16 October 2024 – The Embassy of Malaysia in Japan organised the 67th National Day Reception at a hotel in Tokyo. The event was celebrated with the attendance of 300 guests, including foreign diplomats, senior officials from the Japanese government, business representatives, and others. The speech of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, H.E. Iwaya Takeshi, was read by Mr. Miyamoto Shingo, Deputy Director General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Also in attendance were Mr. Ogawa Takakazu, President of the Japan-Malaysia Association (JMA), and Mr. Nagano Tsuyoshi, President of the Japan-Malaysia Economic Association (JAMECA).
During his welcoming speech, H.E. Dato’ Shahril Effendi Abd Ghany, the Ambassador of Malaysia to Japan, emphasized that the diplomatic relationship between Malaysia and Japan has continued to grow over the years, covering various fields of cooperation, including economic sectors. According to him, Malaysia recorded investments totalling USD 34 billion in 2023, and from January to June 2024 amounting to USD22 billion, an increase of 18% compared to the same period last year.
“Recognizing the global technological trends and demands, Malaysia has introduced its New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP2030) and the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) to support the national industrial development and ecosystem. Malaysia will continue to attract foreign investors, particularly from Japan to explore investment opportunities in new growth areas of technology; semiconductors; EV Components; Digitalization; and Renewable Energy,” he said.
The event was enlivened by cultural performances from Malaysian students in Japan, members of the Embassy of Malaysia Women's Association in Japan (PERWAKILAN Tokyo), and a musical group from Malaysia called Kandora. Additionally, several videos were shown to promote Malaysia’s participation in the World Expo Osaka 2025 Kansai and Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025.