KUALA LUMPUR: As Malaysia is on its way to becoming a data centre hub of Southeast Asia, many Japanese firms are interested in the country.

Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia Shikata Noriyuki said many Japanese companies can be found in the technology park in Cyberjaya.

The largest telco in Japan NTT has continued to increase its investment in Malaysia in recent years, he said.

Next focus would be Johor Bharu, he elaborated.

Citing an example, Noriyuki said NTT recently bought a piece of land in Johor and planned to invest a data centre there.

The proposed data centre would be utilised by Japanese, said Ambassador Shikata in an interview with Sin Chew Daily.

Currently 1,600 Japanese firms are investing in Malaysia, providing a good collaboration model for other countries in ASEAN, he said, adding that Malaysia could be a role model for ASEAN collaboration.

He is referring to the Madani Government’s effort to narrow social disparity gap and improve social inclusiveness in Malaysia.

Shikata said Japan is interested in the Economy Framework implemented by the Madani Government to achieve inclusiveness and sustainability.

The implementation of the framework helps boost investment of Japanese companies in Malaysia. Japanese investments are not only focused in big cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang or Johor but also rural areas.

“Resolving social disparity is a very important measure and related to the democratic system in Japan,” he said.

The vision of Madani Economy Framework is forward-looking in tackling global challenges, including climate change, economic security, environment safety and energy safety, he added.

Shitata said Japan is confident of the Malaysian government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, citing significant investment growth in the country over the last two years.