Malaysia and Japan are exploring collaboration in semiconductors, rare earths and supply chain development that could contribute to a new model for the automotive industry, according to Noriyuki Shikata.

Noriyuki Shikata is a senior Japanese diplomat currently serving as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Malaysia (since late 2024).

During a media tour of the Perodua factory in Rawang on 14th May, Shikata said stronger partnerships between Japanese and Malaysian companies could create new value chains and position Malaysia as a manufacturing and automotive development hub.

He said the cooperation aligns with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takahashi's growth strategy, particularly in priority sectors such as rare earth elements (REEs) and green transformation.

"In terms of Japanese contributions to the Malaysian automotive sector, Perodua is one of the models of joint ventures between Japanese and Malaysian companies," he said, according to media sources.

Shikata added that Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) had decided to extend financial support for a new Perodua-led project, which could become another example of bilateral industrial cooperation.

Referring to Perodua's collaboration with Daihatsu, he said the partnership had enabled technology transfer, workforce development, workforce investment and knowledge-sharing between the two countries.

Shikata said Perodua is entering a new stage, with new innovations and solutions being developed in Malaysia that have drawn interest from Japan.

Meanwhile, Zainal Abidin Ahmad said he hoped more Japanese companies would invest in and manufacture their final products in Malaysia to help address supply chain issues involving vehicle parts.