Anwar: Japan visit strengthens investment, AI and trade ties

TOKYO, June 10 — The official visit of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Japan focuses on efforts to strengthen bilateral economic relations, particularly in attracting investment and trade, as well as high-tech sectors that have a direct impact on the people’s economy.

He said Malaysia highlighted several key priorities in the meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, including high-value investments, new technologies and cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).

“Besides the official ceremonial events, what is important is to ensure Malaysia’s interests in investment and high technology, including AI, are advanced.

“We prioritise this because we need cooperation and support not only from the Japanese government but also from major Japanese companies,” he said at the final press conference of the three-day official visit that began on Monday.

Anwar also highlighted positive developments in energy cooperation between Petroliam Nasional Bhd  (Petronas) and the Japanese partner JERA Co Inc, involving the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG), sealed through a long-term agreement and expected to benefit both countries.

According to him, the cooperation is seen as strengthening Malaysia’s position as an industrial player in the natural gas sector, while also meeting Japan’s long-term energy needs.

On trade and investment, he said the trade value increased, while Japanese investment in Malaysia amounted to RM107.9 billion through more than 2,800 manufacturing projects and created over 347,000 job opportunities, based on data from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry last year.

The visit was also used to hold meetings with major Japanese companies, including Mitsubishi Corporation, ENEOS Corporation, DENSO Corporation, and Marubeni Corporation, to explore opportunities for expanding cooperation and investment in Malaysia.

During a meeting with an IBM representative, Anwar said Malaysia is focusing on the development of quantum technology through collaboration with IBM, one of the world’s leading companies in quantum computing.

He said that IBM’s decision to expand its technology-related initiatives places Malaysia on par with several major global technology hubs such as the United States, Japan, India, Singapore and Taiwan.

“We are currently discussing and will present to the Cabinet the need to hold the National Quantum Council after it has been reviewed by the respective ministries,” he said.

Anwar also leveraged the close network of Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Marican, who has connections with several companies in the Japanese oil and gas sector, to further strengthen the strategic cooperation between the two countries.

Participation in the Nikkei Forum, which is considered one of Japan’s key forums, has strengthened relationships with political leaders, business leaders, media and policymakers.

The invitation from the President of the University of Tokyo to deliver a special lecture was also used to hold a dialogue session with the university community on new technologies, particularly AI and its implications for humanity.

Anwar said that the University of Tokyo has long established academic ties with the University of Malaya, and he urged that the cooperation be expanded into new fields.

“I requested that it be improved in several new disciplines and now there is another collaboration in the field of AI with the International Islamic University Malaysia,” he said.

The Prime Minister and delegation departed for Malaysia this evening, concluding his first official visit to the Land of the Rising Sun. — Bernama