Japan bolsters strategic ties with Malaysia, Johor a critical anchor
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Japan is intensifying its strategic partnership with Malaysia, with Johor emerging as a critical anchor in three key areas.
Noriyuki Shikata, Japanese ambassador to Malaysia, said the key areas are green investment, advanced transport infrastructure and education exchange.
In his keynote at the Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025, Shikata said Japan sees Johor's rapid rise, particularly under the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) as an opportunity for deep bilateral cooperation that aligns with regional goals of sustainability and economic integration.
"Johor is fast becoming a vital hub for data centres. These require massive cooling capabilities. Japan is ready to offer our LNG-based cooling technologies to boost energy efficiency and environmental performance," he said.
He added that the expected green energy transmission from Sarawak to Johor would create more investment avenues for Japanese companies in line with the Asean Power Grid initiative actively championed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Shikata also highlighted transportation as a critical pressure point in Johor's growth trajectory, urging modern solutions to curb congestion and unlock economic efficiency.
"Japan stands ready to support Johor with AI-powered traffic systems and integrated smart public transport.
"The RTS Link and E-ART system are crucial and Japan's technology can help make Johor a regional model for next-gen mobility," he said.
He highlighted the pivotal role of Johor's seaports, namely the Tanjung Pelepas and Johor ports, in anchoring international trade.
He proposed closer collaboration with Japanese partners to enhance port operations and vessel traffic management, boosting competitiveness and job creation.
Turning to education, Shikata called for a stronger two-way student exchange and joint university programmes under what he coined the "Look at Each Other Policy," a progression from the traditional Look East Policy.
"It is time we build new academic bridges between our institutions in Johor and Japan. These exchanges will cultivate future joint-venture leaders and deepen trust-based cooperation," he said.
The ambassador cited the slew of recent high-level visits from Japan, including those by Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and Economy Minister Muto Yoji- as proof of Japan's confidence in Malaysia as a gateway to Asean growth.
"Through joint effort in green tech, transport modernisation and education, our partnership with Johor can lead sustainable development across the region," he said.
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