PRIME Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is set to mark his second visit here, a year after his previous visit last August.
As part of his two-day working visit, which begins tomorrow, Dr Mahathir’s visit is expected to improve ties in the fields of technology and education, as well as the promotion of Malaysia’s economic opportunities.
Dr Mahathir is scheduled to deliver a keynote address, titled “How Science and Technology will contribute To World Peace” at the Japan Future Leaders School. He is expected to field a question-and-answer session after his address.
The Japan Future Leaders School is an intensive summer school programme tailored for high school students to become active participants in international society.
This year marks the school’s 16th annual lecture series. Dr Mahathir has served as its main speaker since the first one was held back in 2003.
The Japan Future Leaders School is hosting a dinner for Dr Mahathir later that night.
Dr Mahathir is also expected to be conferred an honorary doctorate by the International University of Japan (IUJ).
It is understood that the honorary conferment is to reflect Malaysia-Japan’s continuous cooperation and successes based on Dr Mahathir’s Look East Policy.
He has a slew of interviews lined up with the Japanese media, including Yomiuri Shimbun and Kyodo News.
The 94-year-old is expected to deliver another lecture at the Kyushu Asia Institute of Leadership.
In a more colourful aspect to his schedule, Dr Mahathir will drop by the popular teamLab Future Park in Canal City here in Hakata, which hosts a digital art space equipped with an interactive light display.
Dr Mahathir will meet his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe’s special adviser, Hiroto Izumi, on the last day of his working visit.