AMCHAM, in partnership with TalentCorp, held an exclusive webinar on February 10, 2025, to provide members with a comprehensive briefing on the newly introduced 1:3 Internship Policy. The session aimed to clarify the policy’s impact on expatriate hiring practices and local workforce development.
Siti Noratikah Kasmoi, Vice President-(Internship Facilitation) of Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp), led the session, offering an in-depth explanation of the policy, its objectives, and its implementation framework. Participants gained direct insights and had the opportunity to raise questions and discuss concerns in preparation for the policy’s pilot launch on February 15, 2025.
We appreciate Siti Noratikah Kasmoi’s and Talentcorp’s expertise and time in delivering this informative session.
On February 4, 2025, AMCHAM’s Energy Transition Committee (ETC) met with MITI’s Delivery Management Unit (DMU) to discuss Malaysia’s decarbonization efforts, focusing on CCUS developments by AMCHAM members, including GE Vernova, ExxonMobil, Baker Hughes, and Wong & Partners. Key topics included the high costs of CCUS implementation in Malaysia—the importance of localization, and hydrogen’s potential as a renewable energy source. The need for a strong legal framework and how can AMCHAM the G2G agreements space and CCUS projects was also emphasized.
AMCHAM extends its gratitude to MITI, particularly Ms. Aedreena Reeza Alwi, Senior Director of DMU, and her team for hosting the meeting. Special thanks to ETC Chair Krishnakumar (GE Vernova) and the ETC team for driving discussions on partnerships, technology solutions, and regional leadership in carbon storage. Strengthening government-industry collaboration remains crucial for advancing Malaysia’s net-zero goals and attracting bold investments.
It may be recalled that in its coverage of the launch of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (“JSSEZ”) on 7 January 2025, the Edge had reported that “A special corporate tax rate will be given to companies that undertake new investments and value added activities within the JS-SEZ, and a special personal income tax rate will be announced at a later date by the Malaysian ministry of finance.”¹
The Johor Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee Chairman, Lee Ting Han informed reporters on the sidelines of an event on 14 January 2025 that “Investors that fund more than RM1 bil in the JS-SEZ will be offered a corporate tax rate of 5% for a period of 15 years while investors that finance RM500 million to RM1 bil will be offered 5% for a period of 10 years.”² These rates are significantly lower than the current corporate tax rate of 24%.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, February 4, 2025 — Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, is enhancing its inbound shipping service to better serve customers importing into Johor. Importers and local businesses now receive their packages two hours earlier for inbound shipments from Asia, Europe, and the U.S.
Businesses in Johor can now enjoy more convenient delivery schedules. Import shipments from Asia, Europe, and the U.S. into Johor are now routed to the FedEx Gateway in Singapore before journeying to the FedEx Senai Gateway, offering customers the benefits of direct clearance at Senai customs. Previously, these shipments were routed through Kuala Lumpur before making a 300-kilometre trip to Senai for processing and delivery. This change is particularly beneficial for industries that rely heavily on timely imports, including manufacturing, retail, and e-commerce.
“Improving the speed of our services is essential for businesses looking to thrive in today’s competitive environment,” said Tien Long Woon, managing director of FedEx Malaysia. “We understand that time is of the essence, and with faster delivery of imports, we are enhancing the efficiency of local businesses in Johor and improving their flexibility to better serve their own customers.”
The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is poised to significantly enhance economic connectivity between Johor and Singapore, focusing on key sectors such as electronics, medical equipment, food manufacturing, and data center.[1] In 2023, Johor’s economy demonstrated robust growth, with a 4.1% year-over-year increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), surpassing the national average of 3.6%. This growth was primarily driven by the services and manufacturing sectors contributing around 84% of Johor’s GDP.[2] Additionally, Johor accounted for approximately 29% of Malaysia’s total trade in 2023, amounting to RM753.1 billion.[3] The JS-SEZ initiative is expected to attract substantial foreign direct investment, create numerous job opportunities and further solidify Johor’s position as a key economic hub in the region.
As Johor continues to grow as a key economic hub in Malaysia, FedEx remains dedicated to fostering local businesses’ success and contributing to the regions’ economic development. The accelerated delivery service is just one of many ways FedEx is working to drive growth for its customers.
For more information on how FedEx supports local businesses and small and medium enterprises, please visit FedEx Business Insights.
[1] https://www.mti.gov.sg/Newsroom/Press-Releases/2024/01/Malaysia-and-Singapore-strengthens-economic-connectivity-with-Johor-Singapore-Special-Economic-Zone
[2] https://www.mida.gov.my/mida-news/rhb-bullish-on-johor-as-malaysias-next-economic-powerhouse/
[3] https://www.mida.gov.my/mida-news/johor-registers-rm753-billion-trade-value-in-2023/
SC Johnson has been making a difference since 1937, pledging 5% of its pre-tax profits to charitable initiatives. In just the past decade, the company has invested more than $300 million in supporting families, empowering communities, and driving environmental progress. Today, SC Johnson’s community efforts continue to center on sustainability, health, and expanding opportunities worldwide.
51 registered volunteers joined the program under the Housing pillar. The team were actively involved in a much needed major repairs of a family’s house in a village in rural Johor, that involved carpentry, wiring, painting and cleaning work — all done with great joy!
HEALTH
Physical Health, Eye Health, Environmental Health, Mental Health… there are many ways to interpret what HEALTH means.
Suggested Activities:
- Community recycling/gardening program
- Senior citizen engagement program
- Health or Hygiene kits for displaced individuals
- Mental Health mentoring or creative mental health stimulation kits
HUNGER
Nearly 2.37 billion people (or 30% of the global population) lack access to adequate food in 2020 – a rise of 320 million in just one year (The World Bank, 2022).
Suggested Activities:
- Meal packing events
- Pre-packaged meal delivery
- Food Bank sorting/packing/distribution
- Paper placemat decorating for meal delivery organizations
EDUCATION
About 263 million children, adolescents, and youth worldwide – one in every five – are out of school (UNESCO2018)
Suggested Activities:
- Create Back to School learning kits
- Public library reading program
- Mentoring programs
- Online Translation services
- Job training for adults, interview and/or resume prep
Internal Partners: connect with your local ERGs to support education efforts for the communities they represent and serve.
HOUSING
As many as 1.6 billion people, more than 20% of the world’s population, lack adequate housing (Habitat for Humanity, 2015).
Suggested Activities:
- Volunteering with local shelters
- Assisting in home builds
- Constructing home furnishings to improve current living conditions
- Assembling home kits for children entering foster homes
- Revitalization or beautification projects
