Written reply to PQ on Creation of Jobs for Singapore Citizens in Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and Mitigating Effects of Potential Business Closures in Singapore

Question

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (a) over the next five years, what is the expected number of new skilled jobs that will be created for Singapore citizens under the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ); and (b) how does the Ministry plan to mitigate the effects of companies potentially shutting down operations in Singapore after a move to the SEZ.

Written Answer by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong

1. The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) seeks to capitalise on the complementary strengths of Singapore and Johor to strengthen Singapore’s competitiveness and create good jobs for Singaporeans.

2. Many Singapore-based firms are already operating in Johor to take advantage of the resources there while focusing their operations in Singapore on headquarters and research functions where we have relative strengths.

3. Singapore and Malaysia will also jointly attract new international investments to the JS-SEZ that benefit both countries. Compared to firms located in jurisdictions that are further away, firms investing in the JS-SEZ are more likely to establish operations in Singapore or tap on the services provided by Singapore companies, thereby creating value for our economy.