PM Anwar's Visit Opens New Chapter In Malaysia-Japan Tech, Energy Ties

From Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

A key outcome of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to ToTOKYO, June 11 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Japan have agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI) and energy security, as Malaysia continues its efforts to position itself as a regional hub for advanced technologies and high-value manufacturing.kyo was an agreement to establish a Malaysia-Japan AI Platform to bring together companies, startups and research institutions from both countries to work more closely on AI, digital innovation and talent development.

Both countries also agreed to deepen cooperation in semiconductor supply chains, green technologies and critical minerals to strengthen supply chain resilience and reduce vulnerabilities in global manufacturing networks.

In the energy sector, state-owned Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and Japan’s largest power generation company, JERA Co Inc, signed a 20-year liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply agreement, reinforcing long-term energy security cooperation between the two countries.

Local media reported that Japan imports about 15 per cent of its LNG from Malaysia, while Malaysia is also a key supplier of naphtha with its own refining capabilities.

An article by The Japan Times quoted Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi saying that cooperation with Malaysia - a stable supplier of LNG to Japan - is more important than ever amid growing uncertainty in the global energy landscape.

Malaysia and Japan also agreed to expand cooperation in maritime security, defence engagement and combating transnational crime under Japan’s Official Security Assistance framework.

The two countries also exchanged views on regional and international issues, including developments in the Middle East, Iran, Palestine and Myanmar, and reaffirmed support for a rules-based international order and ASEAN centrality.

During his three-day official visit to Japan, which ended yesterday, Anwar called for stronger multilateral cooperation and warned against rising protectionism and the weaponisation of trade and technology in a keynote address at the Nikkei Forum.

A day earlier, he spoke at the University of Tokyo, where he emphasised that AI must be guided by ethics and human values, with human judgment remaining central to decision-making.

The Prime Minister also met with Japanese business leaders to discuss investment opportunities in semiconductors, advanced technology and the digital economy, as Malaysia continues its efforts to move up the global value chain.

He held meetings with the University of Tokyo president,  Prof Teruo Fujii, and Sasakawa Peace Foundation chairman, Tan Sri Yohei Sasakawa, where the parties discussed education, AI, youth development and humanitarian issues.

Anwar, who is also Malaysia’s Finance Minister, said the visit achieved its key objectives of strengthening bilateral ties, expanding cooperation in strategic sectors, and attracting high-quality investment and trade.

“I leave the Land of the Rising Sun with full confidence that the Malaysia-Japan friendship -- long established and deeply rooted-- will continue to flourish across generations and bring prosperity to both nations,” he said.

Anwar was accompanied by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, and Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister, Steven Sim Chee Keong.

-- BERNAMA