Asian AngleWhy Malaysia and Singapore must make food security a priority in the JS-SEZ

Few issues bind nations as tightly, or expose their weaknesses as starkly, as food security. As Malaysia and Singapore celebrate the launch of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), there is a rare opportunity to move beyond commercial ambition and sow the seeds of lasting food security for both countries. Formalised at the start of this year, the JS-SEZ has been widely celebrated as a catalyst for cross-border economic integration. But behind the promise of advanced manufacturing and digital finance lies a deeper, more urgent opportunity. Although food security is listed as one of the JS-SEZ’s 11 focus sectors, there is a real danger it may be overshadowed by higher-value industries. To unlock its full potential, the zone’s comprehensive blueprint must include robust, actionable provisions to promote the agri-food sector. Singapore and Malaysia may have ranked a respectable 28th and 41st, respectively, in the 2022 Global Food Security Index, but these figures mask deeper vulnerabilities. Both nations are acutely exposed to external shocks, particularly from climate change. Singapore, which imports over 90 per cent of its food from 170 countries, is highly susceptible to supply disruptions. The Malaysian chicken export ban of 2022 was a telling episode, forcing Singapore to scramble for alternatives in Indonesia and beyond. Meanwhile, Singapore’s ambitious “30 by 30” policy – aimed at producing 30 per cent of its nutritional needs locally by 2030 – is still a somewhat distant dream. Malaysia, a net food producer, faces its own challenges. Self-sufficiency is declining, especially in staples like rice, wheat and corn. Chronic underinvestment in agricultural research and development, a shrinking farm workforce, market inefficiencies and a weakening currency have together fuelled rising food prices and shortages. Environmental pressures are also mounting. Malaysia’s environment ministry has warned of drier spells threatening agriculture, while efforts to raise production are hampered by stiff competition from imports and stagnant productivity. Synergy, not silos Herein lies the unique promise of the JS-SEZ: the chance to bring Malaysia’s comparative advantage in land and resources together with Singapore’s strengths in logistics, innovation and investment. If food security is sown into the SEZ’s strategic plan, the benefits could be transformative – enhancing bilateral resilience, stimulating rural development and creating a model for food hubs across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The SEZ itself is sprawling, covering more than 3,500 sq km (1,350 square miles) – four times the size of Singapore. Within it, Desaru has been earmarked for agri-food development, with 60 per cent of its land dedicated to agriculture, while Sedenak remains dominated by palm oil plantations. Pontian’s coastal zone, already home to over 8,000 kelongs producing prawn, tilapia and grouper, offers further promise. But there is no need to confine agri-food businesses to these areas; farms and food ventures are already setting up wherever costs are competitive. To truly maximise these cross-border opportunities, four strategic options should be embedded in the SEZ Blueprint: 1. Food security hubs The JS-SEZ could establish multi-stakeholder food security hubs, co-locating farmers (both smallholders and large-scale), co-operatives, government agencies, R&D institutions, logistics providers and private investors. Models like the Netherlands’ Foodvalley or Vietnam’s Food Innovation Hub offer inspiration. Centralising procurement, mechanisation, crop management and traceability would drive productivity, minimise waste and ensure consistent surpluses for strategic reserves. 2. Incentives and equity for farmers While Johor state’s agri-food policy encourages agricultural modernisation, it must be matched with farmer-centred incentives. Rewarding higher yields or sustainable practices would give farmers a real stake in their success, attracting private capital for scaling up. Shared equity models could encourage serious farmers to hold ownership alongside public and private partners, aligning interests for sustained growth. 3. Research partnerships and skills development Cross-border research partnerships can accelerate innovation in climate-resilient agriculture while building future agri-leadership for the region. Programmes anchored at universities and technical colleges would attract the human capital needed to drive the JS-SEZ’s growth forward. 4. Bio-secure zones Establishing bio-secure areas within the SEZ, aligned with the World Organisation for Animal Health’s standards, would help prevent disease outbreaks and maintain production even during epidemiological crises, such as a pandemic. A long-term vision In an era defined by polycrisis, a deliberate, cross-sectoral effort to position the JS-SEZ as a regional hub for agri-food innovation and production is needed. This would not only strengthen bilateral ties and food self-sufficiency, but also support adjacent sectors such as logistics, biotechnology and agritech. The approach aligns seamlessly with Malaysia’s National Food Security Policy Action Plan (2021-2025) and Singapore’s “30 by 30” strategy, offering a real chance for synergy rather than siloed implementation. If Malaysia and Singapore seize this opportunity now, the JS-SEZ could become a beacon for regional food resilience To realise this vision, a food security strategy must be explicitly integrated into the JS-SEZ blueprint that is due to be finalised by the end of this year. Both governments should facilitate collaboration between the public, private and academic sectors, as well as create inclusive platforms, invest in infrastructure and align policies across borders. This will be a marathon, not a sprint. But if Malaysia and Singapore seize this opportunity now, the JS-SEZ could become a beacon for regional food resilience. If they do not, the promise of secure, shared prosperity may quietly slip away. Elyssa Kaur Ludher is a Visiting Fellow with the Climate Change in Southeast Asia Programme, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. Angaindrankumar Gnanasagaran is a Manager of Strategic Partnerships at the Global Institute for Tomorrow (GIFT), a pan-Asian think tank dedicated to helping organisations navigate the seismic shifts shaping our world. This article was first published by ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute’s commentary website fulcrum.sg.

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}With import shocks and climate change risks rising, the new Johor-Singapore special economic zone offers hope for lasting food security

With import shocks and climate change risks rising, the new Johor-Singapore special economic zone offers hope for lasting food security