How does Forest City SFZ contribute to the JS-SEZ framework?

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Forest City SFZ serves as the financial-services flagship and family-office hub within the JS-SEZ framework.

Forest City SFZ contributes to the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone by anchoring the financial-services side of the corridor. It is the designated financial-services flagship under the 7 January 2025 JS-SEZ agreement, which covers about 3,588 square kilometres across southern Johor, and it is positioned to attract financial institutions, multinational companies, high-net-worth individuals and firms in wealth management, fintech and global business services.
It gives the JS-SEZ a defined role in financial services
Forest City SFZ says it has a specific function in financial services and family-office activity. That role sits alongside the wider JS-SEZ structure, which targets 11 sectors across nine flagship areas, including manufacturing, logistics, the digital economy, tourism, education, healthcare and the green economy.
It provides incentives for family offices and related activities
Malaysia announced the Forest City SFZ incentive package in September 2024, and the Single Family Office tax rules were gazetted in October 2025. Under the scheme, qualifying SFO vehicles may receive a 0% tax rate on eligible investment income for an initial 10-year period, with a possible extension for another 10 years, while the initial phase requires at least RM30 million in assets under management.
It adds a wider tax and residency package
The Forest City framework also includes a 5% corporate tax rate for qualifying global-services and selected relocation activities. Eligible knowledge workers in the JS-SEZ may qualify for a 15% personal income tax rate, subject to prevailing rules and approvals, while 593 applicants were approved for the SFZ category of the Malaysia My Second Home programme between 1 October 2024 and 31 March 2026.
It is already showing early traction
By June 2026, nine family offices had received approvals under the scheme. Forest City SFZ said it will continue working with public agencies, financial institutions and professional-service providers to support family offices, international investors and companies evaluating Johor as part of their regional growth strategy.

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How does Forest City SFZ contribute to the JS-SEZ framework?

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