‘More than 16,000 benefited’

KUALA LUMPUR: The Look East Policy has benefited more than 16,000 Malaysians since it was introduced in 1982.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said Malaysia had been collaborating with Japan by sending students to universities and institutes of technology there to gain experience and training in many industries.

“To date, 16,600 Malaysians have benefited from this programme. They represent an important part of the talent pool that is able to fulfil or exceed the requirements of the business community, particularly of the Japanese companies operating in this country,” he said at the Malaysian Nikkei Investors Forum here yesterday.

He said both countries also have a strong bilateral relationship for over 60 years.

“We’re constantly nurturing the growth of talented Malaysians by helping them gain the knowledge and skill sets not just for today but the future,” he said, adding that RM4.9 billion had been allocated to implement the Technical and Vocational Education Training Masterplan.

Present were International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, MIDA chief executive officer Datuk Azman Mahmud and Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Makio Miyagawa.

Najb said Malaysia’s worldclass infrastructure and transportation was a vital ingredient for healthy long-term growth.

“The government has embarked on major infrastructure projects, like the East Coast Rail Link, the Kuala Lumpur Singapore High Speed Rail and the Pan-Borneo Highway projects, that will be a game changer for our country.” By Kalbana Perimbanayagam