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Volume 42 – January 2025
Greetings from DISG Secretariat
Dear Readers,
We extend our warmest wishes for a joyful and prosperous New Year in 2025. May your holiday season have been filled with rest and celebration. As you embark on the journey ahead, we hope the promise of upcoming events fills you with anticipation and delight.
While the world may witness changes and new developments, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering the latest updates and captivating news on ASEAN-Japan collaborations. As we step into another year, let us come together to explore and enjoy the 2025 editions of DISG monthly newsletter.
In this volume, we highlight several major and exciting events that showcased significant collaborations across various sectors. Starting with Prime Minister Ishiba’s visit to Malaysia and Indonesia, where he held summit meetings to discuss bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas. In December, a series of major ASEAN-Japan economic co-creation initiatives took place, including the Economic Co-Creation Forum, as well as the Young Business Leaders and Future Generation Business Leaders Summits, and many more, which brought together business leaders from ASEAN and Japan, fostering fruitful partnerships and collaborations.
Along with the aforementioned topic, this volume will cover 5 topics, as follow;
- • Prime Minister Ishiba’s Visit to Malaysia and Indonesia
- • Report on “ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Forum 2024”
- • Report on “ASEAN-Japan Young Business Leaders’ Summit 2024” and the “Future Generation Business Leaders’ Summit 2024” in Kyoto
- • Report on “Indonesia-Japan Fast Track Pitch Event 2024” in Jakarta
- • Seventh Meeting of the Japan-Vietnam Joint Committee on Cooperation in Industry, Trade and Energy
Best regards,
ISHIKAWA Hiroshi
Chair of DISG Task Force
Executive Director, JETRO Singapore
Special Advisor to Minister, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan
Prime Minister Ishiba’s Visit to Malaysia and Indonesia
From January 9 to 12, 2025, Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru embarked on a diplomatic visit to Malaysia and Indonesia. During his visits, he engaged in high-level summit meetings with each country’s respective leaders, fostering deeper bilateral ties and discussing key regional and global issues. In addition, Prime Minister Ishiba took the opportunity to contribute insightful articles to the press, sharing his perspectives on strengthening international cooperation and the shared future of the countries.
■ The Malaysia Visit
On January 10, 2025, following a formal welcome ceremony, Prime Minister Ishiba held a Malaysia-Japan summit meeting with Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, at the Prime Minister's Office. The meeting was followed by a joint press event and a luncheon hosted by Prime Minister Anwar.
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○ Malaysia-Japan Summit Meeting
At the outset of the summit meeting, Prime Minister Anwar warmly welcomed Prime Minister Ishiba’s visit, expressing a desire to further deepen ties between their countries. In response, Prime Minister Ishiba emphasized the importance of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) in addressing global crises and outlined his intent to discuss regional issues and enhance Malaysia-Japan cooperation.
The two leaders agreed on four key areas for strengthening bilateral relations:
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1. Security Cooperation Area: The two leaders highlighted the positive developments in strategic dialogues, including Foreign Vice-Ministerial consultations and bilateral defense exercises between Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Royal Malaysian Navy. Both leaders committed to expanding such cooperation, including progressing with Official Security Assistance (OSA), and welcomed the agreement in principle on a memorandum of cooperation between the Japan Coast Guard and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency. Further collaboration in maritime safety and cybersecurity was also emphasized.
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2. Economic Partnership Area: Both leaders agreed to cooperation in strengthening supply chain resilience, particularly in semiconductors, aircraft parts, and rare earth resources, aligned with Malaysia’s “Madani” policy. The two leaders confirmed their commitment to energy security and decarbonization, including collaboration in LNG supply, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), ammonia power generation, and renewable energy technologies. The leaders also reaffirmed their intention to deepen cooperation through the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) platform.
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3. Disaster Management Area: Prime Minister Ishiba offered Japan’s expertise in disaster risk management to support Malaysia in mitigating the impacts of frequent and severe wind and flood disasters. The two leaders concurred continued collaboration in disaster prevention.
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4. Human Resources Development Area: The two leaders agreed to continue supporting educational exchanges, particularly through institutions like the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology and the University of Tsukuba’s branch campus, further enhancing cooperation between universities in both countries.
Additionally, the leaders discussed regional and international issues, including the situations in the East and South China Seas, the Middle East, and Myanmar. On the Middle East, Prime Minister Ishiba expressed concern over the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and reaffirmed Japan’s support for Palestine. Both leaders committed to further collaboration on Palestinian development.
Lastly, the two leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining a free and open international order based on the rule of law and pledged continued efforts toward realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) and supporting the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
○ Contributed Article: “Strengthening Japan-Malaysia Ties: A New Chapter In Comprehensive Strategic Partnership”
In line with this, on January 9, 2025, in contributed article to Malaysia’s National News Agency Bernama, Prime Minister Ishiba emphasized the importance of strengthening Malaysia- Japan relations, marking a new chapter in their “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
Prime Minister Ishiba highlighted the shared values and principles between the two nations and their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). Prime Minister Ishiba noted the robust cooperation in security, green transformation, and international collaboration, while also outlining key areas for future cooperation, including economic resilience, decarbonization, and disaster risk reduction. He underscored the significance of people-to-people exchanges, educational collaboration, and Malaysia’s participation in the upcoming Expo 2025 Osaka. Additionally, he affirmed Japan’s support for Malaysia’s leadership in ASEAN and their joint efforts in addressing global issues, such as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Prime Minister Ishiba expressed confidence that the bilateral relationship would continue to grow through diverse exchanges, contributing to regional peace and prosperity.
■ The Indonesia Visit
On January 11, 2025, following a formal welcome ceremony, Prime Minister Ishiba held an Indonesia-Japan summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia at the presidential palace. The meeting was followed by a joint press event and a luncheon hosted by President Prabowo. The luncheon featured performances of Japanese and Indonesian songs in a friendly atmosphere, and Mr. Sudaryono, Vice Minister of Agriculture, a graduate of the National Defense Academy of Japan, also sang the school’s anthem.
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○ Indonesia-Japan Summit Meeting
At the outset of the summit meeting, President Prabowo warmly welcomed Prime Minister Ishiba, and both leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening the comprehensive and strategic partnership between two nations. Prime Minister Ishiba reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, in promoting global peace.
The leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in five key areas;
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1. Security Cooperation Area: The two leaders agreed to hold a Foreign and Defense Ministers’ Meeting (2+2) and launched defense consultations on maritime security and technology cooperation. The two leaders welcomed the provision of high-speed patrol boats to the Indonesian Navy under Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) program and emphasized people-to-people connections in defense through the acceptance of Indonesian students at the National Defense Academy of Japan and the exchange program of field officers, based on the recognition that the essence of defense cooperation is people-to-people ties.
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2. Economic Partnership Area: Prime Minister Ishiba expressed Japan’s support for Indonesia’s economic development, with both leaders agreeing on cooperation in energy security and decarbonization, particularly through the Muara Laboh geothermal power project under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) platform.
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3. Disaster Management Area: As both Japan and Indonesia are disaster-prone countries, Prime Minister Ishiba offered Japan’s expertise to enhance Indonesia’s national resilience by utilizing Japan's expertise, and President Prabowo expressed appreciation.
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4. Nutrition Promotion Area: Regarding Indonesia’s school meals program, Prime Minister Ishiba offered Japan’s support through expert dispatches and training programs to improve nutrition and poverty alleviation efforts. Both leaders also discussed collaboration in fisheries and agriculture.
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5. Human Resource Development Area: The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of human resource development and concurred to strengthen two-way people-to-people exchanges.
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues and emphasized the significance of maintaining a free and open international order based on the rule of law, particularly through the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). Prime Minister Ishiba also expressed Japan’s strong support for Indonesia’s accession to the OECD. Finally, Prime Minister Ishiba invited President Prabowo to visit Japan later in the year, which President Prabowo warmly accepted.
○ Contributed Article: “New Leadership, New Hope”
On January 10, 2025, in contributed article “New Leadership, New Hope” published in Kompas, Prime Minister Ishiba reflected on the long-standing friendship and cooperative relationship between Japan and Indonesia, highlighting the shared values and goals of the two nations.
Prime Minister Ishiba expressed his commitment to further developing their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, focusing on areas such as disaster risk reduction, food security, sustainable economic growth, and security cooperation. Prime Minister Ishiba emphasized Japan’s support for Indonesia’s efforts in food self-sufficiency, school meals, and infrastructure development, and affirmed Japan’s cooperation in regional and international challenges, including the Free and Open Indo-Pacific and the situation in Gaza. He also underscored the importance of human resource development, particularly through defense exchanges, and the significant role of people-to-people connections. Looking ahead, Prime Minister Ishiba invited Indonesians to participate in the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, promoting further economic and cultural exchanges.
- Prime Minister ISHIBA's Visit to Malaysia and Indonesia (January 9-12, 2025) (English) (LINK)
- Japan-Malaysia Summit Meeting (English) (LINK)
- Contributed Article “Strengthening Japan-Malaysia Ties: A New Chapter In Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” by Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru to the Malaysian National News Agency Bernama (English) (LINK)
- Japan-Indonesia Summit Meeting (English) (LINK)
- Contributed Article “New Leadership, New Hope” by Prime Minister ISHIBA to Kompas (Indonesia) (English) (LINK)
Report on “ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Forum 2024”
On December 20, 2024, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) held the “ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Forum 2024” in Tokyo. At the forum, business leaders from the public and private sectors held discussions to promote co-creation between ASEAN and Japan, focusing on next-generation vehicles, AI, and Green Transformation (GX).
In the opening session, honorable representatives from ASEAN and Japan delivered speeches, notably H.E. Mr. Pichai Naripthaphan, Minister of Commerce of Thailand, H.E. Mr. Nguyen Hong Dien, Minister of Industry and Trade of Viet Nam, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, and Mr. Kobayashi Ken, Chairman of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Additionally, Mr. Muto Yoji, Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, highlighted the importance of Japan-ASEAN collaboration in energy, next-generation vehicles, and digital technology, expressing hope that the Co-Creation Forum will serve as a catalyst for deeper cooperation and contribute to a stronger future for both Japan and ASEAN. (This statement was read by Mr. Komiyama Yasuji, Director-General for Trade Policy and Economic Cooperation, on behalf of the Minister.)
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Followed by the keynote panel, focusing on ASEAN’s need to continue to grow and transform into an important global base for economic activities as the world faces increasing uncertainty. With this in mind, speakers held comprehensive discussions on the challenges that ASEAN faces in achieving further development and the expectations that ASEAN has for Japan in solving these challenges. They also highlighted the importance of ASEAN functioning as a stable and reliable community in the face of global instability and emerging regional divisions, emphasizing the crucial role of ASEAN-Japan cooperation in ensuring this stability.
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■ Session 1: Next-generation vehicles
The ASEAN region needs to realize decarbonization in the automobile industry, a key growth sector, while maintaining its role as a production and export hub. Speakers discussed the importance of Japan and ASEAN collaborating to develop a roadmap for this goal. They also emphasized the need to explore diverse pathways to decarbonization and the importance of driving ASEAN-Japan cooperation across the entire automobile industry ecosystem.
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■ Session 2: AI
Speakers discussed the challenges faced by ASEAN and Japan economies, the potential impact of AI on ASEAN industries, and expectations for AI’s role within those sectors. They addressed requests for government action and explored ideal approaches for effective ASEAN-Japan cooperation. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of public-private cooperation in maximizing the value of AI.
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■ Session 3: GX
To achieve carbon neutrality in the ASEAN region, speakers from private companies in ASEAN and Japan engaged in proactive discussions on public-private collaboration in rule-making, essential for decarbonization through diverse pathways suited to each economy’s context. They also addressed the promotion of transition finance and the roles that the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) is expected to play.
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In the closing session, the following representatives delivered speeches: Mr. Hara Noriyuki, Vice Chairs of the Board of Councillors and Chair of the Committee on Asia and Oceania, Keidanren, Mr. Hirabayashi Kunihiko, Secretary General, ASEAN-Japan Centre, Mr. Imai Seiji, Chairperson of the Japan-Asia Relations Committee, Keizai Doyukai, and Mr. Nakazawa Katsunori, Executive Vice President of JETRO delivered a speech on behalf of Mr. Kataoka Susumu, President of JETRO, who was unable to attend the event. Finally, Mr. Matsuo Takehiko, Vice-Minister for International Affairs, stated the importance of further solidarity between Japan and ASEAN amid increasing global uncertainty.
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- ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Forum 2024 Held (English) (LINK)
Report on “ASEAN-Japan Young Business Leaders’ Summit 2024” and the “Future Generation Business Leaders’ Summit 2024” in Kyoto
From December 18 to 20, 2024, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), and other organizations held the “ASEAN-Japan Young Business Leaders’ Summit 2024” and the “Future Generation Business Leaders’ Summit 2024” in Kyoto, Japan. The events aimed to foster new “connections” between Japan and ASEAN for the next generation and to “co-create” solutions to social issues and new business opportunities.
■ Overview
In 2023, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan friendship and cooperation, METI established the two summits, aiming to allow young business leaders who are active in ASEAN and Japan to share challenges and discuss and propose ways to cooperate towards solutions.
The second Summits were held in Kyoto, with greetings from H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn Secretary-General of ASEAN, Mr. Takatoshi Nishiwaki, Governor of Kyoto Prefecture, Mr. Koji Matsui, Mayor of Kyoto City, and Mr. Masayoshi Matsumoto, Chairman of Kansai Economic Federation, Mr. Takeshi Niinami, Chairman of Keizai Doyukai and Chief Executive Officer of Suntory Holdings Limited., Mr. Tadashi Maeda, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Japan Bank for International Cooperation, and other business executives of Japan.
The summits concluded with a Joint Statement, including an agreement to create a committee of young business leaders from both regions to enhance leadership exchanges.
■ “ASEAN-Japan Young Business Leaders’ Summit 2024”
At the ASEAN-Japan Young Business Leaders’ Summit 2024, young business leaders, including executives from major conglomerates and founders of unicorn businesses from ASEAN and Japan, gathered to discuss strengthening mutual understanding, trust, and collaboration to address economic and social challenges. The summit also featured discussions with Mr. Takeshi Niinami, Chairman of Keizai Doyukai and CEO of Suntory Holdings, Mr. Tadashi Maeda, Chairman of Japan Bank for International Cooperation, and other leading Japanese executives. Additionally, numerous one-on-one meetings were held between Japanese companies and participating young leaders.
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Co-Organizers: METI, JETRO, ASEAN Business Advisory Council, and
AEM-METI Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee (AMEICC)
Date: From Wednesday, December 18 to Thursday, December 20, 2024
Venue: Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Joint Statement: click LINK
Young Business Leaders: click LINK
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■ “ASEAN-Japan Future Generation Business Leaders’ Summit 2024”
At the ASEAN-Japan Future Generation Business Leaders’ Summit 2024, young business leaders in their 20s, including entrepreneurs from ASEAN and Japan, gathered to discuss building mutual understanding and trust, and collaborating to address economic, business, and social challenges. The summit also featured numerous one-on-one meetings between Japanese companies and participating future generation leaders.
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Co-Organizers: METI, JETRO, ASEAN Business Advisory Council,
AEM-METI Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee (AMEICC), and PoliPoli.inc
Date: From Wednesday, December 18 to Thursday, December 20, 2024
Venue: Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Official Website: click LINK
Joint Statement: click LINK
Future Generation Business Leaders: click LINK
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- METI Held the ASEAN-Japan Young Business Leaders’ Summit 2024 and the Future Generation Business Leaders’ Summit 2024 (English) (LINK)
Report on “Indonesia-Japan Fast Track Pitch Event 2024” in Jakarta
On December 5, 2024, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), together with co-organizers including the Coordinating Ministry of Economic Affairs held the “Indonesia-Japan Fast Track Pitch Event 2024” in Jakarta to accelerate global open innovation of Japanese companies, startups, and SMEs.
The event was attended by over 160 participants, highlighting the presentations from 17 finalists from Japan, Indonesia, and other countries who presented their proposals on the open innovation challenges provided by the six challenge owners.
In the opening session, Mr. Yoji Muto, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, Mr. Masahiko Kiya, Ambassador of the Mission of Japan to ASEAN, Dr. Edi Prio Pambudi, Deputy Minister for Coordination of International Economic Cooperation, and Mr. Yohanes Lukiman, Head of Permanent Committee for Asia Pacific, Board Member, Indonesian Chamber of Commerce, ASEAN Business Advisory Council, each delivered opening remarks, stressing the importance of strengthening cooperation for the creation of innovation between the two countries.
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During the application period, approximately 110 proposals from around the world were submitted responding to the challenges provided by the six challenge owner companies from Japan and Indonesia. From among these, 17 finalists selected by the challenge owners presented their proposals. Each challenge owner selected the best proposal for their challenge, and the best presentation of the entire event was also presented with an award.
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■ Future Event Schedule
The next “Fast Track Pitch Event” will take place in Bangkok, Thailand. Applications to the challenges by the six challenge owner companies are already closed on December 22, 2024.
For the details, please see the official website of “Zest Thailand ―Thailand-Japan Fast Track Pitch Event 2025”: LINK.
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- METI Holds the Indonesia-Japan Fast Track Pitch Event 2024 in Jakarta to Accelerate Global Open Innovation of Japanese Companies/Startups/SMEs (English) (LINK)
Seventh Meeting of the Japan-Vietnam Joint Committee on Cooperation in Industry, Trade and Energy
On December 20, 2024, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) held the Seventh Japan-Vietnam Joint Committee on Cooperation in Industry, Trade and Energy, under the co-chairmanship of Mr. Muto Yoji, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, and H.E. Mr. Nguyen Hong Dien, Minister of Industry and Trade, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. During the meeting, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral economic ties and agreed on a joint ministerial statement.
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The committee has been facilitating discussions on various cooperation projects in industry, trade, and energy at the ministerial level. At this seventh meeting, the two sides addressed topics such as strengthening supply chain resilience through the Global South Future-Oriented Co-Creation Project, securing critical mineral supplies, and energy cooperation under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC). Areas of focus included energy transition, offshore wind power, nuclear energy, and LNG. Both sides agreed to intensify efforts in these areas. Additionally, the two ministers issued a joint ministerial statement, click LINK.
- Seventh Meeting of the Japan-Viet Nam Joint Committee on Cooperation in Industry, Trade and Energy Held (English) (LINK)
Editorial Note