
Malaysia, Japan eye green energy, tech cooperation
He said this during his meeting with former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, a special envoy of the Japanese Prime Minister, in Putrajaya, today.
Fadillah, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, said that the cooperation aligns with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), which targets investment opportunities, ranging from RM435 billion to RM1.85 trillion by 2050, while aiming to create profitable joint ventures, which are beneficial for both the environment and the economy.
Additionally, Fadillah and Kishida, the architect of the Asia Zero Emissions Community (AZEC) initiative, discussed various other key aspects.
'This includes AZEC's role in strengthening bilateral, regional, and global cooperation,' he said in a Facebook post, today.
AZEC is a cooperation platform aimed at advancing carbon neutrality and facilitating energy transition to achieve zero-emission targets.
Apart from Malaysia and Japan, the AZEC member countries include Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Ringgit strengthens broadly on cautious trade sentiment
KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened marginally higher against the US dollar in early trade on Monday amid cautious sentiment, as traders awaited clarity on a possible extension of the trade truce between the United States (US) and China, said an analyst. At 8 am, the local note stood at 4.2110/2310 versus the greenback, compared with Friday's close of 4.2195/2245. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said that earlier, the US and the European Union (EU) had agreed to a 15 per cent tariff on most EU imports, while most US imports would face zero tariff under the deal. He said markets are also closely watching the upcoming US Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting scheduled for July 29 and 30, with consensus expecting no change to the Federal Funds Rate, currently at 4.25 per cent to 4.50 per cent. "Based on recent developments, most countries appear accommodative in offering favourable terms to the US. It remains to be seen whether this will effectively narrow the trade balance in the near term. "However, the cost of doing business in the US is likely to rise, and it also appears the US may be relying on a weaker dollar to boost export competitiveness. "Against this backdrop, we expect the ringgit to remain within a narrow range of RM4.22 to RM4.23 versus the US dollar,' Mohd Afzanizam told Bernama. At opening here, the ringgit traded mostly higher against a basket of major currencies. It rose against the Japanese yen to 2.8499/2863 from 2.8529/8565 at Friday's close, and strengthened versus the British pound to 5.6600/6869 from 5.6786/6853. However, it eased slightly against the euro to 4.9521/9757 from 4.9507/9566. Against regional peers, the ringgit was also firmer. It advanced against the Indonesian rupiah to 258.0/259.3 from 258.5/258.9 on Friday, and gained versus the Singapore dollar at 3.2878/3039 from 3.2937/2978. The local note also strengthened against the Thai baht to 12.9809/13.0546 from 13.0268/0478, and edged up against the Philippine peso to 7.37/7.41 from 7.38/7.40 previously. - Bernama


The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
Stylish new midtown stay in KL
A STRIKING new landmark is about to make its mark on the Kuala Lumpur skyline; and it's not just another luxury hotel. Set to open its doors on Aug 26, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown brings with it a renewed sense of purpose and design. More than just a return of the Hyatt Regency brand to the capital, this property offers a modern take on what city hospitality can look and feel like. It will be one that blends global polish with local warmth. Located across from Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, the hotel is positioned in the heart of KL Midtown, a fast-rising district poised to become the city's new hub for conventions, commerce and culture. Beyond the address, it is the design that is turning heads. At the helm of the hotel's architecture is Kengo Kuma, the renowned Japanese architect behind Tokyo's National Stadium. China House to offer bold Chinese flavours. Known for his devotion to natural materials and harmony with the environment, Kuma brings his signature style to the property – think wood, stone and paper textures, softened light, and a sense of openness that subtly transports guests away from the urban rush. Inside, it houses 410 rooms, including 306 hotel rooms and suites and 104 fully serviced residences, a dual offering that caters to both short-stay business travellers and families looking for longer-term city living. It is this balance that defines the hotel's character, general manager Till Martin said in an interview with StarMetro. 'Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown sets itself apart from other five-star hotels in the city; we don't want to end up in the sea of sameness. 'I have only been in Kuala Lumpur for a year, but it has interesting because I've never been to a country or city where 95% of all five-star hotels are in the same area,' said Martin, whose 29-year journey with Hyatt included various locations such as Germany, the United States, United Arab Emirates, South Korea and China. He emphasised the hotel's unique location, offering easy access and connectivity. You will get a sense of zen as you step into the premises, said Martin, 'thanks to Kuma's unique touch in turning it into an urban oasis'. With 16 function spaces and a pillarless ballroom, the hotel is geared to support the city's growing appetite for events. After hours, the hotel transforms into a sanctuary. Guests can unwind by the fifth floor infinity pool, encircled by tropical greenery, or visit the Core Fitness Centre outfitted with top-tier equipment and personal trainers on request. Those staying in the serviced residences can take it a notch higher with exclusive access to a private 32nd floor pool. Martin emphasised the hotel's commitment to sustainability, including plastic-free initiatives, utilisation of natural products and solar panels, and a focus on food waste management. The hotel will be home to a diverse line-up of venues including Midtown Brasseries serving all-day fare and a curated Asian buffet, Midtown Lounge for a spot of coffee or casual meetings, Enso Izakaya & Bar featuring authentic yakitori and a deep sake library. There's also China House serving bold northern Chinese flavours anchored by its wood-fired Peking Duck, and Breeze Poolside Bar for light bites and sunset drinks.


New Straits Times
15 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Embattled Japan PM gets unlikely support
JAPANESE Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's future is uncertain but an unlikely campaign for him to stay was growing online, including from people who are his natural political opponents. The life raft has emerged since upper house elections on July 20 deprived Ishiba's coalition of an upper house majority, months after it suffered a similar disaster in the lower chamber. Despite Ishiba, 68, insisting that he has not discussed his resignation with members of his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), multiple reports say it is just a matter of time. Some conservative members of the LDP are collecting signatures to hold a special meeting to discuss a leadership election to oust Ishiba, Fuji TV reported last Friday. One reported signee is Sanae Takaichi, a hardline nationalist and one-time heavy metal drummer who lost a leadership contest to Ishiba in September. Takaichi, 64, would likely run again to lead the party — and become Japan's first woman prime minister if she wins — if Ishiba does depart. The prospect of someone as premier with hawkish views on Japanese history and China has fuelled online calls for the moderate Ishiba to remain in power under the hashtag "#Ishiba Don't quit". Some of the calls came from opposition politicians to the left of the LDP, including even from a Communist Party member of a local ward assembly. Ishiba "is the most reasonable LDP leader in recent memory", said LaSalle Ishii, a newly elected lawmaker for the Social Democratic Party, on X. "If he resigns, a far-right government will be born," said the well-known comedian and voice actor. Taro Yamamoto, the leader of small opposition party Reiwa Shinsengumi, was among the first to voice concern about Ishiba's replacement. "The question is, if he were not to continue, who is going to replace him instead?" he said during a news conference recently. "His economic policies are no good, but for Ishiba-san to continue, I think it's a safe choice." A few hundred people participated in a rally outside Ishiba's office last Friday, with some holding up signs urging him to "never give up" and "persevere". Among them was 70-year-old Shigeru Koga, an opposition supporter who until the election day on Sunday had been calling on Ishiba's government to be brought down. But five days later, he said Ishiba is "still far better" than alternatives like Takaichi and Shinjiro Koizumi, the popular agriculture minister within LDP who Koga called "easily manipulable". "If the Takaichi government materialises, it would further give rise to forces like far-right Sanseito," said Koga, referring to the upstart "Japanese first" party. "To prevent that, and keep Japan safe, Ishiba must be brave and stand firm." Shortly after the July 20 election, a Kyodo News survey put the approval rating for the Ishiba government at just 22.9 per cent. But in that same poll, 45.8 per cent of the public believed that there was no need for him to resign. The LDP has governed almost non-stop since 1955, but voters have been deserting the party, including towards fringe groups like Sanseito. Factors include rising prices, notably for rice, falling living standards, and anger at corruption scandals within the LDP. The opposition is seen as too fragmented to form an alternative government. But being in a minority in both houses of parliament means Ishiba's coalition needs support from other parties to pass legislation. This comes just as Japan faces multiple challenges, including a ballooning social security budget to pay pensions for its rapidly ageing and shrinking population. A new trade deal announced last week with United States President Donald Trump will see Japanese imports face a painful 15 per cent tariff, although this was lower than a threatened 25 per cent. "We'll evaluate it every quarter, and if the president is unhappy then they will boomerang back to the 25 per cent tariff rates," said US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent afterwards. The writers are from AFP