A Delegation from KEIDANREN, led by Mr Noriyuki Hara, Vice Chair of the Board of Councillors, Chairman of Committee on Asia and Oceania, KEIDANREN & Representative Director, Chairman of the Board Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co. Ltd. visited Malaysia from 26 – 28 November 2025. A MAJECA-KEIDANREN Dialogue & Dinner with this delegation from KEIDANREN on 27 November 2025 was hosted by Mr Goh Peng Ooi, Hon. Treasurer hosted at his residence jointly with Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President and Mr Gary Tang, Hon. Secretary. Also present from MAJECA were Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Lodin bin Wok Kamaruddin, Vice-President, Mr Lim Peng Jin, Member & Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Scientex Berhad, Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary and Mr Samuel Loh, Programme Executive.
(Front row, seated, from left-to-right): Mr Satoshi Matsui, Managing Director, Sumitomo Corporation Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Mr Lim Peng Jin, Member & Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Scientex Berhad, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Lodin bin Wok Kamaruddin, Vice-President, MAJECA, Mr Noriyuki Hara, Vice Chair of the Board of Councillors, Chairman of Committee on Asia and Oceania, KEIDANREN & Representative Director, Chairman of the Board Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co. Ltd., Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA, Mr Takeshi Mamiya, Managing Executive Officer, Regional CEO for ASEAN, Managing Director, Marubeni ASEAN Pte. Ltd, Marubeni Corporation,Mr Goh Peng Ooi, Hon. Treasurer, MAJECA, Mr Toru Nakabayashi, Managing Director, Sojitz (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.
(2nd row, from left-to-right): Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MAJECA, Mr Shigeharu Kawasaki, Manager, International Cooperation Bureau, KEIDANREN, Mr Toshibumi Suzuki, Deputy CEO, MSIG Insurance (Malaysia) Bhd, Mr Kazuyuki Otaku, General Manager of Corporate Planning, Human Resources & Administration Mitsui & Co. (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Mr Gary Tang, Hon. Secretary, MAJECA, Mr Daiki Sawada, General Manager, Business and Operation Planning Dept., Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co. Ltd., Mr Jun Hanzawa, General Manager, Corporate Planning Dept. Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co. Ltd.
Tan Sri Azman Hashim (center), President, MAJECA delivered the opening remarks to kickstart the Dialogue.
Mr Noriyuki Hara (2nd from right), Vice Chair of the Board of Councillors, Chairman of Committee on Asia and Oceania, KEIDANREN & Representative Director, Chairman of the Board Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co. Ltd., delivered his reply.
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MAJECA places on record its appreciation to Mr Goh Peng Ooi, Hon. Treasurer for hosting the Dinner, to Tan Sri Azman Hashim for hosting the entertainment and to Mr Gary Tang, Hon. Secretary for facilitating the networking & proceedings.
The Selangor Human Resource Development Centre (SHRDC) hosted an Industry Dialogue Session on Training Needs for Green (GX) and Digital (DX) Transformation on 29 October 2025 at SHRDC’s premise. MAJECA was represented at this Industry Dialogue Session by Mr Gary Tang, Hon. Secretary and Mr Isrami Ismail, EXCO Member.
This session aimed to gather valuable insights from industry players, in particular, Japanese companies in Malaysia / ASEAN, and their Malaysian / regional vendors, subsidiaries, partner companies in their respective supply chains, to better understand workforce challenges, skill gaps, and training priorities in advancing both sustainability and digitalization. The inputs and insights would assist SHRDC to formulate an industry-driven proposal for the AEM-METI Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee (AMEICC)’s consideration.
Briefing & Dialogue The Session was led by Ms Teh Sook Ling, Executive Director, SHRDC and Ts. Dr. Chua Wen-Shyan, Head of Malaysian Smart Factory 4.0, SHRDC. Participants were briefed on the Overview of the AMEICC Training Subsidy Program, Pathways to Green (DX) and Digital (DX) Transformation, and SHRDC’s Current and Future Training Focus Areas (Linking Industry 4.0, Sustainability & Workforce Development). An Open Dialogue: Identifying Training Needs and Guided Discussion covering the key skills and competencies needed for GX and DX was held.
Ms Teh Sook Ling, Executive Director, SHRDC
Ts. Dr. Chua Wen-Shyan, Head of Malaysian Smart Factory 4.0, SHRDC
Tour Participants were given a tour of SHRDC’s smart factory showroom displaying the latest innovations and technologies.
MAJECA Member, Mitsusho Sdn Bhd, a boutique solution provider in Malaysia offering full suites of GX solution products, showcased their SPACECOOL Energy Efficiency Tech, a radiative film product developed by OSAKA Gas that is capable of reflecting up to 95% of UV light to the space and radiating 95% of Infrared through sky cooling effects.
MAJECA, upon the request of MATRADE Tokyo, through the good office of Mr Gary Tang, Hon. Secretary of MAJECA, had facilitated the Factory Visit programme for Narashino Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Narashino CCI) – Industrial Division, in conjunction with Narashino CCI’s Manufacturing Industry Study Tour in Malaysia from 6-7 October 2025.
The 15 pax delegation from Narashino CCI was led by Mission Leader, Mr Meiji Koide, Chair of Industrial Division, and Executive Board Member, Narashino CCI & President and CEO, Koide Roll Ironworks Co., Ltd.
The Mission, organised by Narashino CCI, aimed to expose its members to and promote global business expansion for its delegates to acquaint with local working styles, environments, cultures, and national characteristics, enabling delegates to evaluate their respective businesses from an international perspective, identify new business opportunities, and enhance their capacity to plan for future growth and expansion.
With the view to gain meaningful insights to deepen cross-cultural understanding and broaden their global outlook, the delegates had the direct opportunity to observe Malaysian companies’ respective manufacturing processes, technological capabilities and workforce deployment, as well as to study product quality, production & workflow processes, and management practices through interactions with some of Malaysia’s industrial players, who are MAJECA members.
Through this mission, delegates were able to evaluate their own businesses from an international perspective, identify new business opportunities, and strategise for future growth and expansion.
This Mission was Narashino CCI’s first Overseas Study Tour since the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, Narashino CCI had visited, Taiwan, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand and South Korea.
Visit to Press Metal Aluminium Sdn Bhd The delegation visited Press Metal Aluminium Sdn Bhd (PMB Aluminium Sdn Bhd). The delegation was hosted by Mr Loo Seow Hwai, General Manager, PMB Aluminium Sdn Bhd and Mr Ding Wei, Deputy General Manager, PMB Aluminium Sdn Bhd. The delegation was accompanied by Mr Gary Tang, Hon. Secretary of MAJECA.
Visit to Beryl’s Chocolate and Confectionery Sdn Bhd The delegation visited Beryl’s Chocolate and Confectionery Sdn Bhd. The delegation was hosted by Mr James Goh, Director, Beryl’s Chocolate and Confectionery Sdn Bhd. The delegation was accompanied by Mr Gary Tang, Hon. Secretary of MAJECA. Mr Hiromitsu Narukama, President of the Japanese Chamber of Trade and Industry, Malaysia (JACTIM) was also present to greet the delegation.
Visit to Royal Selangor International Sdn Bhd The delegation visited Royal Selangor International Sdn Bhd. The delegation was hosted by Tan Sri Yong Poh Kon, Chairman, Royal Selangor International Sdn Bhd. The delegation was accompanied by Mr Gary Tang, Hon. Secretary of MAJECA.
Dinner hosted by Mr Goh Peng Ooi & MAJECA The delegation was warmly hosted by Mr Goh Peng Ooi, Hon. Treasurer of MAJECA to a Dinner at his residence, Zezz Residence. The Dinner was also treated to musical accompaniment and singing by Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MAJECA, and the University of Malaya Orchestra. Also present were, H.E. Shikata Noriyuki, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, Mr Kuse Yasufumi, Second Secretary, Embassy of Japan, Mr Hiroyuki Nishimoto, Vice-President, Japanese Chamber of Trade and Industry, Malaysia (JACTIM), Datuk Jason Tai Hee, Vice-President, MAJECA, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Lodin bin Wok Kamaruddin, Vice-President, MAJECA, Tan Sri Yong Poh Kon, Chairman, Royal Selangor International Sdn Bhd, Mr Lim Peng Jin, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Scientex Berhad and Mr Gary Tang, Hon. Secretary, MAJECA.
Visit to Scientex Packaging (Ayer Keroh) Berhad The delegation visited Scientex Packaging (Ayer Keroh) Berhad in Melaka. The delegation was hosted by Mr Tan Chee Teong, President, Scientex Japan Co. Ltd. & General Manager (Japan Business), Scientex Great Wall Sdn Bhd and Mr James Chang, Managing Director, Scientex Packaging (Ayer Keroh) Berhad. The delegation was accompanied by Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MAJECA.
MAJECA would like to place on record our deepest appreciation to Messrs., Press Metal Aluminium Sdn Bhd (PMB Aluminium Sdn Bhd), Beryl’s Chocolate and Confectionery Sdn Bhd, Royal Selangor International Sdn Bhd, and Scientex Packaging (Ayer Keroh) Berhad for their kind cooperation & efforts to host the delegation.
The 42nd edition of the JAMECA – MAJECA Joint Conference was held on 2 September 2025 at Tokyo International Forum, Japan.
This edition of the Joint Conference, hosted by the Japan – Malaysia Economic Association (JAMECA) was themed ‘Strengthening Malaysia-Japan Economic Relations amidst Global and Regional Conflicts and Trade-Tariff Disputes’.
This conference saw the attendance of over 107 participants from Malaysia and Japan representing members of JAMECA and MAJECA, including the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), the Japan External Trade Organisations (JETRO) alongside chambers of commerce, business associations, thinktanks, alumni associations and the business communities from both countries.
The Joint Conference was graced by Ms Kyoko Hokugo, Deputy-Director General, South Asia and Oceania Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan and H.E. Dato’ Shahril Effendi Abd Ghany, Ambassador of Malaysia to Japan.
JAMECA was led by its President, Mr Tsuyoshi Nagano who is also the Chairman of Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc. The delegation from MAJECA was led by Vice-President, Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal.
Opening Ceremony The Joint Conference began with Opening Remarks from the respective Presidents of JAMECA and MAJECA.
Mr. Tsuyoshi Nagano, President of Japan-Malaysia Economic Association (JAMECA) and the Chairman of the 42nd JAMECA-MAJECA Joint Conference delivered his opening remarks.
Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President of Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA), deputising for Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MAJECA, delivered his opening remarks.
Following on, the congratulatory messages by the Prime Minister of Japan and Prime Minister of Malaysia were read.
Ms Kyoko Hokugo, Deputy-Director General, South Asia and Oceania Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan read the congratulatory message by H.E. Shigeru Ishiba, the Prime Minister of Japan.
H.E. Dato’ Shahril Effendi bin Abd Ghany, Ambassador of Malaysia to Japan delivered his greetings to participants of the Joint Conference and read the congratulatory message by YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia.
A group photo of the Opening Ceremony VIPs (from left to right): Mr Masayuki Hyodo, Vice President, JAMECA, Ms Kyoko Hokugo, Deputy-Director General, South Asia and Oceania Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan, Mr Tsuyoshi Nagano, President, JAMECA, Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA, H.E. Dato’ Shahril Effendi bin Abd Ghany, Ambassador of Malaysia to Japan and Mr Gary Tang, Hon. Secretary, MAJECA.
Plenary Session 1 Measures taken and to be taken to protect economic and business growth, and mitigate the adverse impact in bilateral relations between Japan-Malaysia and the ASEAN region
(from left-to-right) Session Moderator, Tan Sri Dr Michael Yeoh, Senior Executive Committee Member, MAJECA, Mr Hiromitsu Narukama, President, The Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Malaysia (JACTIM), Mr Koichi Takano, Managing Director, JETRO Kuala Lumpur, Mr Zuaziezie Zulkelfi, Trade Commissioner & Director, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) Tokyo, and Mr Izran Abdullah, Director, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) Tokyo.
Plenary Session 2 Agriculturual Innovation
(from left-to-right) Session Moderator, Dr Ayaka Uke, Researcher, Japan International Research Center for Agriculture Sciences (JIRACAS), Mr Kota Kandori, Board Director, Terra Drone Corporation, Mr Hokuto Ishihara, Executive Director, MYFARM Inc. and Dato’ Dr Yeo Tiong Chia, Chief Executive Officer, Sarawak Biodiversity Centre.
Plenary Session 3 Artificial Intelligence
(from left-to-right) Session Moderator, Mr Goh Peng Ooi, Hon. Treasurer, MAJECA & Chairman, AI Malaysia (AIM), Mr Hiroshi Ishikawa, Special Advisor to the President of ERIA (Economic Institute for ASEAN and East Asia) on Digital Innovation, Prof Ir Ts Dr Hum Yan Chai, Associate Professor, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Mechatronics and BioMedical Engineering, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Mr Tan Soo Eng, Senior Solutions Director, Silverlake Group, Mr Shudai Komoriya, Founder and CEO, BAKUTAN Inc. & Global Relations, Matsuo Lab, University of Tokyo, Mr Masahiro Morimoto, President & Representative Director, FRONTEO, Inc., and Mr Akihiko Iketani, Senior Director, NEC Corporation.
Closing Ceremony The Closing Ceremony of the Joint Conference saw Closing Remarks delivered by the leadership of MAJECA and JAMECA.
Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President of MAJECA delivered his closing remarks and announced that MAJECA would host the 43rd edition of the Joint Conference in Malaysia in 2026.
Mr Masayuki Hyodo, Vice President, JAMECA delivered his closing remarks.
Exchange of Gifts:
Exchange of Gifts between Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA and Mr Tsuyoshi Nagano, President, JAMECA.
Exchange of Gifts between Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA and Mr Tsuyoshi Nagano, President, JAMECA.
Exchange of Gifts between Mr Gary Tang, Hon. Secretary and Mr Masayuki Hyodo, Vice President, JAMECA.
Exchange of Gifts between Mr Gary Tang, Hon. Secretary and Mr Masayuki Hyodo, Vice President, JAMECA.
(from left-to-right) Mr Tsuyoshi Nagano, President, JAMECA, Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA, Mr Gary Tang, Hon. Secretary, MAJECA and Mr Masayuki Hyodo, Vice-President, JAMECA.
The Joint Conference then adjourned to a Dinner hosted by JAMECA.
Mr Tsuyoshi Nagano, President, JAMECA delivered the welcome remarks.
Mr Masayuki Hyodo, Vice President, JAMECA delivered the toast.
Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA delivered the closing remarks.
Takeaways of the 42nd JAMECA-MAJECA Joint Conference include:
Opportunities for Japanese partnership with Malaysia include: biomass and renewable energy, high-value manufacturing and semiconductors, ICT and fintech, digital & creative content, halal products and services, agriculture & food, wood, iron & steel, robotics, chemicals and advanced materials, batteries, green hydrogen, healthcare & medtech, eldercare, assisted living, new renewable energy sources, bioscience, advanced intelligent systems, additive manufacturing, deeptech, digital & green transformation, decarbonisation.
The agricultural sector can stand to benefit from a comprehensive and circular economy approach where every by-product / side product / residue can be used for energy, materials and to improve soil health. E.g., nutraceuticals, superfoods, cosmetics, fuel etc.
Calls for co-developed AI infrastructure aligned on transparency, safety and fairness, to collectively build / aggregate a federated model. Collaboration amongst AI ecosystems to unify and harmonise disconnected, discrete, targeted AI solutions, with privacy preservation and security at centre. The need for collaboration built on a foundation of trust and security.
The realisation of these partnerships and progressive developments will be driven by well-placed, correctly trained / up-/re- skilled workforce. Digital transformation will need business architect, designer, data scientist, software engineer, cyber security.
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MAJECA thanks Mr Goh Peng Ooi & Silverlake Axis for its sponsorship.
The 4th iDeas Xchange was jointly organised by the Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA) and the Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA) and with KolaXus, led by its CEO, Mr Sivavenayakam Velayutham, Executive Committee Member of MAJECA & MASSA on 27 August 2025 at Finexus Tower, Cyberjaya with the support of Finexus Group and Cyberview Sdn Bhd.
Cognisant of the shared, and rising sentiment for corporate-startup convergence & partnership, for innovation, growth, collaboration, and exchange, the iDeas Xchange Series aims to facilitate and encourage networking, interactions, tie-ups and catalytic partnerships between corporate Malaysia and the Malaysian startup ecosystem.
A total of 110 participants comprising members of MAJECA and MASSA, the corporate business community, Government agencies and the members of the startup ecosystem were present.
Ms Joanne Loh, Director, Strategy & Transformation, Finexus Group delivered the Welcome Remarks.
Dato’ Romli Ishak, Chairman, Cyberview Sdn Bhd delivered the Opening Remarks.
Mr Sivavenayakam Velayutham, CEO, Kolaxus and Executive Committee Member, Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA) & Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA) delivered the kick-off remarks and moderated the Startup Sharing Session.
The following four speakers shared on their respective businesses moderated by Mr Sivavenayakam Velayutham, CEO, Kolaxus and Executive Committee Member of Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA) & Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA):
Mr Marcus Lim, CEO, MSKD Technologies Sdn Bhd
Mr Cheng Boon Seng, CEO, Elliance Sdn Bhd
Mr Yen Pei Tay, CEO & Co-Founder, Simplify Networks Sdn Bhd
Mr Ts. Chuah Huai Jie, CEO, Infra Mobile Digital Sdn Bhd
Dato’ Lawrence Lim Swee Lin, Hon. Secretary of MASSA delivered the Closing Remarks.
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On behalf of the organisers, MAJECA thanks Finexus Group for hosting the 4th iDeas Xchange at Finexus Towers, Cyberjaya.
A Joint Courtesy Call was led by Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of the Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA) & Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA) and Chairman of Malaysian South-South Corporation Berhad (MASSCORP) on YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed on 21 July 2025 on the occasion of YABhg Tun’s 100th Birthday at Perdana Leadership Foundation, Putrajaya.
From left-to-right:
Front Row: Dato’ Sri Ahmad Fuaad Mohd Kenali, EXCO Member, MASSA, Tan Sri Datuk Tee Hock Seng, JP, Hon. Treasurer, MASSA, Datuk Merlyn Kasimir, Vice-President, MASSA, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA & MASSA and Chairman, MASSCORP Berhad, YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Lodin bin Wok Kamaruddin, Vice-President, MAJECA, Mr Gary Tang, Hon. Secretary, MAJECA, Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, EXCO Member, MAJECA, Mr Isrami Ismail, EXCO Member, MAJECA.
Back Row: Ms Phoon Thye Ling, Secretariat, Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, Mr Atasha bin Alias, Member, MAJECA, Mr Rosyd Ali, Mr Johan bin Julis, Member, MAJECA, Mr Mohd Aiemaan bin Mhd Noor, Member, MAJECA, Ms Ann Khoo Kooi, Member, MASSA, Mr Sivavenayakam Velayutham, EXCO, MAJECA & MASSA, Ms Nur Syuhaida, Secretariat and Mr Samuel Loh, Programme Executive.
Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA & MASSA and Chairman, MASSCORP Berhad delivered his remarks to begin the session.
Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA read a Citation from MAJECA to YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Datuk Merlyn Kasimir, Vice-President, MASSA read a Citation from MASSA & MASSCORP to YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad delivering his Responding Statement.
Presentation of the Photographic Tribute Booklets from MAJECA and MASSA to YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. (from left-to-right) Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA, YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA & MASSA and Chairman, MASSCORP Berhad, and Datuk Merlyn Kasimir, Vice-President, MASSA.
The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM)’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Committee, led by its Committee Head, Mr David Lim Tao Cheng paid a Courtesy Visit on MAJECA on 9 July 2025 at Boardroom, Bangunan AmBank Group.
The ACCCIM delegation, who comprise Mr David Lim Tao Cheng (3rd from left), Chairman, ACCCIM AI Committee & Organizing Chair, ASEAN AI Business Summit 2025, Dr Tee Hwee Sze (leftmost), Member, ACCCIM AI Committee and Mr Soo Yong Fei, Special Project Manager, ACCCIM, met with Mr Goh Peng Ooi (3rd from right), Honorary Treasurer, MAJECA & Chair, AI Malaysia (AIM), Mr Gary Tang (2nd from right), Honorary Secretary, MAJECA & President, Japan Graduates’ Association of Malaysia (JAGAM), Datuk Yvonne Chia (rightmost), Vice President, AI Malaysia (AIM) and Ms Ng Su Fun (2nd from left), Executive Secretary, MAJECA.
ACCCIM introduced their upcoming programme: ASEAN AI Business Summit 2025. The meeting discussed how AI Malaysia together with JAGAM and MAJECA, through its extended networks with Japan, can come together to collaborate, support and participate in this event.
(From left-to-right) Mr Soo Yong Fei, Special Project Manager, ACCCIM, Mr David Lim Tao Cheng, Chairman, ACCCIM AI Committee & Organizing Chair, ASEAN AI Business Summit 2025, and Dr Tee Hwee Sze, Member, ACCCIM AI Committee.
(From left-to-right) Datuk Yvonne Chia, Vice President, AI Malaysia (AIM), Mr Gary Tang, Honorary Secretary, MAJECA & President, Japan Graduates’ Association of Malaysia (JAGAM), and Mr Goh Peng Ooi, Honorary Treasurer, MAJECA & Chair, AI Malaysia (AIM).
The 14th Asian Business Summit (ABS) was hosted by the Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee (PHILJEC) with the Japan Business Federation (KEIDANREN) from 3-4 July 2025 at Grand Hyatt Manila, Philippines with 12 Asian economic organisations from countries in Asia in attendance. The 14th ABS was organised with the theme, “Towards Strengthening Asian Economic Cooperation in Challenging Times”.
The Malaysian delegation with Mr Richard Albert I. Osmond (5th from left), Chairman, PHILJEC and Mr Masayuki Hyodo (5th from right), Vice-Chairman, KEIDANREN & Chairman of the Board of Directors, Sumitomo Corporation.
Malaysia’s delegation (pic above refers) was led by Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal (4th from left), Vice-President, MAJECA. The Malaysian delegation comprise Mr Gary Tang (leftmost), Hon. Secretary, MAJECA, Mr Sivavenayakam Velayutham (4th from right), EXCO, MAJECA and Mr Kong Kok King (3rd from right), Member, MAJECA.
Today, the world is becoming increasingly divided and global tensions are rising. The recent restrictive trade measures are exacerbating this trend. These are undermining international cooperation significantly and casting a shadow over the future of the Asian economy, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasting a 0.6% decline[#1] in Asia’s economic growth rate in 2025.
Against this backdrop, the 14th Asian Business Summit was held today in Manila, Philippines. We, the 12 economic organizations, gathered at the summit agreed that now is the time for Asian countries and regions to stand against unilateralism and protectionism and cooperate to achieve sustainable growth through the further expansion of trade and investment within the region, acceleration of investment and innovation in various fields including green initiatives, and promotion of the development and exchange of human resources that will drive value creation.
Specifically, we will address the following four issues.
[#1] The forecast for January 17th, which did not take into account the Trump administration’s policies, was 5.1%, but the forecast for April 22nd (reference forecast), which assumed tariff measures as of April 4th, was revised downward to 4.5%.
1. Maintaining and strengthening the rules-based, free and open international economic order To further expand trade and investment within Asia, it is important to expand and deepen plurilateral and bilateral economic partnership agreements (EPAs) and free trade agreements (FTAs). These agreements will play vital roles in enhancing business predictability and economic resilience. The 12 economies that make up this summit account for 30% of the global trade volume in 2024, and the expansion and deepening of EPAs and FTAs in this region will contribute to maintaining and strengthening the rules-based, free and open international economic order.
Regarding the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), steady, transparent and high-quality implementation of the agreement must be ensured. As for the tariff reduction, expansion of coverage and acceleration of the reduction schedule are required. In terms of rules, provisions addressing such as prevention of trade distortive measures and investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) should be incorporated.
We should promote and assist with the accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) of economies deemed capable of implementing the high standards of market access and rules set forth in the Agreement based on the three principles[#2], while endeavoring to further enhance the current rules.
A possible China-Japan-Korea FTA should aim for a level of discipline that significantly exceeds that of the RCEP in terms of both trade and investment liberalization and rules.
In parallel with these efforts, the World Trade Organization (WTO), which marks its 30th anniversary this year, must be reformed to promote free trade on a global scale. We recognize the importance of maintaining and strengthening the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core in providing predictability for businesses and supporting sustainable economic growth. To this end, we call on the WTO to be more responsive to current and future trade challenges. More specifically, the WTO must not only restore its functions through the recovery of its dispute settlement mechanism, but also revise the consensus-based decision-making process. In addition, we call for the earliest incorporation of the Agreement on Investment Facilitation for Development and the Agreement on Electronic Commerce into the WTO legal framework.
[#2] Decisions on accession are made based on the following criteria: (1) preparedness to meet the Agreement’s high standard; (2) a demonstrated pattern of complying with trade commitments; and (3) recognition that decisions are dependent on the consensus of Parties (Auckland Principles).
2. Promoting Green Transformation through Diverse Pathways CO2 emissions are expected to increase as energy demand further expands with digital transformation and the development of AI. We must address the difficult issues of securing a stable supply of affordable energy while achieving carbon neutrality.
Asia is highly dependent on fossil fuels, and it is difficult to transition to renewable energy overnight due to geographical and geopolitical constraints. Therefore, it is necessary to promote initiatives allowing for diverse pathways that take into account the circumstances of each country and region. These initiatives include increasing the efficiency of existing thermal power generation by co-combustion of ammonia and hydrogen, utilizing LNG and biofuels, and promoting carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies. These should be clearly reflected in each economy’s master plan towards green transformation (GX).
Under the Asia Zero Emissions Community (AZEC), a cooperative framework for the realization of a decarbonized society in Asia, not only individual projects but also policy and institutional coordination should be promoted. The establishment of an emissions data linkage platform would contribute to these initiatives.
As natural disasters, including floods and landslides, become more severe and frequent in Asia, it is important to promote knowledge and technology sharing related to disaster prevention as a means of adapting to climate change.
3. Creating Innovation by developing AI and Start-ups Innovation plays a major role in solving social issues such as population decline due to low birthrate and the aging population, thereby achieving sustainable economic growth. It is necessary to promote collaboration and cooperation for creating Innovative Asia.
Today, since the use of generative AI is contributing to productivity enhancement and innovation, it is necessary to build a society in which AI can be utilized in a wide range of sectors. Under the principle of “human-centered AI,” adequate discipline should be required in the use of AI, which affects human life, human rights, and social situations, etc. However, excessive restrictions should not be imposed. Striking a balance between realizing innovation and mitigating risk is the key.
Accumulating and analyzing huge amounts of data is essential for advancing AI. From the viewpoint of promoting DFFT “Data Free Flow with Trust”, we call for the development of internationally interoperable rules and a permanent moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions. Meanwhile, with the increasing threat of cyber-attacks, it is necessary to work on the creation of safe and secure cyberspace.
Start-ups are playing an increasingly important role in creating innovation. The governments of each economy should promote efforts to build a start-up ecosystem in the region by easing investment regulations, simplifying administrative procedures, and creating a business environment with preferential tax treatment.
4. Building Regional Strength through Human Resources Development With a view to raising regional competitiveness, it is essential to develop human resources which can make our region self-reliant. It is necessary to create an environment throughout Asia where diverse human resources, including women and minorities, can further interact, compete, and co-create to be innovative.
To this end, respective governments should strive to design human resource exchange programs in collaboration with world-class universities in Asia, develop education models to strengthen technical skills, and provide skilled persons with opportunities to adapt to culture and lifestyle where they live. In addition, they should be encouraged to relax residency requirements of skilled persons and their dependents, promote mutual recognition of licenses and qualifications, and conclude social security agreements.
We, the business community of Asia, will strengthen coordination and cooperation among the economic organizations of each country and region, and call on each government to make concerted efforts to realize the above in order to realize a strongly growing Asia as a global economic leader.
• • Courtesy Call on President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. at Malacañang Palace on 3 July 2025
On 3 July 2025, a Courtesy Call by the heads of delegation to the ABS on President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. was held at Malacañang Palace. Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA as Head of the Malaysian delegation was in participation.
Also present at the courtesy call were PHILJEC Chairman Mr Richard Albert I. Osmond, PHILJEC Co-Chairman, Mr Alfred V. Ty, Chairman of Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation; PHILJEC Co-Chairman, Mr Ferdinand A. Ferrer, CEO of Gruppo EMS Inc.; Mr Nobuhiro ENDO, Keidanren Vice Chairman and Executive Advisor of NEC Corporation; and Mr Masayuki HYODO, Keidanren Vice chairman and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sumitomo Corporation.
• 14th Asian Business Summit on 4 July 2025 at Grand Hyatt Manila
Group photo of the ABS leaders and heads of delegations.
Mr Kong Kok King, Managing Director, MAQO Solar Malaysia & Member, MAJECA delivered a presentation at the Third Plenary Session titled Innovation and Green Transition.
Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA spoke at the Fourth Plenary Session titled Development and Mobility of Human Resources.
Mr Gary Tang, Hon. Secretary, MAJECA giving his comments.
Mr Sivavenayakam Velayutham, EXCO, MAJECA and Mr Kong Kok King, Member, MAJECA.
The 3rdiDeas Xchange was jointly organised by the Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA) and Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA) with KolaXus, led by its CEO, Mr Sivavenayakam Velayutham, Executive Committee Member of MAJECA on 11 June 2025 at Banquet Hall, Bangunan AmBank Group.
Cognisant of the shared, and rising sentiment for corporate-startup convergence & partnership, for innovation, growth, collaboration, and exchange, the iDeas Xchange Series aims to facilitate and encourage networking, interactions, tie-ups and catalytic partnerships between corporate Malaysia and the Malaysian startup ecosystem.
A total of 100 participants comprising members of MAJECA and MASSA, the corporate business community, Government agencies and the members of the startup ecosystem were present.
Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MAJECA & MASSA delivered the Welcome Remarks.
Mr Koichi Takano, Managing Director, Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) Kuala Lumpur delivered the Opening Remarks.
Mr Sivavenayakam Velayutham, CEO, KolaXus and Executive Committee Member of Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA) delivered the kick-off remarks and moderated the Startup Sharing Session.
The following four speakers shared on their respective businesses moderated by Mr Sivavenayakam Velayutham, CEO, KolaXus and Executive Committee Member of Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA):
Mr TK Chuah, CEO, BoostOrder
Ms Fumiko Inada, CEO, Bee Informatica
Mr Chris Leong, CSO, Soft Space
Mr Jun Jie, CEO, Capsphere
Dato’ Lawrence Lim Swee Lin, Hon. Secretary of MASSA delivered the Closing Remarks.
MAJECA, represented by Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary and Mr Samuel Loh, Programme Executive met with the Centre for Industrial Relation and Network (CIRNET) of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) on 3 June 2025.
Prof Shamsul Bahri, Director, Mr Zaidi Tajuddin, Head of the Industrial Relation and Network Section, Agriculture Officer (Industry Relation and Extension) and Mr Amir Heiqal, Executive Officer 3 represented UPM CIRNET at the meeting.
The meeting was an introduction to UPM CIRNET, and the meeting discussed modalities and programmes MAJECA could organise with the resources & talents available within the academic ecosystem to encourage & promote business linkages with the business private sector.
From left-to-right:
Mr Samuel Loh, Programme Executive, MAJECA, Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MAJECA, Prof Shamsul Bahri, Director, CIRNET, UPM, Mr Zaidi Tajuddin, Head of the Industrial Relation and Network Section, Agriculture Officer (Industry Relation and Extension), CIRNET, UPM, and Mr Amir Heiqal, Executive Officer 3, CIRNET, UPM.
MAJECA 