Malaysia stands to gain from outing at Osaka expo

OSAKA: Malaysia has successfully secured more than RM8bil in potential investments and signed 20 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) by participating at Expo 2025 Osaka, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

Fadillah, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transfor­ma­tion Minister, and chairman of Malaysia’s National Organising Committee for Expo 2025, said this achievement, involving 101 companies, represents 61.54% of the overall RM13bil target that was previously set.

“I am confident that with our coming initiatives over the next four months, we will not only surpass our target but also unlock new opportunities for Malaysians.

“The success of our participation will pave the way for job creation while further strengthe­ning bilateral ties with Japan and other global partners,” he told a press conference after launching the opening ceremony of the Malay­sia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka here yesterday.

In addition to the digital economy, Fadillah highlighted the green economy, Japanese technologies and global participation in Expo 2025 as key opportunities for Malaysia to explore.

He noted that these opportunities position Sarawak not only as a hub for energy, particularly green energy, leveraging its hydro­power resources, but also as a central player in Malaysia’s Hydrogen Economy Roadmap and Energy Transition Roadmap.

Regarding the signing of the 20 MOUs, Fadillah said the Malaysian Pavilion has facilitated several high-impact MOUs and strategic partnerships that reflect the country’s forward-looking approach to regional collaboration, sustainable development and technological advancement.

“This agreement has covered a wide range of sectors, including renewable energy, digital, property services, biotechnology, care­giving innovation and infrastructure development.

“The key focus areas have inclu­ded efforts to support decarbonisation, advance green hydrogen solutions, strengthen dementia care capabilities and promote smart facility systems and sustai­nable materials,” he said, reported Bernama.

Collectively, the partnerships underscored the Malaysia Pavi­lion’s role as a hub for generating tangible economic outcomes, also encouraging cross-border know­ledge sharing and reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a regional leader in clean technology, inclusive innovation and future-ready industries, said Fadillah.

Earlier, in his opening speech, Fadillah said the Malaysia Pavi­lion at Expo 2025 has surpassed the remarkable milestone of one million guests this week.

Fadillah said Malaysia and Japan’s longstanding relations and strong ties extended beyond economic relations, encompassing a shared commitment to regional stability and cultural understan­ding.

The Malaysia Pavilion also unvei­led its official mascot, “Lina”, a Malaysian girl who embarked on a journey of discovery and ­balance, guided by her older self through a future-inspired realm.

Her evolving batik “selempang”, which transformed into songket, symbolised transformation, identity and hope.

“Lina” is a reflection of the next generation of Malaysians who are thoughtful, empowered and rooted in heritage while embracing global sustainability ideals.