Maybank, PUJB team up to support Johor entrepreneurs under JS-SEZ initiative

KUALA LUMPUR: Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) and Perbadanan Usahawan Johor Sdn Bhd (PUJB) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing support for local entrepreneurs in Johor, particularly those aligned with the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).

Through the MOU, both parties aim to bridge key gaps by offering tailored banking and beyond banking solutions, including Halal Facilitation services, supply chain financing, capacity-building programs, and strategic advisory services.

Maybank president and group chief executive officer Datuk Khairussaleh Ramli said the collaboration underscored Maybank’s commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs. He added that the bank would work closely with PUJB and the Johor State to strengthen the local MSME ecosystem.

The initiative was in line with the JS-SEZ’s key economic focus to ensure local businesses could benefit from new investments and economic growth.

“As a leading bank of Asean — with the largest branch network in Johor, and 65 years of banking presence in Singapore, this partnership will play a catalytic role in advancing business growth and investments in the JS-SEZ, covering over 60,000 local MSME entrepreneurs whom are currently part of PUJB’s ecosystem,” Khairussaleh said.

“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,” he added.

Meanwhile, PUJB chief executive officer Mohd Radzi Mohd Amin said: “PUJB is committed to leading the development of a competitive and inclusive entrepreneurial and cooperative ecosystem including empowering youth, women, and rural communities through training, mentoring, access to modern technology, as well as financing and infrastructure support for shared economic prosperity.”

Maybank has also set up a dedicated JS-SEZ Desk as a one-stop platform to provide advice, banking and other services, while connecting clients with the relevant authorities. This will be supported by Maybank’s strong presence in both Johor and Singapore.

The bank currently has 71 touchpoints in Johor, including branches and service centres. In Singapore, it operates 23 branches and PremierHubs — the largest network among foreign banks.