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Japan Expo Malaysia 2025

Japan Expo Malaysia 2025 (JEMY 2025) returns for its 6th edition from 18 to 20 July at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), promising a vibrant showcase of Japanese culture, innovation, and business.  Organised by Siam Connection Sdn Bhd and G-Yu Creative Co. Ltd, Japan Expo Malaysia this year is poised to be bigger and better and expected to attract over 70,000 visitors and 80 exhibitors.  The expo spans across various thematic zones – Taste of Japan, Travel, Education, Lifestyle, Anime & Cosplay, and Service Zone, offering an immersive experience of Japan’s excellence in culture, technology, sustainability, and creativity. This multifaceted approach reinforces its position as one of the region’s leading cultural and business expos. Beyond the cultural celebration, JEMY continues to be a strategic platform for both Japanese and Malaysian companies. Businesses can explore new markets, test products, and forge valuable B2B and B2C connections. “We invite Japanese companies and Malaysian importers of Japanese products and services to join JEMY 2025,” said Wong Wai Jo, Managing Director of Siam Connection. “The expo offers unmatched opportunities to grow your presence, launch products, and connect with key partners and customers from Malaysia, Japan, and the broader ASEAN region.” Japan Expo Malaysia also plays a vital role in fostering trade ties between Japan and Malaysia. As of 2023, Japan remained Malaysia’s fourth-largest trading partner for the ninth consecutive year, reflecting a robust and growing economic relationship. The Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, H.E. SHIKATA Noriyuki, has expressed his support for Japan Expo Malaysia 2025, emphasizing the importance of the event in strengthening the cultural and economic ties between Japan and Malaysia. “I am pleased to extend my sincere support for Japan Expo Malaysia 2025,” said Ambassador SHIKATA. “The event is instrumental in promoting Japan’s cultural heritage and enhancing business and cultural exchange. I hope both Japanese and Malaysian companies will actively participate in this dynamic platform.” A key highlight this year is the launch of the Japan Expo Malaysia Award, a new initiative to honour individuals, organizations, and groups that have significantly promoted Japanese culture, innovation, and business in Malaysia. The award will recognise outstanding contributions in areas such as marketing, creative initiatives, and community engagement. “We are excited to introduce the Japan Expo Malaysia Award,” Wong added. “This award acknowledges the hard work and passion of individuals and companies who have helped elevate Japan’s presence and influence in Malaysia. We look forward to celebrating those who have played a pivotal role in promoting Japanese culture and innovation.” JEMY 2025 will also highlight sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. As Japan leads globally in sustainability efforts, the expo will serve as a platform for companies to share insights and promote sustainable business practices. The content will cater to both Japanese and Malaysian industries, aiming to inspire dialogue and action around responsible corporate strategies. Another key highlight of JEMY is the stage dedicated to showcasing Japanese music across all genres, including J-Pop, idol performances, traditional music and more. This year, the stage will also showcase Malaysian bands influenced by Japanese styles, celebrating the musical synergy between the two cultures. Japan Expo Malaysia 2025 is proudly supported by the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia, Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), The Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur, Tourism Malaysia (Visit Malaysia 2026), and the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB). Their continued support underscores JEMY’s role as a cornerstone of cultural and business exchange between Japan and Malaysia. With its diverse offerings and strong focus on cultural exchange and business opportunities, JEMY 2025 promises to be an exciting event for all. Businesses interested in exhibiting or participating in the expo can register now, and tickets for the public will be available soon.  For more information about the event, ticket sales, or to register as an exhibitor, please visit the website www.japanexpomalaysia.com, Japan Expo Malaysia Facebook and Instagram pages for more updates.  

Investment & Market Trends, News

Tokyo Inflation Falls Below BOJ Target for 2nd Month

TOKYO: Core inflation decelerated for the second consecutive month in April, dropping below the central bank’s 2 per cent target, as revealed by data on Friday. This development complicates the central bank’s decision on when to raise interest rates. The latest figures were released shortly before the conclusion of the Bank of Japan’s two-day policy meeting, where policymakers are expected to maintain interest rates at their current level and present new inflation forecasts for the coming years up to early 2027. The core Consumer Price Index (CPI) in Tokyo, which serves as an indicator for nationwide trends, rose by 1.6 per cent in April compared to a year earlier, marking a slowdown from the 2.4 per cent increase observed in March. This figure was lower than the market’s median forecast of a 2.2 per cent rise. Another index, which excludes the volatile effects of fresh food and fuel prices and is seen as a broader gauge of price trends, also indicated a slowdown in inflation to 1.8 per cent in April from 2.9 per cent in March. This represents the slowest rate of increase since September 2022, when the index rose by 1.7 per cent year-on-year. Despite core inflation still exceeding the central bank’s 2 per cent target, the deceleration underscores uncertainty about whether consumer spending and wage pressures will strengthen sufficiently to sustain price growth around this level. The Bank of Japan has previously stated that its decision to end negative interest rates last month was driven by indications of robust demand and the expectation of rising wages, which were prompting businesses to continue raising prices for both goods and services. The depreciation of the yen adds complexity to the Bank of Japan’s interest rate strategy. While it supports exports and contributes to inflation, it could dampen domestic consumption, potentially cooling the economy and discouraging businesses from passing on increased costs to households.— REUTERS

News

Intel Announces New Business Leadership for APJ, India

KUALA LUMPUR: Intel Corporation has appointed new sales, marketing, and communications group (SMG) leaders for the Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) region and the India region as part of its ongoing transformation efforts. Effective immediately, Hans Chuang was appointed general manager of SMG APJ. Based out of Taiwan, Hans will be responsible for Intel’s overall business in the APJ region, including driving revenue growth, engaging with the local ecosystem to create new opportunities, and strengthening existing customer and partner relationships. Hans holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of British Columbia and an MBA from McGill University. “Intel is transforming, and I am excited to lead the company’s growth and innovation in APJ, one of Intel’s most diverse and fastest-growing regions. “Leveraging the strength of our partners and continuing our commitment to building an open ecosystem that serves our customers in a transparent and secure manner is going to be key to our long-term success here in the APJ region,” said Hans. In March this year, Intel announced India as a separate region within its SMG organisation, to capitalise on the country’s rapid growth and business opportunities. Santhosh Viswanathan, VP and MD-India region will lead the newly formed region, leveraging his expertise to drive value and customer centricity. “We see massive business opportunities and growing momentum in India. Creating a separate region enables our teams, including our strong engineering base in India, to work closely with our customers. It is a very exciting time for Intel in India, and I am thrilled to lead our business in the country,” said Santhosh. Santhosh holds an engineering degree in Industrial Engineering and Management and a master’s degree in business administration. Both Hans and Santhosh have extensive leadership experience within Intel and are known for their dedication to delivering outcomes for Intel customers. Intel’s appointment of Hans Chuang and Santhosh Viswanathan as leaders of the company’s SMG organisations in APJ and India reflects its strategic focus on aligning organisational structures with evolving market dynamics. By leveraging its internal leadership talent, Intel aims to enhance its responsiveness and effectiveness in addressing each region’s unique opportunities and challenges, positioning itself for sustained success in these growth markets.

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