In conjunction with the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific (KSI) organised a commemorative Forum on the theme of “Innovating for Progress: Reflecting on 50 Years of ASEAN-Japan Cooperation” with the support of the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia and the Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA) on 16 August 2023 at Berjaya Times Square Hotel.
The Forum aimed to enhance and strengthen the partnership of ASEAN and Japan by bringing together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from both ASEAN, specifically Malaysia and Japan to exchange ideas and explore new avenues for cooperation.
Photo Gallery (from left-to-right)
Mr Takero Sawamura, President, Japan Chamber of Trade and Industry, Malaysia (JACTIM), Tan Sri Dr Michael Yeoh, President, KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific (KSI) and Hon. Secretary, MAJECA, H.E. Katsuhiko Takahashi, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA and Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa, Executive Committee Member of MAJECA, Former Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia and Former Chairman, Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia.
Special Dialogue: “ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation – Reflections on the Past 50 Years and the Next 50 Years”
Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa, Executive Committee Member of MAJECA, Former Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia and Former Chairman, Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia, Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA and Special Dialogue Moderator, Ms Minako Sugawara, Chief Representative, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Malaysia Office and Mr Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow, Singapore Institute for International Affairs (SIIA).
Panel 2: Japanese Business Philosophy on Driving Innovation
Ms Esther Lai, Assistant Director, Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) Kuala Lumpur, Ms Yuki Aizawa, APAC Director / Country Director, Malaysia, Women in Tech Global Movement and Panel 2 Moderator, Mr Takero Sawamura, President, JACTIM and Ms Ngai Yuen Low, Group Chief Merchandise & Marketing Officer, AEON Co Malaysia.
Panel 3: Understanding Japanese Values and its Influence on Business and Society – Lessons for Malaysia & ASEAN
Mr Norhisa Tsukamoto, Director, Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur (JFKL), Ms Cheong Lye Foon, President, AOTS Alumni Society of Malaysia, Ms Sharifah Asma Jamalulail, Japan Graduate and Panel 3 Moderator, Mr Gary Tang Kok Lian, President, Japan Graduates’ Association of Malaysia, Mr Isrami Ismail, President, Alumni Look East Policy Society (ALEPS).
The 12th Asian Business Summit (ABS) was hosted by the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) on 5 July 2023 in Seoul, Korea with 13 business organisations from countries in Asia in attendance.
MAJECA, representing Malaysia at the Summit was represented Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA. Accompanying him was Tan Sri Dr Michael Yeoh, Hon. Secretary, MAJECA.
A group photo of the leaders of the respective delegations at the Asian Business Summit Welcoming Dinner and Reception.
“On July 5, 2023, the 12th Asia Business Summit took place in Seoul, Korea, with 13 business organizations participating.
The world economy, including the Asian economies, has been greatly affected by trade protectionism and rising inflation caused by prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, fluctuations in the international order due to conflicts between major powers and the war between Russia and Ukraine, and fragmented global supply chain.
In order to resolve social challenges and achieve a sustainable development, it is essential to realize a free trade and open international economic cooperation and “Society 5.0 for SDGs”, which denotes a problem-solving society that utilizes innovative science and technology as well as the creativity and imagination of a diverse range of people.
In this situation, Asian economies have collaborated closely with one another and cooperated within international organizations based on the strong trust we have built up over the years. With this shared understanding, the participants attending the Summit exchanged candid opinions and agreed on the importance of the following points.
First, Asian economies, which had achieved very high economic growth as the world’s growth center, have been severely affected by restrictions on the movement of people and activities due to the spread of the COVID-19. In this post-pandemic transition, we will strive to further promote mutual understanding and strengthen trust through the people-to-people exchanges within Asia. Furthermore, we will stimulate intra-regional international labor mobility and simplify immigration processes between Asian nations, which will lead to regional prosperity.
Second, amidst growing energy demand in Asia, we will achieve economic growth as well as steadily energy transition towards a decarbonized society by promoting efficient use of energy through mobilizing digital technologies. We will cooperate in developing and implementing innovative technologies for hydrogen and ammonia towards decarbonization of thermal power generations and manufacturing process as well as carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS).
Third, we will promote digital transformation (DX) to create new solutions that contribute to improving productivity and solving social challenges. We will strive to ensure data free flow with trust (DFFT) across the borders, and will promote the interoperability of data management system in accordance with the legal systems of each country and region.
Fourth, in order to achieve sustainable economic growth, it is vital to rebuild the free and open international economic order based on the rule of law. As part of this process, Asia will make more proactive efforts, and promote implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement and the expansion of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) at a higher level.
Fifth, to alleviate supply chain vulnerabilities across Asian nations, we will explore the establishment of a supply chain system for vital resources among Asian business community. The creation of such a system, facilitating cooperation between nations with limited resources and those with abundance, will contribute significantly to the collective growth of Asia. Moreover, we will explore possibilities for joint projects between Asian countries, for the development and adaptation of vital resources in resource-rich countries within Asia or beyond, and for food security and healthcare.
We reached a consensus that the Asia-wide business community will further strengthen coordination and cooperation among business communities in each country and region and call on governments to make concerted efforts in order to realize a more prosperous and vibrant Asia, an Asia that leads the global economy, and an Asia that contributes to the well-being of humankind.“
(from left-to-right) Tan Sri Dr Michael Yeoh, Hon. Secretary, MAJECA, Mr Masakazu Tokura, Chairman, Keidanren and Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA.
The Malaysian delegation was hosted to a private lunch by the Foreign Minister of South Korea, H.E. Dr Park Jin. (from right-to-left) Tan Sri Dr Michael Yeoh, Hon. Secretary, MAJECA, H.E. Dr Park Jin, Foreign Minister of South Korea and Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA.
The 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA) was convened on Wednesday, 7 June 2023 at the Boardroom, 26th Floor, Bangunan Ambank Group, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur. The following were elected to the Executive Committee of MAJECA for the new term 2023-2024.
The following were elected to the Executive Committee of MAJECA for the new term 2023-2024.
Office Bearers
President: YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim
Vice-Presidents:
YBhg Dato’ Md Taib Abdul Hamid YBhg Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal YBhg Datuk Jason Tai Hee YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Lodin Bin Wok Kamaruddin
Honorary Secretary: YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Michael Yeoh Oon Kheng
Honorary Treasurer: Mr Yeonhang Chuah
Executive Committee Members
YBhg Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa
Mr Steven Tee Shin Yau
YBhg Dato’ Yeoh Seok Kian
YBhg Datuk Ravindran Kurusamy
Mr Goh Peng Ooi
Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President & Chairman of the Meeting thanking all participants for making time to attend the AGM.
Following the closure of the AGM, members of MAJECA, in particular, new members of MAJECA who had joined the Association during the pandemic period were invited to introduce and share their profiles to the members and the Executive Committee of MAJECA.
Mr Sivavenayakam Velayutham, Managing Director, 25 Startups Sdn Bhd.
Mr Raja Hamzah, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Managing Partner of RHL Ventures Sdn Bhd.
Mr Isrami Ismail, President, Alumni Look East Policy Society (ALEPS).
Mr Tham Kok Tong, Chief Operating Officer, Ashisuto Global Technologies Sdn Bhd.
Dato’ Ragu Sampasivam, Chief Operating Officer, East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC).
Mr Auni Alias, Head, Investor Promotion & Relations Department under the Technology Hub Development Division of Cyberview Sdn Bhd.
The meeting then adjourned for refreshments and networking.
Photo Gallery:
The MAJECA 2022 – 2023 Annual Report can also be accessed by clicking here.
The 40th edition of the JAMECA – MAJECA Joint Conference was held on 25 May 2023 at ANA InterContinental Tokyo, Japan.
This edition of the Joint Conference, hosted by the Japan – Malaysia Economic Association (JAMECA) was themed ‘Deepening Economic Relations between Japan and Malaysia through Multi-Layered Co-Creation’.
This conference saw the attendance of over 100 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 and the business communities from both countries.
The Joint Conference was graced by the H.E. Katsuhiko Takahashi, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia 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 its President, Tan Sri Azman Hashim.
The focus of the 40th edition of the Joint Conference was on reconnecting the stakeholders and role players of the business communities of the two countries under the backdrop of a reopening of borders and a return to force pre-pandemic. This Joint Conference highlighted the dynamism and vitality present in the economies of both nations, and underscored the gradual increasing adoption and promotion of the services economy and digital-centric industries. The Joint Conference also explored how the startup ecosystem can help businesses adopt digital solutions and embrace ESG, the green economy and inclusivity.
The momentum and potential for Japan and Malaysia co-creation, cooperation and collaboration continue to expand and grow as horizons broaden. Tan Sri Azman Hashim highlighted the ever-changing and ever-growing ecosystem IR4.0 technologies and solutions, especially with the great leaps achieved by Artificial Intelligence, and the global move towards ESG which covers energy issues, the green economy and inclusivity are key areas for business cooperation, and Malaysia and Japan cooperation and collaboration to jointly explore integration and innovation toward mutual partnerships.
The expert panel of speakers of the Joint Conference highlighted a number of sectors that can strengthen and deepen the bilateral business ties between Malaysia and Japan. These include:
Decarbonisation and renewable energy businesses that can help both countries achieve their climate goals and reduce their carbon footprint.
Japanese digital transformation business models that can inspire and guide Malaysian businesses to leverage digital technologies and innovation.
The gaming industry, which encompasses creative content and digital arts, that can showcase the cultural diversity and talent of both countries.
New sectors in health, bio-, agro- and medical sectors that will drive the development of new ecosystems
Data centers that can provide reliable and secure infrastructure for the digital economy and society.
Malaysia as a proven test bed for prototypes and a hub or springboard for the dynamic ASEAN region and beyond, offering access to a large and diverse market.
Halal product certification that can open up new opportunities for Japanese products in the global market, especially in Muslim-majority countries.
The ageing population conundrum that will require a range of products and services aided by new technologies to address the needs and challenges of the elderly.
VIP Pre-Meeting
A VIP meet-and-greet session was held between the senior leaders and key stakeholders of MAJECA and JAMECA along with the Ambassadors of Malaysia and Japan.
(from left-to-right) Mr Tsuyoshi Nagano, President, Japan-Malaysia Economic Association (JAMECA), Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA)and H.E. Takahashi Katsuhiko, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia
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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 40th JAMECA-MAJECA Joint Conference delivered his opening remarks.
Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA) and Co-Chairman of the 40th JAMECA-MAJECA Joint Conference delivered his opening remarks.
Following on, the congratulatory messages by the Prime Minister of Japan and Prime Minister of Malaysia were read.
H.E. Katsuhiko Takahashi, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia delivered his greetings to participants of the Joint Conference and read the congratulatory message by H.E. Kishida Fumio, 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 Kuniharu Nakamura, Vice President, JAMECA, H.E. Katsuhiko Takahashi, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, Mr Tsuyoshi Nagano, President, JAMECA, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA, H.E. Dato’ Shahril Effendi bin Abd Ghany, Ambassador of Malaysia to Japan and Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA
Presentation of the MAJECA 40th Anniversary Book to the Ambassador of Malaysia to Japan (from left-to-right) Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa, EXCO Member, MAJECA, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA, Dato’ Shahril Effendi bin Abd Ghany, Ambassador of Malaysia to Japan and Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA
Plenary Session 1 Current Trade and Investment Trends between Malaysia andJapan
(from left-to-right) Mr Takero Sawamura, President, The Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Malaysia (JACTIM), Ms Mai Onozawa, Managing Director, JETRO Kuala Lumpur, Mr Niqman Rafaee M. Sahar, Director / Trade Commissioner, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) Tokyo, Mr Shamsul Amir Azman, Deputy Director, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) Tokyo.
Plenary Session 2 Introduce Regions where Malaysia Promotes Investment
Dato’ Ragu Sampasivam, Chief Operating Officer, East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC)
Mr Auni Alias, Head, Investor Promotion & Relations, Technology Hub Development Division, Cyberview Sdn Bhd
Plenary Session 3 Mutual Development between Japan and Malaysia in Local Development
(from left-to-right) Moderator: Mr Yoichiro Kimata, Representing Director for Eastern Hokkaido, JICA Hokkaido (Obihiro), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Mr Koji Takeda, Secretary General, Obihiro Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), Mr Ryo Iko, Senior Manager, Tech & Business Development Division, Head of Businesses in Sarawak, CHITOSE Group, and Dato’ Ragu Sampasivam, Chief Operating Officer, East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC)
Plenary Session 4 Japan – Malaysia Co-creation and Potentials towards New Economy and Digital Frontiers
(from left-to-right) Moderator: Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA, Dr Yuta Iwamoto, Master of Tropical Medicine, Medical Doctor, Expert in Overseas Business Department, TXP Medical, Mr Noriyuki Kaya, Senior Vice President, Chief Digital Assets Officer, NTT DATA Inc, Mr Auni Alias, Head, Investor Promotion & Relations, Technology Hub Development Division, Cyberview Sdn Bhd, and Mr Melvin Ong, Director & Co-Founder, 25 Startups Sdn Bhd
Closing Ceremony
The Closing Ceremony of the Joint Conference saw Closing Remarks delivered by the leadership of MAJECA and JAMECA.
Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MAJECA delivered his closing remarks and announced that MAJECA would host the 41st edition of the Joint Conference in Malaysia in 2024.
Mr Kuniharu Nakamura, Vice President, JAMECA delivered his closing remarks.
(from left-to-right) Mr Kuniharu Nakamura, Vice President, JAMECA, Mr Tsuyoshi Nagano, President, JAMECA, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA and Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA.
The Joint Conference then adjourned to a Dinner hosted by JAMECA.
Mr Tsuyoshi Nagano, President, JAMECA delievered the welcome remarks.
Mr Kuniharu Nakamura, Vice President, JAMECA delivered the toast.
Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA delivered the closing remarks.
An exchange of gifts between Tan Sri Azman Hashim (left), President, MAJECA and Mr Tsuyoshi Nagano (right), President, JAMECA.
An exchange of gifts between Tan Sri Azman Hashim (left), President, MAJECA and Mr Tsuyoshi Nagano (right), President, JAMECA.
Photo Gallery:
The 40th edition of the MAJECA – JAMECA Joint Conference was made possible through the extensive efforts and cooperation from our host, Japan – Malaysia Economic Association (JAMECA), and members of MAJECA, particularly: East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) and Cyberview Sdn Bhd.
MAJECA, represented by Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary and Mr Samuel Loh, Programme Executive met with a Working Group from the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) over lunch on 10 May 2023.
The JCCI Working Group comprised:
Mr Kazuo Nishitani, Executive Director & General Manager, International Division
Mr Kazuto Sasaki, Deputy General Manager, International Division
Mr Oshima Masahiko, Manager, International Division
The meeting discussed the mission of a JCCI Delegation to Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore in Q3 this year.
From left-to-right:
Mr Kazuo Nishitani, Executive Director, JCCI, Mr Kazuto Sasaki, Deputy General Manager, JCCI, Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MAJECA, Mr Oshima Masahiko, Manager, International Division, JCCI and Mr Samuel Loh, Programme Executive, MAJECA
The Japanese Chamber of Trade & Industry, Malaysia (JACTIM) represented by its Immediate Past President, Mr Daiji Kojima and President, Mr Takero Sawamura paid a Courtesy Call on MAJECA President, YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim. Accompanying them were Mr Hiromitsu Narukama, Managing Director & CEO of Mitsui & Co. (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, YBhg Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA and Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MAJECA.
The discussion was aimed at introducing MAJECA to Mr Daiji Kojima’s successors, namely, Mr Takero Sawamura as the new JACTIM President and Mr Hiromitsu Narukama as the new Managing Director & CEO of Mitsui & Co. (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd. JACTIM also informed that this year, 2023 would be the 40th Year Anniversary of JACTIM. The meeting also discussed the upcoming 40th JAMECA – MAJECA Joint Conference in Tokyo later this year.
From left-to-right:
Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MAJECA, YBhg Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA, YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA, Mr Daiji Kojima, Immediate Past President, JACTIM, Mr Takero Sawamura, President, JACTIM and Mr Hiromitsu Narukama, Managing Director & CEO, Mitsui & Co. (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) collaborated with MAJECA to host MAJECA and members from the Embassy of Japan, JETRO and JACTIM on a Business Tour to Pahang on 21 March 2023.
This Business Tour was organised with the dual-purpose of introducing and highlighting the East Coast region as an attractive investment destination for Japanese companies, as well as an opportunity for MAJECA and members of the Japanese business community in Malaysia to network.
The bus tour, led by YBhg Dato’ Ragu Sampasivam, Chief Operating Officer, ECERDC comprised members from the Embassy of Japan, Mr Hosomi Masashi, Economic Counsellor, and Mr Funatsu Kai, Third Secretary, the Japanese External Trade Organisation (JETRO) Kuala Lumpur led by Ms Mai Onozawa, Managing Director and the Japanese Chamber of Trade and Industry Malaysia (JACTIM) led by its Immediate Past President, Mr Daiji Kojima.
The tour covered Kuantan Port, the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP), Pahang Technology Park and Gambang Halal Park (GHP).
The programme of the Tour was as follows:
Time
Item
7.00 am
Depart from Pick Up Point
10.45 am
Arrive in Malaysia – China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP)
10.45 – 11.30 am
Introductory Briefing
11.30 – 12.00 pm
Photo Session and Park Tour – MCKIP 1 & 2
12.00 – 12.15 pm
Travel to MCKIP3
12.15 – 12.30 pm
MCKIP 3 Tour
12.30 – 12.45 pm
Travel to Mint Restaurant
12.45 – 2.15 pm
Lunch at Mint Restaurant
2.15 – 2.35 pm
Travel to Kuantan Port
2.35 – 3.45 pm
Kuantan Port Tour
3.45 – 4.45 pm
Travel to Gambang
4.45 – 5.00 pm
Pahang Technology Park & Gambang Halal Park Tour
5.00 – 6.30 pm
Dinner at Mangala Resort
6.30 – 9.30 pm
Travel to Kuala Lumpur
Ms Ng Su Fun (right), Executive Secretary, MAJECA delivered the welcome remarks.
Mr Fariddudin Osman, Acting Senior Manager, Investor Management, ECERDCdelivered a briefing on the Tour and the role of ECERDC.
Participants were briefed on the MCKIP development and its future plans.
YBhg Dato’ Ragu Sampasivam, Chief Operating Officer, ECERDCdelivered an introduction on the East Coast Economic Region and chaired the discussion.
Mr Randolph Chin Lok Li, Senior Manager, Investment Management, ECERDC presented on the various industrial parks in the East Coast region and highlighted the various investor incentives available.
The participants were then taken on a bus tour through MCKIP 1, 2 and 3, before lunch at Mint Restaurant.
The participants visited Kuantan Port.
En Mazlim bin Husin, Chief Commercial Officer, Kuantan Port Consortium Sdn Bhd, delivered a presentation on Kuantan Port and its future plans for expansion.
Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MAJECA presented a copy of MAJECA’s 40th Anniversary Book to En Mazlim bin Husin, Chief Commercial Officer, Kuantan Port Consortium Sdn Bhd.
The participants were then brought on a bus tour to view the facilities of Kuantan Port before visiting Pahang Technology Park.
YBhg Dato’ Ragu Sampasivam, Chief Operating Officer, ECERDC gave an in-situ briefing on the Pahang Technology Park and Gambang Halal Park.
Dinner was at Mangala Resort:
(from left to right) Mr Hiromitsu Narukama, Managing Director & CEO, Mitsui & Co. (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Ms Mai Onozawa, Managing Director, JETRO Kuala Lumpur, YBhg Dato’ Ragu Sampasivam, Chief Operating Officer, ECERDC and Mr Daiji Kojima, Immediate Past President, JACTIM.
(from left to right) En Isrami Ismail, President, Alumni Look East Policy Society (ALEPS), Mr Yasin Tanaka bin Abdullah, Branch Manager, Sankyu Malaysia Sdn Bhd, En Suzool Hilmi Suradi, Deputy President, ALEPS and Mr Fariddudin Osman, Acting Senior Manager, ECERDC.
(from left-to-right) Mr Hosomi Masashi, Economic Counsellor, Embassy of Japan, and members of the Japan Graduates’ Association Of Malaysia (JAGAM): Mr Tan Chuan Huat, Director, Wanyung Trading and Crane Services Sdn Bhd, Mr Kong Kok King, CEO, Maqo Engineering Sdn Bhd and Mr Tan Chee Teong, Deputy General Manager, Scientex Great Wall Sdn Bhd.
(from left-to-right) Ms Aiko Furihata, Editor, NNA, Ms Ririna Yamamoto, Project Officer, JETRO, Ms Itsuko Ago, Director, JETRO and Ms Sharmilaa Velayutham, Investor Management, ECERDC.
(from left-to-right) Mr Funatsu Kai, Third Secretary, Embassy of Japan, Mr Woo Yao Hua, Executive, Property Development, IJM / MCKIP, Mr Gushirjit Singh @ Guchi, Business Development Manager, M&N Group of Companies and Mr Kei Tomita, General Manager, Kaneka (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
MAJECA would like to place on record its appreciation to the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC), YBhg Dato’ Ragu Sampasivam and the ECERDC team for hosting MAJECA, the Embassy of Japan, JACTIM and JETRO members on this Business Tour.
The 48th ASEAN – Japan Business Meeting (AJBM) hosted by The Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai) as AJBM Japan was held at Shinagawa Prince Hotel in Tokyo, Japan from 7 – 9 December 2022.
The ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting (AJBM) is a multilateral, private-led forum between Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The inaugural meeting was held in 1974 in Tokyo, Japan, on the initiative of Keizai Doyukai, one of the influential national business organizations in Japan.
Behind the creation of this forum was a strong belief among the Keizai Doyukai members of the time, that economic exchange on the private-sector level, supplementing official development aid, should play a key role to realize stability and development of the East-Asian countries. In comparison with other international conferences and forum, the AJBM is unique in providing an arena for private sector dialogue between Japan and ASEAN as a region.
The 48th AJBM, themed “ASEAN–Japan Cooperation to Create Future Values Together” discussed areas for mutual cooperation between ASEAN and Japan to build a sustainable society and human resources value chain. The meeting welcomed participants and speakers from across ASEAN and Japan comprising Japanese government officials, high-level business executives, representatives from the ASEAN diplomatic missions in Japan, thinktanks and the greater business community in Japan.
The Malaysian delegation led by Datuk Jason Tai Hee, Vice-President of MAJECA and Mr Yeonhang Chuah, Hon. Treasurer of MAJECA were accompanied by members and the Secretariat from the Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA) as AJBM Malaysia and the Embassy of Malaysia in Japan.
A group photo of the delegates from Brunei and Malaysia at the 48th AJBM (from left to right):
Mr Shazali Sulaiman, AJBM Brunei, Mr Iqbal Abdullah, Founder / CEO, Laloka Labs LLC, Member of MAJECA, Datuk Jason Tai Hee, Vice-President, MAJECA, Mr Yeonhang Chuah, Hon. Treasurer, MAJECA, Mr Mr. Nor’ Azam Mohd Idrus, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., Embassy of Malaysia in Japan, Mr Heng Zhenhung, Associate, One Asia Lawyers Group, Member of MAJECA, Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MAJECA, Ms Thangeswary Paleswaran, First Secretary, Embassy of Malaysia in Japan, Mr Samuel Loh, Programme Executive, MAJECA.
7 December 2022 (Wednesday)
AJBM Steering Committee Meeting
A Steering Committee Meeting chaired by the Chairman of the 48th AJBM and AJBM Japan, Mr Yuji Hirako (pic below, 2nd from left) who is Vice-Chairman of ANA Japan was held to discuss the organisation of the next day’s Plenary Meeting and to discuss the plans for the 50th Anniversary Year of ASEAN – Japan Relations in 2023.
AJBM Malaysia was represented by Datuk Jason Tai Hee (pic below, 2nd from right), Vice-President, and Ms Ng Su Fun (pic below, right-most), Executive Secretary.
Welcome Reception
Following the Meeting of the AJBM Steering Committee, a Welcome Reception hosted by AJBM Japan was held. The following were photos taken:
Mr Yuji Hirako, Chairman of the 48th AJBM delivered his Welcome Remarks.
Mr Kazufumi Watanabe, Amazon Japan and member of Keizai Doyukai delivered the Toast.
Mr Yeonhang Chuah, Hon. Treasurer, MAJECA, Mr Yuji Hirako, Chairman of the 48th AJBM, Datuk Jason Tai Hee, Vice-President, MAJECA and Mr Iqbal Abdullah, CEO/Founder, Laloka Labs LLC and Member of MAJECA.
Ms Sharmilaa Tan, Investor Management, ECERDC Mr Yuji Hirako, Chairman of the 48th AJBM and Dato’ Ragu Sampasivam, COO, ECERDC
8 December 2022 (Thursday) – 48th ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting (AJBM) Plenary
Opening Ceremony
The 48th ASEAN – Japan Business Meeting began with the Welcome Remarks by Mr Sakurada Kengo, Chairman of Keizai Doyukai.
H.E. Takagi Kei, Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs delivered the Prime Minister’s Message.
H.E. Nakatani Shinichi, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry delivered his Guest Remarks.
H.E. Tuy Ry, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia to Japan delivered his Guest Remarks.
Mr Asakawa Masatsugu, President, Asian Development Bank delivered the Keynote Address titled “Supporting ASEAN-Japan Cooperation for a Sustainable Future”.
Mr Yuji Hirako, Chairman, 48th AJBM delivered the Introduction.
Following the Opening Ceremony, Plenary Session 1 titled “ASEAN-Japan Cooperation for the Realization of a Sustainable Society” was facilitated by Professor Yamamoto Yasumasa (pic below, left-most), Specially Appointed Associate Professor, Graduate School of Advanced Integrated Studies in Human Surviability, Adjunct Professor, Graduate School of Management, Kyoto University.
The panelists (pic below, right-to-left) comprised the following:
Mr Ngurah Swajaya (2nd pic, top-right), Special Staff to the Foreign Minister (Indonesia)
Dr Thanong Bidaya, TTW Public Company (Thailand)
Dato’ Ragu Sampasivam, East Coast Economic Region Development Council (Malaysia)
The meeting then adjourned for a Lunch Session-cum-ASEAN-Japan Startup Panel titled “Meet the Change-Makers” faciliatated by Mr Honma Masahiko, Keizai Doyukai / Incubate Fund (Japan). The startup panelists at this session comprised:
Mr Ryan Gondokusumo, CEO, Sribu (Indonesia)
Mr Iqbal Abdullah, CEO / Founder, Laloka Labs (Malaysia)
Dr Wiwat Wongwarawipat, Chairman, Instep Group (Thailand)
Mr Kevin Nguyen, CEO, JobHopin (Vietnam)
(onstage, from left to right) Mr Honma Masahiko, SessionFacilitator, Keizai Doyukai / Incubate Fundand Mr Iqbal Abdullah, CEO / Founder, Laloka Labs.
Plenary Session 2 titled “ASEAN-Japan Cooperation for Building a Sustainable Human Resources Value Chain” was facilitated by Professor Ichijo Kazuo, Professor of Innovation and Leadership, the International Institute of Management Development (IMD, Switzerland).
The panelists for the session comprised:
Ms Grace Abella-Zata, Corporate Executive Search (Philippines)
Ms Su-Yen Wong, Independent Director, Chairperson, Singapore Institute of Directors (Singapore)
Ms Mai Hong Ngoc, Vietnam Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Vietnam)
After, a Wrap-up & Closing Ceremony facilitated by Mr Yuji Hirako, Chairman of the 48th AJBM was held to get the inputs, takeaways and comments from the AJBM representatives from Japan and ASEAN.
The Meeting then adjourned for a Closing Dinner. Mr Sakurada Kengo, (pic below) Chairman of Keizai Doyukai delivered his remarks.
The following were pictures taken at the Dinner:
9 December 2022 (Friday)
A Steering Committee meeting chaired by Mr Yuji Hirako was held to discuss the organisation of the 49th ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting.
Following that, two optional tours to ANA Holdings’ ANA Blue Base – a comprehensive training & human resource development centre for the whole ANA Group and SOMPO Care / Future Care Lab – a facility for demonstrating new technologies related to nursing care and welfare services, and for introducing these technologies to their facilities.
The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) hosted representatives from JAMECA, MATRADE Tokyo and MAJECA on 6 December 2022 for a meeting over dinner in Tokyo, Japan as part of ECERDC’s mission to Japan.
The meeting introduced the respective organisations, and highlighted areas for potential collaboration, partnership and investment. ECERDC was led by its Chief Executive Officer, YBhg Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat, who was joined by YBhg Dato’ Ragu Sampasivam, Chief Operating Officer, Ms Sharmilaa Tan, Ms Farah Diba and Mr Iman Mustafar.
JAMECA was represented by Mr Mitsutaka Sato, who represented JAMECA’s President, Mr Tsuyoshi Nagano, Mr Kazuto Sasaki, Secretary General and Mr Kenji Horie. MATRADE was represented by Mr Niqman Rafaee, Director, MATRADE Tokyo and Ms Sonoko Yasue, Assistant Director, MATRADE Tokyo. MAJECA was represented by Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary and Mr Samuel Loh, Programme Executive.
From left-to-right:
Mr Samuel Loh, Programme Executive, MAJECA, Ms Sonoko Yasue, Assistant Director, MATRADE Tokyo, Ms Sharmilaa Tan, Investor Management, ECERDC, Mr Kazuto Sasaki, Secretary General, JAMECA, Mr Mitsutaka Sato, General Manager, Government and External Relations Dept., Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance (representing Mr Tsuyoshi Nagano, President, JAMECA), YBhg Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat, CEO, ECERDC, Mr Kenji Horie, JAMECA, YBhg Dato’ Ragu Sampasivam, COO, ECERDC, Mr Niqman Rafaee, Director, MATRADE Tokyo, Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MAJECA and Ms Farah Diba, ECERDC.
MAJECA 