Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia and Japan have proposed the establishment of a new cooperation centre in Malaysia to strengthen cross-sector collaboration in technology, sustainability, and ASEAN energy integration, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative underscores Malaysia’s commitment, as 2025 ASEAN Chair, to leading the region’s push toward a low-carbon future. In a Facebook post, Anwar highlighted Japan’s technical and advanced research support, emphasizing initiatives like the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), which aim to accelerate the comprehensive and large-scale implementation of the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).

Japan, recognized for its strengths in renewable energy, bioenergy, and carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), is positioned as a key strategic partner in Malaysia’s aspiration to become a regional hub for sustainable energy innovation. Anwar mentioned that the proposal was discussed during his meeting with Japan’s former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who visited him today.

The Prime Minister also expressed confidence that stronger ties between industries, policymakers, and research communities of the two countries would fast-track Malaysia’s energy transition, foster innovative solutions, and bolster regional economic resilience. “This is the time to build a stronger economy for a sustainable legacy for future generations,” he added.