Bridges: What are the key objectives and expected outcomes for NCCIM in connection with the Osaka Expo 2025, and how does it align with Malaysia’s broader trade and economic strategies?

Gobalakrishnan: The Osaka Expo 2025 offers a timely and strategic platform for Malaysia to reinforce its position as a competitive, innovative, and forward-looking economy on the global stage—particularly as the nation prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship.

For NCCIM, our core objectives are to showcase the strengths and capabilities of Malaysian businesses, especially in sectors aligned with the Expo’s central themes of innovation, sustainability, and connectivity, while also supporting national efforts to attract trade, investment, and technological partnerships.

This engagement closely aligns with NCCIM’s Vision—Malaysia’s Apex Business Chamber Leading Sustainable Prosperity—and our Mission, which is to shape and deliver world-class recognition while building capacity within Malaysia’s business community.

This initiative directly supports Malaysia’s broader trade and economic strategies, including the National Investment Aspirations (NIA), Twelfth Malaysia Plan, and New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP 2030). These frameworks prioritise sustainable industrial transformation, digitalisation, green technology, and value-added investments all of which are well-aligned with the thematic focus of the Osaka Expo. We hope to leverage the Expo not only to generate commercial outcomes but also to deepen bilateral ties with Japan and expand Malaysia’s trade footprint in the Asia-Pacific region.

How does NCCIM plan to facilitate collaborations and partnerships between Malaysian businesses and Japanese companies in 2025?

NCCIM will take a proactive role in facilitating meaningful engagement between Malaysian enterprises and Japanese counterparts through a number of strategic initiatives. These include trade and investment missions to Japan, B2B matchmaking platforms, and industry dialogues hosted both in Malaysia and on the sidelines of the Osaka Expo.

We also intend to collaborate closely with relevant ministries and agencies such as the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA), and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), as well as Japanese chambers of commerce and industrial bodies that NCCIM liaises with, to ensure alignment and coordination in our outreach efforts.

Particular attention will be given to high-growth sectors such as green technology, precision manufacturing, halal products, and digital services, where Malaysia has unique value propositions.

Our goal is to create an enabling ecosystem where businesses from both nations can explore joint ventures, technology transfers, supply chain integration, and R&D partnerships, further strengthening the long-standing Malaysia-Japan economic relationship.

In what ways does NCCIM intend to promote Malaysia’s innovative industries and sustainable initiatives to attract international attention and investment?

NCCIM is committed to positioning Malaysia as a hub for innovation and sustainable growth. We intend to highlight Malaysian success stories in clean energy, green building solutions, smart cities, digital innovation, and Industry 4.0 technologies. These sectors reflect Malaysia’s commitment to transitioning toward a low-carbon, high-value economy.

To achieve this, NCCIM will work with industry players and government partners to curate impactful content ranging from product showcases to investment forums and thematic exhibitions that communicate the strengths and readiness of Malaysia’s business ecosystem. We will also support our members in navigating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) requirements and sustainable supply chain practices, in line with global investor expectations.

By amplifying Malaysia’s innovation-driven and sustainability-focused narrative, we aim to attract international investors who are looking for future-ready, responsible investment destinations in ASEAN.

What steps is NCCIM taking to ensure successful global engagement and visibility for Malaysian businesses?

NCCIM views global engagement and international visibility as essential pillars of business competitiveness. To this end, we are adopting a multi-faceted approach that includes:

• Strengthening our global networks through bilateral and multilateral business councils, chambers of commerce, and international trade organisations;

• Organising outbound and inbound trade delegations, investment forums, and business matching programmes in key markets, including Japan;

• Enhancing digital visibility of Malaysian enterprises through curated content, promotional campaigns, and e-commerce linkages;

• Supporting SMEs and large enterprises alike to build their export readiness and international branding capacity.

We are also working closely with government stakeholders to ensure that Malaysianbusinesses particularly innovative and sustainable enterprises receive the exposureand support needed to thrive globally. The Osaka Expo 2025 will be one of manyplatforms where Malaysia can promote its capabilities to a global audience.

National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia
Level 3, West Wing, Menara MATRADE
Jalan Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Tel: +603 6204 9811
Email: [email protected]
www.nccim.org.my