Many promising areas for Msia-Japan collaboration
KOTA KINABALU: With over six decades of diplomatic links, Malaysia and Japan have huge potential for collaboration in many aspects, especially in growing both nations’ economies, Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia, Dr Makio Miyagawa.
“The areas that are most promising for Japan-Malaysia collaboration are hi-tech industry, infrastructure building, digital industry, halal markets for food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, and Islamic finance, he said in his public lecture at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) yesterday.
“It is time for Malaysia to look at many potentials in Japan, such as digital technology as we are developing this industry inside the country and have not engaged with anyone.
“This particular industry will spill over outside the border when ready. That is why it is time to engage now for an opportunity in the future,” he said.
During the event, UMS vicechancellor Prof Dr D. Kamarudin D. Mudin said there were many initiatives taken by the university with assistance from Japan.
“Along these undertakings and partnership, we gain so much, making new findings, producing better ways of doing things and sharing new knowledge with the world, but being human, we are also humbled by the diversity of cultures, language, observing respect and to some others, finding love and raising families.
“This year, we celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relationships between Malaysia and Japan. The ties between our countries are grounded on the basis of many facets -- we share similar traditions and cultural values, economic aspirations, societal ambitions and we are sited within close regional and geographical proximity.
“The Malaysia-Japan link has grown from strength to strength over the years, and it is our hope that these bilateral relations continue to flourish in the coming years,” he said.
Also present yesterday was Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun.