JOHOR BAHRU, May 27 — The implementation of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is set to transform the state’s rural landscape by adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technology and a macro-scale digital economy, starting at the grassroots level.
That strategic step is to ensure that the economic spillover from the international special zone is not only concentrated in urban areas but also empowers rural communities as a competitive value chain.
Pekan Nanas State Assemblyman Tan Eng Meng said that domestic preparations need to start now, as several rural and suburban areas in Pontian are now within the impact perimeter of the mega economic corridor.
As an example, he said Pekan Nanas, which has traditionally been an agricultural area, is now undergoing a rapid transition toward sectors based on industry, logistics, and high-tech services.
“The geographical position near rapidly developing hubs such as Iskandar Puteri and the Port of Tanjung Pelepas places this rural area as a critical overflow zone.
“Therefore, the local market, including rural small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), is being aggressively driven to adopt the digital economy through collaboration with Perbadanan Usahawan Johor Sdn Bhd,” he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama Radio during the Johor Tersohor.
Commenting on modernising the agro-food sector, Tan said that the agenda for automation and agricultural technology (agrotech) is now being refined to ensure that traditional farmers can integrate with the JS-SEZ supply chain standards without experiencing technological shock.
Beyond the economic sector, a surge in highly skilled human capital is also being initiated at the primary school level through collaboration with the Pontian District Education Office to introduce students to the AI ecosystem and strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
This move aligns with the nation’s aspiration to produce a future workforce that meets the needs of foreign investors under the special economic zone framework.
However, Tan assured that enthusiasm for pursuing modern economic region status will not sideline the rural social safety net agenda.
“Rural infrastructure development remains a priority to ensure connectivity keeps pace with urban areas.
“At the same time, the welfare of vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, and bedridden patients, will continue to be guaranteed through targeted support programmes so that this modernisation drive leaves no one behind,” he said.
He added that efforts to aggressively attract new investment to the corridor will continue to be intensified to create more quality job opportunities and raise the local community’s baseline income.
