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Barnama
a day ago
- Automotive
- Barnama
Japan Backs Johor's Push To Become ASEAN Urban Mobility Model
JOHOR BAHRU, June 19 (Bernama) -- Japan has pledged continued support for Johor's transformation into an ASEAN benchmark for urban mobility by promoting smart transit solutions and cutting-edge transportation technologies. Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Noriyuki Shikata said the initiative aligns with Johor's rapid economic growth, particularly fuelled by the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which is set to position the state as a key regional economic hub. He said the forthcoming Rapid Transit System, Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS), expected to be completed by late 2026, along with the proposed Elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit System (E-ART), are key to improving public transportation in Johor. bootstrap slideshow By utilising Japan's AI-powered traffic control systems and digitally optimised public transportation networks, Johor could significantly reduce traffic congestion and emerge as a transportation model not just for Malaysia, but for the entire ASEAN region, he said at the Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025 here Thursday. Co-organised by Iskandar Investment Bhd and Japan's Nikkei Inc, the two-day Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025 is hosted by the Johor state government with support from the Johor Economic Planning Division, Invest Johor, and the Iskandar Puteri City Council. He highlighted the strategic potential of the Port of Tanjung Pelepas and Johor Port, both of which are well-positioned to grow as competitive regional logistics hubs and play a larger role in international trade. He said Japanese stakeholders are eager to collaborate on enhancing operational efficiency and vessel traffic management at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas and Johor Port, aiming to strengthen Johor's role in international trade, generate quality employment, and significantly contribute to regional economic growth. As Johor continues to emerge as a key destination for data centres, Shikata underscored the significant environmental challenge posed by the high energy demand for cooling, noting that Japan's LNG-based cooling technology offers an environmentally friendly and efficient cooling solution. 'By adopting this technology, the data centres in Johor would significantly improve energy efficiency while reducing their environmental impacts as well as improving operational efficiency,' he said.
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Japan backs Johor's rise as Asean smart mobility hub, eyes deeper tech, green investment ties
JOHOR BARU, June 19 — Japan has pledged continued support for Johor's transformation into an Asean benchmark for urban mobility by promoting smart transit solutions and cutting-edge transportation technologies. Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Noriyuki Shikata said the initiative aligns with Johor's rapid economic growth, particularly fuelled by the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which is set to position the state as a key regional economic hub. He said the forthcoming Rapid Transit System, Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS), expected to be completed by late 2026, along with the proposed Elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit System (E-ART), are key to improving public transportation in Johor. By utilising Japan's AI-powered traffic control systems and digitally optimised public transportation networks, Johor could significantly reduce traffic congestion and emerge as a transportation model not just for Malaysia, but for the entire Asean region, he said at the Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025 here Thursday. Co-organised by Iskandar Investment Bhd and Japan's Nikkei Inc, the two-day Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025 is hosted by the Johor state government with support from the Johor Economic Planning Division, Invest Johor, and the Iskandar Puteri City Council. He highlighted the strategic potential of the Port of Tanjung Pelepas and Johor Port, both of which are well-positioned to grow as competitive regional logistics hubs and play a larger role in international trade. He said Japanese stakeholders are eager to collaborate on enhancing operational efficiency and vessel traffic management at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas and Johor Port, aiming to strengthen Johor's role in international trade, generate quality employment, and significantly contribute to regional economic growth. As Johor continues to emerge as a key destination for data centres, Shikata underscored the significant environmental challenge posed by the high energy demand for cooling, noting that Japan's LNG-based cooling technology offers an environmentally friendly and efficient cooling solution. 'By adopting this technology, the data centres in Johor would significantly improve energy efficiency while reducing their environmental impacts as well as improving operational efficiency,' he said. 'We are also realising that green energy flow from Sarawak to Johor will not only secure a sustainable energy supply but also unlock new green investment opportunities in Malaysia for Japanese companies,' he added. Shikata said such cooperation is expected to accelerate sustainable economic growth in both Japan and Malaysia, as well as across the Asean region, in line with the vision of the Asean Power Grid actively promoted by Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 'International student exchanges are vital for nurturing talent and future leadership, encouraging joint programmes between Japanese and Johor universities to strengthen bilateral cooperation based on trust and friendship,' he said. Shikata affirmed Japan's ongoing commitment to strengthening its partnership with Malaysia, stressing that collaboration between both governments and the private sectors in green investment, transportation, and education is crucial to building a brighter and more prosperous future for both nations. — Bernama
The Star
31-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Laos President, Japan PM pledge stronger links as two nations mark 70-year ties
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (right) welcomes Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith at a Japan-Laos summit held at the Prime Minister's Office of Japan in Tokyo on May 29. - Photo: Prime Minister's Office of Japan. TOKYO: Visiting President Thongloun Sisoulith and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba have agreed to deepen ties as Laos and Japan this year celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations and 60 years of Japanese volunteer missions to Laos. The two leaders pledged to deepen ties during a bilateral meeting held in Tokyo on Thursday (May 29) on the sidelines of the 30th International Conference on the Future of Asia, hosted by Nikkei Inc. The Lao President also delivered a speech at the conference. Welcoming President Thongloun to Japan, Prime Minister Ishiba expressed 'his intention to further develop the bilateral cooperation by realising the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership', the Prime Minister's Office of Japan said on its website. PM Ishiba said Japan would continue to support Laos' efforts to strengthen its economic resilience and stabilise its public finances for autonomous and quality economic development. At the same time, President Thongloun announced that starting on June 1, 2025, Laos will extend the visa-free stay period for holders of ordinary Japanese passports from 15 days to 30 days to enhance people-to-people and cultural links. President Thongloun and PM Ishiba reflected on the elevation of Lao-Japanese relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership following Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone's official visit to Japan in January. They pledged to intensify collaboration in areas of mutual interest, particularly by promoting Japanese investment in key sectors in Laos. The two leaders agreed to accelerate efforts towards the early conclusion of a tax convention, with a view to further enhancing investment and economic ties between the two countries. They also declared their intention to advance cooperation in the fields of energy and decarbonisation under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) initiative. President Thongloun said 'he was pleased with the development of bilateral relations in a wide range of areas,' the Prime Minister's Office of Japan said. It was also noted that Japanese volunteers have made a significant contribution to Laos' development. To date, more than 1,100 Japanese volunteers and 4,500 experts have served in Laos, assisting their Lao counterparts in areas such as legal reform, justice, and public service. The leaders also expressed their pleasure at the upcoming official visit to Laos by Her Imperial Highness, Princess Aiko, in November, calling it a significant milestone for future bilateral engagement. President Thongloun expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to himself and his delegation and thanked Japan for its continued support for Laos' socio-economic development. Japan's assistance extends to development of the East-West Economic Corridor, clearance of unexploded ordnance (UXO), disaster preparedness, and humanitarian assistance. The two leaders also exchanged views on key regional and international advancements and underscored their shared commitment to peace, prosperity, and inclusive development in the Asia-Pacific region. - Vientiane Times/ANN
Straits Times
30-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Will the future of Asia be one of conflict or cooperation?
Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said the world stands on the precipice of a 'once-in-a-century turning point in history'. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG News analysis Will the future of Asia be one of conflict or cooperation? – The 21st century is meant to be the 'Asian century', but will the world's largest continent live up to its brimming potential, or will it be derailed by conflict? This was the biggest question weighing on the minds of politicians, business leaders and academics who convened in Tokyo for the Future Of Asia conference, held by Japanese media conglomerate Nikkei Inc on May 29-30. Many attendees sounded the clarion call for solidarity and unity, saying that only by entrenching cooperation can the world overcome its many fissures. Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, citing wars, pandemics and financial turmoil, said the world stands on the precipice of a 'once-in-a-century turning point in history'. 'When we look at each of the events that are happening, it is hard not to feel the similarities between today and 100 years ago,' he said. 'A stable international order is no longer a given.' That is an ominous message for a flagship forum – of which The Straits Times is a media partner – that is celebrating its milestone 30th year. Is the future of Asia doomed? Plenty of positivity was dished up over two days of speeches which were, however, lacking in substantive suggestions for action. What was of note, however, were some young participants who gave a glimpse of what the future might hold with their innovative ideas and their optimism. First up was Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who said: 'Asia, home to more than half of humanity, sits at the epicentre of uncertainty. It is also at the centre of possibility at the same time.' Although he warned that 'cooperation is not always guaranteed', he pointed to the region's 'formidable collective strength'. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet described Asia as 'relatively peaceful, stable and prosperous, at least for the moment', even as a Cambodian soldier was killed in gunfire with the Thai military during a brief clash on May 28 on a disputed stretch of the border between Cambodia and Thailand. Mr Jin Liqun, head of China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, insisted: 'Asia can maintain its growth regardless of what's happening in the rest of the world.' Yet it is impossible to ignore the undercurrents of uncertainty and tumult as the world experiences whiplash from United States President Donald Trump's unpredictable policies. The restrictions on international students enrolling in US universities is an affront to the role that education plays in innovation and in fostering the exchange of ideas across continents and political divides. The effective abolition of the US Agency for International Development, which provides aid to about 130 countries and regions, inflicts more suffering on the impoverished people in these areas. The US pullout from the Paris Agreement on climate change ignores climate risks that threaten countries worldwide, particularly those in vulnerable regions such as South Asia and Africa. What has been most disruptive, however, are Mr Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariffs imposed on more than 100 of America's trading partners and ranging from 10 per cent to 50 per cent. On pause for 90 days from April 9 while negotiations take place, they form an assault on the rules-based multilateral trading order. Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, speaking at the forum, pointedly said that Mr Trump has effectively made 'the whole world the enemy'. It became clear that weaker economies are lower down the pecking order for tariff negotiations – major economies such as the European Union, China and Japan are in the midst of negotiation – when Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith told the conference that Vientiane has reached out for talks but not yet received any response. Laos was hit with a 48 per cent rate. 'Protectionism disrupts the global equilibrium and heightens tension, therefore leading to an increasing risk of armed conflict,' Mr Thongloun said. Speakers including Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said that a possible antidote to such inward-looking tendencies of the US is to entrench existing partnerships and forge new alliances. Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa added that a 'renewed commitment to cooperation' was necessary as the Indo-Pacific becomes a theatre for intensifying US-China rivalry. 'The old saying, 'unity is strength', is now more crucial than ever,' he said. 'While we do not seek confrontation, we must protect our interests in a world shaped by the competition of giants.' It goes without saying, however, that national interests vary from country to country. This can be seen in the vastly different positions adopted by different countries in the unfolding conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. How, then, will countries respond in the event of an accidental conflict in contested waters, as Chinese and Philippine military activities intensify around shoals in the South China Sea over which the two sides have overlapping claims? Or if China invades Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade province to be reunified by force if necessary? To stave off conflict, Mr Ishiba said Japan's position is to continue communicating with China at all levels to build a relationship 'based on true trust (and) common strategic interests for a constructive and stable relationship'. He also emphasised the need for 'an enduring US commitment to the region at a time of growing Chinese economic and security influence'. While Mr Ishiba's remarks sound contradictory, they point to the delicate diplomatic tightrope Japan needs to tread, given that it has close economic ties with China but is wary of its giant neighbour in security terms due to their historical tensions and Beijing's growing military power. But his remarks leave open the question whether China will engage with Japan on the same terms. For Mr Hun Manet, the solution is clear: 'New tensions are rising in many traditional flash points, so our leaders need to stay united in purpose, strategic in vision and steadfast in collective actions.' Heavy geopolitics aside, there were some bright sparks at the forum in the form of a young generation of start-up leaders who were invited to discuss social innovation and the prospects for Asian growth. Among them was Singapore's Mr Kee Cheng Heng, 29, of HelloHolo that uses virtual reality to support language learning. While most start-ups do not take off, he credited Singapore with having built an environment where failure is a learning journey and 'a badge that you can wear proudly'. Fellow start-up founder Shunsuke Inoue, 25, of data optimisation company Japan Process Mining Technology, agreed that the tide seems to be turning in Japan which traditionally does not take too kindly to failure. He said: 'I don't think one failure means that you never get another chance.' The future of Asia, clearly, will lie in its youth and their never-say-die perseverance. The 84-year-old Dr Yunus summed it up best: 'The future of Asia is not just about economics or geopolitics. It's about people, it's about ideas. It's about the young people wanting to create a new world different from the one they were born in.' He added: 'Let us be guided not by fear, but by possibilities. Not by power, but by purpose. Let us have the courage to imagine a better world.' Walter Sim is Japan correspondent at The Straits Times. Based in Tokyo, he writes about political, economic and socio-cultural issues. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
27-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Global forum for thought leaders coming to Medini
ONE of the most anticipated international business forums is coming to Johor in June. Over 500 business and government leaders from across Asia are set to convene in Medini, Iskandar Puteri. Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB) president and chief executive officer Datuk Idzham Mohd Hashim said Japan's Nikkei Forum, a series of global events organised by Nikkei Inc, would explore critical themes like digital transformation, sustainable development and emerging technologies. 'The event will help shape the future of the region by creating opportunities for businesses and policymakers to connect, grow and drive economic progress. 'The forum is also a golden opportunity to present Johor's dynamic investment landscape to the world and position the state as a leading meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) hub for investment and business development in Asian markets,' he said in an interview. Idzham added that in the past, the forum had attracted delegates from about 40 countries with the objective of fostering collaborations and creating strategic partnerships. Last December, IIB, Nikkei Inc and Nikkei Business Publications signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly host the Nikkei Forum in Medini. The Nikkei Forum was founded in 1999 as a platform for thought leadership in Asia. Idzham added that the partnership reflected a shared vision to promote meaningful exchanges across Asia. It would also build on strong historical ties between Japan and Malaysia in sectors such as manufacturing, automotive and electronics. 'As the strategic developer of Medini, IIB plays a critical role in driving regional growth and innovation. 'Medini, located some 30km from Singapore, is rapidly developing into a technology focused urban hub with projects such as Tech Medini, which emphasises artificial intelligence, blockchain and robotics,' he added. Idzham said the location and support for cross-border economic activity made it an ideal destination for businesses looking to expand in South-East Asia. The event would further highlight the region's growing role as an innovation and investment hub, added Idzham. — By YEE XIANG YUN
