Kota Kinabalu: Japanese investments in Malaysia exceeded RM100 billion last year, making it one of Malaysia’s key investment partners with a longstanding involvement in various sectors, according to Ambassador Noriyuki Shikata.
He is confident that Sabah would attract greater interest from Japanese companies with a more welcoming investment climate in place.
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Shikata, who is on a three-day official visit, said this during a courtesy call on Sabah Publishing House, Thursday. He was welcomed by Deputy General Manager Dexter Yeh.
“Japanese investments in Sabah have focused on the energy and resources sectors, including forestry, and could be between RM500 million and RM800 million in recent years,” he said, adding there are some 30 Japanese firms in the State.
Shikata also noted the growing cultural footprint of Japan in Sabah, going by the 80 Japanese restaurants operating in the State.
Referring to Japanese energy giant JERA (Japanese Energy for a New Era), he said broader and more open opportunities for Japanese investors in Sabah could pave the way for increased participation by Japanese firms.
Jera has expressed interest in investing in Sabah. The company is exploring potential joint investment opportunities with the Sabah Oil and Gas Development Corporation (SOGDC), focusing on strategic infrastructure development and prospective energy projects.
Jera views Sabah as a strategic location for oil, gas, and energy supply chains due to its proximity to major Asian markets.
Discussions have centred on potential collaboration with SOGDC in infrastructure development. Sabah’s competitive operating costs and the availability of ready local workforce are key factors enhancing its appeal to Japanese investors.
He is also in Sabah to promote Green×Expo 2027, to be held in Yokohama, Japan.
Green×Expo 2027 (International Horticultural Expo 2027, Yokohama) is a major A1-class, six-month event running from Mar 19 to Sept 26, 2027 at the former Kamiseya Communications Facility in Yokohama. Under the theme “Scenery of the Future for Happiness,” it focuses on sustainability, green technology and nature-based solutions.
The expo will integrate horticulture, agriculture, and environmental technology to promote a “Scenery of the Future for Happiness.”
The event will feature around 10 million flowers and plants, including 600 cherry trees, alongside exhibits on sustainable living and urban greening.
