ZAHID PROPOSES STRENGTHENING MJII TO ENHANCE MARA-JAPAN INDUSTRIAL COLLABORATION

LANGKAWI, Feb 11 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has proposed strengthening the MARA-Japan Industrial Institute (MJII) as a strategic platform to enhance collaboration between Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) and Japanese industries.

He said that with stronger, more structured participation from Japanese companies, MJII can serve as a primary talent pipeline, with industry partners directly involved in training, mentoring, and ultimately recruiting graduates into their operations.

“Malaysia is committed to strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a key pillar of national development.

“Through MARA and other institutions, we aim to produce not just skilled workers, but technopreneurs, young people who can create businesses, develop technologies and generate jobs.

“Japan, with its strengths in precision engineering, automation and green innovation, is a natural partner in this journey,” he said in his speech at the 7th MARA-OISCA (Organisation for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement) International Business Forum 2026 Gala Dinner here tonight.

He said digital technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), automation and green industries are reshaping how we produce, trade and live, adding that in this new landscape, natural resources alone are no longer sufficient.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the real wealth of a nation lies in its people, namely their skills, creativity and ability to adapt.

“This is where the next chapter of Malaysia-Japan cooperation must unfold. We must move beyond traditional manufacturing into areas such as smart and advanced manufacturing, green and renewable technologies, digital innovation and automation, AI and robotics, and sustainable rural industries,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said the collaboration between MARA-OISCA International Chapter is one of the finest examples of how diplomacy can translate into human development.

He said that since its inception, more than 1,000 Malaysian youths have undergone industrial training in Japan, while over 3,000 have benefited from skills programmes in Malaysia.

“What is even more remarkable is that about 70 per cent of these trainees found employment in the private sector, many within Japanese multinational companies,” he said.

The 7th MARA-OISCA International Business Forum 2026, themed “Cultivating Trust, Nurturing Sustainability”, brought together government leaders, industry captains, diplomats, academicians, entrepreneurs and international partners, particularly from Japan, to discuss strategic collaboration, sustainable development and the future of Malaysia’s human capital and economic competitiveness.

-- BERNAMA