At the signing ceremony are (from Left) Akmal, Syed Mohamed, Zhou and Lu.
BEIJING, CHINA: JLand Group (JLG), the real estate and infrastructure arm of Johor Corporation (JCorp), is expanding its global innovation network to unlock new engines of growth across its strategic developments. The signing of a three-year collaboration with ZGC International Holding Limited—China’s leading cross-border innovation platform—marks a pivotal step in positioning Ibrahim Technopolis (IBTEC) and other JLG-led assets within the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) as gateways for high-impact investment, technology transfer and next-generation industries.
Structured under a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU), the collaboration will focus on three core initiatives:
- Investment & Relocation Facilitation: Supporting global tech companies in establishing operations within JLG industrial parks.
- JS-SEZ Project Implementation: Joint efforts in marketing, intelligence sharing and strategic co-development within the JS-SEZ.
- Johor Innovation Centre Development: Co-creating a regional hub for innovation, R&D and ecosystem building in Johor.
“This partnership is a strategic leap forward in scaling our ecosystems globally. ZGC brings a tested innovation model and powerful global reach that will help connect IBTEC and JS-SEZ with future-focused companies, capital and technologies,” said JLG group managing director Datuk Akmal Ahmad.
This collaboration comes as Johor’s shift toward high-value, innovation-led economic sectors. JLG is delivering on this vision by developing integrated, future-ready platforms that combine purposeful land development, advanced industrial infrastructure and seamless cross-border linkages.
A key priority is ensuring local businesses rise alongside global players. By embedding circular economy principles across its developments, JLG is creating opportunities for Malaysian companies to upskill, access new technologies and plug into international value chains—building a more inclusive, competitive and resilient industrial ecosystem aligned with JCorp’s long-term agenda.
A model for cross-border innovation
More than a bilateral agreement, the collaboration with ZGC sets the stage for how JLG is shaping the next generation of industrial ecosystems—powered by global partnerships, technology exchange and strategic execution. By bridging international capabilities with local development platforms, JLG aims to strengthen Johor’s position as a key node within Asean’s innovation economy—anchoring future-ready, inclusive growth.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to build with purpose — not just physical assets but resilient, innovation-ready ecosystems,” said Akmal, who is also JCorp real estate and infrastructure division director. “It’s not about scale alone but about long-term value creation that empowers both global partners and local champions.”
ZGC International is recognised for its end-to-end innovation services, including global incubation, investment matchmaking, startup acceleration and talent sourcing. With a global presence across the US, Europe and Asia, ZGC supports technology enterprises scale through its patient capital model and deeply integrated global network.
“JLand Group’s vision aligns with our business strategy to connect global innovation with high-potential markets,” said ZGC International general manager Jiang Lu. “This partnership gives our network a strategic foothold in Johor, one of the region’s most dynamic and future-focused industrial destinations.”
This collaboration aligns with national and state-level priorities outlined in Maju Johor 2030, the 13th Malaysia Plan and key government agendas focused on digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence and cross-border economic zones. By translating policy into execution, JLand Group reinforces JCorp’s vision to build globally connected, innovation-driven platforms that deliver sustained economic value for Johor, Malaysia and the wider region.
Also present at the signing ceremony were JCorp president and chief executive and JLG chairman Datuk Syed Mohamed Syed Ibrahim and ZGC Group deputy general manager and ZGC International chairman Zhou Rui.
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