06-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Selangor Week kicks off in Japan with strategic deals
KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor Week kicked off at Expo 2025 Osaka on Monday with the formalisation of two strategic partnerships led by Worldwide Holdings Bhd, the investment arm of the Selangor State Government, underscoring the state's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global engagement.
The first collaboration involves a joint initiative to explore the development of an integrated gas infrastructure network in Selangor, including a liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving terminal, lateral pipelines, and downstream gas distribution systems. This move strengthens Selangor's position as a key player in Malaysia's low-carbon transition and boosts long-term energy resilience for the state.
In a separate agreement, Tourism Selangor inked a memorandum of understanding with the National Association of Private Educational Institutions (NAPEI) and the Japan Travel Bureau Malaysia. The partnership aims to promote Selangor as a premier destination for education tourism, featuring joint marketing campaigns and student exchange programmes.
The initiative aligns with the Visit Selangor Year 2025 campaign and supports the goal of attracting eight million visitors and generating RM11.7 billion in tourism receipts by the end of next year.
Organised by Invest Selangor, the week-long programme positions Selangor as a globally connected and future-ready state.
The opening ceremony was graced by Tengku Amir Shah Ibni Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, Crown Prince of Selangor, alongside Menteri Besar of Selangor Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari; Selangor State Secretary Datuk Dr Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin; State Executive Councillor for Investment, Trade and Mobility Ng Sze Han; Malaysian Ambassador to Japan Datuk Shahril Effendi Abd Ghany; and Malaysia Pavilion director Ellyza Mastura Ahmad Hanipiah.
Amirudin said that Selangor represents the Malaysia of tomorrow that is dynamic, inclusive and globally connected.
"We are here to build bridges, deepen our ties with Japan and the global community, and spotlight Selangor's readiness to lead in sustainable development, industrial innovation and regional collaboration," he said in a statement.
"From energy transformation to education, tourism and creative industries, we are creating a state where technology, talent and culture work hand in hand to unlock long-term value. Through strategic partnerships and bold ideas, we are inviting the world to invest not only in our economy but in a shared and sustainable future."
A highlight of the week is the Selangor–Japan Investors Appreciation Awards, celebrating more than 60 years of Japanese contributions to Selangor's economic growth.
"The Japanese companies we honour today have played an instrumental role in our journey and we look forward to shaping the next chapter of growth together," added Amirudin.
"Selangor Week at Expo 2025 is more than a showcase—it is a statement of intent," Amirudin added. "We are here to deepen ties with Japan and the global community and demonstrate Selangor's readiness to lead in sustainable development, industrial innovation, and regional collaboration."
Ellyza echoed these sentiments: "With our target of securing RM13 billion in potential trade and investments as well as welcoming 1.5 million visitors, we remain steadfast in our mission to create a dynamic platform for engagement, innovation, and sustainable growth."
