Singapore's IOA Global Eyes Central Java for High-Tech Manufacturing and Education Investment

Executive Chairman of IOA Global Pte Ltd, Daryl Tan Chen Ming, stated that the delegation’s visit to Central Java is an initial step to map potential cooperation with partners, particularly from Fujian and Xiamen, China. He said the meeting with Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi was preliminary, with plans for partners to visit in October to finalise collaborative projects. One key partner is a high-tech shoe manufacturer from Fujian seriously considering establishing a production facility in Central Java. Beyond investment, IOA plans to bring investors from China and several European countries to assess potential locations, government support, labour readiness, and specific investment needs. Tan emphasised this is a long-term commitment, not just in investment but also in education. He noted that Fujian hosts many high-tech manufacturing industries that could be developed in Central Java, strengthening the local workforce. His family has developed around 120 schools and universities in Xiamen over a century, and he sees potential for similar educational cooperation with Central Java, including exchanges of students, lecturers, information, knowledge, and experts. Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi expressed the provincial government’s readiness to provide certainty, security, assistance, and licensing facilitation for prospective investors. He highlighted that labour-intensive industries are a priority due to their capacity to absorb significant numbers of workers, supported by nearly 1,500 vocational schools, polytechnics, and job training centres. Data from the provincial government shows Singapore’s total investment in Central Java from 2022 to the first quarter of 2026 reached IDR 32.158 trillion, making it the second-largest foreign investor. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, Singapore was the largest foreign investment contributor with IDR 3.333 trillion, accounting for 25.8 percent of total foreign investment.