Johor: Johor and Singapore have further strengthened bilateral ties in public health following an official meeting between Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Singapore's Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, held yesterday in the republic.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Onn Hafiz stated that the meeting provided an opportunity for in-depth discussions on strengthening the public health system, including addressing healthcare workforce shortages and efforts to increase health awareness among the people of both countries. He emphasized the importance of data sharing and mutual experiences to accelerate the development of a more inclusive and responsive healthcare system.

The discussions also covered potential collaboration within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), particularly in medical technology, health investment, medical tourism, and talent development. Onn Hafiz proposed joint professional training and upskilling of healthcare staff with leading Singaporean health institutions. He also suggested exploring a 'sandbox' framework as a progressive health policy platform within the JS-SEZ.

Both sides adopted an open approach in discussing healthcare workforce recruitment, agreeing that any labour mobility initiative should be conducted through formal channels and structured, transparent bilateral frameworks. Onn Hafiz expressed hope that this meeting would serve as a foundation for more sustainable and comprehensive health cooperation, with public health remaining a key priority for Johor.

During his visit to Singapore, Onn Hafiz was recognized as the 82nd recipient of the Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellowship (LKYEF), becoming the first Johor leader and the ninth Malaysian to receive the honor, which acknowledges capable leaders in public policy and governance across the region.