The 49^th ASEAN – Japan Business Meeting (AJBM) hosted by AJBM Singapore and the Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai) was held at Raffles City Convention Center, Singapore. A total of 150 members comprising business leaders and industry captains from across ASEAN and Japan registered. MAJECA (AJBM Malaysia) was represented by Mr Raja Hamzah Abidin, Executive Committee Member of MAJECA and Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary.

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.

AJBM Singapore and Keizai Doyukai, showcased a new format for the ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting. With the cooperation of Deloitte Tohmatsu Consulting Group and the AJBM National Committees in ASEAN countries, this 49^th meeting showcased real voices and latest trends to businesses in ASEAN & Japan. A series of workshops were held in the lead up to the AJBM with the assistance of Deloitte fraternity across ASEAN and Japan. The outcomes of these workshops on key business agendas were outlined and discussed at the 49th ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting (AJBM).

Building on the outcomes of the 48^th AJBM, wherein ASEAN-Japan partnership was further underscored, and human resources as a top priority issue was identified. The 49^th AJBM, themed “ASEAN–Japan Common Agenda in the Value Co-Creation Era” highlighted additional key business agendas built on the aforementioned workshops, which included sustainable mobility and digital experiences to drive sustainable growth.

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Opening Session

• Mr Cecil Leong, Chairman, 49^th AJBM (AJBM Singapore), PSA Singapore delivered the Welcome Remarks.
• Mr Yuji Hirako, Co-Chairman, 49^th AJBM (Keizai Doyukai), Vice Chairman, ANA Holdings Inc., delivered the Welcome Remarks.
• H.E. Koji Ishikawa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Singapore delivered the Guest Remarks.
• Mr Eugene Ho, CEO, Deloitte Southeast Asia delivered the Guest Remarks.
• The Keynote Speech was delivered by H.E. Tommy Koh, Ambassador-at-Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore

Mr Fumikazu Kitagawa, Partner, Deloitte, Japan delivered the introduction to the aforementioned new concept & format of the AJBM and proceeding AJBM Plenary Sessions.

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Plenary Session 1: Sustainable Mobility – Carbon Neutral Realities in ASEAN

Mr Takashi Kuwabara, Partner, Deloitte, Japan delivered the opening presentation on the above theme. Following that, the session then proceeded to a panel discussion comprising:

• Mr Koji Ikeya, Former Representative Executive Officer, Executive Vice President, Mistubishi Motors Corporation
• Mr Kasemsit Pathomsak, Vice Chairman, Board of Trade of Thailand (BoT)
• Ms Corieh Dichosa, Executive Director, Philippine Board of Investments
• H.E. Dr Yusra Khan, Ambassador, Environment Stakeholder Member National Energy Council, Indonesia & Ambassador of Indonesia to the Republic of Mexico
• Mr Brian Ho Chi Kuen, Partner, Deloitte, Singapore
• Mr Takashi Kuwabara, Partner, Deloitte, Japan
• Mr Rikuto Yamada, Manager, Deloitte, Singapore moderated the session

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Plenary Session 2: Digital Experience – Sustainable Growth through Creating New Digital Experiences

Mr Takuya Shiotani, Executive Director, Deloitte, Singapore and Mr Rasheed Deen Basheer Ahmad, Manager, Deloitte, Singapore delivered a presentation on the above theme. The session the proceeded to a panel discussion moderated by Mr Kenichiro Hashiguchi, Senior Manager, Deloitte, Singapore. The panel comprised:

• Mr Raja Hamzah Abidin, Co-Founder and Co-Managing Partner, RHL Ventures, Malaysia and Executive Committee Member of MAJECA
• Ms Gan-Low Mai Leong, Head, Economics & Investment, Iskandar Regional Development Authority, Malaysia
• Mr Kuniyoshi Mabuchi, Partner, Deloitte, Japan

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The AJBM then adjourned for a lunch session where H.E. Masahiko Kiya (1st pic below), Ambassador of the Mission of Japan to ASEAN and Mr Eddie Ng (2nd pic below), Head, Digital & Data Strategy, PSA BDP, Singapore gave guest speeches respectively titled “ASEAN and Japan – Beyond the 50^th Year of Friendship and Cooperation” and “Data & Digital Solutions for Supply Chain Resilience.

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Plenary Session 3: Human Resources Value Chain – Human Resource Platform to Unleash Value Co-Creation in the Region

Mr Kazufumi Watanabe, Group Chief Transformation Officer, Executive Vice President and Executive Officer, Sompo Holdings Inc. delivered a presentation & moderated the panel discussion. The panel comprised:

• Mr Jiraphant Asvatanakul, Vice Chairman, Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC)
• Mr Ferdinand A. Ferrer, Chairman and CEO, EMS Group, Co-Chairman, Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee, Inc. (PHILJEC)
• Mr Avishek Nandy, Partner, Bain & Company Inc., Singapore
• Mr Hiroyuki Tsutsumi, SEVP, Corporate Executive Officer, Fujitsu Limited
• Ms Asuka Hamakawa, CEO, Earth Company & Mana Earthly Paradise, Japan

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The Wrap-up session saw Mr Fuchu Takaaki (1st pic below), AJBM Singapore Representative Partner, Deloitte on behalf Mr Tetsuya Watanabe, President, Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) and Mr Kalin Sarasin (2nd pic below), Honorary Chairman, Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand who delivered their inputs to wrap-up the deliberations of the day and announced that AJBM Thailand had accepted to host the 50^th Golden Jubilee ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting in Thailand in 2024.

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The AJBM then proceeded to its Closing Session.

Mr Naoaki Mashita, Vice Chairman, Keizai Doyukai and Chairman & Group CEO (Founder), V-Cube Inc. delivered his Closing Remarks.

Mr Cecil Leong, Chairman, 49^th AJBM (AJBM Singapore), PSA Singapore delivered his Closing Remarks.

Further information on the 49th ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting, including the videos of the presentations and related documents can be viewed on the Keizai Doyukai website on the following: https://www.doyukai.or.jp/en/policyproposals/2023/231103event&info.html

The Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) led by JCCI Chairman Mr. Ken Kobayashi brought a delegation of 50 Japanese businessmen to Malaysia on 25 October 2023. The purpose of the Mission is to facilitate bilateral economic relationships and promote the cooperation of small- and medium-size enterprises between Japan and Malaysia.

In conjunction with the JCCI Mission, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) co-hosted a Malaysia-Japan Economic Dialogue with JCCI and Nikkei on 25 October 2023 at InterContinental Kuala Lumpur. MAJECA and its members were invited to attend this Dialogue. YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry graced the Dialogue and delivered a Keynote Address.

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The Dialogue began with remarks from the leadership of FMM and JCCI.

Mr Ken Kobayashi, Chairman, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI)

Tan Sri Dato’ Soh Thian Lai, President, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM)

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Session 1: Malaysia’s Advantage and Attractiveness of Investment

(from left-to-right) Mr Toru Takahashi, Nikkei moderated the discussion. The panel speakers comprised: Mr Kuniharu Nakamura, Chairman, Sumitomo Corporation & Vice President, JAMECA, Mr Shinichiro Shimizu, Executive Vice President, Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. and Mr Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Senior Executive Director, Investment Policy Advocacy, MIDA.

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Following the discussion, a guest presentation by Dr Yukihiro Maru, Founder & Group CEO, Leave A Nest was delivered before the Keynote Speech from YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (pic below).

The Dialogue then adjourned for a networking coffee break before resuming with the next Plenary Session.

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Session 2: Accelerating Holistic Growth for a Competitive Industry

(from left-to-right) Mr Akito Tanaka, Nikkei moderated the discussion. The panel speakers comprised:   Mr Seiji Kuraishi, Chairman and Director, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Mr Danny Ng, CEO, MTS Fibromat (M) Sdn Bhd and Mr Hiroya Kawasaki, Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster (KBIC). 

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The Dialogue concluded with a guest presentation by Sankyu Inc. (pic below).

Deloitte SEA Working Group for Digital Experience, with the support of Deloitte Malaysia, Keizai Doyukai and MAJECA organised a Digital Experience Showcase Workshop in Malaysia on 5 October 2023. This Showcase Workshop was organised as a part of the preparatory engagements in the lead up to the 49^th ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting.

This Showcase Workshop was organised to share the findings and ideas of Deloitte SEA Working Group on the themes of: (i) customer growth / sustainability transformation (ii) regional revitalisation and (iii) the role of digitalisation & big data to deepen the understanding of the issues, challenges faced by stakeholders and industry players, and offer sustainable solutions while exploring collaboration opportunities.

Participants comprised government ministries & agencies and the private sector. The discussion moderated by Deloitte addressed and highlighted the observations, insights, challenges and pain points faced by the participants in their respective industries.

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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.

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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 12^th 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.

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The 12th Asian Business Summit Joint Statement from Keidanren (https://www.keidanren.or.jp/en/policy/2023/050.html) is as quoted below:

“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.“

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(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, 26^th 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

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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.

The meeting then adjourned for refreshments and networking.

Photo Gallery:

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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 40^th 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

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Plenary Session 1
Current Trade and Investment Trends between Malaysia and Japan

(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

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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.

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The Joint Conference then adjourned to a Dinner hosted by JAMECA.

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Photo Gallery:

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The 40^th 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.

The MAJECA 2022 – 2023 Annual Report can also be accessed by clicking here.

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 40^th Year Anniversary of JACTIM. The meeting also discussed the upcoming 40^th 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.