Japanese firms keen on investing in Johor, says ambassador

ISKANDAR PUTERI: Japanese companies are exploring investment opportunities in Johor following the establishment of Sankyu Group’s human resources training center in the Medini Central Business District (CBD) in Iskandar Puteri last year.

According to Japan Ambassador to Malaysia, Takahashi Katsuhiko, there are currently 170 Japanese companies in Johor, accounting for a significant portion of the 1,600 companies in Malaysia. Johor ranks third in terms of the number of Japanese companies, trailing behind Penang and Selangor.

“We are aware of the growing trend of investment in Johor. Japanese companies are generally interested in investing in Malaysia, so we hope that Johor can become one of their preferred destinations,” he said.

Takahashi made these remarks during a press conference after the opening ceremony of the Bon Odori Johor 2023 at Eco Galleria on Saturday, July 15.

Elaborating further, Takahashi stated that Sankyu’s human resources training center would fulfill the need for skilled workers in the ASEAN region, thereby attracting more investment opportunities.

“With the presence of a human resources training center here, I believe that investment will continue to flow in,” Takahashi added.

Among the prominent Japanese companies already operating in Malaysia are ANA, Meiji, Mitsui, Mitsubishi, Shachiahata, and Sumitomo.

Meanwhile, speaking about the Bon Odori festival, Eco World Development Group Bhd (EcoWorld Malaysia) President and CEO Datuk Chang Khim Wah highlighted that this year’s event marked the festival’s return after a three-year hiatus caused by the pandemic.

“Since 2015, this has been one of our annual programs in collaboration with the Japan Graduates’ Association of Malaysia (Jagam). We encourage local residents to join us in celebrating Japanese culture through this community event,” Chang said.

The festival, which will run from July 14 to July 16, offers more than 200 booths showcasing Japanese and Malaysian culture, including cuisine, fashion, crafts, souvenirs, snacks, and various traditional activities such as the Yukata experience and Japanese Rice Cake pounding.