Japan Keen To Expand Relations And Investment In Malaysia

By Christine Lim

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 11 (Bernama) -- Japan’s engagement with Malaysia is set to expand, particularly in investments, following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s landslide election victory last week.

Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Noriyuki Shikata said that with a strong mandate, Takaichi is preparing to strengthen ties with Malaysia and ASEAN.

He highlighted opportunities for Japanese investment in strategic sectors such as education, semiconductors, green technology, defence and the halal food industries.

 “Prime Minister Takaichi has been emphasising the importance of free and open Indo-Pacific and economic dimension.

“There are various investment opportunities for Japanese companies in Malaysia in areas such as semiconductors and green investments,” he said at a media briefing in conjunction with Japan’s National Day reception on Wednesday.

Shikata said the prime minister has also been focusing on strategic industries and issues such as economic and energy security.

 “Malaysia is the second largest provider of liquefied natural gas to Japan after Australia.  But there are other new investments, like carbon capture storage (CCS), which both leaders are interested in pursuing.

“Or even civil nuclear power plants collaboration, which is included in Malaysia's energy transition roadmap,” he added.

Shikata said many Japanese financial institutions are also investing in Islamic banking in Malaysia. He added that Japan also sees Malaysia as a gateway for some investments into the region due to Malaysia’s strong trading ties with other countries.

Earlier in his speech, the Ambassador said Japan is determined to play an expanded role alongside Malaysia in ensuring regional peace and stability, particularly in maritime security.

“Through the Official Security Assistance (OSA), Japan’s new cooperation framework benefitting armed forces, we have provided the Malaysian Armed Forces with UAVs (drones) and rescue boats, and will soon provide a diving support ship,” he said.

He pointed out that bilateral military exercises between the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Forces and the Royal Malaysian Navy, as well as port calls by Japan Coast Guard patrol vessels, exemplify the strength of the maritime security partnership.

Shikata also revealed that a New Japan-Malaysia Industrial Cooperation Seminar that aims to revitalise industrial investment between the two countries, will be held on March 31.

He said bilateral relations in other areas have improved significantly, including in the food and beverages sector, with Malaysia now boasting 2,200 Japanese restaurants — a 16 per cent increase over the past two years.

On education, Shikata said there are more than 2,600 Malaysian students currently studying in Japan, while over 2,000 Japanese students are studying in Malaysia.

“In recent years, the number of Japanese students studying in Malaysia has increased dramatically, and Malaysia is attracting a great deal of attention as a destination to pursue higher studies among Japanese students,” he said.

-- BERNAMA