MONEY MASTER

Malayan Banking Bhd’s latest disclosure points to more than just deal volume,  it provides  early evidence that the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is beginning to attract meaningful capital flows , positioning the bank at the forefront of a multi-year regional growth theme. Early Signs of Capital Formation in JS-SEZ Malayan Banking Bhd  has facilitated  RM20 billion (US$4.9 billion) in financing and investments  tied to the JS-SEZ, spanning corporate, mid-market and consumer segments. More notably, the bank has supported the establishment of  nine family offices in Johor , signalling: Rising wealth inflows into the corridor Growing demand for  cross-border structuring and asset allocation Early-stage development of a  regional wealth management hub This suggests the SEZ is  moving beyond policy ambition into execution phase , where capital deployment is already taking shape. From Policy Framework to Investable Theme The JS-SEZ...

  Crescendo Corporation Bhd has announced plans to acquire SGR Land Development Sdn Bhd and assume its six land purchase agreements in Johor for a total of RM168.85 million . Crescendo will pay RM10.79 million for a 100% stake in SGR Land from owners Ong Soon Liong , Ong Soon Chong , and Lok Kok Lee , with the remaining RM158.06 million covering the land purchase obligations. The acquired land spans 135.03 acres and is strategically located with access to key infrastructure such as the Second Link to Singapore , Port of Tanjung Pelepas , North-South Expressway , and Senai International Airport . The location is ideal for the development of industrial properties , which Crescendo anticipates will benefit from expected investment and tax incentives within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone . SGR Land had previously signed six sale-and-purchase agreements for the land at prices ranging from RM26.50 to RM40 per square foot. These transactions are expected to be complet...

The Johor state government is finalising a local transport network designed to complement the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link , said Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi during the Invest Malaysia conference on Thursday. This network will connect key landing points in Johor Bahru to various developments within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone . In addition to the RTS Link, the state is moving forward with several major infrastructure projects, including expansions to the Senai-Desaru Expressway and North-South Expressway , to support Johor's growing economy. Johor's economy grew 4.1% in 2023, outpacing the national average of 3.6% , according to Onn Hafiz. The RTS Link , expected to be operational by 2026 , is set to enhance cross-border connectivity between Johor and Singapore, reducing travel time and promoting economic integration. Onn Hafiz also mentioned progress on soft connectivity measures, such as a passport-free QR c...

  In the second quarter of 2024, Malaysian property developers reported mixed financial results, largely influenced by significant one-off factors such as notable land sales. The sector is now awaiting further details on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) , whose announcement has been postponed to November 2024, reverting to its original timeline from the previously planned September 2024. In the absence of new thematic drivers, attention has turned to companies with strong fundamentals and a proven track record. Analysts are advising investors to focus on developers with a solid history of execution and those capable of unlocking land value or synergies through strategic land sales and corporate exercises. Notable BUY recommendations in this context include ECW , SPSB , and SWB . Performance Highlights of Listed Developers Among developers with a fiscal year ending in December, 71% have reported their second-quarter results: SWB and TILB : Net profits aligned w...