Japan supports Malaysia in revival of Look East policy
Japan will assist Malaysia in rejuvenating and upgrading the Look East policy to bolster bilateral cooperation and strengthen business competitiveness for both countries, heard a joint press conference of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his Malaysian counterpart Mahatir Mohamad in Tokyo on June 12.
Tokyo (VNA) – Japan will assist Malaysia in rejuvenating and upgradingthe Look East policy to bolster bilateral cooperation and strengthen businesscompetitiveness for both countries, heard a joint press conference of JapanesePrime Minister Shinzo Abe and his Malaysian counterpart Mahatir Mohamad inTokyo on June 12.
Japan will help the Southeast Asian nation’s growth going forward, particularlyin elevating the bilateral relationship to a new level, Abe said.
Bothsides will set up win-win relations, which help enhance competitive capacity ofJapanese firms operating in Malaysia, he noticed, adding that the new policywill promote investment and expand opportunities and space for Malaysian nationalsto set up business in both Malaysia and Japan.
The upgrade in the policy will include deeper exchanges in education, humanresources development and acceleration of science and technology transfer, hestressed.
Mahatir Mohamad, for his part, stated that education, training and investmentare among the areas that Malaysia and Japan can benefit from working closelywith each other.
He expressed his delight at Japan’s support for the Look East policy and hopedthat Malaysia will benefit from closer cooperation between the two nations aspart of the policy.
The Malaysian leader wished that Japanese universities will open their branchesin his country.
He also said that Abe had agreed to study Malaysia’s credit request to help thecountry resolve financial problems.
“The resolution of all the debt problems would enable Malaysia to once again bea good market for Japan and Japanese investment”, Bernama quoted MahatirMohamad as saying.
The principal goal of the Look East policy, introduced by Mahatir Mohamad in1982, was to shift the focus of relation from the West to the new rising Asiancountries, especially Japan, and help drive industrialisation in Malaysia.-VNA
Malaysia and Japan signed an agreement on April 18, paving the way for the transfer of Japanese defence equipment and technology to the Southeast Asian country.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
Malaysian PM Mahatir Mohamad
