” Dato’ Khairussaleh, CEO of Maybank said.