Malaysia, Japan seal RM1.34bil deals at Expo 2025 Osaka
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Japan have signed three strategic agreements valued at RM1.34 billion during Expo 2025 Osaka.
A standout deal involves a joint venture between reNIKOLA Holdings Sdn Bhd and Japan's Sumitomo Corporation to develop renewable fuels. The collaboration will utilise palm oil production residues to produce biomethane and low-carbon derivatives such as liquefied biomethane and biomethanol.
The second deal involved MTC Orec Sdn Bhd, a bioenergy firm under the Bio-based Accelerator (BBA) programme, partnering with Japan's IHI Plant Services Corporation to advance biogas technology development in Southeast Asia.
In the third agreement, Glyken Bio Products Sdn Bhd, a BioNexus Status company, signed a Memorandum of Agreement and supply contract with Japan's Respect Co., Ltd. to distribute its bird's nest glycopeptide-based products in the Japanese market.
Held on 12 May at the Malaysia Pavilion during the launch of MOSTI Week, the event marked a key milestone in strengthening Malaysia-Japan collaboration to promote a low-carbon and bio-based economy, in line with global sustainability goals.
The initiative was led by the Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation, an agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI).
Bioeconomy Corporation said the collaborations involve the development of renewable energy and the commercialisation of sustainable biotechnology products, aligning with the aspirations of the National Biotechnology Policy 2.0 and global sustainability goals.
Its chief executive officer, Mohd Khairul Fidzal Abdul Razak, stated that choosing Japan as Malaysia's strategic partner in innovation and technology highlights the importance of international collaboration in driving green economic growth and tackling global climate issues.
"Malaysia is proud to showcase the nation's bioeconomy potential to the global market through
strategic collaborations such as this.
"While leveraging Japan's expertise in green innovation, BioNexus Status companies and those under the Bio-based Accelerator (BBA) programme are well positioned to drive transformation in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and bio-based products," he said.
Mohd Khairul said this collaboration not only creates economic benefits but also plays a significant role in promoting a more sustainable, low-carbon future on both regional and global scales.
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