Look East policy still paying off after 40 years, says envoy

 

The Japanese ambassador to Malaysia, Takahashi Katsuhiko, hopes the Look East policy will help to further cement relationships in future.

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has reaped great rewards from the Look East policy, which turns 40 next year, Japan’s ambassador to Malaysia Takahashi Katsuhiko has said.

Katsuhiko said the policy, introduced under then-prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, had seen over 26,000 Malaysians study in Japan over the years.

“I think the Look East Policy has borne a lot of fruit in Malaysia. I am happy to note that these people are playing a very important role in Malaysian society,” he told FMT.

Citing just one example, he said there were now 15 ministerial secretaries-general who have “experienced education” in Japan as part of the Look East Policy.

“On the business side, I understand a lot of graduates from the Look East policy are playing a very important role in enhancing bilateral economic relations between the two countries.”

A number of bodies have been key in propelling the programme over the years, such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency, Malaysian-Japan International Institute of Technology, Japan Graduates Association of Malaysia, and the Alumni Look East Policy Society.

“I am happy that the Look East Policy has achieved a lot, and I really wish that, after its 40th anniversary, the policy can further develop and enhance bilateral relations.”

On the phone conversation between Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida, Katsuhiko said he was encouraged by the pair’s commitment to developing the programme further.

“Both leaders have committed to enhancing bilateral relations throughout the 40th anniversary and beyond. We have a feeling the Look East Policy will continue under the new (Ismail-led) government, and both sides are ready to discuss how to further enhance it.”

He said there have already been discussions with the Malaysian government about opening a branch of the University of Tsukuba in Malaysia.

“If that happens, it will be the first Japanese university to open a branch abroad, and Malaysia will be the first to have such a university. This will be a channel to provide Japanese education to Malaysian students, and it will open another chapter to bilateral relations.” - FMT