Brace for high-value employment from RM6.56 bil Japanese investments, PM tells M’sians

THE decision by Japanese firms to invest approximately RM6.56 billion in Malaysia signals a robust sign of approval in the country’s future, in terms of its economic potential and the quality of jobs available for Malaysians.

Commenting on his recent trip to Japan, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the collective move will increase Japanese investment in Malaysia to at least RM30 billion this year.

“This is a very strong vote of confidence in Malaysia’s future,” he said in a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) today.

He explained that the high-value investments will create equally high-quality jobs for more Malaysians, in line with the government’s priorities under the Ekonomi Madani framework and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030.

Expressing gratitude to Japan’s willingness to participate in rebuilding Malaysia, he said that he is confident about the two countries’ shared future in 2024.

“The Ekonomi Madani envisages a shared prosperity for all who commit to the Madani government’s reform agenda.

“I am optimistic that if all Malaysians work together as one in realising this vision, there is no challenge we cannot overcome,” he added, in commenting on his recently concluded five-day working visit to Tokyo from December 16 to 21.

Anwar held one-on-one meetings with Japanese corporations RoHM Wako, NEC Co Ltd (Toshiba), and Mitsui & Co. Ltd, and also participated in a roundtable with 25 Japanese companies who expressed further interest to increase their investments in Malaysia.

The prime minister was in Tokyo to participate in the Asean-Japan Commemorative Summit there.

He also met Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, as well as the Malaysian diaspora in the country.

In addition to that, he spoke at the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Summit there.

The trip marked Anwar’s first visit to Japan since becoming prime minister in November last year.

He was supported by a high-level delegation that included Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan; Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz; and senior government officials.

During the visit it was also announced that the official Japan–Malaysia relationship is to be elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership status.

According to the PMO, this distinction is reserved for Japan’s most important, strategic relationships.

“Under this strengthened new partnership, cooperation between Japan and Malaysia is anticipated to expand, across a broad swath of economic, defence, science, technology, innovation, environmental, and cultural spheres,” the office said.

The first tangible product of the new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is a 400 million yen (RM13 million) Official Security Assistance Grant Aid from Japan to enhance Malaysia's maritime security.

This is in addition to a collaboration pact signed between the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). – The Vibes, December 22, 2023