Malaysia is grateful for Japan’s dedication to cooperation, especially after the forging of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) last December, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi during his seven-day working visit to Japan. He added that he obtained crucial feedback on areas such as Technical and Vocational Education and Training, halal sector, and disaster management.
Ahmad Zahid emphasized the significance of his follow-up visit following the Prime Minister’s visit to Japan. He mentioned that the Japanese government expressed appreciation for this visit and reiterated their commitment to enhancing Malaysia’s diplomatic ties under the CSP.
He also highlighted the joint statement issued by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida on strengthening bilateral ties to the CSP level during the working visit in December.
Furthermore, Ahmad Zahid noted the potential benefits of their visit, particularly in the field of TVET, given that Japan has been nurturing successful students for over 35 years in TVET-integrated education institutions.
In addition, Ahmad Zahid stated the government’s intention to send more Malaysian students to Japan for TVET studies in order to support the local TVET sector. He also mentioned the offers received for students from Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) and the Malaysian Technical Universities Network (MTUN), as well as Japanese student exchanges to Malaysia.
While in Osaka, Ahmad Zahid witnessed the signing of two memoranda of understanding (MoU) by Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) with two Japanese entities in the halal sector, which aims to boost bilateral trade in the halal industry. He also learned about disaster management during his visit to Osaka.
Overall, Ahmad Zahid’s working visit to Japan, his first since being appointed as Deputy Prime Minister in December 2022, illustrated the positive developments in Malaysia-Japan cooperation under the CSP.
