ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) will help create more startup companies, especially in the south, says Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal.

The Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister added that more than 3,000 startup companies are based in Malaysia.

The startup ecosystem in Johor is rapidly expanding. Located close to Singapore, a vibrant tech hub, Johor is a strategic gateway for startups, providing valuable opportunities for networking, collaboration, and talent acquisition opportunities,” he added.

Mohammad Yusof said this after officiating MYStartup NXT Johor, held at a hotel in Medini near Kota Iskandar on Thursday (Feb 29).

He added that Johor’s economic accomplishments have garnered global recognition.

In the StartupBlink’s Global Startup Ecosystem Index Report, Johor Baru made an impressive leap, surging 404 places and securing a spot among the top 600 cities worldwide in 2023.

“In South-East Asia, Johor Baru moved up nine places to 13th spot, retaining its position as the third most vibrant ecosystem in Malaysia,” he said.

“With the setting up of JS-SEZ, it will surely attract foreign startup companies either to move there based here or even create more local startups,” he added.

Mohammad Yusof said MYStartup NXT is part of the MYStartup initiative, which aligns with the Malaysia Startup Ecosystem Roadmap (Super) 2021-2030 being spearheaded by the ministry.

“The MYStartup initiative also contributes to the national goals of establishing 5,000 startups by 2025 and elevating Malaysia to one of the top 20 global startup ecosystem hubs by 2030,” he added.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/02/29/js-sez-to-boost-startup-ecosystem-in-malaysia-says-yusof-apdal