PASIR GUDANG: Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has defined Agro Snow's investment in the state as a catalyst for economic growth in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS SEZ).
He said that the influx of international companies should prioritise the hiring of skilled local talent and uphold fair labour practices.
During a recent working visit to Osaka, Japan, Onn Hafiz and his state government delegates observed how Japanese companies nurture their employees from onboarding through retirement, ensuring loyalty and job satisfaction.
"I hope to see the same commitment to employees' welfare here in Johor," he said, expressing optimism that local workers would benefit directly from international investments.
Onn Hafiz said the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC), which was launched yesterday, was a collaboration between federal and state governments and played an important role in developing skilled workers.
JTDC aims to ensure that Johor's workforce meets the demand for high-skilled labour, enabling local talent to join ventures like Agro Snow.
"I urge companies investing in Johor to hire local talents, provide fair wages and extend the same level of care they demonstrate in their home countries," he said.
Referring to his visit to a Japanese oil refinery, he praised Japanese companies for their employee-centric approach, which fosters long-term loyalty and retention.
Agro Snow's groundbreaking ceremony for its new plant in Tanjung Langsat is a partnership between Singapore-based global agricultural commodity firm Agrocorp International and Japan's Megmilk Snow Brand.
The facility, set to be completed by the first quarter of 2026, will focus on the eco-friendly production of high-quality soy-based plant protein using advanced, sustainable methods.
With a planned production capacity of 6,000 metric tonnes of pulse protein isolate per year, the plant will reduce both carbon footprint and water usage compared with traditional protein sources.
Singapore's Trade and Industry minister, Low Yen Ling, was also present at the event.