OSAKA, Malaysia is optimistic about meeting all its objectives for the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, according to Nor Haslynda Wan Rahim, Deputy Pavilion Director of the Malaysia Secretariat.
Since the expo opened on April 13, 2025, the Malaysia Pavilion has drawn over two million visitors and generated more than RM9.1 billion in potential investment, she said.
“We’ve exceeded expectations, especially with the overwhelming response from Japanese visitors to our culinary offerings like roti canai and nasi lemak,” Nor Haslynda told Bernama during a visit arranged by the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO).
A Japanese television survey even ranked the Malaysian Pavilion as offering the best culinary experience among international participants.
The “Flying Roti Canai” became a major attraction, with Japanese visitors lining up for nearly two hours to witness the theatrical dough-spinning and enjoy the dish, sold at RM50 per serving. On average, 1,500 pieces were sold daily.
On the investment front, she noted that the focus has been on facilitating business matchings between Malaysian SMEs and global investors across sectors including renewable energy, digital technology, biotechnology, real estate, infrastructure, and aged care.
Addressing an ongoing design dispute involving claims that the pavilion’s design was used without proper credit or compensation, Nor Haslynda said discussions are still in progress. “We hope for an amicable resolution and that the matter won’t disrupt our daily operations ahead of the expo’s closing on October 13,” she said.
The Malaysia Secretariat for World Expo 2025 Osaka, under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), remains committed to highlighting the nation’s cultural richness and economic strengths on the world stage.
