Turn Regional Economic Challenges Into Shared Opportunities — Japanese Envoy
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- Japan and Malaysia can turn regional economic challenges into shared opportunities by combining their respective strengths in technology, industry, connectivity and human capital, said Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Shikata Noriyuki.
He said the two countries have complementary strengths that can support closer economic cooperation and create more opportunities for businesses in the region.
“By combining Japan’s technological and industrial strengths with Malaysia’s dynamism, regional connectivity, multilingual talents and increasingly competitive educational institutions, the two countries can turn shared challenges in the region into shared opportunities.
“This can help the two countries build more resilient, responsible and future-ready enterprises across Asia,” he said in his opening keynote address at the 2026 Asia Economic and Entrepreneurship Summit here Thursday.
Shikata said Japan-Malaysia cooperation is increasingly centred on four areas — technology and industrial transformation, energy security and transition, maritime security and safety, and people-to-people ties.
“These pillars closely align with the 17 strategic fields outlined in Prime Minister Takaichi’s growth strategy.
“This strategy encompasses a broad range of sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, cybersecurity, critical minerals, advanced medical research and more, all of which are naturally integrated within the four key areas,” he said.
Shikata was referring to the 17 strategic fields identified under Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s growth strategy, which are priority areas for public-private investment and future economic growth.
These include sectors such as AI, semiconductors, cybersecurity, critical minerals, energy security, advanced medical research, quantum technology and disaster resilience.
On technology, Shikata said Malaysia has established itself as a key player in the global semiconductor ecosystem, while Japanese companies have strengths in advanced materials, precision engineering and manufacturing technologies.
“Malaysia has established itself as a key player in the global semiconductor ecosystem and is the Silicon Valley of the East, especially Penang.
“Japanese companies complement this by leading in advanced materials, precision engineering and manufacturing technologies. Together, these form a robust regional technology ecosystem,” he said.
On energy, Shikata said Malaysia remains a trusted energy partner for Japan, particularly through liquefied natural gas supply. Both countries are also pursuing cooperation in green hydrogen, ammonia and other clean-energy areas.
“New projects are coming up, making use of algae-derived bio-based feedstocks, converting them into, for example, sustainable aviation fuel, contributing further to clean-energy goals,” he said.
On maritime security, Shikata said sea lanes linking Japan and Malaysia are vital for trade, energy security and economic activity.
“The sea lanes connecting Japan and Malaysia, including the Strait of Malacca, the South China Sea and the East China Sea, are vital for trade, energy security and our economic well-being.
“Ensuring these sea lanes and seas remain safe, secure and open is our shared priority in the region,” he said.
Shikata said people-to-people ties are equally important in sustaining long-term bilateral cooperation, particularly through exchanges involving students, researchers, engineers and entrepreneurs.\
“Governments create regulatory frameworks, but lasting relationships are built by our students, researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs and citizens learning and working together,” he said.
— BERNAMA
