4 September 2013: MAJECA is a recipient of the Japanese Foreign Minister’s award.

The award is for the following:

“in recognition of its distinguished service in promoting mutual understanding and economic cooperation between Japan and Malaysia, contributing to promoting friendly relations.”

The Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups of outstanding achievements in international fields to acknowledge their contribution to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries. It also aims to promote the understanding and support of the Japanese public for their activities.

The commendation ceremony was held at the Residence of the Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia.  YBhg Tan Sri Datuk Seri Utama Thong Yaw Hong, Vice-President of MAJECA, accepted the certificate on behalf of MAJECA.

In his speech, Japanese Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Shigeru Nakamura, remarked:

“First, let me touch upon MAJECA’s contributions. MAJECA and its twin organisation; Japan Malaysia Economic Association, JAMECA’s establishment were initiated with the full support and blessing of the then Prime Minister Fukuda and Prime Minister Tun Hussein Onn in 1977. Since then we have witnessed great progress and tremendous growth in our bilateral trade and investments. This is a symbol of the strong economic ties between our two countries which is boosted by MAJECA’s numerous activities including frequent exchange of business missions and information sharing to build a foundation of mutual understanding.

As you may know, Japan is the first country Malaysia entered into an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with, and it furnished the cornerstone of our countries’ strong economic partnership. MAJECA contributed considerably in the process by providing the Malaysian government with useful input and helped to make possible the EPA’s smooth acceptance by the business sector. 

In addition, MAJECA is a staunch supporter of the Look East Policy which celebrated its 30th Anniversary last year.   MAJECA also took an initiative last year to approach the Malaysian Government to advocate the continuous importance of the Look East Policy. As a result, the Malaysian Government arranged for the 30th Anniversary of the Look East Policy to coincide with the MAJECA/JAMECA joint annual meeting on the 10th of October last year. I would like to laud the significant role MAJECA has played to cement the connection between our two countries.

On behalf of the Foreign Minister of Japan, I would like to laud MAJECA and University of Malaya’s Japan Studies Program’s endeavors which have benefitted Japan and Malaysia tremendously and have also cemented the close friendship and partnership between both our countries. Today’s commendation ceremony expresses the Government of Japan’s appreciation to both organizations for their contribution in strengthening the ties between Japan and Malaysia.”

In a reciprocal speech to accept the award, YBhg Tan Sri Datuk Seri Utama Thong Yaw Hong, stated:

“MAJECA is very honoured to be awarded by His Excellency the Foreign Minister of JAPAN for promoting mutual understanding and close economic and trade cooperation between Malaysia and Japan for the Year 2013. On behalf of the association, I am very honoured to receive this commendation award.

Since its inception in 1977, MAJECA has been a strong advocate of its mission and vision in fostering closer economic relationship between the private sectors of Malaysia and Japan. This had been achieved through a series of conferences, seminars, business missions and exchange visits organised bilaterally. The firm foundation that had been laid has grown from strength to strength over the years, as evidenced by the fact that Japan remains the largest foreign investor in Malaysia to date.

Moving forward, and with the firm commitment of both our respective Prime Ministers to build on the 2nd wave of the Look East Policy (LEP), MAJECA is ready to play its proper role. We shall work with all stakeholders to bring the relationship between our private sectors to the next level. We will support and reinforce the Government’s renewed initiatives through the Government to Government channels.”