Why the Singapore-Johor Special Economic Zone Will Shape APAC's Tech Future

APAC, Mar 26, 2025

Singapore, 26 March 2025 - Hannah Suar, Managing Director, Singapore & Malaysia, Logicalis

The Singapore-Johor Special Economic Zone is set to inject $26 billion annually into Malaysia's economy over six years. Since its January 2025 launch, over 60 Singapore-based tech firms have expressed interest in this initiative.

With a strong regional footprint and significant investment, Logicalis Asia Pacific stands poised to capitalise on the unique opportunities presented by the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). Through its strategic partnerships with tech giants Cisco and Microsoft, Logicalis is uniquely positioned to drive innovation and growth within this ambitious cross-border initiative.

Logicalis’s recent consolidation of its Asia Pacific operations has created a powerhouse of technological expertise, culminating in a workforce of 1,600 employees, generating almost $500m million in revenue across ten entities.  

This regional strength is further enhanced by key infrastructure investments, including a new Malaysian office housing 300+ employees, an expanded Security Operations Centre (SOC) poised to deliver proactively Managed XDR services from Cisco and Microsoft, and a Shared Delivery Centre (SDC) providing engineering capability across Cloud, Networking, Workplace and Cybersecurity.

The JS-SEZ, spanning 3,571 square kilometres, aims to attract 50 projects in its first five years, focusing on sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and the digital economy. This aligns perfectly with Logicalis’s comprehensive service portfolio, which includes intelligent connectivity, managed services, and advanced cybersecurity solutions.

Logicalis’s partnership with Cisco has yielded significant achievements, most notably becoming the first global partner to launch Cisco XDR as a Managed Service. This cutting-edge offering enhances proactive threat-hunting capabilities through AI-driven automation, directly addressing the JS-SEZ’s need for robust digital infrastructure and security.

Similarly, Logicalis’s status as a verified Global MXDR Partner with Microsoft strengthens its ability to support the zone’s digital transformation initiatives. This partnership enables Logicalis to offer integrated security solutions crucial for the smart infrastructure development envisioned for the JS-SEZ.

The zone’s focus on streamlined customs processes and enhanced local transport links presents an ideal opportunity for Logicalis to showcase its expertise in intelligent connectivity and employee collaboration solutions. By leveraging its partnerships, Logicalis can contribute to the implementation of advanced systems like the passport-free QR code clearance system and support the digital integration of cross-border services.

As the JS-SEZ aims to create 20,000 skilled jobs, Logicalis’s investments in developing engineers and tech talent across much needed skill bases including Cybersecurity and AI positions it as a valuable partner in achieving this goal. The company’s regional presence, coupled with its global partnerships, allows it to offer localised solutions while drawing on world-class technological resources.

Looking ahead, Logicalis Asia Pacific is well-equipped to play a pivotal role in the JS-SEZ’s development. By aligning its service offerings with the zone’s objectives and leveraging its strategic partnerships, Logicalis is set to drive innovation, enhance digital infrastructure, and contribute significantly to the economic integration of Johor and Singapore. Ultimately paving the way for the Asia Pacific region to becomes a world-class innovation centre fuelled by AI and next generation technology skills. 

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