An outbound investment mission to Singapore and Johor, Malaysia provided Australian industrial businesses with firsthand insights into Southeast Asia's evolving investment landscape - including opportunities in the emerging Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
The mission was led by Australia's Business Champions for Singapore, Shayne Elliott (former CEO of ANZ), and Malaysia, Tony Lombardo (Group CEO of Lendlease). They hosted 17 senior representatives from 16 Australian companies, including manufacturers, logistics operators and infrastructure developers.
The mission, from 24-26 June 2025, was facilitated and delivered by the Southeast Asia Investment Deal Teams, a collaboration between Austrade, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Export Finance Australia.
The program supported the objectives of Invested: Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, which aims to strengthen commercial ties and position Australian businesses to benefit from the region's dynamic growth.
Strategic insights from Singapore and Johor
In Singapore, delegates met with the Economic Development Board (EDB) and JTC Corporation to learn more about Singapore's world-class productivity, efficient infrastructure and ease of doing business. This helped them better understand pathways for regional expansion and operations.
'Capital goes where capital is welcomed: and nowhere is as welcoming as Singapore,' says Mr Elliott.
Delegates also heard from commercial partners on executing successful investment projects. They also visited Makino's advanced manufacturing facility to gain insights into Singapore's innovation ecosystem and industrial capabilities.
In Johor, the delegation met with the Malaysian Government representatives at federal, state and local levels. They included Dato' Haji Mohd Noorazam, CEO of the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), and YB Lee Ting Han, Chairman of the Johor Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee. Discussions focused on Johor's investment priorities, and the coordination mechanisms Malaysia has established to attract and facilitate industrial investment under the SEZ framework.
Singapore's industrial development agency, JTC, showcasing the Jurong Innovation District to High Commissioner to Singapore Allaster Cox, Business Champion for Singapore Shayne Elliott and the delegation.
Australian companies share insights and experiences
Australian corporate investors in Johor shared their experiences with prospective Australian investors. Walker Corporation shared its long-term approach to delivering high-quality urban developments, while PPC Moulding Services demonstrated the scale of its operation and how it drives profitability and its ability to service a range of global customers.
ResMed and AirTrunk provided insights into scaling advanced manufacturing and data infrastructure capabilities in the region. Lendlease, represented by Australia's Business Champion for Malaysia, Tony Lombardo, reinforced the company's enduring commitment to and success in Malaysia's infrastructure sector.
Gateways to Southeast Asia
The mission highlighted how Singapore and Johor can serve as complementary gateways for Australian businesses expanding into Southeast Asia - combining Singapore's innovation and policy stability with Johor's scale, land availability and logistics strengths.
'Australia is an open, trade-oriented nation, and our community continues to benefit from our position in Asia,' says Mr Elliott. 'But there is so much more to be done - and hopefully trips like these inspire more Australian companies to invest in ASEAN and share the growth.'
By bringing together business champions, government partners and Australian industry leaders, the mission provided delegates with practical insights to support long-term engagement in the region.
