TOKYO: Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen economic ties with Japan – especially in investment and trade, as well as high-tech sectors that have a direct impact on the people’s economy – are a key focus of the Prime Minister’s official visit to Japan.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia highlighted several priorities in his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, including high-value investments, new technologies and cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI).
“Besides the official ceremonial events, what is important is to ensure Malaysia’s interests in investment and high technology, including AI, are advanced.
“We prioritise this because we need cooperation and support not only from the Japanese government but also from major Japanese companies,” he said at the final press conference of the three-day official visit that began on Monday.
Anwar also highlighted positive developments in energy cooperation between Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS) and Japanese partner Jera Co Inc, involving the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The deal was sealed through a long-term agreement and is expected to benefit both countries.
He said the cooperation would strengthen Malaysia’s position as an industrial player in the natural gas sector while meeting Japan’s long-term energy needs.
On trade and investment, he said trade value increased, while Japanese investment in Malaysia amounted to RM107.9bil through more than 2,800 manufacturing projects, creating over 347,000 job opportunities, based on data from the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry last year.
The visit also included meetings with major Japanese companies – including Mitsubishi Corp, Eneos Corp, Denso Corp and Marubeni Corp – to explore opportunities to expand cooperation and investment in Malaysia.
During a meeting with an IBM representative, Anwar said Malaysia is focusing on developing quantum technology through collaboration with IBM, one of the world’s leading companies in quantum computing.
He said IBM’s decision to expand its technology-related initiatives would place Malaysia on par with major global technology hubs such as the United States, Japan, India, Singapore and Taiwan.
“We are currently discussing and will present to the Cabinet the need to hold the National Quantum Council after it has been reviewed by the respective ministries,” he said.
Anwar also leveraged the close network of Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Marican, who has connections with several companies in the Japanese oil and gas sector, to further strengthen the strategic cooperation between the two countries.
Participation in the Nikkei Forum, considered one of Japan’s key forums, has strengthened relationships with political leaders, business leaders, media and policymakers.
The invitation from the president of the University of Tokyo to deliver a special lecture also provided an opportunity for a dialogue session with the university community on new technologies, particularly AI and its implications for humanity.
Anwar said the University of Tokyo has long-standing academic ties with Universiti Malaya and urged the cooperation be expanded into new fields.
“I requested that it be improved in several new disciplines and now there is another collaboration in the field of AI with the International Islamic University Malaysia,” he said.
The Prime Minister and his delegation departed for Malaysia yesterday evening, concluding his first official visit to the Land of the Rising Sun.
