Ambassador Extraordinary Plenipotentiary of Japan to Malaysia H.E. Shikata Noriyuki
Japan and Malaysia have been promoting comprehensive strategic partnership during the last three years, building on mutual respect, trust and a long history of practical cooperation. As we approach the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027, our partnership continues to evolve in response to emerging opportunities and challenges.
The Look East Policy (LEP), introduced in 1982, remains an important foundation of our bilateral friendship, now under “LEP2.0”. Through close education, training and industrial cooperation, it has brought together generations of Malaysians and Japanese. Over 28,000 Malaysians have studied or received training in Japan under LEP, while institutions such as the Malaysia–Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) in Malaysia have strengthened Malaysia’s technical and engineering capabilities.
The establishment of the University of Tsukuba’s branch campus in Malaysia in 2024 further reflects our shared commitment to developing the talent and knowledge needed in our countries for our future.
Our economic relationship has also grown steadily. Around 1,600 Japanese companies operate in Malaysia, creating 350,000 jobs in Malaysia, contributing to technology transfer and industrial development. Today, cooperation is expanding into areas such as advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, green transformation, energy security and sustainable mineral supply chains. This reflects an increasingly dynamic relationship – moving beyond learning from one another towards co-creating solutions and opportunities together.
“At the heart of Japan–Malaysia relations are our people. As we look towards the next 70 years, we have an opportunity to build on this strong foundation and, bersama-sama, mencipta masa depan – by bringing together our knowledge, talent, technology and experiences to co-create new solutions, industries and opportunities that benefit both of our societies.”
Shikata Noriyuki, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia
The establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in December 2023 marked an important new stage, providing a broader framework for cooperation in economic development, human resource development, maritime security and regional affairs.
Recent cooperation has focused on supply-chain resilience, green energy transition doing with ensuring energy security and stronger public-private collaboration under Prime Minister Takaichi’s “Japan Growth Strategy”.
Looking ahead, Japan and Malaysia have considerable scope to move from learning from one another to learning and creating together. By combining Japan’s technology and engineering expertise with Malaysia’s multi-lingual talent, resources and increasingly competitive industries, we can develop new partnerships and opportunities that benefit both countries.
What makes this relationship special is that it is not defined only by government-to-government ties. It has been built through the personal experiences and friendship of our students, workers, businesses, researchers, educators and communities over generations.
At the heart of Japan–Malaysia relations are our people. As we look towards the next 70 years, we have an opportunity to build on this strong foundation and, bersama-sama, mencipta masa depan – by bringing together our knowledge, talent, technology and experiences to co-create new solutions, industries and opportunities that benefit both of our societies.
