Finland Eyes More Business Opportunities In Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone

By Zufazlin Baharuddin

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 (Bernama) -- Finland is eyeing more business opportunities in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), reflecting its growing interest in expanding in Malaysia.

For Finland's Ambassador to Malaysia, Anne Vasara, this interest is reflected in SRXGlobal, a Scanfil company which has invested RM15.8 million to expand and modernise its facility in Johor Bahru, Johor.

“Some Finnish companies had the opportunity to visit Johor Bahru during Foreign Trade and Development Minister Ville Tavio’s official visit to Malaysia in May. They are exploring potential business opportunities, particularly in the circular economy, sustainable energy solutions and semiconductors to enhance collaboration in the region. So we hope to see stronger business collaboration between Finland and Malaysia,” she told Bernama.

Scanfil is a multinational company from Finland and the largest listed electronics manufacturing services company in Europe.

Vasara said Tavio’s visit to Kuala Lumpur and Penang recently created traction with positive engagements from both government and industry players.

Hence, the momentum is building as more Finnish companies see Malaysia as a strategic gateway to Southeast Asia, boosted, for instance, by the opening of the JS-SEZ. As Finland is a frontrunner in the circular economy, it hopes to see more cooperation and increased trade and investment in the region.

She also looks forward to strengthening collaboration through both bilateral engagement and hopes that the long-awaited Malaysia-EU Free Trade Agreement (MEUFTA) will reach to conclusion smoothly. “Despite challenges and uncertainties such as US tariffs, we remain focused on green growth, innovation and economic resilience, in line with Malaysia’s aspiration to enhance competitiveness and attract investment,” she added.

Until May 2025, Finland's exports to Malaysia stood at 101 million euros, while Malaysian exports to Finland reached 69 million euros. Last year, imports from Finland totalled 254 million euros, and Malaysian exports to Finland amounted to 32 million euros.

Top Malaysian exports to Finland are electrical and electronics equipment, machinery, and paper-based products, while key imports from Finland include machinery, chemicals, and food products.

-- BERNAMA