KUALA LUMPUR: More Japanese students are opting to resume their tertiary education in Malaysia, as well as starting up companies on our shores, says the Japanese Embassy.
Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Noriyuki Shikata, during a special press briefing as part of the Japanese National Day celebration here at the JW Marriot Hotel, said that current trends have shown more Japanese students starting college and university here.
“What I have seen is that there is an increasing number of Japanese high school students applying for Malaysian universities the undergraduate level. This is, to a great extent, driven by the English-based education and for more liberal arts and undergraduate type education.
“Traditionally, more Japanese students have chosen to study in the United States of America, the United Kingdom and Australia but I see that the current situation has changed where Malaysia is becoming among the top choices, even top three or so,” he said.
He added that educational institutions outside of Kuala Lumpur also held potential in enticing more Japanese students to study there.
“As far as I see it, there would be potential, naturally in Penang and possibly in Ipoh and Johor Baru.
“Currently there are 2,000 Japanese students studying in Malaysia with more than 2,600 Malaysians studying in Japan. While there are currently more Malaysian students in Japan, I believe in the future more Japanese students will come to Malaysia,” he said.
He added that Japanese start ups are also looking to use Malaysia as a base to expand in the region, especially in the medical sector.
“Malaysia is getting more attention among Japanese startup companies. And you find some of those companies, for example, those in the medical devices industries, are coming directly to Malaysia from Japan.
“To some, Malaysia is their first destination for them to enter the global market,” he said.
On possible expansions of its consulate office to East Malaysia, in particular Kuching, the ambassador said that while there are not plans yet but it would be a suitable location due to the increased green energy ventures there that Japan is equally interested in.
“We are not at the stage to be able to talk about such a possibility and of course we also have budget restrictions and so forth.
“However Sarawak is presenting various green investment opportunities such as hydrogen, ammonia and biomass. It is also has very progressive and innovative policies as a low-carbon hub.
“I am personally trying to engage more with our friends on the Sarawakian side,” he said.
