South Korea's High-Tech, Malaysia's Qualified Workforce Will Push Economic Development To Next Stage - Envoy

By Samantha Tan KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 2 (Bernama) – The combination of South Korea’s high-tech prowess and Malaysia’s highly-qualified workforce will take a giant leap to the next level of economic development, says South Korean Ambassador to Malaysia, Dr Toh Kyung Hwan. He said South Korea and Malaysia could cooperate politically and economically to further deepen the bilateral relations as well as establishing joint development in the context of the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) to further achieve efficiency and productivity. “We can cooperate together for the development of the Industry 4.0 and also cooperate for high-tech industries such as electronics, electrical vehicles and other artificial intelligence, as well as robotics. “In the high-tech industry, South Korea has the high technologies and Malaysia has a highly-qualified workforce. So, combined together, we can make a big jump to the next stage of economic development,” he told Bernama at the South Korea’s National Foundation Day reception here Monday night. Dr Toh said the South Korean Government had great expectation of the new Malaysian Government, especially the reviving of the Look East Policy by Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the New Southern Policy initiated under South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in. “Dr Mahathir revived the Look East Policy and our President Moon’s initiative was the New Southern Policy; both countries are looking at each other and so, there will be a great momentum and synergy to enhance cooperation between the two countries,” he noted. The Look East Policy was the brainchild of Dr Mahathir initiated in 1982 to emulate some characteristics of other neighbouring nations and shifting focus of relation from the West, while the New Southern Policy was unveiled by Moon in November 2017 aimed at deepening ties with Southeast Asia countries and reducing dependence on economic giants China and the United States (US). Dr Toh, who presented his credentials to Malaysia's King, Sultan Muhammad V in February this year, said he witnessed the historic change in Malaysia’s political landscape on May 9 and was impressed with the peaceful yet stable transition of power, as well as the political maturity of the Malaysian people. He said on the same day (May 9) last year, Moon also won the presidential election, adding that he believed this was the symbol that demonstrated the perfect chemistry between Malaysia and South Korea. The envoy said with more Malaysians falling in love with South Korean culture, this chemistry would further strengthen relations between the two countries and establish big cooperative projects and make history together, in the future. “South Korea and Malaysia have been fostering cooperative partnership in various fields since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1960. Almost 60 years since we became friends, more and more Malaysians love Korean culture and enjoy K-Drama, K-Pop and K-Foods, I think our relations will be stronger in the future,” he added. According to Dr Toh, South Korea is Malaysia’s eight largest trading partner and Malaysia is among the top 10 recipients of investments from the republic. There are about 13,000 South Koreans staying in Malaysia. On the reception, Malaysia’s Energy, Green Technology, Science and Climate Change Minister Yeo Bee Yin attended the event which also saw diplomats from other countries, business partners and students. Guests were entertained by South Korean traditional costume 'Hanbok' fashion show and savoured the Korean cuisine, including the ‘sam gye tang’ (ginseng chicken soup). -- BERNAMA