The Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) successfully concluded its flagship Manufacturing Day Summit 2026 on January 30, 2026. Attended by over 1,500 industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators, the summit centered on the theme: “Industry 5.0 with Next-Gen: Co-Inventing the Future of Manufacturing for People and Planet.”

Highlight: The new “Playbook” for Johor expansion
The centerpiece of the summit was the launch of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) Playbook for Manufacturers. Beginning July 2025, SMF has engaged over 100 companies to raise awareness of the JS-SEZ, facilitated site visits across the border for close to 50 companies, and supported manufacturers that are ready to progress through regulatory clarification and partner introductions. 

As interest in the JS-SEZ continues to surge, the SMF—with contributions from Enterprise Singapore, MIDA, UOB, EY, and DXC Technology—developed this comprehensive guide to help firms navigate the business environment in Johor.

• Key purpose: To reduce ambiguity and lower barriers to entry for Singapore firms looking to set up shop across the border
• Practical insights: The playbook covers regulations, talent mobility, and infrastructure developments, acting as an “evolving playbook” that will be updated with new FAQs as more companies venture into the zone
• Coming soon: To further support manufacturers, an AI-enabled chatbot will be launched in the coming months to provide real-time updates on JS-SEZ regulations and incentives.

Voices from the ground
One local firm, SM Metal Solutions, shared with ST how site visits and guidance from the SMF helped them navigate Malaysian tax structures and find the right partners to complete their new Johor factory by the end of 2026.