JS-SEZ poised as a premier education hub
By Samantha So
samantha.so@thestar.com.my
Malaysia’s ambition to position itself as a premier destination for education is gaining momentum, with the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) envisioned as a regional epicentre for education, offering a seamless educational pathway from pre-school to tertiary levels.
Thanks to its strategic location - leveraging Singapore’s reputation for top-tier education and Malaysia’s land availability and lower costs - the special economic zone, according to National Association of Private Educational Institutions (NAPEI) deputy president Dr Teh Choon Jin, can be a catalyst for developing integrated education hubs that bring together international schools, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) centres and universities.
These hubs, he said, can foster cross-border learning, student exchanges and the sharing of teaching methods and innovations.
Teh said the JS-SEZ can be a catalyst for developing integrated education hubs that bring together international schools, technical and TVET centres and universities.
Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) chief executive officer Novie Tajuddin shared this vision, highlighting EduCity in Iskandar Puteri as a strong foundation.
With its renowned international universities and branch campuses, EduCity has already positioned Johor as a centre for high-quality, globally recognised education.
Novie noted that Malaysia is building on this momentum, as its international education appeal continues to grow.
“Malaysia’s higher education is globally recognised for its quality, affordability and wide range of internationally accredited programmes. English is also widely spoken across universities and in everyday life, making it easier for international students to adapt and thrive,” he said.
EMGS recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Association for Student Employment of China in Beijing, streamlining document authentication and expanding opportunities for Chinese students through enhanced career readiness, academic exchanges and institutional partnerships.
With a rising number of Chinese students choosing Malaysia as their study destination, Novie sees the JS-SEZ as a key hub for them.
To further support international talent retention, EMGS offers a Graduate Pass that allows eligible international graduates from 32 countries to remain in Malaysia for one year after completing their studies.
“This is especially critical in the JS-SEZ, where industries will require a steady pipeline of skilled, adaptable and multicultural talent. International graduates who choose to stay contribute not just economically, but also in terms of diversity, innovation and global perspectives within the workforce,” Novie elaborated.
“Malaysia’s higher education is globally recognised for its quality, affordability and wide range of internationally accredited programmes," said Novie.
Nurturing talent
Underscoring the importance of private universities in building a robust talent pipeline to meet the evolving needs of industries in the JS-SEZ, Vice-Chancellors’ Council for Private Universities Malaysia (VCCPU) chairman Mushtak Al-Atabi said the JS-SEZ is projected to generate 20,000 skilled jobs through 100 high-impact projects,
“Private universities should contribute by offering diverse, industry-relevant academic programmes that are flexible and future-ready. These include programmes in business, finance, computing, technology, and other key areas,” he said.
Teh noted that students now seek programmes that are practical, globally recognised, and closely aligned with industry needs.
“In today’s world, micro-credentials, digital badges and skill-based learning are gaining traction because they give students more flexible, focused ways to prove what they know and can do,” he said.
To meet these demands, he called for state government support to expand and enhance the quality of TVET offerings in the SEZ to help students stay relevant.
“Working alongside Singaporean partners, we could offer joint certifications, shared infrastructure and even cross-border placements,” he said.
Looking ahead, Teh envisioned the establishment of centres of excellence in fields aligned with the SEZ’s target industries such as logistics, green technology and digital services to support the growth of TVET institutions.
Beyond that, Mushtak said cultivating partnerships with multinational corporations through internship opportunities and advisory input into curriculum design is crucial to maintaining programme relevance and fostering real-world learning experiences.
“By embedding practical components, industry-recognised certifications, and applied learning, institutions can ensure that graduates are not only employable but also globally competitive,” he said.
Teh also stressed the importance of investing in educators by providing continuous training for lecturers, strengthening academic leadership, and upholding strong governance.
“A dedicated quality framework should focus on real outcomes such as graduate employability, teaching effectiveness and industry feedback rather than just student enrolments,” he said.
Mushtak said cultivating partnerships with MNCs through internship opportunities and advisory input into curriculum design is crucial to maintaining programme relevance.
Dynamic platform
Additionally, Mushtak highlighted that the JS-SEZ will create a dynamic platform for private universities to engage in research collaborations with global enterprises, supported by the influx of multinational investments and a strong focus on innovation-led growth.
These collaborations, he added, could range from applied research projects addressing specific industry needs to the co-development of new technologies with commercialisation potential.
Furthermore, Mushtak said the JS-SEZ offers opportunities for private universities in Johor to position themselves as regional hubs of knowledge and innovation, attracting international faculty and students and fostering collaborations with foreign institutions.
He also pointed out that the introduction of a 15% tax rate for knowledge workers and streamlined work visa processes is expected to help address skills gaps in high-value industries, making it easier to attract and retain top talent in the long term.
As the JS-SEZ continues to expand educational opportunities, Teh cautioned that while global partnerships and industry-ready graduates are essential, maintaining high academic quality remains paramount.
“In the end, the SEZ could help raise the bar for private education across the country - but only if there’s a conscious effort to ensure that quality, equity and student outcomes remain the top priorities,” he said.
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