KUALA LUMPUR: The impending establishment of a local University of Tsukuba (Japan) campus will further enhance bilateral ties with Malaysia, in spite of the challenging Covid-19 pandemic.
The university, a leading institution in the 'land of the rising sun that has produced three Nobel Prize winners,' is expected to be set up within Universiti Malaya by 2023.
Japan's ambassador to Malaysia Hiroshi Oka said the education and human capacity development had always been at the centre of bilateral relations.
"We look forward to seeing many Malaysian students study at the University of Tsukuba branch campus soon.
"Since the launch of the 'Look East Policy' four decades ago, approximately 27,000 Malaysians have studied in Japan.
"Once back in Malaysia, they have been playing significant roles at the forefront of every field in Malaysia.
"The very presence of these alumni gives unique strength to the foundation of our close bilateral ties," he said in conjunction with the Japan's national day celebration honouring the 61st birthday of his majesty Emperor Naruhito.
His majesty ascended to the throne on May 1, 2019 as the 126th emperor of Japan.
Additionally, Oka said that his government had built the Japan-Malaysia Technical Institute (JMTI) in Penang and established the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) within Universiti Teknoloji Malaysia to promote Japanese-style engineering education to help develop local talents.
Oka recalled how the people of Japan and Malaysia had always been "kawan rapat (close friends)" since Merdeka (independence of Malaysia).
"Our relationship has made enormous strides, thanks to the 'Look East Policy since its launch in 1982. And next year will be the 40th anniversary of this policy.
"Moving forward, our strategic partnership will continue to grow in a comprehensive manner under Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and his Malaysian counterpart Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin," said Oka.
On the Covid-19 pandemic, he said both countries reaffirmed the precious value of their friendship through working hand-in-hand initiatives to overcome the challenges.
"I would like to thank the government of Malaysia and all the front-liners for their dedicated efforts to keep us safe from Covid-19.
"Japan stands firm with Malaysia and our government has been providing various support to the Malaysian people, including the supply of personal protective equipment for the socially vulnerable, grant assistance of medical equipment, and supply of Avigan tablets for clinical trials," said Oka.
Japan also supports the establishment of the Asean Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases to help regional countries develop their capacity to cope with infectious diseases.
For these purposes, Oka revealed that Japan had contributed over US$60 million.
"In addition, Japan has been supporting the development and global distribution of vaccines in a fair and affordable manner through GAVI and COVAX facilities by contributing US$300 million," he said.
In sports, Oka said three host towns in Japan will support Malaysian athletes at the Olympic and Paralympic Games scheduled for July-August in Tokyo.
"I sincerely pray for the great success of the Malaysian athletes at the Games," he said.
On business and economic cooperation, Oka said a robust trade and investment under the 'Look East Policy' had also been another engine of their bilateral relations.
"About 1,500 Japanese companies in Malaysia have created 340,000 employment opportunities in the manufacturing sector alone.
"Japan is the second largest source of cumulative investment in Malaysia in the manufacturing sector and was the top investor in 2019.
"Interestingly, areas of new investments from Japan are now expanding from the traditional focus of electrical and electronics to include other highly-value added manufacturing such as medical
equipment as well as service sectors of digital, halal, and logistics.
"We will spare no efforts to encourage more investment from Japan to support the Malaysian government's ongoing efforts to enhance productivity," said Oka.
Relating to the maritime sector, he said cooperation between Japan and Malaysia was also for mutual and regional benefit, and beyond.
"Maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law is essential for the stability and prosperity in the region.
"Japan has consistently supported the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency since its inauguration through capacity development assistance and providing two patrol vessels.
"Japan and Malaysia are also working to improve the 'Asean Vessel Traffic Controllers' skills and capabilities through the Asean/VTS Centre located in Port Klang," said Oka.
He extended Japan's appreciation to Malaysia as an essential re-fueling port for the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Forces engaged in counter-piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden.
"The list of cooperation is boundless.
"What is essential in our strategic partnership is we share common values, democracy, rule of law and a strong sense of mutual trust nurtured by the people-to-people exchanges under the 'Look East Policy'," Oka said.