Malaysia And Japan Strengthen Industrial Partnership Through Strategic Cooperation Seminar

Malaysia And Japan Strengthen Industrial Partnership Through Strategic Cooperation Seminar

KUALA LUMPUR, 31 March 2026 – The Embassy of Japan in Malaysia and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) today jointly hosted the “New Japan-Malaysia Industrial Cooperation Seminar: Strengthening Industrial Partnership for a Shared Future”, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to deepening bilateral industrial collaboration and advancing sustainable, high-quality investments.

The seminar, held with the support of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), the Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA), the Japan-Malaysia Economic Association (JAMECA), and the Japanese Chamber of Trade and Industry, Malaysia (JACTIM), brought together senior government officials, industry leaders, and academic experts from both Japan and Malaysia, who engaged in active discussions on strengthening bilateral industrial cooperation and promoting sustainable investment. The event was conducted in a hybrid format, with live streaming via the Embassy of Japan’s official Facebook platform.

The opening session featured remarks delivered by H.E. SHIKATA Noriyuki, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, YB Sim Tze Tzin, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia (MITI), YM Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Senior Political Advisor to The Honorable Prime Minister and Chairman of Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Mr. KOMIYAMA Yasuji, Director-General for Trade Policy and Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Japan, and Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of the Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA).

YB Sim Tze Tzin, MITI Deputy Minister, remarked, “Malaysia’s industrial policy demonstrates strong alignment with Japan’s strategic priorities. The 17 strategic fields outlined in Japan’s Growth Strategy, particularly in semiconductors, green transformation and economic security, present significant opportunities for collaboration between the two nations. We view the Japan-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as a platform for deepening such cooperation. The partnership we have built over decades provides a strong foundation to explore new frontiers together. The evolving global situation, including the current tensions and economic instability, serves as a stark reminder that stability cannot be taken for granted. It reinforces the need for countries like Malaysia and Japan to work together to build resilient supply chains, strengthen economic security and advance trusted and transparent partnerships. As NIMP 2030 highlights, the shift from just-in-time to just-in-case is already underway. Nations that prepare early will be best positioned to lead. Malaysia’s direction is clear. The MADANI Economic Framework sets out our vision for a competitive and inclusive economy, while the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (RMK-13) translates this into actionable priorities.”

YM Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Senior Political Advisor to The Honorable Prime Minister and Chairman of MIDA said, “For over half a century, the Japan–Malaysia partnership has endured because it is built on shared strength. Malaysia has consistently delivered on quality, reliability and the institutional trust that enables long‑term commitment. Today, three opportunities stand out. First, Malaysia is already a proven anchor for Japan’s economic security and supply‑chain resilience, from rare earths to advanced manufacturing. Second, our energy transition aligns seamlessly with Japan’s vision on energy security. Third, our fast‑rising semiconductor and technology ecosystem is fast becoming the heart of our partnership. The future of Malaysia–Japan collaboration is not theoretical—it is unfolding now, and Japanese investors ought to seize this moment to ensure their long-term business resilience.”

H.E. SHIKATA Noriyuki, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia emphasised, “Amid an increasingly uncertain global environment, the importance of economic security continues to grow, as recent tensions have exposed vulnerabilities in global energy supply chains. Japan’s Growth Strategy aligns strongly with Malaysia’s MADANI framework, and I am confident that we can build a resilient and mutually beneficial partnership. Key areas of cooperation include semiconductors, AI, and green transformation, alongside Malaysia’s role as a trusted LNG supplier to Japan. I hope this seminar will further strengthen bilateral industrial cooperation and contribute to sustainable growth in the Indo-Pacific region.”

The seminar featured three panel sessions covering:

1. Economic Security and Supply Chain
2. Resource and Energy Security / Green Transformation (GX)
3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Semiconductor

Discussions centred on the need to strengthen supply chain resilience amid global uncertainties through diversification, secure energy access, and cooperation in strategic materials, while advancing decarbonisation via initiatives such as CCS, ammonia collaboration, and AZEC. The seminar highlighted strong potential for deeper Japan-Malaysia cooperation in key sectors including AI, semiconductors, green transformation, and advanced manufacturing, anchored on complementary strengths and aligned national strategies.

Malaysia recorded RM426.7 billion in total approved investments in 2025, a historic high representing an 11% increase year-on-year. Japan ranked as the fourth largest source of foreign investment, contributing RM7.6 billion in approved investments in 2025, reaffirming its position as one of Malaysia’s most consistent and strategic investment partners.

The seminar highlighted the strong potential for expanded Malaysia-Japan collaboration across strategic industries, while reaffirming both countries’ shared commitment to fostering a resilient, innovation-driven and sustainable economic partnership, in line with the anticipation of the 70^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year.

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About MIDA

MIDA is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA partners with investors at every stage of their journey, supporting sustainable growth and long-term value creation for Malaysia. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow MIDA on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube.

For media enquiries, please contact:

MIDA

Lim Ming Yee
Director, Foreign Investment Division
T: +603-2267 3762
E:[email protected]