Malaysia Showcases Food, Culture In Eighth 'Taste Of Malaysia' Programme In Japan

From Nur Natasha Aida Ismail

EDOGAWA (Tokyo), Oct 11 (Bernama) -- The Taste of Malaysia programme, now in its eighth year in Japan, not only introduces local food products but also promotes Malaysian culture internationally.

Jointly organised by AEON Co (M) Bhd, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), and AEON Japan, the programme is being held simultaneously in six AEON branches across the Land of the Rising Sun for five days starting from Oct 10.

AEON Co (M) Bhd chairman Datuk Iskandar Sarudin said the Taste of Malaysia Programme will be officially launched by KPDN secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohd Sayuthi Bakar at AEON Mall Makahuri tomorrow. The programme is also being held at AEON Mall Minamisuna, AEON Mall Style Shinonome, AEON Mall Style Himonya, AEON Mall Narita, and AEON Kasai.

"This time, the programme is not just about products, but it also aims to enhance Malaysia’s image as a must-visit country due to its diverse cultures, foods, and multi-ethnic and multi-religious communities," he told Bernama.

He was met after Mohd Sayuthi’s visit to the Taste of Malaysia programme at AEON Kasai here today.

Iskandar said to add variety to this year’s programme, fresh products such as Rompin pineapples, durians, durian ice cream, and flowers from Cameron Highlands were specially brought to Japan.

Malaysian food products such as laksa paste, papadom, sardines, chicken curry, and Penang Curry Mee, along with traditional clothing displays including kebaya and Borneo ethnic attire, also adorned the Taste of Malaysia Programme at AEON Kasai.

“Each year, the number of product Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) showcased increases, and this year we are presenting approximately 132 SKUs worth hundreds of thousands of Ringgit.

"It was only during the COVID-19 pandemic that we were unable to hold this programme for two years," he said.

Additionally, he said over 90 per cent of the products showcased were produced by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and they were comparable to products capable of penetrating international markets.

"My hope is that more MSMEs will enhance the quality of their products, including taste and packaging, as breaking into the Japanese market is not easy," he added.

According to Iskandar, introducing Malaysia through such platforms is the best approach as it allows direct engagement with the Japanese public.

-- BERNAMA