Category Archives: News

48th Annual General Meeting of MAJECA held on 11 June 2025

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The 48th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA) convened on Wednesday, 11 June 2025 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 2025-2026. 

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: Mr Gary Tang Kok Lian

Honorary Treasurer: Mr Goh Peng Ooi

Executive Committee Members

  • YBhg Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa
  • YBhg Dato’ Yeoh Seok Kian
  • YBhg Datuk Ravindran Kurusamy
  • YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Michael Yeoh Oon Kheng
  • Mr Yeonhang Chuah

Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President & Chairman of the Meeting thanked all participants for attending the AGM. The meeting then adjourned for the 3rd MAJECA-Kolaxus-MASSA iDeas Xchange at the Banquet Hall.

TThe MAJECA 2024 – 2025 Annual Report can also be accessed by clicking here.

Business Visit to Pahang from 7-8 May organised by ECERDC

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The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) with the Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA), the Japanese Chamber of Trade & Industry, Malaysia (JACTIM) brought over 40 delegates comprising Japanese and Malaysian businesspeople on a 2 Day 1 Night Business Visit to Pahang.

The Visit Itinerary included:

  • Elektriksola Sdn Bhd
  • Pahang Technology Park
  • HICOM Automotive Manufacturers
  • Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP)
  • Alliance Steel (M) Sdn Bhd
  • Kuantan Port
  • LYNAS Advanced Material Plants

The Visit underscored the strategic investment proposition of the East Coast Economic Region (which covers 30 districts that include, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang), and its enablers that comprise connectivity (port infrastructure, ECRL on track for completion), rising tourist & business destination, and the maturing supply & value chain (processing, development, manufacturing, downstreaming). It was noted that ECERDC is focusing on renewable energy, carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), bioenergy, and sustainable tourism (rail, RV, island). The Visit also highlighted that Malaysia possesses Rare Earth Elements (REE) deposits with potential value of RM 800 Billion and RM 1 Trillion, 68% of the resource is identified to be in ECER.

Further details and information can be found here:

  1. Overview Flyers of ECERDC’s Industrial Parks: https://www.ecerdc.com.my/e-flyers/
  2. 360-degree Industrial Park Virtual Tour: https://www.ecerdc.com.my/ecer-industrial-park
  • Elektriksola Sdn Bhd
  • HICOM Automotive Manufacturers
  • Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP)
  • Kuantan Port
  • LYNAS Advanced Material Plants

MAJECA thanks ECERDC for organising this insightful Visit.

MAJECA-KolaXus-MASSA iDeas Xchange Session #2: Cross-Border Collaboration & Market Expansion 20 March 2025 at Banquet Hall, Bangunan AmBank Group, Jalan Raja Chulan

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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.

The 2nd iDeas 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 20 March 2025 at Banquet Hall, Bangunan AmBank Group with the theme of “Cross-Border Collaboration & Market Expansion”.  

A total of 80 participants comprising members of MAJECA and MASSA, the corporate business community, Government agencies and the members of the startup ecosystem were present.

Dato’ Lawrence Lim Swee Lin, Hon. Secretary, MASSA delivered the Welcome Remarks.

Mr Harmender Singh, Vice President, Super PMO & Special Projects, Cradle Fund delivered the Opening Remarks.

Mr Sivavenayakam Velayutham, CEO, KolaXus and Executive Committee Member of MAJECA delivered his remarks and moderated the Startup Sharing Session.

Based on the theme of “Cross-Border Collaboration & Market Expansion” the following four startups shared on their respective businesses moderated by Mr Sivavenayakam Velayutham, CEO, KolaXus and Executive Committee Member of Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA):

Mr William Lee, CEO, Easybook

Mr Aiemaan Mohd Noor, Country Director, Neoreka Asia

Mr Owen Chen Chee Onn, CEO, Neurogine

Mr Lim Chin Wan, Founder & Director, GriPP

Datuk Merlyn Kasimir, Hon. Asst. Secretary of MASSA delivered the Closing Remarks on behalf of Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MASSA & MAJECA.

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2025 News and Events

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Dinner with H.E. Shikata Noriyuki, Ambassador of Japan and Japanese Corporate Leaders in Malaysia on 2 March 2025

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Through the initiative of Mr Gary Tang, Hon. Secretary and Mr Goh Peng Ooi, Hon. Treasurer, a MAJECA Welcome Dinner for H.E. Shikata Noriyuki, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia was hosted by Mr Goh Peng Ooi on 2 March 2025. Joining the Ambassador at this Dinner were 9 other Japanese industry captains & corporate leaders in Malaysia.

MAJECA’s representatives at the Dinner were Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, Datuk Jason Tai Hee, Vice-President, Mr Gary Tang, Hon. Secretary, Mr Goh Peng Ooi, Hon. Treasurer, Mr Raja Hamzah, Executive Committee Member, and Mr Samuel Loh, Programme Executive.

(from left-to-right) Mr Koichi Takano, Managing Director, JETRO Kuala Lumpur, Mr Satoshi Matsui, CEO, Sumitomo Corporation Malaysia, Mr Toru Nakabayashi, Managing Director, Sojitz (Malaysia), Mr Kosuke Makino, Country Representative for Malaysia, Mitsubishi Corporation, Mr Hiromitsu Narukama, Managing Director, Mitsui & Co. (Malaysia), Mr Goh Peng Ooi, Hon. Treasurer, MAJECA, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA, H.E. Shikata Noriyuki, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, Mr Takero Sawamura, President, JACTIM & Deputy CEO, MSIG Malaysia, Mr Gary Tang, Hon. Secretary, Mr Hiroshi Aoki, Director, Ueda Plating (Malaysia), Mr Takeshi Fujiwara, Managing Director, Marubeni Malaysia, Mr Norihisa Tsukamoto, Director, Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur, Mr Raja Hamzah Abidin, Executive Committee Member of MAJECA and Datuk Jason Tai Hee, Vice-President, MAJECA.

Mr Gary Tang, Hon. Secretary, MAJECA delivered the Introductory Remarks.

Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA delivered his remarks.

H.E. Shikata Noriyuki, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia delivered his remarks.

Mr Takero Sawamura, President, JACTIM delivered his remarks.

MAJECA places on record its appreciation to Mr Goh Peng Ooi, Hon. Treasurer for hosting the Dinner and to Mr Gary Tang, Hon. Secretary for facilitating the networking & proceedings.

Briefing Session on ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Malaysia’s Chairmanship 2025 on 14 February 2025 at Wisma FMM

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On behalf of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Malaysia, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) hosted a briefing session for business chambers on ASEAN-BAC Malaysia in line with Malaysia as the Chair of ASEAN in 2025.

Tan Sri Nazir Razak, as Chairman of ASEAN-BAC Malaysia, provided an overview of ASEAN-BAC Malaysia’s priorities and initiatives for the year 2025, highlighted key areas of focus for the business community, and discussed opportunities for collaboration and engagement.

Launched in April 2003, ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) was mandated to provide private sector feedback and guidance to boost efforts towards economic integration. ASEAN-BAC’s activities are focused on reviewing and identifying issues to facilitate and promote economic cooperation and integration, and also submitting annual recommendations for the consideration of the ASEAN Leaders and the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) at the regular ASEAN Consultation and Business Summits.

ASEAN-BAC’s members are appointed by the Ministers in charge, and comprise of high-level CEOs of companies from each member country. Each country is represented by a maximum of three members, with one representing the interest of the small and medium-sized enterprises. Every national council is responsible for the implementation of initiatives at national level with collaboration, support and connectivity with the various other national councils.

ASEAN-BAC Malaysia comprise: Chairman, Tan Sri Nazir Razak (Founder of Ikhlas Capital), and Council Members, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes (CEO of AirAsia) and Mr Lim Chern Yuan (Group CEO of Yinson).

MAJECA was represented at the Briefing Session by Vice-President, Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal and Hon. Secretary, Mr Gary Tang, who were joined by Mr Samuel Loh, Programme Executive.

Welcome Remarks by Tan Sri Dato’ Soh Thian Lai, President, FMM

Briefing by Tan Sri Nazir Razak, Chairman of ASEAN-BAC Malaysia, on the Introduction of ASEAN-BAC Chairmanship 2025

Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA

Mr Gary Tang (left), Hon. Secretary, MAJECA and Tan Sri Nazir Razak (right), Chairman, ASEAN-BAC Malaysia.

MAJECA Meeting with H.E. Noriyuki Shikata, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia and Professor Mitsuo Ochi, President of Hiroshima University & delegation on 22 January 2025

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Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MAJECA hosted a delegation from Hiroshima University led by Professor Mitsuo Ochi, President of Hiroshima University on 22 January 2025. H.E. Noriyuki Shikata, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia also graced the occasion with his attendance.

Also in attendance were representatives from the Embassy of Japan, Sumitomo Corporation Malaysia, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, and Japan Graduates’ Association of Malaysia (JAGAM).

From left-to-right:
Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA, H.E. Noriyuki Shikata, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, Professor Mitsuo Ochi, President, Hiroshima University

From left-to-right:
Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MAJECA, Mr Jake Sow Chorng Yee, Vice Chairman, JAGAM, Ir. Prof. Dr. Goi Bok Min, Vice-President, Internationalisation and Academic Development, UTAR, Professor Shinji Kaneko, Executive Vice President for Global Initiatives, Hiroshima University, Dato’ Steven Tan, Chairman, JAGAM Japan branch, Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA, Professor Mitsuo Ochi, President, Hiroshima University, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA, H.E. Noriyuki Shikata, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, Mr Satoshi Matsui, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Sumitomo Corporation Malaysia, Mr Yukiyoshi Saito, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan

Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA and H.E. Noriyuki Shikata, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia

Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA and Professor Mitsuo Ochi, President, Hiroshima University

Exchange of Gifts between Tan Sri Azman Hashim and H.E. Noriyuki Shikata & Professor Mitsuo Ochi

From left-to-right:Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MAJECA, H.E. Noriyuki Shikata, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA, Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA, Professor Mitsuo Ochi, President, Hiroshima University

MAJECA-KolaXus-MASSA iDeas Xchange 2024-2025 Startup Sharing Series | Session #1: Introducing Tomorrow’s Innovators on 5 December 2024 at Banquet Hall, Bangunan AmBank Group, Jalan Raja Chulan

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Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA) and Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA) with KolaXus, led by its Founder & CEO, Mr Sivavenayakam Velayutham, Executive Committee Member of MAJECA, launched its inaugural Start-up Meet-up & Sharing Session Series, iDeas Xchange, supported by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) on 5 December 2024 at Banquet Hall, Bangunan AmBank Group with the theme of “Introducing Tomorrow’s Innovators”.  

MAJECA was represented by Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa, Senior Executive Committee Member, Mr Gary Tang, Hon. Secretary and the MAJECA Secretariat. Also present at the event were Mr Takero Sawamura, President of the Japanese Chamber of Trade and Industry, Malaysia (JACTIM), and Dato’ Lawrence Lim Swee Lin, Hon. Secretary of the Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA).

Building on the success of MAJECA’s (Pre-Joint Conference) startup event in Cyberjaya on 31 July 2024, and further cognisant of the shared, and rising sentiment for corporate-startup convergence & partnership, for innovation, growth, collaboration, and exchange, the iDeas Xchange Series was launched with the aim to facilitate and encourage networking, interactions, tie-ups and catalytic partnerships between corporate Malaysia and the Malaysian startup ecosystem.

Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa, Senior Executive Committee Member of MAJECA delivered the Welcome Remarks.

Mr Sivavenayakam Velayutham, Founder & CEO, KolaXus and Executive Committee Member of MAJECA delivered the Kick-Off Remarks.

With the inaugural session theme of “Introducing Tomorrow’s Innovators” moderated by Mr Sivavenayakam Velayutham, Founder & CEO, KolaXus and Executive Committee Member of MAJECA, four growth-stage tech startups shared and showcased their innovative solutions and business models, and potential collaboration opportunities.

The four startups were as follows:

Mr Rathnavel Anandhakumar, Founder & Group CEO of Ascertain, RinggitPay, Finforz

Ms Bavani Ponusami, Head of Sales & Client Success, RinggitPay

Mr Kelvyn Chuah, MD & Founder of SINEGY

Mr Daniel Teoh Beng Huat, Co-Founder & CEO of HariWang

Mr M. Marimuthu, Founder & CEO, Gmat

Dato’ Lawrence Lim Swee Lin, Hon. Secretary of the Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA) delivered the Closing Remarks.

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