4 September 2013: MAJECA is a recipient of the Japanese Foreign Minister’s award.

The award is for the following:

“in recognition of its distinguished service in promoting mutual understanding and economic cooperation between Japan and Malaysia, contributing to promoting friendly relations.”

The Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups of outstanding achievements in international fields to acknowledge their contribution to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries. It also aims to promote the understanding and support of the Japanese public for their activities.

The commendation ceremony was held at the Residence of the Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia.  YBhg Tan Sri Datuk Seri Utama Thong Yaw Hong, Vice-President of MAJECA, accepted the certificate on behalf of MAJECA.

In his speech, Japanese Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Shigeru Nakamura, remarked:

“First, let me touch upon MAJECA’s contributions. MAJECA and its twin organisation; Japan Malaysia Economic Association, JAMECA’s establishment were initiated with the full support and blessing of the then Prime Minister Fukuda and Prime Minister Tun Hussein Onn in 1977. Since then we have witnessed great progress and tremendous growth in our bilateral trade and investments. This is a symbol of the strong economic ties between our two countries which is boosted by MAJECA’s numerous activities including frequent exchange of business missions and information sharing to build a foundation of mutual understanding.

As you may know, Japan is the first country Malaysia entered into an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with, and it furnished the cornerstone of our countries’ strong economic partnership. MAJECA contributed considerably in the process by providing the Malaysian government with useful input and helped to make possible the EPA’s smooth acceptance by the business sector. 

In addition, MAJECA is a staunch supporter of the Look East Policy which celebrated its 30th Anniversary last year.   MAJECA also took an initiative last year to approach the Malaysian Government to advocate the continuous importance of the Look East Policy. As a result, the Malaysian Government arranged for the 30th Anniversary of the Look East Policy to coincide with the MAJECA/JAMECA joint annual meeting on the 10th of October last year. I would like to laud the significant role MAJECA has played to cement the connection between our two countries.

On behalf of the Foreign Minister of Japan, I would like to laud MAJECA and University of Malaya’s Japan Studies Program’s endeavors which have benefitted Japan and Malaysia tremendously and have also cemented the close friendship and partnership between both our countries. Today’s commendation ceremony expresses the Government of Japan’s appreciation to both organizations for their contribution in strengthening the ties between Japan and Malaysia.”

In a reciprocal speech to accept the award, YBhg Tan Sri Datuk Seri Utama Thong Yaw Hong, stated:

“MAJECA is very honoured to be awarded by His Excellency the Foreign Minister of JAPAN for promoting mutual understanding and close economic and trade cooperation between Malaysia and Japan for the Year 2013. On behalf of the association, I am very honoured to receive this commendation award.

Since its inception in 1977, MAJECA has been a strong advocate of its mission and vision in fostering closer economic relationship between the private sectors of Malaysia and Japan. This had been achieved through a series of conferences, seminars, business missions and exchange visits organised bilaterally. The firm foundation that had been laid has grown from strength to strength over the years, as evidenced by the fact that Japan remains the largest foreign investor in Malaysia to date.

Moving forward, and with the firm commitment of both our respective Prime Ministers to build on the 2nd wave of the Look East Policy (LEP), MAJECA is ready to play its proper role. We shall work with all stakeholders to bring the relationship between our private sectors to the next level. We will support and reinforce the Government’s renewed initiatives through the Government to Government channels.”

1. The 32^nd MAJECA-JAMECA Joint Conference was held on 13 December 2013 at the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, Japan.  The theme of the conference was “Deepening and Strengthening the Economic Collaboration between Japan & Malaysia – Initiatives under the 2nd Wave of Malaysia’s Look East Policy”. Mr Mikio Sasaki, President of JAMECA, and Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MAJECA, co-chaired the Joint Conference.
Malaysian Prime Minister, Hon. Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib Tun Abdul Razak, delivered the KEYNOTE ADDRESS and opened the Conference.

Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia, delivering his keynote address.

QUOTES FROM THE PRIME MINISTER’S SPEECH:

On the Second Wave of the Look East Policy:

“So I am pleased that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, during his official visit to Malaysia in July, showed his support for a second wave – the LEP 2.0.  Together, we reiterated our commitment to this long-standing co-operation, and agreed that it should look towards a future defined not just by the exchange of knowledge, but by lasting economic collaboration.  We agreed that we should encourage more strategic partnerships between Japanese and Malaysian SME in areas such as green technology, renewable energy, technical services and other high value added sectors.”

“The second wave of the Look East Policy is about the industries of the future: high-tech and low-carbon.  My proposal is that LEP 2.0 focuses on the following sectors:

a)       Cutting-edge technologies with industry tie-ups to increase the flow of research and innovation from Japanese institutions, in everything from nanotechnology to bio and environmental technology;

b)       High-tech skills development – new knowledge-based skills development; to accompany new technologies;

c)       High-end services development – building on Japan’s know-how in services such as hospitality and health-care, and opening up new collaborations;

d)       Managing eco-systems with safe, reliable and renewable energies – tackling over-dependence on fossil fuels and improving water supply management are current concerns by tapping into Japanese sustainable energy expertise;

e)       Modernising small and medium sized enterprises, with technology transfers and management input; encouraging new connections between SMEs with high-growth potential, to enable them to move up the value chain; and

f)        Senior Citizens; to study and implement programmes to mitigate the coming challenges of an aging population, and focusing on healthcare and life-style for senior citizens.”
“Malaysia has already put in place the structure needed to implement the LEP 2.0, with a Ministerial committee led by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry.But although our governments can plan the way forward for the new Look East Policy, it’s the private sector – so ably represented by business councils and economic associations – that will drive success.  I would like to see both sides develop more targeted programmes with specific outcomes.  And here I must commend both MAJECA and JAMECA for their relentless efforts in promoting and enhancing economic relations of both our countries.
We wouldn’t  be where  we are today without your assistance and support.  On behalf of the people of Malaysia, I would like to say, Arigato Gozaimas.”

On the realization of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015:

“Our vision is to transform the region into a single market, with a population of over 600 million and an integrated production base.  With deeper integration through the ASEAN Free Trade Area, we believe that the AEC will make ASEAN more competitive, and lead to a more conducive environment for business.

Of course, the challenges are many:  The private sector will have a crucial role in the realization of the AEC.  Greater collaboration between government agencies and private sectors should be promoted and enhanced, and creating awareness of ASEAN’s economic integration agenda is a critical first step, especially for SMEs within the region.  I look forward to working with many of you to make it a reality.”

2. After the Keynote Address, the Hon. Prime Minister, together with the Hon. MITI Minister, Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamad, witnessed the BUSINESS ALLIANCE SIGNING CEREMONY between Affin Investment Bank Berhad (Malaysia) and Daiwa Securities Group Inc (Japan).

• The agreement provides for the distribution of Malaysian research reports produced by Affin Investment Bank to Daiwa Securities Group’s global client base, and will also allow Affin Investment Bank to distribute Daiwa Securities Group’s global research to Malaysian institutional investors, on a co-branded basis.
• The agreement also envisages equity trading collaboration between both parties. With this arrangement, Daiwa will channel all its clients’ trades on shares quoted in Bursa Malaysia through Affin Investment Bank and Affin Investment Bank will channel all its Malaysian clients’ trades on shares quoted in foreign bourses through Daiwa.

3. HON. MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE & INDUSTRY MALAYSIA, DATO’ SRI MUSTAPA MOHAMAD, updated the participants on the status of FDIs and trade between both countries; the Malaysian Government’s range of FDI incentives post-budget 2014, and propositions for Japanese companies to invest & do business in Malaysia vis-à-vis 2015 AEC.

4. In the PANEL DISCUSSION on “Deepening business collaboration –

Expectations and challenges in doing business through business cooperation among Japanese and Malaysian companies”, panelists made presentations as follows:

a)       “What Malaysia expects from Japan?” by Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Secretary General of the Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA);

b)       Feasibility of New Businesses through Japan-Malaysia Collaborations by Mr. Joji Ikeshita, Managing Director, JETRO Kuala Lumpur;

c)       “Malaysia as the Strategic Location for Japanese Companies to Grow in ASEAN: The rise of Greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as a Regional Hub” by Mr. Daniel Teng, Director-Strategy, Advisory & Services, InvestKL Corporation;

d)       Challenges and Business Strategy of Japanese Companies in Malaysia by Mr. Shuichi Yoshida, President of the Japanese Chamber of Trade and Industry, Malaysia.

5. In PLENARY SESSION III entitled “New growth industries in Malaysia”, presentations were made:

a)       Business strategy for Malaysia in Japan by Dato’ Seri Jamil Bidin, Chief Executive Officer, Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC);

b)       Strategic Investment for Renewable Energy in Sarawak, Malaysia by Mr. Shigetaka Misaka, Executive Officer, Deputy Manager of Specialty Products Business Div., Tokuyama Corporation;

c)       Greening of Sabah: Renewable Energy Options for the Future by Datuk Dr. Mohd. Yaakub Hj. Johari, J.P., Chief Executive, Sabah Economic Development & Investment Authority (SEDIA).

d)       Investment Opportunity in Kedah by Mr. Annuar Mohd. Saffar, Vice President (Industrial Development & Research), Kulim Technology Park Corporation Sdn. Bhd.

6. PLENARY SESSION IV was entitled:

“Japanese SME’s supply chain network in the ASEAN region and business cooperation with Malaysian companies”

Topics covered:

a)       Current situation of Japanese companies’ supply chain network in the ASEAN region and business opportunities in Malaysia by Mr. Naoki Nakano, General Manager, Asia and Oceania Global Advisory Department, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation;

b)       Positioning of Malaysia in our company’s supply chain management by Mr. Miki Yamamoto, Senior Managing Director, Honda Trading Corporation;

c)       Preparing Malaysian SMEs to tap into Japanese Companies’ Supply Chain by Dato’ Hafsah Hashim, Chief Executive Officer, SME Corporation Malaysia.

7. In CLOSING, the Co-Chairmen provided a summary of the day’s presentations and reiterated their willingness to discuss measures for realization of the Look East Policy Second Wave and other collaboration programmes that would provide tangible results.

From left to right: Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Lodin Wok Kamaruddin, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, Dato’ Md Taib Abdul Hamid, Gen. Tan Sri Yaacob bin Mohd Zain.

From left to right: Mikio Sasaki,  President of JAMECA (at rostrum); Dato’ Hamzah Zainudin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia; Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Secretary-General, MAJECA; Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamad, Minister of International Trade & Industry Malaysia; Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA; Dato’ Sri Mohd  Najib Tun Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia; H.E. Shigeru Nakamura, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia; Kiyoshi Yamada, Secretary-General, JAMECA

Mr Sasaki presenting a gift to the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Kitakyushu & Fukuoka City, Kyushu, Japan
23-24 October 2013

1. Introduction

The 39th ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting (AJBM) was held in Kitakyushu and in Fukuoka City in Japan on 23 October 2013.

The theme of the meeting was “Unleashing the Second Wave – Deepening the Business Collaboration between ASEAN and Japan towards Robust Growth”.

The meeting was attended by 50 Japanese delegates comprising Keizai Doyukai members and guests participants from Kitakyushu. There was an equal number of ASEAN delegates.

2. Opening Ceremony

Chairman of Keizai Doyukai, Mr Yasuchika Hasegawa (from Takeda Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd) in his opening remarks explained that this year’s meeting was convened out of Tokyo, in response to ASEAN’s requests, in an attempt to be “closer” to the Japanese SMEs. Kitakyushu was chosen as the venue for this year’s AJBM meetings, as Kitakyushu has strong relationship with ASEAN countries and they have an aggressive policy to promote Japan-ASEAN ties.

3. Plenary Session

Chairman of 39th AJBM, Mr Toshiyuki Shiga (COO of Nissan Co. Ltd) gave his introduction. The format of the 39th AJBM had been amended to reflect more interactive sessions with Questions and Dialogues and fewer presentations. The format also included a working visit to Nissan Plant in Kitakyushu, to be followed by a Roundtable Discussion along the theme of why the second wave of Japanese companies, particularly the SMEs, should accelerate their development and presence in ASEAN and what ASEAN and Japanese business people should expect from such momentum.

The presentations from Thailand and Indonesia highlighted the fact that Japan is currently ASEAN’s second largest trading partner after China and also the second largest source of FDI after EU in 2011.

Given the advent of ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), ASEAN is well positioned to be a production hub for Japan manufacturing entities.

4. Business Strategy for Japan

Many Japanese companies have already invested in ASEAN and have expressed positive interest to further expand their operations and market share in the region. Their presence in ASEAN can be a source of encouragement to their business counterparts to consider ASEAN as an investment destination.

With the advent of AEC in 2015, now is the time for Japanese SMEs to gain a foothold in ASEAN. ASEAN is ready to facilitate not just on technology transfer but also seek longer, wider and deeper cooperation under the second wave. AJBM can be the platform to identify/locate potential JV partners.

5. 39th AJBM – Conclusion

The AJBM meeting concluded with the following comments and suggestions:

• Supply chain concerns are evident and they need to be addressed by all stakeholders, including our Government with respect to policies/laws, etc. Business efficiency cuts time, processes and funds.
• ASEAN need to actively develop and deepen supply chain linkages and this is the way forward for business to develop between ASEAN and Japan.
• Japanese SMEs face a lot of push factors to move out of Japan and they recognized that ASEAN is well placed to be a recipient of Japanese investments especially Japanese SME technologies and IPs.
• Keizai Doyukai offered to work with JCCI to develop the awareness of these Japanese companies to form partnerships with ASEAN companies and move to ASEAN for growth. Sectors with potential include low carbon technology, pharmaceutical and health care.

6. The 40th AJBM is scheduled to be held in the Philippines in the third quarter of 2014.

4 September 2013: MAJECA is a recipient of the Japanese Foreign Minister’s award

The award is for the following:

“in recognition of its distinguished service in promoting mutual understanding and economic cooperation between Japan and Malaysia, contributing to promoting friendly relations.”

The Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups of outstanding achievements in international fields to acknowledge their contribution to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries. It also aims to promote the understanding and support of the Japanese public for their activities.

The commendation ceremony was held at the Residence of the Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia.  YBhg Tan Sri Datuk Seri Utama Thong Yaw Hong, Vice-President of MAJECA, accepted the certificate on behalf of MAJECA.

In his speech, Japanese Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Shigeru Nakamura, remarked:

“First, let me touch upon MAJECA’s contributions. MAJECA and its twin organisation; Japan Malaysia Economic Association, JAMECA’s establishment were initiated with the full support and blessing of the then Prime Minister Fukuda and Prime Minister Tun Hussein Onn in 1977. Since then we have witnessed great progress and tremendous growth in our bilateral trade and investments. This is a symbol of the strong economic ties between our two countries which is boosted by MAJECA’s numerous activities including frequent exchange of business missions and information sharing to build a foundation of mutual understanding.

As you may know, Japan is the first country Malaysia entered into an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with, and it furnished the cornerstone of our countries’ strong economic partnership. MAJECA contributed considerably in the process by providing the Malaysian government with useful input and helped to make possible the EPA’s smooth acceptance by the business sector. 

In addition, MAJECA is a staunch supporter of the Look East Policy which celebrated its 30th Anniversary last year.   MAJECA also took an initiative last year to approach the Malaysian Government to advocate the continuous importance of the Look East Policy. As a result, the Malaysian Government arranged for the 30th Anniversary of the Look East Policy to coincide with the MAJECA/JAMECA joint annual meeting on the 10th of October last year. I would like to laud the significant role MAJECA has played to cement the connection between our two countries.

On behalf of the Foreign Minister of Japan, I would like to laud MAJECA and University of Malaya’s Japan Studies Program’s endeavors which have benefitted Japan and Malaysia tremendously and have also cemented the close friendship and partnership between both our countries. Today’s commendation ceremony expresses the Government of Japan’s appreciation to both organizations for their contribution in strengthening the ties between Japan and Malaysia.”

Tan Sri Datuk Seri Utama Thong Yaw Hong, MAJECA Vice-President, receiving the award from H.E. Shigeru Nakamura, Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia.

In a reciprocal speech to accept the award, YBhg Tan Sri Datuk Seri Utama Thong Yaw Hong, stated:

“MAJECA is very honoured to be awarded by His Excellency the Foreign Minister of JAPAN for promoting mutual understanding and close economic and trade cooperation between Malaysia and Japan for the Year 2013. On behalf of the association, I am very honoured to receive this commendation award.

Since its inception in 1977, MAJECA has been a strong advocate of its mission and vision in fostering closer economic relationship between the private sectors of Malaysia and Japan. This had been achieved through a series of conferences, seminars, business missions and exchange visits organised bilaterally. The firm foundation that had been laid has grown from strength to strength over the years, as evidenced by the fact that Japan remains the largest foreign investor in Malaysia to date.

Moving forward, and with the firm commitment of both our respective Prime Ministers to build on the 2nd wave of the Look East Policy (LEP), MAJECA is ready to play its proper role. We shall work with all stakeholders to bring the relationship between our private sectors to the next level. We will support and reinforce the Government’s renewed initiatives through the Government to Government channels.”

Tan Sri Datuk Seri Utama Thong Yaw Hong speaking at the Commendation Ceremony to accept the award and expressing appreciation on behalf of MAJECA.