Hybrid Seminar onSustainable Investments in Malaysia through High-Tech and EV Manufacturing

MIDA Tokyo together with SMBC Bank co-organised a Hybrid Seminar titled “Sustainable Investments in Malaysia through High-Tech and EV Manufacturing” in Tokyo, Japan on 5th September 2023. A total of 140 participants attended, both physically and virtually, to explore opportunities in sustainable investments and high-tech sectors in Malaysia. Among the attendees were representatives from various sectors such as electrical and electronics, machinery and equipment, and green technology, to name a few.

The seminar was part of an ongoing strategic initiative to promote Malaysia as the hub in ASEAN for sustainable investments and high-tech sectors. In April 2017, MIDA and SMBC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the shared goal of attracting more Japanese companies to invest in Malaysia.

Mr. Izran Abdullah, Director of MIDA Tokyo, emphasised, “We share a common ambition with Japan, in our pursuit of achieving net-zero emission by 2050. This vision underpins our National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), announced last July, which promises a sustainable future and a wealth of business opportunities in the energy sector.”

During the seminar, Mr. Shamsul Amir, Deputy Director of MIDA Tokyo, delivered a comprehensive presentation, showcasing Malaysia as a thriving high-tech hub and highlighting the lucrative prospects in EV-related investments. While, Mr. Afzanil Md. Anuar, Deputy Director of the Green Technology Division, provided valuable insights into Green Investment opportunities in Malaysia through a virtual presentation. With Malaysia’s strength as a high-tech manufacturing hub, the potential for manufacturers of EV components, EV battery modules and inverters is extensive. Furthermore, investing in green technology such as renewable energy and decarbonisation-related activities, presents a promising avenue for growth in Malaysia.

“It was our pleasure to have opportunities to introduce valuable Japanese companies related to the electrical and electronics (E&E) industry, renewable energy and decarbonisation technologies to MIDA. SMBC will continue to facilitate business collaboration between Malaysia and Japan, and also support Japanese companies in their Malaysian endeavours,” remarked SMBC.

Striving towards net-zero emission, SMBC introduced the Sustainable Link Loan, an ESG financial assistance tailored for Japanese corporations venturing into ESG initiatives. The seminar provided a comprehensive overview of Malaysia’s current development landscape, offering valuable perspectives into the future ecosystem of high technology and sustainable investments within the country. Following the event, a surge of enquiries highlighted a keen interest in Malaysia’s green initiative, especially among Japanese companies looking to explore the dynamic EV sector in Malaysia.

With an established presence in Malaysia since 1975 and local incorporation in 2010, SMBC has been committed to supporting the needs of its clients. Leveraging the strength of Japanese companies in high technology and mechanical sectors, MIDA together with SMBC will continue to work closely in attracting and supporting Japanese companies to seize business and investment opportunities in Malaysia.