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11th Asian Business Summit (ABS) on 6th November 2020 hosted by Keidanren (via Zoom)

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 The 11th Asian Business Summit (ABS) was held on 6th November 2020 over Zoom, with the participation of 14 business organizations representing 12 Asian Economies. Malaysia was represented by MAJECA through its three executives, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, with Tan Sri Dr Michael Yeoh, Hon. Secretary in attendance.

 

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The 11th Asian Business Summit / Digital Conference Agenda (Final)

Date: November 6th, 2020

12:00-16:30 (Malaysian Time)

13:00 – 17:30 (Tokyo Time)

hosted by Keidanren, Japan

*Japanese / English simultaneous interpretation

Moderator: Mr. Masakazu Kubota, Director General, Keidanren
12:00-12:20 MYT

13:00-13:20 JT

Opening Session

Opening Remarks:  Mr. Nobuyuki Koga, Chairman of the Board of Councillors, Keidanren

Guest Speech: Mr. Yasutoshi  Nishimura, Minister of State for Economic and Fiscal Policy and Minister in charge of Economic Revitalization
12:20-13:30 MYT

13:20-14:30 JT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plenary Session I : Impact of COVID-19 & Challenges for post-COVID-19 Economic Recovery in member economies and Asia

 Session Moderator: Mr. Satoshi Mukuta, Senior Managing Director, Keidanren

Speakers:  5 Min / each

Mr. Nobuyuki Koga

Chairman of the Board of Councillors, Keidanren

Mr. Kalin Sarasin

Chairman, The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB)

Mr. Zhang Shaogang

Vice  Chairman, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT)

Mr. Uday Kotak

President, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)

Mr. Rosan Perkasa Roeslani

Chairman, Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN)

Mr. Tae-shin Kwon

Vice Chairman & CEO, Federation of Korean Industries (FKI)

Tan Sri. Azman Hashim

President, Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA)

Mr. Aye Tun

Joint Secretary General, The Republic of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI)

Mr. Gerard B. Sanvictores

Chairman, Philippine-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee (PHILJEC)

Mr. Ho Meng Kit

Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Business Federation (SBF)

Dr. Huang Mao-Hsiung

Honorary Chairman, Chinese East Asia Economic Association (CEAEA), Taiwan 

Dr. Vu Tien Loc, Chairman and President, Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)
13:30-14:00 MYT

14:30-15:00 JT

 Break
14:00-15:00 MYT

15:00-16:00 JT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plenary Session II : Challenges facing Asia

Session Moderator: Mr. Ichiro Hara, Managing Director, Keidanren

Speakers:  4 minutes / each

1. Trade policy

Mr. Tae-shin Kwon

Vice Chairman & CEO, Federation of Korean Industries (FKI)

Mr. Chandrajit Banerjee

Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)

Datuk Seri. Mohamed Iqbal

Vice President, Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA)

Mr. Shigeru Hayakawa

Vice Chair, Keidanren
2. Infrastructure

Mr. Rosan Perkasa Roeslani

Chairman, Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN)

Mr. Supant Mongkolsuthree

Chairman, The Federation of Thai Industries

Mr. Ye Min Aung

Vice President, The Republic of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI)

Mr. Tatsuo Yasunaga

Vice Chair, Keidanren
3. Digitalization

Mr. Zhu Hongren

Standing Vice Chairman, China Enterprise Confederation (CEC)

Dr. Huang Mao-Hsiung

Honorary Chairman, Chinese East Asia Economic Association (CEAEA), Taiwan

Mr. Ferdinand A. Ferrer

Treasurer, Philippine-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee (PHILJEC)
Mr. Kobsak Duangdee
Secretary General, The Thai Bankers’ Association

Mr. Kenichiro Yamanishi

Vice Chair, Keidanren
4. Environment and Energy

Mr. Kao Kuo-Lun

Vice Chairman, Chinese National Association of Industry and Commerce (CNAIC), Taiwan

Mr. Hitoshi Ochi

Vice Chair, Keidanren
15:00-16:20 MYT

16:00-17:20 JT

Exchange of Views

Session Moderator: Mr. Ichiro Hara, Managing Director, Keidanren
16:20-16:30 MYT

17:20-17:30 JT

 Joint Statement and Future Work
16:30 MYT

17:30 JT

 Closing

Note:-  Please note above “MYT” denotes “Malaysian Time”  and “JT” denotes  “Tokyo Time”. 

3.    Opening Session 

Mr Nobuyuki Koga, Chairman of the Board of Councillors, Keidanren giving his opening remarks.

Mr Yasutoshi Nishimura, Minister of State for Economics and Fiscal Policy and Minister in charge of Economic Revitalisation giving his guest speech via video message.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Plenary Session 1

This session was titled “Impact of COVID-19 & Challenges for post-COVID-19 Economic Recovery in member economies and Asia”.

Mr Satoshi Mukuta, Senior Managing Director, Keidanren moderated.

The presenters for this session were the following:

From top-left, clockwise:

  1. Mr Nobuyuki Koga, Chairman of the Board of Councillors, Keidanren
  2. Mr Kalin Sarasin, Chairman, The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB)
  3. Mr Zhang Shaogang¸Vice Chairman, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT)
  4. Mr Uday Kotak, President, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
  5. Mr Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, Chairman, Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN)
  6. Mr Tae-shin Kwon, Vice Chairman & CEO, Federation of Korean Industries (FKI)

From top-left, clockwise:

7. Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA)

8. Mr Aye Tun, Joint Secretary General, The Republic of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI)

9. Mr Gerard B. Sanvictores, Chairman, Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee (PHILJEC)

10. Mr Ho Meng Kit, CEO, Singapore Business Federation (SBF)

11. Dr Huang Mao-Hsiung, Honorary Chairman, Chinese East Asia Economic Association (CEAEA), Taiwan

12. Dr Vu Tien Loc, Chairman & President, Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)

 

The President of MAJECA, Tan Sri Azman Hashim sharing his insights.
 

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Plenary Session 2

The second plenary session was titled “Challenges facing Asia”, and was split into four parts which were: trade policy, infrastructure, digitalization, and, environment and energy respectively.

This session was moderated by Mr Ichiro Hara, Managing Director, Keidanren.

 

The speakers for each session were as follows:

  1. Trade Policy

From top-left, clockwise:

1.Mr Tae-shin Kwon, Vice Chairman & CEO, Federation of Korean Industries (FKI)

2.Mr Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)

3.Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal,Vice President, Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA)

4.Mr Shigeru Hayakawa, Vice Chair, Keidanren

 

Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice President of MAJECA speaking on the Trade Policy panel during Plenary Session 2.

 

 

2.Infrastructure

From top-left, clockwise:

1.Mr Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, Chairman, Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN)

2.Mr Chartchai Panichewa, Vice-Chairman, The Federation of Thai Industries

3.Mr Ye Min Aung, Vice President, The Republic of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI)

4.Mr Tatsuo Yasunaga, Vice Chair, Keidanren

 

 

  1. Digitalization

From right to left:

1.Mr Zhu Hongren, Standing Vice Chairman, China Enterprise Confederation (CEC)

2.Dr Huang Mao-Hsiung, Honorary Chairman, Chinese East Asia Economic Association (CEAEC), Taiwan

3.Mr Ferdinand A. Ferrer, Treasurer, Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee (PHILJEC)

4.Mr Kobsak Duangdee, Secretary General, The Thai Bankers’ Association

5.Mr Kenichiro Yamanishi, Vice Chair, Keidanren

 

  1. Environment and Energy

  2. Mr Kao Kuo-Lun, Vice Chairman, Chinese National Association of Industry and Commerce (CNAIC), Taiwan

    Mr Hitoshi Ochi, Vice Chair, Keidanren
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Following the end of the plenary sessions, the summit proceeded with an exchange of views with Mr Ichiro Hara, Managing Director, Keidanren continuing as moderator.

A collage of various role players exchanging their views and insights.

(from top-left, clockwise): Mr Ken Kobayashi, Vice Chair of the Board of Councillors, Keidanren; Chair of the Japan-Indonesia Economic Committee & Japan-Myanmar Economic Committee; Chairman of the Board, Mitsubishi Corporation, Mr Tatsuo Yasunaga, Vice Chair, Keidanren; President and CEO, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc., Mr Shinya Katanozaka, Vice Chair, Keidanren; President & CEO, ANA Holdings Inc.,  Mr Ichiro Hara, Managing Director, Keidanren, Mr Kenichiro Yamanishi, Vice Chair, Keidanren; Executive Corporate Adviser, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Mr Takashi Yamauchi, Vice Chair, Keidanren; Chairman, Member of the Board, Taisei Corporation, Mr Nobuyuki Hirano, Vice Chair, Keidanren; Chairman, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc., and Mr Ho Meng Kit, CEO, Singapore Business Federation (SBF).
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 The 11th Asian Business Summit reached its conclusion with the presentation of the Joint Statement and a group photo of the remaining members.

The 11th Asian Business Summit Joint Statement

On November 6, 2020, the 11th Asian Business Summit was held online with the participation of 14 business organizations representing 12 Asian Economies.

The global coronavirus pandemic has stifled business activities and created a set of extremely challenging conditions for the world economy. At this time, all members of the Asian business community should work closely and collaboratively with their governments and multilateral institutions to address and overcome these challenges. It was with this backdrop in mind that participants in the 11th Asian Business Summit gathered to discuss economic and industrial strategies for the current and post-pandemic eras as well as issues on regional cooperation in Asia.

The Summit began with a series of presentations by participating business organizations, which shared information on the status of the coronavirus pandemic in each economy and the countermeasures which their governments, business communities, and corporate sectors have implemented in response.

In the interest of protecting the lives, jobs, and livelihoods of their citizens, as well as their economies, we call on the governments of Asian economies to take prudent action aimed at balancing economic activities with measures to halt the expansion of the pandemic through the establishment of robust frameworks for the provision of needed medical care, stable delivery of medical supplies, and enhancement of support for businesses and workers. As members of the Asian business community, we are committed to assuming an active role, fully utilizing the resources at our command, and working together to achieve sustained business operations and employment levels as well as diversify and reinforce our supply chains.

It is imperative that we build from that foundation and transform the harsh realities of the current and post-pandemic eras into opportunities for further sustained growth. This Summit provided a forum to deepen our discussions on trade policy, infrastructure development, digitalization, environment, energy, and other issues confronting the Asian economy in the sphere of cooperation. As an outcome of that discussion, we arrived at a consensus on the importance of the following.

First, it is vital that we sustain and strengthen the free and open international economic system. To that end, efforts should be made to promote regional economic integration through early conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement and the expansion of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). It is necessary to re-establish and enhance connectivity within the region disrupted by the pandemic through both qualitative and quantitative advances in infrastructure development. Furthermore, we will need progress in digital transformation (DX) through data free flow with trust and other growth strategies adapted to the “new normal” as well as promotion of RD&D and finance on environmental and energy technologies aimed at transition to a decarbonized society. To address these challenges, we are committed to speeding up our efforts through cooperation and call for measures in inter- and intra-governmental coordination.

Moving forward, we will continue to utilize the Asian Business Summit platform to discuss the issues facing Asia in fostering sustainable development and facilitate realization of the “Society 5.0 for SDGs” concept.

https://www.keidanren.or.jp/en/policy/2020/106.html

A group photo of various role players taken at the end of the summit.

Webinar on Cloud Computing: “The Best Time to Leverage on Cloud Technology: Take Your Business to Greater Heights” on 26 August 2020

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Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA), in collaboration with Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA), Alphaus Cloud and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) hosted a webinar on Cloud Computing which was attended by various members from MAJECA and MASSA. MAJECA and MASSA was represented by Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary of MAJECA and MASSA.

The webinar was entitled ‘The Best Time to Leverage on Cloud Technology: Take Your Business to Greater Heights’. This non-technical webinar aimed to equip decision-makers to use cloud technology for their business growth by optimizing the technology to their needs.

The Speakers at the webinar were:

  1. Mr Mohd Atasha Alias, Director of Alphaus Cloud Sdn Bhd
  2. Mr Tan Tze Meng, Head of Cloud and Data Centers at MDEC

Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary of MAJECA and MASSA gave the Welcome Address at the webinar.

Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary MAJECA and MASSA giving the Welcome Address

Mr Mohd Atasha Alias, is a Director of Alphaus Cloud, a leading software provider of Cloud Cost Management in Japan.  Alphaus Cloud Sdn Bhd is a company founded in Malaysia, and it is from this business base that it is expanding across the Asia Pacific.  He advises business leaders on how to thrive in the Digital Era, and helps business transform digitally from ‘brick and mortar’ to ‘click and mortar’ by leveraging his myriad connections along the digital value-chain of tools and services.

Mr Atasha’s presentation centred on answering the question – ‘What is Cloud’, and he also argued for cloud’s adoption as part of the new entrepreneurial mindset.

Mr Mohd Atasha Alias, Director fo Alphaus Cloud introducing cloud technology and arguing the case for adopting it

The second speaker was Mr Tan Tze Meng.  He presented the comparison of advantages using Cloud technology vs. on-premise infrastructure and the total cost of ownership for decision-makers.

Mr Tan has been in the IT industry since 1986, and has an extensive portfolio in the field.  His beginnings can be traced to his time at Telekom Malaysia, where he played a key role in launching TMNet in 1996. Mr Tan is the Head of Cloud and Data Centers at MDEC.  His department is responsible for the ecosystem development in the digital economy.

MDEC’s Head of Cloud and Data Centers, Mr Tan Tze Meng’s case for adopting cloud technology by presenting the comparisons of the total cost of ownership for an IT project using cloud technology versus on-premise infrastructure.

After the presentations, the webinar held a series of polls, followed by a Q&A session moderated by Ms Rishanty Navaratnam of Alphaus Cloud.

To cap off the webinar, a virtual group photo session was held with the speakers, the webinar’s team and, the audience.
The webinar’s team (from left to right) Mr Mohd Atasha Alias – Alphaus Cloud, the MAJECA-MASSA team, Ms Rishanty Navaratnam – Alphaus Cloud and, Mr Tan Tze Meng – MDEC

Webinar on “How Drones are Changing the Business World” on 28 July 2020

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The Selangor Human Resources Development Centre in partnership with Drone Academy Asia, Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA) and Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA) hosted a webinar on 28 July 2020.  MAJECA and MASSA was represented by Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary of MAJECA and MASSA.

The title of the webinar – ‘How Drones are Changing the Business World’, was directed at increasing awareness about the potential benefits of using drone technology to aid business to achieve sustainability and weathering the ‘new normal’.

34 participants from members from MAJECA and MASSA together with MITI, USM, SIRIM, MPOB, MIGHT, MIMOS as well as representatives from Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BMCCI) and JAGAM members attended the webinar.

The Speakers at the webinar were:

1. Mr. Alvin Tan, Manager from the Drone Academy Asia

2. Mr. Ken Khoo, Head of Marketing from Poladrone

Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary of MAJECA gave a Welcome Address at the start of the webinar.

Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary of MAJECA giving the Welcome Address at the webinar

The presentation by Mr Alvin Tan, Manager of Drone Academy Asia, an enterprise drones training academy centred on the webinar’s theme. He is a firm believer in the usage of drones and is enthusiastic in the capabilities and application of drones in the 21st century and aims to co-develop and deliver drone course modules that empower participants to implement them into their workflow for greater efficiency and safety practices.

Mr Alvin Tan, Manager of Drone Academy Asia sharing on the commercial applications of drone technology

Mr Ken Khoo, Head of Marketing from Poladrone, an all-in-one drone solutions provider spoke about ‘Sustainability & Saving Lives: Drone in the New Normal”.  Poladrone’s goal is to create greater awareness and conversations about the ways drones can be used to enrich our everyday lives, both personally & professionally.

Mr Ken Khoo, Head of Marketing of Poladrone, giving his presentation on the role of drones and how they enable sustainable industrial workflows
(from top left, clockwise) Mr Ken Khoo – Poladrone, Mr Alvin Tan – Drone Academy Asia, Ms Khoo Yi Lin – SHRDC, Ms Erin Hoo – Drone Academy Asia and Ms Ng Su Fun – representing MAJECA and MASSA

45th ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting (AJBM) 12-14 December 2019 in Tokyo

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The 45th ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting (AJBM) was successfully held at the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, Japan on 13 December 2019.  The theme of the conference was “New Reality and Opportunity for ASEAN & Japan in the Face of New Global Trends”.

The Japanese side was led by Mr Nobuhide Hayashi, Chairman of the 45th AJBM and Senior Advisor of Mizuho Bank Ltd.

Introduction by Mr Nobuhide Hayashi, Chairman of the 45th AJBM and Senior Advisor of Mizuho Bank Ltd. at the Opening Ceremony

Opening Ceremony

Mr Keiichiro Hashimoto, Vice Chairman and President of Keizai Doyukai gave the Welcome Remarks.

2 special guests gave remarks.  They were:

  • Mr Norihiro Nakayama, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Japan
  • H.E. Mr Singtong Lapisatepun, Royal Thai Ambassador to Japan

Mr Norihiro Nakayama, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Japan

 

H.E. Mr Singtong Lapisatepun, Royal Thai Ambassador to Japan

Plenary Session I

The theme for the presentation by Softbank was “What Digitalization Brings to Asia; Business Model Transformation and New Opportunities in Asia”.

The presenters were:

  • Mr Yasuyuki Imai – Senior Vice Officer and COO
  • Mr Daichi Nozaki – VP & Head of Global Business Division

Mr Yasuyuki Imai – Senior Vice Officer and COO, Softbank

Mr Daichi Nozaki – VP & Head of Global Business Division, Softbank

Softbank presentation at the 45th AJBM:

 

The 2nd Keynote was presented Mr Yasuyuki Konuma, Director & Senior Executive Officer of Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Mr Yasuyuki Konuma, Director & Senior Executive Officer of Tokyo Stock Exchange

Tokyo Stock Exchange presentation:

 

ASEAN-Japan Startups Panel during Lunch Session

During lunch, 5 ASEAN/Japan Startup made a presentation to the AJBM members on their startup business.  These 5 startups were:

1. Mr Mitsuru Izumo, CEO & Founder of Euglena

Euglena is a microalgae.  Euglena is the world’s first biotechnology company that has succeeded to mass cultivate microalgae Euglena, in the outdoors, for food use.

2. Mr Yoshihiro Ota, Head of CEO Office, Axelspace Corporation

Axelspace specializes in space-related industries.  It offers solutions based on microsatellite technology designs and produce microsatellites and related components and all business related to microsatellite data.  Their vision is “Space within your reach”.

3. Mr Naoji Taniguchi, CEO & CTO, Holoeyes

Holoeyes is a data driven company providing surgeons with VR/AR/MR based communication, planning, navigation and education services for doctors and hospitals.

4. Mr Jeffrey Foo, Regional Group Director for Japan & Korea, LIV3LY Pte. Ltd.-Singapore

LIV3LY aims to empower generations of fitness, targeting youth to fitness and healthy lifestyles through the LIV3LY app that combines a fitness tracker, social media and market place platforms and healthy fitness event platform.

5. Mr Sean Ong, Regional Group Director for Japan & Korea, Enterprise Singapore

Enterprise Singapore is under the purview of the Ministry of Trade & Industry of Singapore.  Its mission is to grow stronger SME enterprises by building capabilities and accessing global opportunities, thereby creating good jobs for Singaporeans.

Singapore business environment is friendly and has a conducive ecosystem for startups to thrive.

6. Mr Prasetio Erlimus, CEO, PT Compro Kotak Inovasi – Indonesia.

Compro is an Indonesian startup company with a mission to help companies/organisations to use technology through mobile apps to reach wider audience of customers, engaging sellers, distributions, resellers, influencers and ultimately consumers.

Mr Naoaki Mashita, CEO & Founder of V-Cube, moderated the lunch session

Mr Mitsuru Izumo, CEO & Founder of Euglena

Mr Sean Ong, Regional Group Director for Japan & Korea, Enterprise Singapore

(left to right) Mr Hashimoto Keiichiro, Vice Chairman and President, Keizai Doyukai. Mr Cecil Leong, Regional Director, Trade Consulting, Asia Pacific, K&L Gates Straits Las LLC, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President MAJECA, Mr Kusumo A Martoredjo, Chairman, PT. Hasdianka Sejahtera, Mr Shazali Suliman, Partner, Shazali & Partners and Mr Gerard Sanvictores, Chairman, Quantum Group/QRD Investors Inc. at the lunch session

 

3 Breakout Sessions were held.  They were:

  1. Connecting the Markets and enhancing Opportunities – Digital changes consumer market (E-commerce).
  2. Upgrading Industries – Digital changes industry infrastructure and value chains (manufacturing & human resources).
  3. Enhancing well-being for all – Smart, sustainable and quality solutions (smart city solutions, energy & environment, mobility).

(left to right) Mr Kazufumi Watanabe, Vice President of Amazon Japan moderated Breakout Session 1 with Mr Noriyoshi Fukuoka, Deputy Director Trade Promotion Division, Trade and Economic Corporation Bureau, METI, Dato’ Ng Wan Peng, Chief Operating Officer, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Mr Shinya Fujii, Director-General, Digital Trade and New Industry Dept., JETRO and Mr Masaki Yamauchi, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Yamato Holdings Co., Ltd.

Dato’ Ng Wan Peng, Chief Operating Officer, MDEC giving a presentation at Breakout Session 1

Session 2 was moderated by Mr Fuminao Hachiuma, President & CEO, J-Oil Mills, Inc.

(left to right) Mr Fuminao Hachiuma, President & CEO, J-Oil Mills, Inc., moderated Breakout Session 2 with Mr Takaaki Fuchu, Associate Director Singapore, Deloite, Mr Hideyuki Kurata, Senior Executive Officer & GM, Technology General Div., AGC, Mr Akihiro Ueda, CEO & Director of Asia EV Business, Terra Motors, Ms Miku Hirano, CEO, Cinnamon, Mr Ferdinand Ferrer, President, EMS Components Assembly Inc. and Mr Anthony Raja Devadoss, Managing Director & Business Head- Asia Pacific , Persolkelly Consulting, Sdn Bhd

 

Mr Anthony Raja Devadoss, Managing Director & Business
Head – Asia Pacific of Persolkelly Consulting Sdn Bhd

Session 3 was moderated by Mr Toshio Asano, Former President and CEO, Asahi Kasei Corporation.

 

Mr Takuya Kitamura, President of Sensyn Robotics presenting a paper at Breakout Session 3

Plenary Session 2

It was noted that E-commerce will definitely grow. Digitalization is already impacting the manufacturing industrial sector.  Manufacturing supply chains are changing, including the speed to change.  Artificial Intelligence (AI) is also changing the way how Human Resources are being identified, hired & trained or retrained.  Infrastructure requirements in the digital age is also changing, impacting existing business models.  The concept of infrastructure now includes ICT, software management and HR capital development.

Closing Remarks

The 45th AJBM discussed the new reality brought on by e-commerce and digitalization to changing business models and manufacturing value chains.  The meeting took cognizance of the need for ASEAN-Japan business partnerships to evolve beyond the traditional models.  The meeting acknowledged massive changes and disruptions brought on by globalizations and digitalization in the 10 different ASEAN economies and all 10 countries are experiencing changes at different levels and at different speeds.  The meeting also discussed the future model of ASEAN-Japan partnerships and mutual expectations with emphasis on the power of digitalization and the need to engage start-ups.  Japan acknowledged that there was a need to find a way to prosper together, develop deeper understanding, challenge and desire for win-win relationships.

MAJECA will host the 46th ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting in Malaysia in 2020.

Amazon Japan Kawasaki Fulfillment Center

Keizai Doyukai facilitated a visit to Amazon Fulfillment Center in Kawasaki for the AJBM delegates on 14 December 2019.

Participants visited the Amazon Japan Kawasaki Fulfillment Centre in Kawasaki

45th ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting (AJBM)

PICTURES GALLERY

(right) Tan Sri Azman Hashim, Mr Kengo Sakurada, Chairman of Keizai Doyukai and (left) Mr Fuminao Hachiuma, President & CEO, J-Oil Mills, Inc.

(left) Tan Sri Azman Hashim with Mr Nobuhide Hayashi, Chairman of 45th AJBM

Tan Sri Azman Hashim giving a thank you speech at the dinner

(left) Mr Sae Tong Phu, President/CEO of ANCO Brothers Co., Ltd., Mr Supong Chayutsahakij, Executive Director, Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited and Tan Sri Azman Hashim

Tan Sri Azman Hashim with the Malaysian team at the 45th AJBM in Tokyo, Japan

Tan Sri Azman Hashim (3rd from left to right), Datuk Jason Tai Hee, Ms Ng Su Fun
and JAGAM members participating at the 45th AJBM

Seated, left to right – Mr Hideyuki Kurata, Senior Executive Officer & General Manager of
Technology General Div. AGC and Ms Fujiyo Ishiguro, President & CEO, Netyear Group
Corporation (Standing, left to right) Mr Kazufumi Watanabe, Vice-President, Amazon
Japan G.K. and Mr Keiichiro Hashimoto, Vice Chairman & President, Keizai Doyukai

Left to right : Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary MAJECA, Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Michael Yeoh Oon
Kheng, MAJECA Honorary Secretary, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, MAJECA President, Dato’ Ng Wan
Peng, Chief Operating Officer, MDEC and Datuk Jason Tai Hee, MAJECA Vice-President

Mr Yeonhang Chuah, EXCO member MAJECA and Datuk Jason Tai Hee, MAJECA Vice-President

Mr Kazufumi Watanabe, Vice-President, Amazon Japan G.K. and Dato’ Ng Wan Peng,
Chief Operating Officer of MDEC

Mr Fuminao Hachiuma, President & CEO, J-Oils, Inc., and Mr Anthony Raja Devadoss, Managing Director & Business Head – Asia Pacific, Persolkelly Consulting Sdn Bhd

Courtesy Call by JAGAM on President of MAJECA on 15 November 2019

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On 15 November 2019,  Mr Gary Tang, President of the Japan Graduates Association of Malaysia (JAGAM), Mr Goh Peng Ooi, Advisor of JAGAM, Mr Kong Kok King and Mr Ang Kim Sin, EXCO member of JAGAM paid a courtesy call on Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MAJECA.  Dato’ Md Taib Abdul Hamid and Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice Presidents of MAJECA, Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary and Ms Florence Khoo, Asst. Executive Secretary, MAJECA also attended the meeting at Tan Sri Azman’s office.

Left to right: Mr Ang Kim Sin, Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Mr Goh Peng Ooi, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, Mr Gary Tang, Ms Ng Su Fun, Dato’ Md Taib Abdul Hamid and Mr Kong Kok King

Technical Visit to SEDA on 12 November 2019

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MAJECA organised a briefing by Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) for MAJECA members at SEDA’s office in Putrajaya on 12 November 2019.

Puan Azah Ahmad, Senior Director of Strategic Planning, SEDA presented a paper to MAJECA members on:-

1. Vision, Policy & Regulations for Sustainable Energy for Malaysia
2. Introduction to SEDA and SEDA’s Renewable Energy Programme on Net Energy Metering (NEW) and Fee-in-Tariff (FIT)

 

Puan Azah Ahmad, Senior Director of Strategic Planning, SEDA introduced the Renewable Energy Programmes currently administered by SEDA to MAJECA members

 

 

Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary MAJECA gave the closing remarks for MAJECA

 

MAJECA members attending the briefing at SEDA’s office in Putrajaya

 

(2nd from right) Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MAJECA and participants from the Japan Graduates Association of Malaysia (JAGAM)

 

Left to right: Ms Ng Su Fun, Dato’ Lawrence Lim Swee Lin presenting a token of appreciation to Puan Azah Ahmad

SEDA website: www.seda.gov.my

10th Asian Business Summit (ABS) on 17 October 2019 in Hanoi, Vietnam

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The 10th Asian Business Summit (ABS) was held on 17 October 2019 at the Daewoo Hotel, Hanoi, Vietnam hosted the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).  Led by KEIDANREN Japan, representatives from apex business organisations from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, India, P.R. China, Korea and Taiwan participated in the meeting.  Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President of MAJECA, represented Malaysia at the 10th ABS.

Topics included:

PLENARY SESSION I: DIGITAL ASIA: COLLABORATION FOR INNOVATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

  • Growth Strategy (innovation, data, technology): Promoting innovative development
  • Smart Society (agriculture, health care, urbanization, environment): Ensuring sustainable development

PLENARY SESSION II: GLOBAL ASIA: PARTNERSHIP FOR INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT

  • Free Trade and Global Value Chain: Promoting economic inclusiveness
  • Infrastructure and Human Resource: Strengthening regional collaboration

10th Asian Business Summit in session

Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal at the 10th ABS

Group photo

Group photo of the main representatives

A Joint Statement was issued at the close of the event.

The 10th Asian Business Summit

Joint Statement

Asia Super Connect for Sustainable Development

 

October 17, 2019

On October 17, 2019, 12 Asian business organizations gathered together in Hanoi for the 10th Asian Business Summit (ABS). The Summit agreed that the close collaboration between economies in the region is the key to the sustainable and inclusive development. In particular, in the digital era with abrupt technological changes, a comprehensive cooperation in all areas, ranging across technology, infrastructure, human resources, agriculture, health care, environment and financing is indispensable. The Summit adopted a joint statement which expresses the shared commitment and efforts of the Asian businesses towards realizing the goal of inclusive and sustainable development and shared prosperity.

1.    Digital Asia: Collaboration for innovative and sustainable development

(a)  Growth Strategy: Promoting innovative development

As the world entering the fourth industrial revolution, challenges of digitalization and innovation is affecting all sectors across societies in many ways. Asian economies should commit to a policy framework of openness and exploration of opportunities arising from the digital innovation revolution, fostering implementation of technological advances in all areas of human activity.

Particularly, businesses which are a pioneering force of the economies, should be enabled to continuously innovate in terms of technology and, management so as to have robust and sustainable business models. Asian business communities must promote sound businesses with focus on corporate social responsibility, environment and climate change issues, and green technologies, thus enabling resource efficiency and promoting circular economy.

For that, the Asian business community will strengthen cooperation and focus on innovation that can connect the economies in global value chain, bringing mutual benefits for everyone regardless of their level of economic development, and promoting sustainable growth in the region.

The Asian business community realize the importance of cyber security and the need of closer cooperation at the regional and global levels.

(b) Smart Society: Ensuring sustainable development

Vibrant economic development leads to rapid urbanization and climate change. Additionally, many Asian cities are close to the sea, facing phenomena like typhoons, cyclones, earthquakes and other natural disasters. There is critical need for bolstering economic growth and preserving the environment, tackling climate change to ensure sustainable development, thereby promoting need of co-operation works amongst economies which will result in smart societies in the future.

Businesses will need to work hand in hand with the government to collaborate in setting green production standards, which is an important element in the effort to tackle climate change, to make the best use of river water resources, fostering green growth.

Business communities encourage Asian cities to network and to share experiences and best practices for the development of smart societies.

2.        Global Asia: Partnership for Inclusive Development

(a)  Free Trade and Global Value Chain: Promoting economic inclusiveness

Despite some uncertainties raised by protectionism and nationalism, Asian business communities are committed to free and open trade which is the best option to deliver sustainable and inclusive growth resulting in prosperity of all our economies.

We reaffirm that the expansion of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and acceleration towards the early realization of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement are key goals in attaining regional economic integration and we will support such trade agreements.  Also, we agree that Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) should not be exclusive and that trade should be liberalized so as to achieve WTO compatibility, in moving towards the direction of universal benefit for everyone.

Asian business associations also agree that MSMES continue to be the backbone of many Asian economies. Thus, we would encourage the MSMEs to successfully conduct businesses across borders and participate in global value chain, while expanding their innovative capabilities and global presence though internet and digital economy and e-commerce platform.

The business community in Asia also strongly supports and recognizes the importance of the role of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and a rules-based multilateral trading system, encouraging trade growth especially for MSMEs. We also call for the immediate resolution of the crisis in the WTO’s dispute settlement system, which plays a key role in WTO. It is also important for the reform of the existing WTO rules to keep up to date to the modern business models especially in the current digital economy.

(b)  Infrastructure and Human Resources: Strengthening regional collaboration

Infrastructure and human resources are critical to advancing economic growth. Imbalanced development of infrastructure amongst economies slows down smooth flows of goods and services, hindering both intra and inter-regional trade. Asian business community calls for an effective mechanism to support public private partnership in the infrastructure development. A greater regulatory certainty along with simplification and clarity of administrative processes and reduction of red tape will help facilitate the financing for infrastructure projects.

On the other hand, capacity building and human resource are also key issues on the regional cooperation program. In the digital era marked by rapid advancement in automation and artificial intelligence, many traditional jobs will be replaced, and new skills will be required to meet the demand of new technologies. Initiatives to foster start-up, innovative companies, and high-tech businesses should be encouraged. An effective collaboration on human resource among economies will enhance the overall regional competitiveness.

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MITI Consultative Dialogue (MCD) 2019 – Townhall Session on 15-16 October 2019

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The Ministry of International Trade & Industry (MITI) launched the MITI Consultative Dialogue 2019 on 12 September 2019 at the Perdana Hall with the theme “Rebuilding Malaysia Together”- Strengthening Synergies between Government and Industry. The purpose was to relook at the Government’s policies for the last ten years and to rethink Malaysia’s trade, investment and industrial development policies.

Prior to the Launch, MITI had invited the national and international Chambers of Commerce, Business and Industry Associations in Malaysia to provide feedback on the issues faced in respect of the business operations of their members and suggested solutions (if any).

At the Launch, MITI Minister YB Datuk Darell Leiking informed that 54 memorandums highlighting 379 issues were submitted by 108 associations to MITI. There were 12 main clusters:

• Investment
• Market access
• Technology
• Labour/ workforce / talent
• Taxation
• Facilitation
• Logistics / infrastructure

At the launch on 12 September 2019, YB Dr Ong Kian Ming, Deputy MITI Minister gave a presentation as follow:-

1.   INVESTMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.  INDUSTRY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.  TRADE

 

 

 

 

The launch of the MITI Consultative Dialogue was followed by a month-long engagement with the 108 business associations and Chambers of Commerce.

MAJECA had submitted a memorandum highlighting feedback from members.

Following the month-long engagements with MITI, a town-hall session over one and half days was held on 15-16 October 2019 at MITI.

On 15 October 2019, YB MITI Minister, YB Deputy MITI Minister, top officials of MITI and senior representatives from the relevant government ministries were present to dialogue with the industry groups.

 

 

On 16 October 2019, a Joint Ministerial Dialogue Session was held with the attendance of Ministers and Deputy Ministers from Ministry of Health, Ministry of Primary Industries, Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment & Climate Change, Ministry of Entrepreneurship Development, Ministry of Domestic Trade & Consumerism and senior officers from other Ministries and Government Bodies.

 

 

Contents of the Joint Ministerial Dialogue Session

       Ministry                                                    No. of Issues

Ministry of International Trade & Industry (MITI)  –  3
Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI)  –  5
Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment & Climate Change (MESTECC)  –  6
Ministry of Health (MOH)  –  3
Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR)  –  3
Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA)  –  2
Ministry of Finance (MOF)  –  6
Ministry of Water, Land & Natural Resources (KATS)  –  1

 

The Business Associations and Chambers of Commerce were encouraged to meet with the relevant Government bodies to work out possible solutions to the issues raised.

Preparatory Meeting for the 45th ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting on 29 July 2019

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AJBM Malaysia, led by MAJECA President, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, hosted the preparatory meeting in Kuala Lumpur for the AJBM Steering Committee to meet and discuss the programme for the 45th ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting (AJBM) that is scheduled to be held from 12 to 14 December 2019 at the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, Japan.  Representatives from seven (7) ASEAN countries, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and also from Keizai Doyukai, Japan attended the meeting.   AJBM Malaysia also hosted a dinner for all the AJBM delegates after the meeting.

Tan Sri Azman Hashim (5th from left) with AJBM Japan Chairman, Nobuhide Hayashi 4th from left) and representatives from ASEAN and Japan