Anwar: Malaysia ready for next industrial leap with Japan in AI, digital and energy sectors

TOKYO, June 9 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged Japanese companies to continue expanding investments in Malaysia, particularly in high-technology sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum computing and digital industries.

He said Malaysia has evolved from an economy based on rubber and tin to one driven by oil and gas, and is now strengthening its position as a regional hub for the electrical and electronics and semiconductor industries.

“We have become a semiconductor hub in the region, and that sector is expanding very rapidly. We have seen very large exports from the E&E sector.

“And I believe many of you, perhaps seven or eight companies, are also involved in the field of crypto computing,” he said during an introductory session with 29 selected Japanese business leaders here today.

Anwar said Malaysia is prioritising emerging technologies such as AI, digital industries and quantum computing while continuing to support traditional sectors including oil and gas.

He also highlighted regional energy connectivity initiatives, including undersea cable projects linking Southeast Asia, as well as potential collaborations involving Sarawak Energy and Malaysia, adding that the country looks forward to leveraging Japan’s expertise.

The Prime Minister, who is also Finance Minister, expressed appreciation for the Japanese business community’s long-standing role in Malaysia’s economic development.

“Many of you are familiar with Malaysia, have been to Malaysia, and I come here to thank you, many captains of the Japanese industry, for your support,” he said.

He said Japanese firms were among the earliest investors in Malaysia after independence, helping drive its industrialisation.

Anwar also noted growing cooperation between Malaysian and Japanese universities and research institutions, including his visit to the University of Tokyo earlier today, whose Research Centre for Advanced Science and Technology is set to collaborate with the International Islamic University Malaysia on advanced research.

Earlier, he met executives from six Japanese companies, including IBM, Mitsubishi Corporation, ENEOS Corporation, Shizen Energy, DENSO Corporation and Marubeni Corporation, to discuss opportunities in energy, the halal industry, artificial intelligence and advanced computing.

Anwar is on a three-day official visit to Japan, accompanied by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong.

The meetings form part of Malaysia’s efforts to attract investment, strengthen its high-technology sectors and deepen economic cooperation with Japan.

Also present was Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Marican, who chairs the Crisis Management Task Force under the National Economic Action Council.

Anwar is scheduled to deliver a keynote address titled “Navigating Strategic Uncertainty” at the 31st Nikkei Forum tomorrow, held under the theme “Working Together for a More Resilient and Prosperous Asia”.

He will also be accorded an official welcoming ceremony at the Office of the Prime Minister of Japan, followed by a bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart before returning to Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama