KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is scheduled to be conferred an honorary degree from a science and engineering-based private university in Tokyo for his contribution towards Malaysia-Japan technical education cooperation.
This is among the key highlights of the Deputy Prime Minister's maiden working visit to Japan from today (Feb 17) until Friday (Feb 23).
The Foreign Ministry, in a statement today, said Zahid will be conferred an honorary degree from Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT), Tokyo in recognition of his contribution not only towards the strengthening of Malaysia-Japan technical education cooperation and effort in uplifting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
"This working visit is the first high-level engagement between both countries since the elevation of Malaysia-Japan bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in December last year.
"It underscores the commitment to strengthening ties and fostering cooperation in various sectors for the mutual benefit of both countries," the statement said.
Zahid, the statement said, is being accompanied by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, senior officials of the relevant ministries and agencies as well as representatives from the institutes of higher education during his visit to Japan.
The Deputy Prime Minister, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, is scheduled to hold a discussion with Japan Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Minister Masahito Moriyama.
"The discussion will provide an opportunity for both sides to discuss and exchange views on bilateral matters of mutual interest, particularly in the field of education with focus on TVET."
Zahid will receive a courtesy call from Organisation for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement (OISCA) International president Etsuko Nakano.
He is also scheduled to visit the National Institute of Technology, Tokyo College (Tokyo KOSEN) to gain valuable insights into Japan's exemplary TVET system, as well as host engagement sessions with Malaysian students and community in Tokyo.
"The Deputy Prime Minister will also witness the signing of the Collaboration Agreement on Innovation Partnership between MyDIGITAL Corporation and Toshiba Digital Solutions Corporation in the application of big data technology.
"While in Osaka, the Deputy Prime Minister is slated to attend a business engagement with the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) as well as a roundtable session titled: "Connecting Halal Ecosystem Between Malaysia and Japan to Enhance Trade, Investment and Quality Employment."
"He will also undertake a site visit to Sanda Shokuniku Kosha Co., Ltd to observe the operation of the Japanese slaughterhouse in the production and supply of halal beef."
Since 2015, Japan has been Malaysia's fourth-largest trading partner globally. In 2023, trade with Japan was valued at RM156.64 billion (US $34.39 billion), contributing 5.9 per cent of Malaysia's total trade.
As of June last, a total of 2,778 projects by Japanese companies have been implemented in Malaysia, with investments amounting to RM91.89 billion (US $27.43 billion), providing employment opportunities to 337,758 people.
Meanwhile, the Higher Education Ministry, in a statement to Bernama, said Zahid's working visit to Japan is a strategic initiative by the ministry to enhance cooperation in the field of higher education across East Asia, apart from strengthening ties as well as fostering collaboration with educational institutions in Japan.
"Zambry will also visit Waseda University, a renowned private research institution in Japan known for producing prominent figures, including former Prime Ministers.
"The visit to Waseda University aims to explore strategic cooperation opportunities and identify areas for collaboration with Malaysian universities," read the statement.
