With courtesy of The EDGE:

By Mr Kuek Ser Kwang Zhe, “Walking Down Memory Lane”, 25 July 2022, 40th Anniversary of the Look East Policy Magazine, The EDGE, pages 16 – 18

MAJECA Forthcoming Events

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a. 27 August 2025 — MAJECA-Kolaxus-MASSA iDeas Xchange #4 at Finexus Towers, Cyberjaya

For more information, please contact the MAJECA Secretariat at majeca@masscorp.net.my / majecakl@gmail.com

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27 August 2025: MAJECA-Kolaxus-MASSA iDeas Xchange #4 at Finexus Towers, Cyberjaya

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The Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA), in collaboration with KolaXus and the Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA)  with the support of Finexus Group and Cyberview Sdn Bhd, will be organizing the 4th Edition of its Start-up Meet-up & Sharing Session Series – iDeas Xchange on the following:

> Date / Day: Wednesday, 27 August 2025

> Time: 10.30 AM – 1.00 PM
*Registration will begin at: 10.00 AM

> Venue: Finexus Towers , Block 19, Lingkaran Cyber Point Timur, Cyber 12, 63000 Cyberjaya
*(Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bnYDrZH9qRAMXy9Y9)

> REGISTRATION: https://forms.gle/UpWMLRMQo725Z4Po9

 

The iDeas Xchange is a platform designed to connect members of our Associations, forward-thinking investors, corporate leaders, and industry stakeholders with high-potential startup founders and entrepreneurs. This initiative aims to foster dialogue and interaction, provide participants access to emerging ventures, and share opportunities within the startup ecosystem, by connecting innovators and corporates of the business communities.

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• 48th ASEAN – Japan Business Meeting at Shinagawa Prince Hotel, Tokyo, Japan on 7 – 9 December 2022

• Meeting & Dinner with MATRADE Japan and JAMECA on 6 December 2022 hosted by ECERDC

• Courtesy Call from the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) on MAJECA on 1 December 2022 at MAJECA Office

• ASEAN – BAC Consultation Meeting with Japan on 3 November 2022

• MyAIRA – Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Seminar: “Enhance Your Value Chain with AI & Robotics: Solutions for the Manufacturing Industry” on 9 November 2022

• iNNOVATE Tech Show 2022 held at MATRADE Exhibition and Convention Centre (MECC), KL on 19 – 21 October 2022

• 48th ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting (AJBM) Preparatory Meeting 30 September 2022

• Press Conference for the iNNOVATE Tech Show 2022 held on 22 September 2022 at MRANTI Park

• MITI Look East Policy Commemorative Programme Business Seminar on 11 August at Hilton Kuala Lumpur

• 39th MAJECA – JAMECA Joint Conference on 1 August 2022 at Hilton Kuala Lumpur

• Extract from The EDGE: 40th Anniversary of the Look East Policy Magazine – “Walking Down Memory Lane”

• 45th Annual General Meeting of MAJECA held on 1 June 2022

• Meeting with Perak State Government on 28 April 2022

• ASEAN-BAC Virtual Dialogue with Foreign Business Associations & Business Councils in Malaysia 2022 on 30 March 2022

• ECERDC – MAJECA Joint Webinar: “Investment Opportunities in the East Coast Region of Malaysia: Welcoming the Era of Next Generation Vehicles” held on 24 March 2022

• Meeting & Luncheon with Former Prime Minister of Japan, H.E. Shinzo Abe on 11 March 2022 at Intercontinental Hotel Kuala Lumpur

• 47th ASEAN – Japan Business Meeting held on 10 March 2022

• His Majesty, Emperor of Japan Awards the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star to YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MAJECA

• Roundtable Meeting on 40th Anniversary of Look East Policy hosted by MAJECA on 24 January 2022

In conjunction with the 40th Anniversary of the Look East Policy, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry organised a Business Seminar on 11 August 2022 (Thursday) at Hilton Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

MAJECA was represented by its President, YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim. Alongside him were senior members of the Executive Committee and various members of MAJECA. The senior members of the Executive Committee present at this Business Seminar included: YBhg Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, YBhg Dato’ Taib Abdul Hamid, Vice-President, YBhg Tan Sri Dr Michael Yeoh, Hon. Secretary and Mr Gary Tang, EXCO Member. The Opening Ceremony of the Business Seminar was graced by YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Senior Minister of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia and Mr Iwata Kazuchika, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan. H.E. Katsuhiko Takahashi, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia was also present, alongside the Chief Executives of MATRADE and MIDA.

The summary programme of the Business Seminar was as follows:

• 8.00 am: Arrival of the invitees and registration
• 9.00 am: Panel Discussion 1: Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Agenda in Post-Pandemic Growth
• 10.00 am: Opening Ceremony
• 10.45 am: Break
• 11.00 am: Panel Discussion 2: Government Policies and Strategies in Promoting Trade and Investment in Malaysia
• 12.15 pm: Panel Discussion 3: The Economic Impact of Geopolitical Tensions and Government’s Responses towards Economic Recovery
• 1.00 pm: Networking Luncheon hosted by MITI

The first Panel Discussion titled “Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Agenda in Post-Pandemic Economic Growth” was moderated by Dr Hezri Adnan (pic below, left), Executive Director of the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER). The panel speakers comprised YBhg Dato’ Sri Norazman Ayob (pic below, centre), Deputy Secretary General (Industry), Ministry of International Trade and Industry and Mr Faroze Nadar, Adj. Professor (pic below, right), Executive Director, UN Global Compact Network.

Mr Iwata Kazuchika (pic below), Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan delivered his Special Remarks.

The Welcoming Remarks was delivered by YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali (pic below), Senior Minister of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia.

The Senior Minister referenced MAJECA in his Remarks, noting that the Look East Policy was announced by the then Prime Minster of Malaysia YAB Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad at the 5^th MAJECA – JAMECA Joint Conference in Kuala Lumpur, 1982.

On behalf of YAB Dato’ Seri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob, Prime Minister of Malaysia, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali read the Keynote Address of the Prime Minister of Malaysia. Further details on this speech can be read via these news articles: i) Bernama – Malaysia, Japan should venture into new areas of cooperation through Look East Policy, https://www.bernama.com/en/news.php?id=2109795&fbclid=IwAR0ONFswa-Gdkgpg6nR8c0tONW5TjNUKSWzKPU49RKy_gSGqKk09hiulqZA; ii) The Star – M’sia to strengthen ties with Japan, https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/08/12/msia-to-strengthen-ties-with-japan.

The Opening Ceremony concluded with a video presentation on the 40th Anniversary of the Look East Policy.

After the break, the Business Seminar then resumed with the Panel Discussion 2 titled “Government Policies and Strategies in Promoting Trade and Investment in Malaysia”. The discussion was moderated by Mr Muhammed Azmi Zulkifli (pic below, right), Chief Executive Officer, InvestKL. The panelists were YBhg Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman (pic below, 2^nd from left), Chief Executive Officer, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), YBhg Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz (pic below, 2^nd from right), Chief Executive Officer, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and Mr Daiji Kojima (pic below, right), President, Japanese Chamber of Trade and Industry Malaysia (JACTIM).

The third panel discussion, on “The Economic Impact of Geopolitical Tensions and Government’s Responses towards Economic Recovery”,was moderated by YBhg Dato’ Charon Wardini Mokhzani (pic below, left), Group Managing Director, Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF). The speakers were Mr Herizal Hazri (pic below, center), Chief Executive, Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) and H.E. Katsuhiko Takahashi (pic below, right), Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia.

The Business Seminar then adjourned with a Networking Luncheon hosted by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Malaysia.

The following is photo gallery taken by MAJECA Secretariat:

YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim (left), President, MAJECA with YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali (right), Senior Minister of International Trade and Industry.

(From left to right) Mr Auni Alias, Head, Investor Promotion & Relations, Cyberview Sdn Bhd, YBhg Datuk Mohd Najib Dato’ Ibrahim, Managing Director, Cyberview Sdn Bhd, YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA, Mr Michael Chai, Secretary General, National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia and Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MAJECA.

(From left to right) Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MAJECA, YBhg Dato’ Taib Abdul Hamid, Vice-President, MAJECA, Ms Erin Tang, Principal Assistant Director, Bilateral Economic and Trade Relations, YBhg Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA and YBhg Tan Sri Dr Michael Yeoh, Hon. Secretary, MAJECA.

The 39^th edition of the MAJECA – JAMECA Joint Conference was held on 1^st August 2022 at Hilton Kuala Lumpur.

This edition of the Joint Conference, hosted by MAJECA was themed ‘Post-Pandemic Challenges and Emerging Opportunities for Malaysia and Japan’.

This conference welcomed 150 participants from Malaysia and Japan representing members of JAMECA and MAJECA, including the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) Malaysia and its agencies, alongside business associations, thinktanks and the business communities from both countries.

The Joint Conference was graced by the presence of YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Senior Minister of International Trade and Industry and YB Senator Datuk Lim Ban Hong, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry who were joined by senior officials from MITI, MIDA and MATRADE. H.E. Katsuhiko Takahashi, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia was also present.

MAJECA was led by its President, YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim. The delegation from JAMECA, was led by its President, Mr Tsuyoshi Nagano, Chairman of Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc. The JAMECA delegation comprised the Chief Executives, Managing Directors, Corporate Leaders of leading Japanese corporations and the Chairman of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) in Japan, supported by their respective offices in the ASEAN region.

Over four decades, since 1977, MAJECA and its Japanese counterpart, Japan-Malaysia Economic Association (JAMECA), have played a dynamic role to help Malaysia achieve its economic industrialisation goals. To date, more than 1,500 Japanese companies in many industrial sectors have located their businesses in Malaysia. With the challenges of the pandemic, the disruptions caused by the onset of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the challenge of climate change, and now exacerbated by inflationary pressures and the geopolitical situation in Ukraine, MAJECA takes cognizance of the imperative for greater business collaboration in order to be able to compete effectively in the global marketplace.  

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Table of Contents

1. VIP Meet-and-Greet Session
2. Programme of the 39th MAJECA – JAMECA Joint Conference
3. Opening Ceremony
4. MOU Signing Ceremony
5. Plenary Session 1
6. Plenary Session 2
7. Closing
8. 39th MAJECA – JAMECA Joint Conference Photo Gallery
9. Dinner
10. Dinner Photo Gallery
11. Newspaper Articles
12. Joint Conference Presentations

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VIP Meet-and-Greet Session

A VIP meet-and-greet session was held between the senior leaders of MAJECA and JAMECA before the Joint Conference.

From left to right:
YBhg Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA, YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA, Mr Tsuyoshi Nagano, President, JAMECA and Mr Kuniharu Nakamura, Vice-President, JAMECA.

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Programme of the 39th MAJECA – JAMECA Joint Conference

The Joint Conference programme can be found here:

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Opening Ceremony

The Joint Conference began with welcome remarks from YBhg Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Secretary-General of the Joint Conference & Vice-President, MAJECA.

YBhg Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Secretary-General of the Joint Conference & Vice-President, MAJECA delivered the welcome remarks.

Following that, the leadership of MAJECA, JAMECA and the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) delivered their Keynote Address to participants of the Joint Conference.

YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim,
Chairman of the 39th MAJECA – JAMEA Joint Conference & President of Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA) delivered his keynote address.

Mr. Tsuyoshi Nagano,
Co-Chairman of the 39th MAJECA – JAMECA Joint Conference & President of Japan-Malaysia Economic Association (JAMECA) delivered his keynote address.

Mr Nobuhiko Sasaki,
Chairman, Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) delivered his keynote address.

Following on, the congratulatory messages by the Prime Minister of Malaysia and Prime Minister of Japan were read.

YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali,
Senior Minister of International Trade and Industry, delivered his greetings to participants of the Joint Conference and read the congratulatory message by YAB Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Prime Minister of Malaysia.

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.

A group photo of the Opening Ceremony VIPs (from left to right):
Mr Kazuto Sasaki, Secretary General, JAMECA, H.E. Katsuhiko Takahashi, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, Mr Kuniharu Nakamura, Vice President, JAMECA, Mr Tsuyoshi Nagano, President, JAMECA, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Senior Minister of International Trade and Industry, YB Senator Datuk Lim Ban Hong, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry, YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA, YBhg Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA and Mr Nobuhiko Sasaki, Chairman, Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO).

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MOU Signing Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony also featured the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding between OFO Tech Sdn. Bhd, Sumitomo Corporation Asia & Oceania Pte Ltd, and Softbank Corporation. The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Senior Minister of International Trade and Industry, and his Deputy, together with H.E. Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, the Chief Executives of MATRADE and MIDA, and the leaders from JETRO, MAJECA and JAMECA.

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Plenary Session 1

The first Plenary Session of the Joint Conference focused on “Post-Pandemic Challenges and Emerging Opportunities”. The Plenary Session was moderated by Mr Takashi Kawabata, Senior Vice-President, Forensic Investigations and Intelligence Practice, Kroll Associates (S) Pte Ltd.

The moderator and panelists spoke on the economic outlook, lessons, including the investment outlook and opportunities arising from the COVID-19 recovery phase.

The presentation materials will be made available on the MAJECA website (www.majeca.org) after the Report is uploaded. Please stay tuned to the MAJECA website for the report.

The panelists were as follows:

Following the presentations, the Joint Conference proceeded into a panel discussion-cum-Q & A session led once more by Mr Takashi Kawabata. Plenary Session 1 concluded with a wrap-up by the moderator.

From left to right:
Mr Takashi Kawabata, Dr Anthony Dass, Mr Daiji Kojima and YBhg Dato’ Hasan Azhari bin Hj. Idris.

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Plenary Session 2

Following a 10-minute break in the Foyer, the Joint Conference resumed with the second Plenary Session, titled “Post-Pandemic Challenges and Emerging Opportunities in the area of Digitalisation”. This Plenary Session was moderated by YBhg Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Secretary-General of the Joint Conference & Vice-President, MAJECA.

Plenary Session 2 presented the case for digital adoption and digital transformation in businesses and how the speaker organisations have developed their solutions to achieve this in the areas of fintech, e-commerce and intelligent & industrial applications in multiple sectors.

The panelists were as follows:

Following the presentations, YBhg Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal moderated a panel discussion-cum-Q & A session. Plenary Session 2 concluded with a wrap-up by the moderator.

From left to right:
Mr Amsyar Faiz, Mr Otohiko Kozutsumi, YBhg Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal and Mr Tan Soo Eng.

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Closing

The Joint Conference adjourned with closing remarks by the President of MAJECA and Vice President of JAMECA.

YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim,
Chairman of the 39th MAJECA – JAMEA Joint Conference & President of MAJECA delivered his closing remarks.

Mr Kuniharu Nakamura,
Vice President, JAMECA delivered his closing remarks and announced the 40th Joint Conference which will be hosted by JAMECA in Japan.

From left to right:
Mr Kazuto Sasaki, Secretary General, JAMECA, Mr Kuniharu Nakamura, Vice President, JAMECA, Mr Tsuyoshi Nagano, President, JAMECA, YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA, YBhg Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA and YBhg Tan Sri Dr Michael Yeoh, Hon. Secretary, MAJECA.

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39th MAJECA – JAMECA Joint Conference Photo Gallery

From left to right:
YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA, YBhg Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Senior Minister of International Trade and Industry, H.E. Katsuhiko Takahashi, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia

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Dinner

MAJECA hosted a Dinner reception for the invited guests and participants of the Joint Conference. This Dinner was entertained by YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim and University Malaya Symphony Orchestra.

YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim,
President, MAJECA delivered his Welcome Speech at the Dinner.

Mr Tsuyoshi Nagano,
President, JAMECA delivered a Reciprocal Speech at the Dinner.

An exchange of souvenirs between YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim (left), President, MAJECA and Mr Tsuyoshi Nagano (right), President, JAMECA.

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Dinner Photo Gallery

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The 39th 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 and sponsors namely: AmBank Group, Silverlake Axis Sdn Bhd, UMW Holdings Berhad, OFO Tech Sdn Bhd, Pan Sarawak Holdings Sdn Bhd, Invest Selangor, Invest Perak, THAMASS Sdn Bhd, Puncak Niaga Holdings Berhad, RK South Asia Sdn Bhd and Farlim Group (Malaysia) Berhad.

AmBank Group

AmBank Group is a leading financial services group with over 40 years of expertise in supporting the economic development of Malaysia.

Silverlake Axis

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.

UMW Holdings Berhad

The UMW Group, started operations in 1917, is a regional group that develops industries, manages partnerships and facilitates growth. It is involved in four core business segments – Automotive, Equipment, Manufacturing & Engineering and Aerospace. Strategic alliances with leading global organisations have helped position the UMW Group as a leader in its core businesses. The Group operates in 8 countries, namely, Malaysia, Singapore, China, Vietnam, Myanmar, Brunei, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, and has over 18,000 employees, including at Perodua.

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Newspaper Articles

The 39th MAJECA – JAMECA Joint Conference has been covered in the following:

1. MAJECA, JAMECA perlu fokus kepada sektor baharu yang inovatif, bernilai tambah – Azmin, Berita RTM, https://berita.rtm.gov.my/index.php/ekonomi/44442-majeca-jameca-perlu-fokus-kepada-sektor-baharu-yang-inovatif-bernilai-tambah-azmin
   
2. Malaysia’s involvement in IPEF will help resolve WRO issues — Azmin, Bernama, https://www.bernama.com/en//news.php?id=2106160
   
3. Malaysia’s involvement in IPEF will help resolve Withhold Release Orders issues, says Azmin, The Edge, https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/malaysias-involvement-ipef-will-help-resolve-withhold-release-orders-issues-says-azmin
   
4. コロナ後の２国間関係を協議　日マ経済協議会、３年ぶり対面会議 (Discussing the bilateral relations post-Corona, the Japan – Malaysia Economic Association meets face-to-face after three years), NNA Asia, https://www.nna.jp/news/show/2371592

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Joint Conference Presentations

The slides that have been made available for distribution by the speakers of the Joint Conference can be accessed here.

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

A coordination meeting was held on 28 April 2022, chaired by YB Dato’ Shahrul Zaman Datuk Yahya, Perak State Executive Committee Chairman for Industry, Investment and Corridor Development to discuss and coordinate a proposed programme for the visit of a business delegation from Japan to the State of Perak in conjunction with the 40^th Anniversary of the Look East Policy.

Members of the meeting comprise State Economic Planning Unit, Ipoh City Council, MITI Perak, MIDA Perak, Tourism Perak, InvestPerak. MAJECA was represented by Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA.

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Group photo of the participants of this meeting:

ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Malaysia in reference to the ASEAN-BAC Malaysia’s Virtual Consultation Dialogues that was held on 22 February 2021, a report which contains a compilation of recommendations from Trade Associations, Chambers of Commerce, Professional Bodies, and Foreign Business Associations and Business Councils in Malaysia called Pathway for Malaysia 2021, has been submitted to the Malaysian Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI).

ASEAN BAC Malaysia had organised a Virtual Dialogue to discuss the opportunities, outlook and challenges for Malaysia and ASEAN in 2022, and to compile policy suggestions for the consideration of the Malaysian government in helping Malaysian businesses as the world enters into the third year of the pandemic recovery phase.

The 2^nd Session of the Virtual Dialogue had invited representatives from Foreign Business Associations and Business Councils in Malaysia. MAJECA was represented at this Virtual Dialogue by Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President on behalf of the President of MAJECA, Tan Sri Azman Hashim.

The programme of this dialogue is as follows:

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The following are the representatives from Foreign Business Associations and Business Councils who attended this Virtual Dialogue who spoke alongside Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal:

First row (from left to right): Mr Dinesh Nambiar, Chairman, Malaysia Australia Business Council (MABC), Mr Ahmed Alemi, Director, Arab Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AMCC), Datuk Seri Dr Nik Norzrul Thani, Chairman, Malaysia Singapore Business Council (MSBC), Mr Sven Schneider, Chief Executive Officer, EUROCHAM Malaysia and Mr Mariusz Jan Janas, Director, BeLuxCham Malaysia.

Second row (from left tor right): Mr Marco Winter, Executive Director, Malaysian Dutch Business Council (MDBC), Ms May Yin Ho, General Manager, Malaysian Spanish Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Dr Jenny Jahanshahi Westin, Director, Malaysian Swedish Business Association (MASBA), Ms Siobahn Das Bachran, Chief Executive Officer, American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) and Datuk K. Surendran Kuttykrishnan, Honorary Secretary, Malaysia India Business Council (MIBC).

A group photo of some of the participants at this virtual dialogue session.

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The official media release of this Virtual Dialogue by ASEAN-BAC Malaysia can be read by clicking here.

The ECERDC – MAJECA Joint Webinar: “Investment Opportunities in the East Coast Region of Malaysia: Welcoming the Era of Next Generation Vehicles” was held on Thursday, 24 March 2022. It was jointly organised by the Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA) and the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) of Malaysia with the support of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and MAJECA’s counterpart, the Japan – Malaysia Economic Association (JAMECA).

This webinar aimed to share knowledge, information and experiences of players in the Next Generation Vehicles (NxGV) industry and to highlight the investment potential of the Automotive Manufacturing sector especially in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) of Malaysia. The webinar also introduced the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) of Malaysia who has the mandate to spearhead the execution and implementation of the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) Master Plan and their directions, policies, and strategies for the socio-economic development of ECER by promoting and facilitating investments into the Region.

This webinar garnered over 220 participants from Malaysia, Japan and other ASEAN countries, comprising mostly business owners and experts in the automotive industries.

The programme of the webinar was as follows:

Time	Detail
14.30 – 14.35	Webinar begins.
14.35 – 14.40	Opening Remarks by YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA
14.40 – 14.45	Opening Remarks by YBhg Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat, Chief Executive Officer, ECERDC
14.45 – 14.55	“Malaysia’s EV Investment Opportunities” by En Afzanil, Director, MIDA Osaka
14.55 – 15.10	“Investment Opportunities in ECER; Welcoming the Next Generation of Vehicles” by YBhg Dato’ Ragu Sampasivam, Chief Operating Officer, ECERDC
15.10 – 15.20	Experience Sharing by Mr Hoffen Teh, Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning & Coordination, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia
15.20 – 15.30	Experience Sharing by Mr Ismail Pandak, Chief Executive Officer, HICOM Automotive Manufacturers Malaysia
15.30 – 15.40	Q & A Session
15.40	Webinar adjourns.

The webinar began with opening remarks from the respective leadership of MAJECA and ECERDC.

YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim,
the President of MAJECA giving his opening remarks.

YBhg Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat,
the CEO of ECERDC, giving his opening remarks.

YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim in his opening remarks quoted the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) Malaysia’s definition of Next Generation Vehicle (NxGV) that includes; a vehicle that meets the energy efficient vehicle (EEV) criteria that is enhanced with Intelligent Mobility applications with a minimum of Level 3 automation. He highlighted that the automotive industry plays a significant role in transforming Malaysia into an industrialised nation, through the creation of high value economic activities, improving standards of living as well as creating higher paying jobs. This sector has the potential to positively impact the development of upstream industries e.g. steel, rubber and chemicals as well as downstream industries e.g. road construction, automotive parts, including IT, computing and maintenance services.

YBhg Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat in his opening remarks briefed on the history of Malaysia’s journey towards energy efficient vehicle (EEV) which started in 2014 with the National Automotive Policy 2014. The NAP 2014 outlined the strategy and action plans to strengthen the entire value chain of the automotive industry in Malaysia. Leveraging on the foundation of NAP 2014, Malaysia launched the National Automotive Policy 2020 to propel the country to become the regional leader in automotive manufacturing. He highlighted that Malaysia is committed to reduce CO2 emissions, and the NAP 2020 emphasizes the move of developing Next Generation Vehicle (NxGV) and the adoption of EEVs as a step forward to combat climate change challenges as well as keeping up with the global trends.

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The webinar then proceeded with presentation and experience sharing by the panelists consisting of experts in the automotive industry, followed by discussion and Q & A session with Ms Ng Su Fun as the moderator of the session. The panelist of speakers was as follows:

From left-to-right (first row): Mr Hoffen Teh, Ms Ng Su Fun and Mr Ismail Pandak
From left-to-right (second row): YBhg Dato’ Ragu Sampasivam, YBhg Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat and En Afzanil Md. Anuar.

The key highlights:

The National Automotive Policy (NAP) 2020 is the national policy framework to push Malaysia’s automotive industry into the new era of digital transformation. One of the priorities of NAP 2020 is the development of Next Generation Vehicle (NxGV). To accelerate this industry in Malaysia, the NAP 2020 provides several measures that include the issuance of EEV Manufacturing License, talent development in EEV field through human capital development programs including the National Occupational Skill Standard, establishing EV Interoperability Centre to align the standard conformation, protocols and testing procedures for EVs’ components and systems as well as incentives for eligible EEVs/NxGVs manufacturers.

The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) is a one-stop facilitation center to enable the smooth implementation of investments and facilitation of investors in the East Coast Economic Region, which comprise the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang, and the district of Mersing in northeast Johor. This region is strategically positioned at the centre of ASEAN thus easily accessible to the Asia Pacific market and the Western market and has rich natural resources, skilled human capital and comprehensive logistic network, hence making the Region an attractive gateway for investments. The ECER is now focusing on developing the Next-Gen Vehicles Ecosystem and the industrial parks in ECER which are well-equipped with infrastructure to facilitate investors in the NxGVs automotive industry.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has successfully rolled out its new vehicle production project called the XPANDER. It is the first project to fully utilise the facilities available in one of the regions of ECER, which is Pekan, Pahang. One of the important aspects of vehicle assembly is the vendor operation support. Their contract assembler, namely HICOM Automotive (HA), has been able to provide vast storage space and sufficient car pool area to accommodate the high-volume production. HA has operation plants at DRB-HICOM Automotive Complex that can produce 5,000 – 12,000 units of vehicles per year. HA has the facilities for logistics, body-building (both manual and automated) and painting shop equipped with advanced technology. HA also has the facilities for body and structure accuracy measurement, assembly shop and testing facilities such test tracks, waterproof testing area and many more. The presence of DRB-HICOM University and its training camp in ECER provides a continuous supply of human resources with skills for the automotive industry.

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MAJECA thanks our co-organisers, supporting organisers and all participants for making this webinar a success.

The 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA) was convened on Wednesday, 1 June 2022 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 2022-2023. 

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 Dato’ Yeoh Seok Kian
• YBhg Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa
• Mr Ravindran Kurusamy
• Mr Steven Tee Shin Yau
• 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.

A group photo of the participants of the AGM.

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The MAJECA 2021 – 2022 Annual Report can also be accessed by clicking here.

The 47^th Edition of the ASEAN – Japan Business Meeting was held on 10 March 2022, Thursday. This conference welcomed 260 participants from ASEAN countries and Japan comprising of representatives from government agencies, alongside business chambers, universities and research institutions.

This edition of the forum, hosted by the Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee (PHILJEC) touched on the theme – “Beyond COVID-19: Envisioning the Future with Digitalisation in ASEAN and Japan” bringing together key leaders and corporate luminaries across ASEAN and Japan to discuss the future outlook of the business world beyond COVID-19.

The programme of the forum was as follows:

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The forum began with welcome remarks by the respective leaders of AJBM and Keizai Doyukai, followed by special guest remarks delivered by the Ambassador of Japan to Philippines, H.E. Mr Kazuhiko Koshikawa, and Keynote Speech by H.E. Mr Ramon M Lopez, the Secretary of Department of Trade and Industry in Philippines.

Mr Gerard B Sanvictores, the Chairman of AJBM Philippines welcomed all delegates and commented that this was the second time that the AJBM had to be held virtually in consideration of the pandemic. He remarked on the hope that the decreasing number of infections going forward in our respective countries will enable travel and tourism to resume and for our respective countries to recover economically. He further explained the agenda of the forum and encouraged everyone to actively join in the discussions during this event as the AJBM forum is a great opportunity for building networks across ASEAN-Japan.

Mr Kengo Sakurada, the Chairman of Keizai Doyukai discussed recent environmental and socio-political climate that is affecting the whole world. He highlighted that attention be given to the emerging countries where their economic growth rate is still low, and majority of their people still do not have affordable access to electricity and basic infrastructure. He cited his firm belief that innovation will be the key driving force to solve many of the global challenges and it is essential for companies and corporate executives to respond to the changes and continue to evolve dynamically. He expressed his hopes that innovations from ASEAN and Japan can contribute to solve the socio-challenges in the Region and worldwide.

In his remarks, H.E. Mr Kazuhiko Koshikawa expressed that although there are vulnerabilities on the international supply chain of critical and emerging technologies such as semiconductors and risks on regional interdependence, building a strong supply chain and realizing a free and fair trade and investment environment are essential for post-pandemic economic growth. His Excellency also cited that amidst these global disasters and challenges, Japan reaffirms its deep relationship with the ASEAN member-countries. The Government of Japan is continuing its efforts on the “Asia-Japan Investing for the Future Initiative” which supports the utilization of private sector knowledge and expertise on digital and the “Asia Energy Transition Initiative” which supports the achievement of carbon neutrality in ASEAN.

In his Keynote Speech, H.E. Mr Ramon M Lopez commented on the history of the ASEAN-Japan relations which has grown stronger with the increased cross border trades and investments since its establishment in 1977. This long-standing relationship has resulted in concrete outcomes including a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP). He highlighted that the ASEAN-Japan relation has been further strengthened with the entry into force of the First Protocol to amend the AJCEP. He expressed his hopes that the enhancement of AJCEP will restore business confidence to sustain trades and investments between ASEAN and Japan, particularly as we rebuild our economies in the post pandemic era. He also highlighted on the economic ministers of ASEAN and Japan’s collective response to mitigate the negative impact of the pandemic through the ASEAN-Japan Economic Resilience Action Plan, intended to help stakeholders survive, to become more resilient and continue to operate under the new normal. He highlighted that the signing of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a welcome development as it will provide the much needed and timely boost for the economic development in the post pandemic recovery efforts. RCEP is a strong demonstration of the Region’s commitment in ensuring a stable and predictable regional economic architecture amidst uncertainties and the growing trends worldwide.

From left to right (clockwise): Mr Joseph Jr. Uy of PHILJEC (Philippines) as the emcee of the event, Mr Gerard B Sanvictores, Chairman of AJBM Philippines, H.E. Mr Kazuhiko Koshikawa, Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines, Mr Nobuhide Hayashi, Chairman of AJBM Japan, and H.E. Mr Ramon M Lopez, Secretary of Department of Trade and Industry, Philippines.

After the opening ceremony, the first plenary session with the theme “Living with Corona” featured panelists from Indonesia, Philippines and Japan, was moderated by Mr Shazali Sulaiman, Founder of Shazali & Partners (Brunei).This sessiondiscussed on the topic of building a socioeconomic system suitable for living in COVID-19 pandemic times and the state of recovery from pandemic and progress toward new normal society.

From left to right (clockwise): Mr Shazali Sulaiman, Founder of Shazali & Partners (Brunei), H.E. Dr Mahendra Siregar, the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs (Indonesia), Mr Takuya Shimamura, Chairman of AGC Inc (Japan), and Mr Jose Ma A Concepcion III, the Founder of Go Negosyo (Philippines).

The forum continued with the second plenary session with the theme “Climate Change” featuring panelists from Singapore, Philippines and Japan, and was moderated by Mr Patrick Tang, Mobile & Connectivity Partnerships of META Platforms. This session discussed how businesses respond to climate change as well as the opportunities in renewable energy and green business.

From left to right (clockwise): Mr Patrick Tang (Singapore), Mr Luke Tay, an Independent Futurist, Strategist & Food Systems Advocate (Singapore), Mr Francis Giles B Puno, the President of First Gen (Philippines), and Mr Yosuke Kiminami, the Founding CEO of RENOVA Inc (Japan).

The third plenary session followed up with the theme “Start-up & Innovation” featuring panelists from Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand, and was moderated by Mr Masahiko Homma, the General Partner of IncubateFund (Japan). This session discussed how businesses have been adapting to the new normal through digitalisation and the co-development between ASEAN and Japan.

From left to right (clockwise): Mr Masahiko Homma (Japan), Mr Teppei Sakano, the Representative Director / CEO of Allm Inc (Japan), Dr Supachai Kid Parchariyanon, the CEO & Co-Founder of RISE (Thailand), Ms Stephanie Sy, the CEO of Thinking Machines (Philippines), and Mr Mohd Atasha Alias, the CEO & Co-founder of Vuoz.io (Malaysia).

The forum ended with closing remarks by the leaderships of AJBM Philippines and Japan, respectively, followed by the announcement of the 48^th ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting.

The incoming chairman of the 48^th ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting – Mr Yuji Hirako announced and invited all delegates to the 48^th Edition of the ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting which will be held in Tokyo, tentatively in December 2022.

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PHILJEC’s report on the 47th AJBM can be read here: https://philippinesjapansociety.com/philjec/virtual-conference-47th-asean-japan-business-meeting/.