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 that Malaysia highlighted several key priorities during the meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, including high-value investments, new technologies, and cooperation in 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 during the final press conference of the three-day official visit that began on Monday (June 8).
Anwar also highlighted positive developments in energy cooperation between Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and its Japanese partner, JERA Co., Inc., including the supply of liquefied natural gas under a long-term agreement, which is expected to benefit both countries.
This cooperation strengthens 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 trade value increased, while Japanese investment in Malaysia amounted to RM107.9 billion through more than 2,800 manufacturing projects, creating over 347,000 job opportunities, based on data from the Investment, Trade, and Industry Ministry last year.
The visit also included meetings with major Japanese companies, including Mitsubishi Corporation, ENEOS Corporation, DENSO Corporation, and Marubeni Corporation, to explore opportunities to expand cooperation and investment in Malaysia.
During a meeting with an IBM representative, Anwar said Malaysia is focusing on developing quantum technology through collaboration with IBM, one of the world's leading companies in quantum computing.
Its decision to expand its technology-related initiatives places Malaysia on par with several major global technology hubs, including 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.
The Prime Minister also leveraged Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Marican's close network, which includes several companies in Japan's oil and gas sector, to further strengthen strategic cooperation between the two countries.
By participating in the Nikkei Forum, considered one of Japan's key forums, Anwar 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 noted that the University 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.
