KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has secured RM4.68 billion in potential investments from Japan during its participation at Expo 2025 Osaka, reflecting the nation’s growing appeal as a strategic investment destination in Southeast Asia.
The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), in a statement today, announced that this figure forms a substantial 56.9% of the RM7.39 billion in total investment leads generated so far under the country’s involvement in the global event. The milestone was unveiled at the official opening of the Malaysia Pavilion, which was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and attended by Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Liew Chin Tong.
Expo 2025 Osaka, widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost economic and cultural platforms, serves as a key opportunity for participating nations to project their economic strengths and policy direction. Malaysia’s participation is spearheaded by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), reflecting a unified whole-of-government strategy.
Commenting on the development, Liew highlighted the strategic role of the Expo in positioning Malaysia as a forward-looking and innovation-led economy.
“The investments secured through MITI and MIDA reflect investors’ growing confidence in our green industries, advanced manufacturing, and digital economy,” he said.
MIDA Chief Executive Officer Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid noted that the results underscore Malaysia’s compelling investment proposition and the strategic trust extended by Japanese counterparts.
“As we deepen bilateral ties, MIDA will maintain a proactive approach in facilitating high-quality investments aligned with national goals in clean energy, innovation, and sustainable development,” he said.
“The Expo is more than a platform for showcasing our capabilities; it is a critical venue to prove our seriousness in driving transformative investments, and MIDA is proud to lead this charge,” he added.
The RM4.68 billion in investment potential was the outcome of a week-long investment mission to Japan, covering Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka, and Tokyo, held from 12–19 April 2025.
Over the course of the six-month Expo, the Malaysia Pavilion is projected to attract 1.5 million visitors. The programme includes more than 150 business-related engagements such as investor roundtables, memorandum of understanding (MoU) signings, product launches, and industry forums.
Malaysia’s participation is being undertaken at a national scale, involving 21 ministries, 70 agencies, and representation from all 13 states — underscoring a comprehensive and collaborative approach to international engagement.
MITI, alongside its agencies including MIDA, has set a target of RM13 billion in investment and trade outcomes from its participation at Expo 2025 Osaka. The strategy is focused on seven high-impact sectors: sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, smart living, green manufacturing, industrial reform, environmental management, and the halal industry.
-Bernama
