Malaysia's economic zone a boost for Southeast Asian

The southern Malaysian state of Johor may emerge as Southeast Asia's version of Shenzhen, experts say, with the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, or JS-SEZ, expected to boost investments and partnerships between Singapore and Malaysia.

Ong Kian Ming, director of the philosophy, politics and economics program at Taylor's University in Malaysia, said the JS-SEZ will encourage Malaysian and Singaporean state-owned companies to invest in Johor.

"Government-linked companies in both countries often follow the signals given by their respective governments, especially where there are opportunities for profitable investments and partnerships," Ong said.