Strategic Zones, Strategic Gains: Insights into Special Economic Zones & UAE Designated Zones
As businesses look to scale and compete in a rapidly evolving global landscape, many are exploring Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to unlock new growth opportunities, benefit from favourable tax structures, and access international markets more efficiently.
This exclusive lunchtime event is designed specifically for SME owners and decision-makers seeking to better understand the opportunities presented by the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) — a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening bilateral economic collaboration between Singapore and Johor. The JS-SEZ is designed to promote seamless cross-border trade, investment, and workforce mobility, positioning it as a high-impact growth corridor for Singapore-based businesses.
Attendees will gain practical insights into how the JS-SEZ is expected to operate and potential advantages for SMEs. Adding to the significance of this session is the rare opportunity to hear directly from Johor state officials, who will be present to address questions and share their perspectives on how Singapore-based SMEs can tap into the zone’s potential.
As a point of comparison, the session will also offer a brief comparative overview of the UAE Designated Free Zones, providing a broader context on how other jurisdictions are leveraging similar regimes to drive international business and tax optimisation.
Bonus for early registrants:
The first 25 participants will receive a complimentary preliminary assessment and an exclusive invitation to opt-in for a complimentary 1-on-1 clinic, taking place from 17 to 19 September. These personalised sessions will be conducted with:
- Johor state officials on 17 September, 2 PM – 5 PM
- UAE state officials on 18 & 19 September, 9:30 AM to 5 PM
Participants will receive tailored guidance on how your business can leverage on the Free/ Economic Zones aligned with your specific business model and growth plans.
Whether you're exploring cross-border expansion, tax optimisation, or new market entry, this session promises to deliver high-value takeaways in a concise, accessible format—right over lunch.
Seats are limited, secure your spot early and take the first step toward reimagining your regional expansion strategy!
Programme Outline
12:00pm | 12:15pm | Networking over Lunch (Registration commences 11:45 AM) |
12:15pm | 12:20pm | Welcome to ISCA |
12:20pm | 1:10pm | Seizing Cross-Border Growth: How the JS-SEZ Opens Doors for Singapore-Based SMEs Panel Discussion featuring Johor State Officials (Exclusive!) and Dr Chua Hak Bin, Regional Co-Head of Macro Research, Maybank Investment Banking Group |
1:10pm | 1:30pm | Why UAE Free Zones Deserve a Second Look in Your Growth Strategy Featuring Vivienne Chiang, Founder & Managing Director of Reanda Adept PAC |
1:30pm | 1:45pm | Q&A |
1:45pm | 2:00pm | Closing remark |
Intended For
Competency Mapping
Others = 1.00 Hours
Schedule & Fees
Date & Time
17 Sep 2025 (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM)
Fee (inclusive of GST)
SGD pricing -
For Members:
$ 54.50
For Non-Members:
$ 54.50
Programme Facilitator(s)
Team of Professional (LunchTalk2505)
Venue
60 Cecil Street
ISCA House
Singapore 049709
Testimonial
Funding
No funding Available!
Programme Facilitator(s)
Vivienne Chiang
Founder & Managing Director
Reanda Adept PAC
Vivienne Chiang is founder & managing director of Reanda Adept PAC. With extensive experience in corporate advisory, she has been actively involved in a broad spectrum of engagements, including corporate structure reviews, process and internal control review, business re-engineering, tax advisory, process implementation, company valuation, as well as corporate capital financing and management.
Vivienne is a Fellow Member of Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants, Member of Certified Public Accountants Australia, Accredited Tax Advisor (Income Tax & GST) of the Singapore Institute of Accredited Tax Professionals, Associate Member of Institute of Internal Auditors Singapore and a Certified Practicing Management Consultant with the Singapore Business Advisors & Consultants Council.
Dr Chua Hak Bin,
Regional Co-Head of Macro Research,
Maybank Investment Banking Group
Dr Chua covers Singapore and ASEAN macro-economic research themes at Maybank, and has been ranked top economist in Singapore for 7 consecutive years, 2018 to 2024, by Asiamoney. He was formerly a consultant at GIC, and Head of Emerging Asia and ASEAN Economics at Bank of America Merrill Lynch for about six years. Dr Chua has also worked as a strategist and economist at Citigroup, Deutsche Private Wealth Management, and DBS Bank. Prior to joining the private sector, he was with the Monetary Authority of Singapore, heading the external economies, financial surveillance and planning, policy and communications divisions. Dr Chua holds a PhD in Economics from Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Brown University. He was a Visiting Lecturer in International Economics at Yale University after completing his PhD.
Mr Mohd Gadaffie bin Abd Aziz
Director
Institut Dato' Onn
Mr. Mohd Gadaffie bin Abd Aziz is the Director of Institut Dato’ Onn (IDO), a leadership institute under the Johor state government. The institute develops future leaders through training and opportunities that foster responsibility and forward-thinking. With experience across sports, education, and technology, he combines strategic vision with practical leadership to drive inclusive growth and innovation.
Strategic Zones, Strategic Gains: Insights into Special Economic Zones & UAE Designated Zones
As businesses look to scale and compete in a rapidly evolving global landscape, many are exploring Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to unlock new growth opportunities, benefit from favourable tax structures, and access international markets more efficiently.
This exclusive lunchtime event is designed specifically for SME owners and decision-makers seeking to better understand the opportunities presented by the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) — a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening bilateral economic collaboration between Singapore and Johor. The JS-SEZ is designed to promote seamless cross-border trade, investment, and workforce mobility, positioning it as a high-impact growth corridor for Singapore-based businesses.
Attendees will gain practical insights into how the JS-SEZ is expected to operate and potential advantages for SMEs. Adding to the significance of this session is the rare opportunity to hear directly from Johor state officials, who will be present to address questions and share their perspectives on how Singapore-based SMEs can tap into the zone’s potential.
As a point of comparison, the session will also offer a brief comparative overview of the UAE Designated Free Zones, providing a broader context on how other jurisdictions are leveraging similar regimes to drive international business and tax optimisation.
Bonus for early registrants:
The first 25 participants will receive a complimentary preliminary assessment and an exclusive invitation to opt-in for a complimentary 1-on-1 clinic, taking place from 17 to 19 September. These personalised sessions will be conducted with:
- Johor state officials on 17 September, 2 PM – 5 PM
- UAE state officials on 18 & 19 September, 9:30 AM to 5 PM
Participants will receive tailored guidance on how your business can leverage on the Free/ Economic Zones aligned with your specific business model and growth plans.
Whether you're exploring cross-border expansion, tax optimisation, or new market entry, this session promises to deliver high-value takeaways in a concise, accessible format—right over lunch.
Seats are limited, secure your spot early and take the first step toward reimagining your regional expansion strategy!
Programme Outline
12:00pm | 12:15pm | Networking over Lunch (Registration commences 11:45 AM) |
12:15pm | 12:20pm | Welcome to ISCA |
12:20pm | 1:10pm | Seizing Cross-Border Growth: How the JS-SEZ Opens Doors for Singapore-Based SMEs Panel Discussion featuring Johor State Officials (Exclusive!) and Dr Chua Hak Bin, Regional Co-Head of Macro Research, Maybank Investment Banking Group |
1:10pm | 1:30pm | Why UAE Free Zones Deserve a Second Look in Your Growth Strategy Featuring Vivienne Chiang, Founder & Managing Director of Reanda Adept PAC |
1:30pm | 1:45pm | Q&A |
1:45pm | 2:00pm | Closing remark |
Intended For
Competency Mapping
Others = 1.00 Hours
Programme Facilitator(s)
Vivienne Chiang
Founder & Managing Director
Reanda Adept PAC
Vivienne Chiang is founder & managing director of Reanda Adept PAC. With extensive experience in corporate advisory, she has been actively involved in a broad spectrum of engagements, including corporate structure reviews, process and internal control review, business re-engineering, tax advisory, process implementation, company valuation, as well as corporate capital financing and management.
Vivienne is a Fellow Member of Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants, Member of Certified Public Accountants Australia, Accredited Tax Advisor (Income Tax & GST) of the Singapore Institute of Accredited Tax Professionals, Associate Member of Institute of Internal Auditors Singapore and a Certified Practicing Management Consultant with the Singapore Business Advisors & Consultants Council.
Dr Chua Hak Bin,
Regional Co-Head of Macro Research,
Maybank Investment Banking Group
Dr Chua covers Singapore and ASEAN macro-economic research themes at Maybank, and has been ranked top economist in Singapore for 7 consecutive years, 2018 to 2024, by Asiamoney. He was formerly a consultant at GIC, and Head of Emerging Asia and ASEAN Economics at Bank of America Merrill Lynch for about six years. Dr Chua has also worked as a strategist and economist at Citigroup, Deutsche Private Wealth Management, and DBS Bank. Prior to joining the private sector, he was with the Monetary Authority of Singapore, heading the external economies, financial surveillance and planning, policy and communications divisions. Dr Chua holds a PhD in Economics from Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Brown University. He was a Visiting Lecturer in International Economics at Yale University after completing his PhD.
Mr Mohd Gadaffie bin Abd Aziz
Director
Institut Dato' Onn
Mr. Mohd Gadaffie bin Abd Aziz is the Director of Institut Dato’ Onn (IDO), a leadership institute under the Johor state government. The institute develops future leaders through training and opportunities that foster responsibility and forward-thinking. With experience across sports, education, and technology, he combines strategic vision with practical leadership to drive inclusive growth and innovation.