R2G 2026 Southern program links Johor businesses with technology and investment

The Road to Growth (R2G) 2026 Southern program, spearheaded by the Malaysia Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) and supported by the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) as a strategic ecosystem partner, aims to bridge Johor's technology companies with crucial opportunities. This initiative focuses on connecting businesses with advancements in technology, investment prospects, commercialization pathways, and market access, building on the success of previous R2G events. Mohammad Hazani Hassan, Group CEO of MTDC, emphasized the program's role in supporting companies with access to markets, investments, industry partners, and commercialization support. He highlighted Johor's robust industrial foundation and expanding regional connections as key factors offering substantial potential for Malaysian technology firms. "However, translating these opportunities into sustainable business growth requires more than just potentially viable technology," Hazani stated. "Companies also need access to the right markets, investments, industry partners, and commercialization support." R2G seeks to consolidate these essential elements, facilitating connections between businesses and a broader ecosystem to help them transition from technology development to successful commercialization and scaling. This initiative aligns perfectly with Johor's economic trajectory, which is projected to achieve the highest growth rate among Malaysian states in 2025 at 8.0 percent, contributing significantly to the national GDP. Johor's strategic position, particularly through the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), further enhances its appeal for high-value sectors such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace, medical devices, artificial intelligence, and digital services. The R2G 2026 Southern program is part of a larger series designed to broaden access to Malaysia's technology commercialization ecosystem and strengthen collaborations among government, industry, academia, investors, and tech companies nationwide.

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Johor has a strong industrial base and growing regional ties, offering significant opportunities for Malaysian technology companies. However, translating these opportunities into sustainable business growth requires more than just potentially viable technology. Companies also need access to the right markets, investments, industry partners, and commercialization support.