KUCHING: Sarawak and Japan are reinforcing their collaboration across several key sectors, particularly in green energy, academia, and tourism.
Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia, Shikata Noriyuki, highlighted the growing partnership between Sarawak and Japan, especially in the area of green energy.
This development follows high-level discussions between Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba and Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, where Sarawak’s role in the clean energy transition was acknowledged.
The state’s commitment to hydrogen and ammonia production is expected to attract Japanese companies to invest in these projects.
“We recognise the potential of Sarawak’s energy policies, particularly in utilising green resources such as hydroelectric power. There is also significant opportunity in hydrogen and ammonia development, and Japan is eager to support this initiative,” Shikata said during a media session following his courtesy visit to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here today.
The discussions also covered academic collaboration, with an emphasis on strengthening ties between Kyoto University and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) for biodiversity conservation and rainforest protection. Both parties are keen to further deepen academic exchanges to support environmental sustainability.
On the tourism front, Japan is exploring the possibility of direct flight routes between Sarawak and Japan. Shikata noted that such connections would not only make it easier for Japanese tourists to visit Sarawak, but also encourage Sarawakians to travel to Japan, particularly in time for the Osaka Kansai Expo this April.
“We believe closer ties between Japan and Sarawak will create new opportunities, and we are looking forward to realising even more collaborative projects in the near future,” he added.
