Japan showing stronger interest in JS-SEZ, says Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said his Japanese counterpart had expressed his intent to expand private sector investment in Malaysia in a phone call last month.
ISKANDAR PUTERI : Japan has expressed a growing interest in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), with the country looking to deepen bilateral economic cooperation with Malaysia.
In his closing remarks at the Nikkei Forum Medini, Johor 2025, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said his Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba, had expressed his intent to expand private sector investment in Malaysia in a phone call last month.
'When I spoke with prime minister Ishiba last month, he not only mentioned Sarawak's green hydrogen efforts but also specifically referred to Johor and the JS-SEZ.
'The fact that Japan's prime minister referred to Johor by name shows the strategic importance of this region in our bilateral ties,' he said at the forum co-organised by Iskandar Investment Bhd.
Japanese ambassador to Malaysia Noriyuki Shikata said Japan is eager to support Johor's growth and regional significance, particularly through advanced technological solutions and infrastructure collaboration.
He highlighted traffic congestion as a major obstacle to Johor's development, citing its impact on the economy, environment, and road safety.
'Japan is eager to collaborate with Johor by offering cutting-edge solutions, including smart transportation systems and quality infrastructure development.
'By employing Japan's artificial intelligence-driven traffic control systems and digitally optimised public transportation networks, we aim to assist Johor in overcoming serious traffic congestion and becoming a model city for transportation solutions, not only in Malaysia but also in Asean and beyond,' he said.
Shikata also said Johor's rise as a regional hub for data centres presents environmental challenges due to high energy demands for cooling.
'In this regard, Japan's liquefied natural gas cooling technology would offer an environmentally friendly and efficient cooling solution.
'By adopting this technology, the data centres in Johor could significantly improve energy efficiency while reducing their environmental impact as well as improving operational efficiency.'
On education, Shikata proposed an evolution of Malaysia's 'Look East Policy' to a more reciprocal 'Look at Each Other' approach to foster deeper academic and cultural exchange.
He urged government agencies, universities and industry players in both countries to support the creation of joint academic programmes between institutions in Johor and Japan, particularly in sectors such as semiconductors, biotechnology and sustainable energy.
Separately, Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the state is ready to serve as a committed and capable partner in strengthening Japan-Malaysia collaboration.
He added that Johor's hosting of the forum marked a milestone in its growing international profile.
'The forum not only elevates Johor's name on the global stage but also proves that the state is now emerging as a new key player in the geo-economic landscape of the region,' said Onn Hafiz.

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