PM Anwar Courts Japanese Investments In Semiconductors, AI And Quantum Computing

From Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

TOKYO, June 9 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on Japanese companies to continue expanding their investments in Malaysia, particularly in high-technology sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing and digital industries.

He said Malaysia has progressed from an economy based on rubber and tin to that based on oil and gas, and is now strengthening its position as a regional hub for the electrical and electronics (E&E) and semiconductor industries.

“We have become a semiconductor hub in the region, and that sector is expanding very rapidly. We have seen very large exports from the E&E sector.

“And I believe many of you, perhaps seven or eight companies, are also involved in the field of crypto computing,” he said in his introductory remarks at a roundtable session with 29 selected Japanese business leaders here today.

He said Malaysia is prioritising emerging technologies such as AI, digital industries and quantum computing, while continuing to support traditional sectors including oil and gas.

He highlighted regional energy connectivity initiatives, including undersea cable projects linking Southeast Asia and potential collaborations involving Sarawak Energy as well as Malaysia and looks forward to benefiting from Japan’s expertise.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, expressed appreciation for the Japanese industry’s long-standing role in Malaysia’s economic development.

“Many of you are familiar with Malaysia, have been to Malaysia, and I come here to thank you, many captains of the Japanese industry, for your support,” he said.

He stated that Japanese companies were among the earliest investors in Malaysia following independence, helping drive its industrialisation journey.

He underscored the growing cooperation between Malaysian and Japanese universities and research institutions, including his visit this morning to the University of Tokyo, whose Research Centre for Advanced Science and Technology will soon collaborate with the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) on high-level research.

Earlier, Anwar also met executives from six Japanese companies, including IBM, Mitsubishi Corporation, ENEOS Corporation, Shizen Energy, DENSO Corporation and Marubeni Corporation, to discuss investment opportunities in sectors such as energy, the halal industry, AI and advanced computing.

Anwar is on a three-day official visit to Japan, accompanied by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong.

The meetings today formed part of Malaysia’s efforts to attract investment, strengthen its high-technology sectors and deepen economic cooperation with Japan.

Also present at the roundtable session and one-on-one meetings was Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Marican, who chairs the Crisis Management Task Force under the National Economic Action Council.

Anwar is scheduled to deliver a keynote address titled “Navigating Strategic Uncertainty” at the 31st Nikkei Forum tomorrow, held under the theme “Working Together for a More Resilient and Prosperous Asia.”

Later, he will be accorded an official welcoming ceremony at the Office of the Prime Minister of Japan, followed by a bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart before returning to Kuala Lumpur.

-- BERNAMA