OSAKA, JAPAN, 15 September 2025: – Ibrahim Technopolis (IBTEC), a strategic development under JLand Group (JLG), the real estate and infrastructure arm of Johor Corporation (JCorp), was highlighted at the Malaysia Pavilion during World Expo 2025 in Osaka as JLG signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sumitomo Corporation, one of the world’s leading integrated trading and investment groups.The partnership represents an important step in Johor’s ambition to drive sustainable, innovation-led growth within the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). It reflects Malaysia’s growing role in enhancing regional competitiveness by combining innovation, resilient infrastructure, and investment collaboration.
Trusted Platform for Multinational Investors
With Sumitomo’s global expertise and networks, IBTEC’s is being developed as a trusted destination for multinational investors. Anchored within the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ),IBTEC is positioned to support companies seeking stability, resilience, and growth. The collaboration will focus on three areas:
1. Industrial Park Development & Investment Flows
Leveraging Sumitomo’s track record in nine industrial parks across Asia and JCorp’s 34 industrial parks in Johor – home to more than 630 tenant companies and 230,000 employees – to make IBTEC a strategic base for advanced manufacturing and diversified supply chains.
2. Green Infrastructure & Utilities Backbone
Co-developing renewable energy systems, district cooling, and advanced water networks to create a sustainable platform that enhances IBTEC’s competitiveness as a future-ready industrial ecosystem.
3. Healthcare & Social Infrastructure Ecosystems
Exploring senior living communities, rehabilitation centres, and integrated wellness hubs – adapting proven Japanese models to tap into region’s growing demand for aged care and health tourism.
At the same event, Sumitomo signed a separate MOU with JCorp, through its Patient Capital Division, to collaborate on future-ready infrastructure. This includes renewable and low-carbon energy, enhanced water supply networks, district cooling, and other green utilities.
These initiatives will provide the enabling infrastructure for IBTEC and the JS-SEZ, embedding sustainability, innovation and resilience – creating the conditions for industries, communities, and investors to thrive.
Datuk Ts. Mahadhir Aziz, Director of the Patient Capital Division, Johor Corporation, said: “Our collaboration with Sumitomo is about building Johor’s backbone for growth. Renewable energy, water, and cooling are enablers of transformation, ensuring IBTEC and the JS-SEZ are competitive, resilient, and impactful.
Shaping Johor’s Future Together
Datuk Sr. Akmal Ahmad, Director of the Real Estate & Infrastructure Division at JCorp and Group Managing Director of JLG, added: “This collaboration with Sumitomo signals a new chapter for Johor. IBTEC is more than a development – it reflects our ambition to demonstrate how industry, infrastructure, and healthcare can converge to support future growth. With Sumitomo by our side, JLG will advance IBTEC as a hub shaped by world-class investors, sustainable infrastructure, and innovation.”
From Sumitomo’s perspective, Johor’s innovation agenda aligns with its long-term strategy of participating in resilient, high-growth markets across Asia. Mr. Satoshi Matsui, CEO and Managing Director of Sumitomo Corporation Malaysia, noted: “Southeast Asia continues to demonstrate resilient economic growth and rising demand for industrial and social infrastructure. Johor, with its strategic position in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, offers a compelling platform for Japanese and multinational investors. By partnering with JLG as our principal local partner and JIG on enabling infrastructure, we aim to combine Sumitomo’s global expertise with Johor’s strong fundamentals to create long-term, sustainable value for industries and communities alike.”
Looking Ahead
The collaboration between JLG, JCorp, and Sumitomo Corporation marks the next phase of Johor’s journey to promote sustainability and innovation through the JS-SEZ, with IBTEC serving as a key development that anchors this ambition. Supported by national agencies such as Invest Johor and MIDA, IBTEC is set to serve as a trusted platform for investment and long-term growth.
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About JLand Group (JLG)
JLand Group is the real estate and infrastructure platform of Johor Corporation (JCorp), delivering integrated, sustainable, and future-ready developments that support industrial growth, urbanisation, and digital transformation. Its operations span four strategic pillars: Property Development, Integrated Community Solutions, Property Investment and Outsourced Services. These pillars serve as the cornerstone for maximising value strategically across our business and assets, underpinning our strong foothold across various industries.
To learn more, visit www.jlandgroup.com.my or connect with us on LinkedIn.
For media enquiries, please contact:
JLand Group (JLG)
Nadia Marlina Ismail
nadia.ismail@jlandgroup.com.my
+6012 961 9645