JOHOR BAHRU (June 1): Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB) has recorded US$6.8 billion (RM31.4 billion) worth of investments since its incorporation in 2006 until last year, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said.

He said IIB, an investment holding company to catalyse the strategic development of Iskandar Malaysia, had also created 10,000 job opportunities during that period.

"The state government is very excited with that achievement. I am confident that IIB will be able to achieve its vision of building an inclusive and sustainable metropolis in the future," he said in a Facebook post on Thursday (June 1).

Earlier, Onn Hafiz attended a briefing session by IIB president and chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Idzham Hashim at the IIB headquarters in Medini 9, Iskandar Puteri, and was presented with a set of initiatives and planning to progress Johor known as #IIBForward27.

"I am excited by IIB management’s enthusiasm and hope all the strategies being planned will bear fruit to further provide economic spillover to the Iskandar Puteri area. This will ensure Johor becomes a developed state by 2030," Onn Hafiz added.

Established in November 2006, IIB is responsible to ensure that Iskandar Malaysia continues its trajectory to become an attractive investment destination and a vibrant and liveable region via catalytic and high-impact projects.

Meanwhile, IIB in a separate statement said that it has forged a cooperation with Malaysia Debt Ventures Bhd (MDV) to improve financing access for technology companies and start-ups in Johor of up to RM650 million.

According to Idzham, the two organisations hope to attract and retain technology talent and to boost economic development.

He said by leveraging MDV's expertise, a vibrant innovation ecosystem will be nurtured to support the growth of new companies in Johor, particularly in Medini, Iskandar Puteri.

"This collaboration proves our commitment to drive economic development and elevate Medini's position as Johor's digital and innovation hub," he said.

The memorandum of understanding between IIB and MDV was signed by Idzham and MDV CEO Nizam Mohamed Nadzri, and witnessed by Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry’s financing division secretary Imran Abdullah on Wednesday.