• MAJECA-KEIDANREN Dialogue & Dinner on 27 November 2025 at Zezz Residence

• SHRDC Industry Dialogue Session on Training Needs for Lean Manufacturing, Green (GX) and Digital (DX) Transformation at SHRDC on 29 October 2025

• Visit by Narashino Chamber of Commerce and Industry to Malaysia from 6 – 7 October 2025

• 42nd JAMECA – MAJECA Joint Conference on 2 September 2025 at Tokyo International Forum, Japan

• MAJECA-KolaXus-MASSA iDeas Xchange #4 on 27 August 2025 at Finexus Towers, Cyberjaya

• MAJECA-MASSA-MASSCORP Joint Courtesy Call on YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed on 21 July 2025 at Perdana Leadership Foundation, Putrajaya

• Courtesy Visit by ACCCIM Artificial Intelligence (AI) Committee on 9 July 2025

• 14th Asian Business Summit from 3 – 4 July 2025 in Manila, Philippines

• MAJECA-KolaXus-MASSA iDeas Xchange #3 on 11 June 2025 at Banquet Hall, Bangunan AmBank Group

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

• MAJECA Meeting with UPM CIRNET on 3 June 2025

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

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

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

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

• MAJECA Meeting with H.E. Noriyuki Shikata, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia and Professor Mitsuo Ochi, President of Hiroshima University

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.

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.

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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Photo Gallery:

The East Coast Economic Region Development Corporation (ECERDC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy with the support of MAJECA organised a seminar titled “Accelerating Net-Zero: Opportunities for Hard-to-Abate Industries in ECER” on 28 November 2024 at Double Tree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur.

The Guest of Honor was YB Tuan Mohd Rafizi bin Ramli, Minister of Economy.

MAJECA was represented by Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa, Senior Executive Committee Member of MAJECA, who was accompanied by Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary and Mr Samuel Loh, Programme Executive.

Rare Earth Elements (REE) are crucial for modern technology, supporting innovations like smartphones, electric vehicles, renewable energy and medical equipments amongst others. The demand for these metals is rapidly increasing due to technological advancements and the global push for sustainable energy. However, due to geopolitical circumstances, the disparity between rising demand and limited supply has now created a distinctive market opportunity for investors.

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YBhg Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat, Chief Executive Officer, ECERDC delivered the Opening Remarks.

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Session 1, titled “Strategic Rare Earth Opportunities: Unlocking the Potential in the East Coast Economic Region of Malaysia” explored opportunities across the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors, and insights into the Rare Earth Elements (REE) landscape.

Rare Earth Deposits and Industry Policies presented by Mr Yusari bin Basiran,
Director of Economic Mineral, of the Department of Minerals and Geosciences Malaysia, JMG

JOGMEC’s Experience & Role in Rare Earth Development ​​presented by Mr Yu Kawakami, Head of JOGMEC Jakarta​

Success Story of Lynas’ Rare Earth Development Journey ​presented by Dato’ Sri Mashal Ahmad, Managing Director of Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd

Industry Insights: Toyota Tsusho’s Experience in the Midstream and Downstream Development of REE​ presented by Mr Yoshimura Kei, Toyota Tsusho Corporation

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A keynote address was delivered by YB Tuan Mohd Rafizi bin Ramli, Minister of Economy.

YB Tuan Mohd Rafizi bin Ramli (left), Minister of Economy joined by Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat (right), Chief Executive Officer, ECERDC held an Engagement Session, fielding questions from the floor.

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Session 2, titled “Leading the Way in Decarbonization: Leveraging Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Solutions for a Sustainable Future,” focused on the growth and sustainability of hard-to-abate industries through advanced carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. It showcased Petronas’ innovative CCS efforts and how these solutions can be integrated into manufacturing & industrial processes. Participants learnt how CCS can support industry sustainability goals and facilitate decarbonization in the Eastern Corridor Economic Region (ECER) of Malaysia.

Implementing CCUS in Malaysia: A Critical Step Towards Emissions Reduction presented by Dato’ Nor Azmie Diron, Secretary General of the Ministry of Economy

Leading the Way in Decarbonization: PETRONAS’ Advanced Carbon Capture and Storage Solutions for a Sustainable Future​​ presented by Ms Nora’in Md. Salleh, General Manager, PETRONAS

Panel Discussion titled “Accelerating Net-Zero: Opportunities for Hard-to-Abate Industries in ECER​” was moderated by Dato’ Ragu Sampasivam (left-most), Chief Operating Officer, ECERDC. ​

The Panellists were (2^nd left to right):​ Ms Nora’in Md. Salleh, General Manager, PETRONAS, Mr Hiroyuki Nishimoto, Managing Director, Kaneka (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd​, Professor Yasushi Watanabe, Department of Earth Resource Science, Akita University​, Tuan Syed Kamal Muzaffa Syed Hassan Sagaff, Director of Sustainability Division, MIDA.

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Newspaper Articles

This event was covered in the following:

1. Malaysia Seeks Advanced Technology, Investments For Rare Earth Processing, Bernama, https://www.bernama.com/en/business/news.php?id=2368841
2. East coast corridor’s importance to Malaysia’s rare earth elements plans, New Straits Times, https://www.nst.com.my/business/economy/2024/11/1141048/east-coast%C2%A0corridors-importance-malaysias-rare-earth-elements-plans
3. Proses pengembangan industri REE dibuat serentak mengikut keperluan industri, Berita Harian, https://www.bharian.com.my/bisnes/lain-lain/2024/11/1330122/proses-pengembangan-industri-ree-dibuat-serentak-mengikut-keperluan
4. East Coast could be rare earth hub in the future, says Rafizi, The Malaysian Reserve, https://themalaysianreserve.com/2024/11/28/east-coast-could-be-ree-hub-in-the-future-says-rafizi/
5. レアアースとＣＣＵＳ誘致に本腰  東海岸回廊が日系官民とセミナー (Getting serious about attracting rare earths and CCUS East Coast Corridor holds seminar with Japanese government and private sector), NNA Asia, https://www.nna.jp/news/2733697

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Photo Gallery

VIP table (centremost), from right-to-left: Mr Hiromitsu Narukama, Managing Director & CEO, Country Chairman, Mitsui & Co. (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and Chairman of the Trade and Investment Committee, JACTIM, Dato’ Sri Mashal Ahmad, Managing Director of Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Dato’ Nor Azmie Diron, Secretary General of the Ministry of Economy, YB Tuan Mohd Rafizi bin Ramli, Minister of Economy, Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat, Chief Executive Officer, ECERDC and, Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa, Chairman of FGV Holdings Berhad and Senior Executive Committee Member of MAJECA.

Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa (standing, left), Senior Executive Committee Member of MAJECA presenting the MAJECA 40^th Anniversary Book to YB Tuan Mohd Rafizi bin Ramli (right) Minister of Economy.

The 50^th AJBM was hosted by AJBM Thailand under the aegis of the Thai Chamber of Commerce & the Board of Trade of Thailand and co-hosted by the Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai) at Okura Prestige Bangkok, Thailand.

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 ASEAN – Japan Business Meeting (AJBM) marked its historic milestone as it celebrated its 50^th Anniversary in 2024, serving as a testament to the enduring partnership and collaboration between ASEAN and Japan. Over five decades, the AJBM has played a key role in enhancing economic growth & ties between ASEAN and Japan.

The 50th ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting (AJBM) themed “Building Resilient Partnerships for Sustainable Futures” aimed to answer the question of ‘What could occur over the next 10 years to ASEAN, if no action is taken now?’. This theme and central question were discussed through the perspective of three focus industry streams & areas, namely: food security, mobility, and tourism, with each focusing on high-impact issues facing the upstream and downstream of each industry vertical.

These three focus issues reflected the priorities for sustainable development and economic resilience in ASEAN and Japan. Cognisant that addressing these issue would require collective action, innovative solutions and strategic partnerships, the AJBM saw a convergence of key opinion leaders and industry captains in these fields alongside public sector officials to discuss & exchange insights.

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Opening Session

Mr Kalin Sarasin, Chairman of the 50^th AJBM, Honorary Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand delivered the Welcome Remarks.

Mr Yuji Hirako, Co-Chairperson, Japan-Asia Relations Committee, Keizai Doyukai and Senior Advisor, ANA Holdings Inc., delivered his remarks.

Mr Kanetsugu Mike, Vice Chairperson, Keizai Doyukai and Member of the Board of Directors, Chairman of MUFG delivered his remarks.

H.E. Mr Masato Otaka, Ambassador of Japan to Thailand delivered his remarks.

H.E. Mr Akanat Promphan, Minister of Industry of Thailand delivered the Keynote Speech titled “Strengthening ASEAN-Japan Cooperation for Economic Stability and Sustainability in the Digital Age”.

Dr Somkiat Tangkitvanich, President, Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) delivered a Presentation titled “Strategic Partnerships: Exploring ASEAN-Japan Relations in a Dynamic Global Context”.

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Panel Discussion 1: Food Security

The Food Security panel discussed the need for action to prevent potential food shortages in ASEAN countries. Against the backdrop of evolving climate patterns and global supply chain disruptions, the panellists discussed the consequences of inaction, including increased food insecurity and malnutrition, and explored innovative strategies to promote sustainable agriculture and resilient supply chains.

(from left-to-right) Mr Salman Ghazali, Group Chief Strategy Officer, FGV Holdings Berhad & Executive Committee Member of MAJECA, Mr Ichiro Sakakura, President, Ajinomoto Thailand, Dr Poj Aramwattananont, President & CEO, SeaValue Public Company Limited, and Moderator, Mr Muhaymin Khan, Manager, YCP.

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Panel Discussion 2: Tourism

The Tourism panel discussed the application and considerations of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles to preserve the tourism value chain and ensure equitable wealth distribution. Discussants explored sustainability through environmentally friendly practices, social responsibility, and ethical governance. Additionally, the panel discussed strategies for ensuring economic benefits reach a broader population, such as promoting community-based tourism, supporting local businesses, and implementing fair wage policies with the aim to reduce inequalities and foster social cohesion.

(from left-to-right) Mr Joydeep Chakraborty, Chief Strategy Officer, Traveloka, Mr Shinya Kanda, President & CEO, ANA X, Mr Hiroyuki Kitagawa, President & CEO, JTB PTE Ltd., Mrs Suphajee Suthumpun, Group CEO, Dusit International and Moderator, Ms Fei Yong, Manager, YCP.

A fireside chat on Food Culture in Tourism between Mr Matthew John Knights (left), Chief Hospitality Group Officer, Asset World Corporation and Associate Professor Dr Jutamas Wisansing, PhD, Managing Director & Consultant, Perfect Link Consulting Group.

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Panel Discussion 3: Mobility

The panellists on the Mobility panel discussed the challenge of air pollution and environmental degradation. Discussions revolved around overcoming barriers to mobility, leveraging digital technologies, and advancing sustainable transportation solutions by prioritizing clean and inclusive mobility options.

(from left-to-right) Mr Yew Heng Lim, Group Managing Director, Grab Holdings, Mr Prasanna Kumar Ganeshm, Executive Vice President, Toyota Motor Asia, Mr Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok and Moderator, Mr Nuttapan Meethong, Director, YCP.

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Presentation of HR Platform by Keizai Doyukai and ERIA

The AJBM recognizes the importance of cooperation in the field of Human Resources, and Keizai Doyukai with the support Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) had put efforts into the creation of a framework for human capital cooperation. The progress of these efforts & framework was discussed.

(from left-to-right) Mr Yuji Hirako, Co-Chairperson, Japan-Asia Relations Committee, Keizai Doyukai, Mr Nobuhiro Aizawa, Dean and Managing Director, Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)’s School of Government, Mr Kazufumi Watanabe, Group CXO, Executive Vice President and Executive Officer, SOMPO Holdings, Inc. and Respondent, H.E. Mr. Masahiko Kiya, Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN.

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Closing Session

Mr Seiji Imai, Co-Chairperson, Japan-Asia Relations Committee, Keizai Doyukai and Chairman, Member of the Board of Directors, Mizuho Financial Group delivered the Closing Remarks.

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Photo Gallery

AJBM ASEAN Steering Committee members from Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

Delegates from Malaysia & Members of MAJECA at the 50^th AJBM
(from left-to-right) Mr Muhd Hazlam Masri, Special Officer to the Group Chief Strategy Officer, FGV Holdings Berhad, Mr Hiro Chai, Mitsusho Sdn Bhd, Mr Salman Ghazali, Executive Committee Member of MAJECA & Group Chief Strategy Officer, FGV Holdings Berhad, Mr Sivavenayakam Velayutham, Executive Committee Member of MAJECA & Director – Partnership & Key Projects at Finexus Group, Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MAJECA and Mr Samuel Loh, Programme Executive, MAJECA.

(from left-to-right) Mr Samuel Loh, Programme Executive, MAJECA, Mr Seiji Imai, Co-Chairperson, Japan-Asia Relations Committee, Keizai Doyukai and Chairman, Member of the Board of Directors, Mizuho Financial Group, Mr Sivavenayakam Velayutham, Executive Committee Member of MAJECA & Director – Partnership & Key Projects at Finexus Group, Mr Yuji Hirako, Co-Chairperson, Japan-Asia Relations Committee, Keizai Doyukai, Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MAJECA and Mr Salman Ghazali, Executive Committee Member of MAJECA & Group Chief Strategy Officer, FGV Holdings Berhad.

White Paper

Following the conclusion of the 50^th AJBM, AJBM Thailand, with the support of YCP Holdings (Global) Limited had prepared a White Paper focusing on food security, mobility, and tourism. This Paper will present key findings and outline proposed strategies to inspire policymakers and businesses to implement impactful reforms may that create lasting change.

The 50^th AJBM White Paper aims to provide key insights & highlighted challenging issues faced by each industry, presenting roadmaps and frameworks that sustainable & resilient solutions via strategic, cross-sector collaboration throughout the region.

The reports include: 

• Food Security – Addressing vulnerabilities from climate risks and import reliance, this report highlights strategies to build resilient food systems through sustainable practices and local resource optimization​ 
• Mobility – With urbanization intensifying pollution and congestion, this paper explores solutions like electric vehicles and smart traffic systems to enhance urban mobility and reduce emissions​ 
• Tourism – As popular destinations face environmental strain, this report proposes collaborative approaches to promote alternative destinations and sustain regional tourism assets 

The link to the 50^th AJBM White Paper can be accessed via: https://ycp.com/insights/whitepaper/building-resilient-partnerships-sustainable-futures

Tan Sri Azman Hashim & the MAJECA Executive Committee hosted a farewell lunch for H.E. Takahashi Katsuhiko and Mr Hosomi Masashi, Economic Counsellor, Embassy of Japan, who will be completing their respective tour of duty in Malaysia by the end of October 2024.

The Luncheon provided a cordial setting to review and reflect upon MAJECA’s relationship with the Embassy of Japan. Tan Sri Azman Hashim thanked H.E. Takahashi Katsuhiko for the warm & excellent support and cooperation extended by His Excellency’s office in Kuala Lumpur, including the office of the Economic Counsellor.

One of the highlights was the opportunity for MAJECA to have an engaging & fruitful dialogue with the late Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe when he visited Malaysia in March 2022.

Over the course of the year 2024, MAJECA has proactively engaged with young entrepreneurs to bridge and expand Japan-Malaysia relations. H.E. Takahashi Katsuhiko thanked MAJECA for the close cooperation and opportunity to be the conduit to the Government of Japan to expand & deepen business & economic linkages during his tour of duty in Malaysia.

MAJECA extends its warmest greetings and best wishes to H.E. Takahashi Katsuhiko and Mr Hosomi Masashi on their successful tour of duty in Malaysia.

The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) convened a Budget 2025 MITI Dialogue Session with Industry on 6 August 2024 at Perdana Hall, Menara MITI, Kuala Lumpur.

Chaired by YB Senator Datuk Seri Utama Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz (pic below, 2^nd from right), Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry. In attendance were YBhg Dato’ Hairil Yahri Yaacob (pic below, 2^nd from left), Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary Generals, namely, YBhg Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil (pic below, left) (Investment & Management) and YBrs Pn Mastura Ahmad Mustafa (pic below, right) (Trade). MITI agencies, namely, MIDA and MATRADE were in attendance together with relevant Government ministries & agencies, including the Ministry of Finance (MOF).

The 41^st edition of the MAJECA – JAMECA Joint Conference was held on 1^st August 2024 at Hilton Kuala Lumpur.

This edition of the Joint Conference, hosted by MAJECA and co-hosted by Japan-Malaysia Economic Association (JAMECA) was themed ‘Empowering Innovation, Driving Co-Creation’. The 41^st Joint Conference programme was formulated to stimulate discussions on how the technological innovations have given birth to new sectors / areas of business that have responded to the tech & geopolitical challenges, yet remaining efficient, green, sustainable and profitable activities.

This conference saw the attendance of over 180 participants. The delegation from JAMECA comprised of Chief Executives, Managing Directors and Corporate Leaders of Japanese corporations from Japan, supported by their respective offices in Malaysia and across ASEAN 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, who is also Emeritus Chairman of AmBank Group. The MAJECA delegation comprised of Chief Executives, Managing Directors and Corporate Leaders of Malaysian companies including a strong representation from the Japan Graduates’ Association of Malaysia (JAGAM) led by Mr Goh Peng Ooi, Honorary Patron of JAGAM & Hon. Treasurer of MAJECA.

The Joint Conference was graced by:

• H.E. Katsuhiko Takahashi, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia,
• YB Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Minister of Finance II, and
• Datuk Hanafi Sakri, Deputy Secretary General (Industry), Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Malaysia.

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The Programme of the 41st MAJECA-JAMECA Joint Conference was as follows:

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Opening Ceremony

The Joint Conference began with Opening Remarks from the respective Presidents of MAJECA and JAMECA.

Tan Sri Azman Hashim
President of Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA) and
Chairman of the 41st MAJECA Joint Conference delivered his opening remarks.

Mr Tsuyoshi Nagano
President of Japan-Malaysia Economic Association (JAMECA) and
Co-Chairman of the 41st MAJECA Joint Conference delivered his opening remarks.

Following on, the Messages from the Prime Minister of Japan and 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.

Datuk Hanafi Sakri
Deputy Secretary General (Industry), Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Malaysia 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 Kazuo Nishitani, Secretary-General, JAMECA, 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, Datuk Hanafi Sakri, Deputy Secretary General (Industry), Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Malaysia, Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA, and Mr Goh Peng Ooi, Hon. Treasurer of MAJECA & Honorary Patron, JAGAM

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Plenary Session 1
ASEAN-Japan Relations 50 Years On: Trends & Directions for Malaysia-Japan Relations

Session Moderator: Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa
Chairman, FGV Holdings Berhad, Executive Committee Member of MAJECA, former Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia & former Chairman of Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia

(from left-to-right) Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, President, KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific & Executive Committee Member of MAJECA, Mr Koichi Takano, Managing Director, Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) Kuala Lumpur, Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa, Session Moderator, Tan Sri Yong Poh Kon, Chairman, Royal Selangor International Sdn Bhd and Mr Takero Sawamura, President, Japanese Chamber of Trade & Industry, Malaysia (JACTIM).

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Plenary Session 2

Datuk Haji (Datu) Rosmadi Datu Sulai
Chief Coordinating Officer, Secretariat of Sabah Maju Jaya, Sabah State Government delivered a presentation titled “Sabah Blue Economy”.

Dr Firdausi Suffian
Chief Executive Officer, Invest Sabah Berhad delivered a presentation titled
“Navigating Investment Opportunity in Sabah for Robust Growth”.

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Address by Minister of Finance II

Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal
Vice-President, MAJECA welcomed and introduced the Minister of Finance II.

YB Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan
Minister of Finance II delivered his Address to participants of the 41^st MAJECA-JAMECA Joint Conference.

A group photo of the MAJECA Executive Committee Members with the Minister of Finance II
(from left-to-right)
Mr Sivavenayakam Velayutham, Mr Yeonhang Chuah, Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, Dato’ Md Taib Abdul Hamid, Vice-President, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, YB Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Minister of Finance II, Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Lodin bin Wok Kamaruddin, Vice-President, Mr Goh Peng Ooi, Hon. Treasurer, Datuk Jason Tai Hee, Vice-President, and Mr Isrami Ismail.

(from left-to-right) Mr Kazuo Nishitani, Secretary General, JAMECA, H.E. Katsuhiko Takahashi, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, Mr Tsuyoshi Nagano, President, JAMECA, YB Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Minister of Finance II, Mr Kuniharu Nakamura, Vice-President, JAMECA.

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Luncheon Hosted by Silverlake Axis Sdn Bhd

VVIP Table (from left, clockwise)
Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa, Chairman, FGV Holdings Berhad & Executive Committee Member of MAJECA, Mr Goh Peng Ooi, Group Executive Chairman, Silverlake Axis Group,  Hon. Treasurer, MAJECA & Honorary Patron, JAGAM, H.E. Katsuhiko Takahashi, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, Mr Tsuyoshi Nagano, President, JAMECA, YB Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Minister of Finance II, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA, Mr Kuniharu Nakamura, Vice-President, JAMECA, Datuk Haji (Datu) Rosmadi Datu Sulai,Chief Coordinating Officer, Secretariat of Sabah Maju Jaya, Sabah State Government, Datuk Jason Tai Hee, Vice-President, MAJECA and Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA.

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Special Session

Session Moderator: Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA

(from left-to-right) Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Session Moderator, Mr Goh Peng Ooi, Honorary Patron of the Japan Graduates’ Association of Malaysia & Hon. Treasurer of MAJECA, Ir Chin Kar Keong, Managing Director, Perunding Atur Trafik Sdn Bhd and Mr Desmond Seok, Managing Director, Green Planet Midori Sdn Bhd.

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Plenary Session 3
Enhancing Entrepreneur Success through Co-Creation

Session Moderator: Mdm Shafinaz Salim, Head, Technology Hub Development Division, Cyberview Sdn Bhd

(from left-to-right) Mdm Shafinaz Salim, Session Moderator, Mr Aiemaan Mohd Noor, Director, Country Manager, NEOREKA Asia Sdn Bhd, Mr Goh Peng Ooi, Group Executive Chairman, Silverlake Axis Group, Mr Masaaki Hamada, Country Director, Asuene APAC Pte. Ltd., Ms Fumiko Inada, Co-Founder & CEO, Bee Informatica

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Plenary Session 4
Preparedness for a Resilient and Sustainable Supply Chain

Session Moderator: Mr Raja Hamzah Abidin Raja Nong Chik, Non-Executive Director, Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad, Founding Partner, RHL Ventures Sdn Bhd & Executive Committee Member of MAJECA

(from left-to-right) Mr Raja Hamzah, Session Moderator, Ir Ts Dr Gideon Tan Xiang Yee, Head of Group Transformation Division, FGV Holdings Berhad, Mr Dennis Harun Wong, Head of Strategy & Marketing, SEDC Energy, Mr Nao Nitta, Executive Officer Head of Energy Company, Euglena Co., Ltd and Mr Takato Senoo, Chief Operating Officer, Green Carbon Inc.

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Closing Ceremony

Tan Sri Azman Hashim
President, MAJECA and Chairman of the 41^st MAJECA Joint Conference delivered the Closing Remarks.

Mr Kuniharu Nakamura
Vice-President, JAMECA delivered the Closing Remarks and announced the 42nd JAMECA-MAJECA Joint Conference in Japan in 2025.

Exchange of Gifts

• Mr Tsuyoshi Nagano (left), President of JAMECA exchanging gifts with
  Tan Sri Azman Hashim (right), President of MAJECA.

• Mr Kuniharu Nakamura (left), Vice-President of JAMECA exchanging gifts with
  Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal (right), Vice-President of MAJECA.

(from left-to-right) Mr Kazuo Nishitani, Secretary General, JAMECA, Mr Kuniharu Nakamura, Vice-President, Mr Tsuyoshi Nagano, President, JAMECA, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA and Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA.

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Dinner

Tan Sri Azman Hashim
President, MAJECA delivered the Welcome Remarks for the Dinner and hosted the entertainment.

Mr Tsuyoshi Nagano
President, JAMECA delivered the Thank You Speech at the end of the Dinner.

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Photo Gallery

VIP Holding Room with the Minister of Finance II (from left-to-right)
Mr Kuniharu Nakamura, Vice-President, JAMECA, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA, Mr Tsuyoshi Nagano, President, JAMECA, YB Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Minister of Finance II, H.E. Katsuhiko Takahashi, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia and Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA.

VIP Holding Room (from left-to-right)
MAJECA Executive Committee Members: Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, Mr Yeonhang Chuah & Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa, Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA, Mr Kuniharu Nakamura, Vice-President, JAMECA, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA, Datuk Hanafi Sakri, Deputy Secretary General (Industry), Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Malaysia, Mr Tsuyoshi Nagano, President, JAMECA, H.E. Katsuhiko Takahashi, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Lodin bin Wok Kamaruddin, Vice-President, Mr Goh Peng Ooi, Hon. Treasurer and Dato’ Md Taib Abdul Hamid, Vice-President.

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The takeaways from the 41st MAJECA – JAMECA Joint Conference include:
• highlighting exciting developments & insights into the green, blue, hydrogen and digital economies. These frontiers present interesting opportunities across its respective value chains. Opportunities for Malaysia and Japan to co-create and innovate in this space can move our bilateral business relations to a higher level,

• highlighting younger entrepreneurs & businesses in new industry areas & the development & progress of the startup ecosystem, and the roles these entrepreneurs play in driving innovation and co-creation, alongside their transformative solutions that can balance the Environmental, Social and Governance goals for the good of nature, citizens and businesses, and

• acknowledged the Malaysian alumni who have graduated from Japanese tertiary institutions, both in the private sector as well as in the Government sector. This is an outstanding outcome of the Look East Policy of our Malaysian Government. To date there are alumni graduates who have gone on to forge valuable business ties in and with Japan. MAJECA looks to them to continue to form more bridges for Malaysia – Japan social, cultural and business ties to flourish, widen & deepen going forward.

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The 41st edition of the MAJECA – JAMECA Joint Conference was made possible through the extensive efforts and cooperation from our co-host, Japan – Malaysia Economic Association (JAMECA), the role-players, participants and sponsors namely:

1. Silverlake Axis Sdn Bhd
2. FGV Holdings Bhd
3. the AmBank Group
4. Sabah Maju Jaya Secretariat, Chief Minister Department
5. Cyberview Sdn Bhd
6. Pan Sarawak Holdings Bhd
7. YTL Corporation Bhd
8. Dato’ Md Taib Abdul Hamid
9. IJM Corporation Bhd
10. Berjaya Corporation Bhd
11. Asuene APAC Co., Ltd.
12. Sterling Equity Sdn Bhd

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Silverlake Axis Sdn Bhd

Silverlake Axis creates technologies to enable the Digital Economy. What sets us apart is the foundation for our computing principles, which are grounded on mathematical models. Through the years, Silverlake Axis has evolved using mathematics to refine, expand and invent technologies, broadening into new industries and markets at the same time.

Founded in 1989, Silverlake Axis has built an impeccable track record of successful core banking implementations. After years of successes across the region, Silverlake Axis was listed on Singapore’s Stock Exchange (SGX) SESDAQ in 2003 and moved up to SGX Mainboard in 2011.

FGV Holdings Berhad

FGV Holdings Berhad (FGV) is a leading global agribusiness company based in Malaysia and is one of the largest producers of Crude Palm Oil (CPO) in the world. FGV’s operations span across 7 countries in Asia, Middle East, North America and Europe are focused on six main sectors namely Plantation, Oil and Fats, Sugar, Consumer Products, Logistics & Support and Integrated Farming.

As the Group’s core business, the Plantation Sector has an integrated palm value chain for upstream, processing and downstream activities. FGV also owns one of the largest vegetable oil tank & storage facilities in the world, and is a leading producer of refined sugar in Malaysia.

FGV embarked on aggressive integrated farming activities with business components of cash crops, paddy and rice, animal nutrition & protein, livestock and dairy farms. The Group is also a well-known FMCG player in the Malaysia with various consumer food product brands such as SAJI, ADELA GOLD, SERI PELANGI, GULA PRAI, LADANG’57 and BRIGHT COW.

AmBank Group

As one of Malaysia’s leading financial services groups, AmBank Group has 49 years of expertise supporting Malaysia’s economic development. With over 3 million customers, the Group offers comprehensive services on wholesale banking, business banking, retail banking, investment banking, Islamic banking, stock broking, futures broking, investment advisory, and asset management services. Additionally, the Group also covers unit trusts, real estate investment trusts, general insurance, life insurance, and family takaful.

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Newspaper Articles

The 41st MAJECA – JAMECA Joint Conference has been covered in the following:

1. Ringgit expected to strengthen further, driven by economic growth, govt initiatives, says Amir Hamzah, The Edge, https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/721295
   
2. Effective Malaysia-Japan collab key to driving sustainable economic growth, says Anwar, The Borneo Post, https://www.theborneopost.com/2024/08/01/effective-malaysia-japan-collab-key-to-driving-sustainable-economic-growth-says-anwar/
   
3. Ringgit dijangka terus kukuh, dipacu oleh pertumbuhan ekonomi, inisiatif kerajaan – Amir Hamzah, DagangNews.com, https://www.dagangnews.com/index.php/article/ringgit-dijangka-terus-kukuh-dipacu-oleh-pertumbuhan-ekonomi-inisiatif-kerajaan-amir-hamzah-39499
   
4. 日マ経済協議会、首都で合同会議を開催, NNA Asia, https://www.nna.jp/news/2688801

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MAJECA would like to record its utmost appreciation to all our partners who have made this event possible.