Singapore’s OCBC Group, as part of its support to the development of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone ( JS-SEZ ), has committed more than 11 billion ringgit ( US$2.58 billion ) in financing to businesses in the Johor state since the start of last year.

By the end of 2025, the group expects to provide at least another 3 billion ringgit in financing for investments into various sectors, including real estate, oil and gas, manufacturing and data centres.

OCBC Group CEO Helen Wong, along with senior executives of the OCBC Group, shared this during a courtesy visit to Johor Menteri Besar Yang Amat Berhomat Dato' Onn Hafiz bin Ghazi and his official resident in Saujana, Johor Bashru.

While reiterating the group’s long-term support to JS-SEZ, Ms. Wong emphasises OCBC’s One Group approach – that brings together the collective strengths of OCBC Bank, Great Eastern Holdings ( its insurance subsidiary ), Bank of Singapore ( its private banking arm ) and its leasing and wealth management capabilities – which she argues uniquely positions the group to support business growth and cross-border collaboration, and stronger economic ties between Singapore and Malaysia.

“We have a long history in Johor dating more than a hundred years,” Wong says. “OCBC Malaysia’s first branch in Johor traces its history to 1917, and there are now eight branches in the state, out of 38 across Malaysia. 

Tan Chor Sen, OCBC Bank ( Malaysia )’s CEO, adds that even prior to the official signing of the JS-SEZ agreement in January this year, OCBC had taken several proactive steps in Malaysia to showcase the zone’s potential to global investors.

“OCBC has a strong track record of assisting foreign businesses in establishing operations in Malaysia and has facilitated the entry of new companies from various sectors, including services, construction, manufacturing, and wholesale and retail trade,” he adds. “By leveraging OCBC's extensive international presence, particularly in Greater China, we aim to connect companies and their ecosystems with opportunities that drive growth and innovation.”