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Home , Adly Zahari, Amirudin Shari, Marzuki Yahya, Mukhriz Mahathir, Mustapha Harun, Naruhito

KONNICHIWA! Volume 1/2019 January-June EMBASSY OF IN ,

CONTENTS WHERE ARE WE? Page In This Edition 3 Presentation of Credentials Embassy of Malaysia 20-16 Nanpeidaicho, Shibuya 4 Working Visit of Prime Minister Tokyo 150-0036 Japan 5 Ministerial Visits to Japan 6 Visits of State Governments Phone: +81-3-3476-3840 Fax: +81-3-3476-4971 7 Working Visit of Chief Secretary E-mail: [email protected] 8-10 Engagements by the Ambassador 11 Participation at Exhibitions 12-15 Public Diplomacy 16-17 Events at the Embassy 18-19 PERWAKILAN Tokyo

20-21 Outreach and Awareness

FOREWORD BY THE AMBASSADOR OF MALAYSIA TO JAPAN

Dear Readers,

It gives me great pleasure to present herewith the first edition of the Embassy of Malaysia’s biannual newsletter for 2019.

It is my hope that this newsletter could give you a glimpse of the various activities and engagements of the Embassy for the first half of the year from January to June 2019.

For the first half of the year, the historical event in Japan saw the accession of Prince to the Chrysanthemum on May 1, following the ab- dication of his father, . According to Japan's traditional order of succession, he is the 126th monarch. Naruhito’s accession also marked the beginning of the [interpreted as “beautiful harmony”] era.

Bilateral relations with Japan have grown from strengthen to strength with various ministerial and official visits undertaken during the period. The Hon- ourable Prime Minister Tun Dr. visited Japan - the fourth visit since his assumption of the premiership in May 2018 - to attend the annual Nikkei Conference on 30 May 2019.

Numerous public diplomacy and outreach programme carried out by the Embassy have resulted in positive and successful impacts. This has been made possible due to the excellent collaboration amongst all agencies In Japan.

The second half of the year is expected to see flurries of activities, including several ministerial and high level visits. All of us at the Embassy are excited and looking forward to what lies ahead this year. We will keep our readers in- formed in our next edition.

Dōmō Arigatō

DATO’ KENNEDY JAWAN

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PRESENTATION OF CREDENTIALS

His Excellency Dato’ Kennedy Jawan presented his Letters of Credence on Friday, 5 April 2019 to His Emperor Akihito of Japan (the then Emperor and currently Emperor Emeritus) at the Imperial Palace, Tokyo. H.E. Dato’ Kennedy Jawan is the 15th Ambassador of Malaysia to the Land of the Rising Sun.

Prior to being appointed as the Ambassador of Malaysia to Japan, H.E. Dato’ Kennedy Jawan had held various positions in the Malaysian foreign service. He was the Deputy Secretary General for Multilateral Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia since January 2017. He had also served as the Ambas- sador of Malaysia to [2008-2014]; High Commissioner of Malaysia to South Africa [2014-2016] with concurrent accreditations to Botswana, Swaziland, Mozambique, Lesotho and Madagascar; and at Malaysian missions in Washington D.C. [2002-2005] and Myanmar [1995-1999].

H.E. Dato’ Kennedy Jawan, 57 years old, who hails from Sibu, , is married to Datin Josephine Anak Dagang and they have four children.

The Malaysian entourage was welcomed H.M. Emperor Akihito receiving H.E. Dato’ by the Grand Chamberlain of the Imperial Household Kennedy Jawan during the credential ceremony

H.E. Dato’ Kennedy Jawan and Datin Josephine Anak Dagang held a small reception at the Residence after the Ceremony. Present were the Chief of Protocol and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, officials of the Embassy of Malaysia and several residing in Tokyo 3

WORKING VISIT OF THE HONOURABLE TUN DR. MAHATHIR MOHAMAD PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA TO TOKYO, 29-31 MAY 2019

The Honourable Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir paid a visit to Tokyo from 29 to 31 May to attend the 25th Nikkei International Conference on the Future of Asia on 30 May 2019. It was the Prime Minister’s 21st appearance at the annual confer- ence. For the visit, he was accompanied by his spouse Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali; Deputy For- eign Minister Dato' ; and senior gov- ernment officials.

The Prime Minister also held a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe; spoke at the Foreign Correspondent's Club of Japan; and attended the Malaysia-Japan Business Dialogue.

[Top] Bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Abe

During the Bilateral Meeting on 31 May, both leaders discussed several bilateral issues of mutual interest that include the successful issu- ance of the 200 billion yen Samurai Bond by the in March 2019; the opening of a a branch campus of Tsukuba Uni- versity in Malaysia; trade and investments; as [Top] The Hon. Prime Minister sharing his views on the well as regional issues. situation in Malaysia as well as various international and ———————————————————- geopolitics issues during the talk at the Foreign Corre- spondent's Club of Japan on 30 May Left: The Hon. Prime Minister attending the Malaysia-Japan Business Dialogue on 30 May, where he spoke on the economy and the in- vestment climate in Malaysia. More than 20 Japanese conglomerates from various sectors, ranging from health to finan- cial services, attended the dialogue. The ma- jority of the companies expressed their con- tinued commitment to expand their businesses or invest in new projects in Malaysia.

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Ministerial Visits to Japan

The Honourable , Finance Minister paid a visit to Japan - the Samurai Bond Roadshow - following the agreement by Japan to issue JPY200 billion 10-year bond which was guaranteed by the Japan Bank of International Cooperation.

The Hon. Minister met with the Japanese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Taro Aso and Dr. Hiroto Izumi, Special Advisor to the .

[Top] The Hon. Lim Guan Eng, Minister of Finance met with H.E. Taro Aso, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Japan on 7 February.

[Right] The Hon. Lim Guan Eng, Minister of Finance called on Dr. Hiroto Izumi, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan on 8 February.

[Top] Group photo of the Hon. Minister Hajah Zuraida with some of the Malaysian attendees.

The Hon. Hajah , Minister of Housing and Local Government visited Tokyo to attend the Women Political Leaders Summit on 25-27 June in Tokyo. She also held a programme to meet the Malaysian community at the Embassy of Malaysia on 27 June. She highlighted several of her Ministry’s new programme and initiatives being implemented. She also spoke on the current situation in Malaysia.

[Left] The Hon. Dr Jayakumar paid a call on H.E. Keiichi Ishii. [Right] The Hon. Dr Jayakumar with the Malaysian participants of the Japan Water Forum.

The Hon. Dr. Xavier Jayakumar, Minister of Water, Land and Natural Resources paid a visit to Fukuoka and Tokyo on 23-27 June with the objectives of promoting cooperation in good water governance as well as seeking collaborations in water-related challenges faced by Malaysia. During the visit he also met with H.E. Keiichi Ishii, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan on 25 June in Tokyo.

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Visits by State Governments

The Hon. , Chief Minister of Melaka undertook a visit to Tokyo in March 2019. On 27th March, he held a dinner - meeting session with Malaysians in Tokyo to provide updates on developments in Malaysia, especially in the state of Melaka. (Far Left) Hon. Adly and H.E. Dato’ Kennedy; (Left) Hon. Adly with the Malaysian participants

The Hon. Dato’ Seri , Chief Minister of led a 26-member delegation for a Working Visit to Fukuoka and Tokyo on 1-5 April. The visit to Fukuoka was in conjunction with the 30th anniversary celebration of Ipoh-Fukuoka Twin Cities. In Tokyo, the Hon. Chief Minister held discussions with relevant Japanese authorities on sharing of best practices on more effective urban management and to preserve the environment, as well as seeking [Left] Discussions with Japanese authorities investment opportunities into Perak. [Right] Gathering with Malaysians He also met with Malaysians during the visit. —————————————————

On 29-30 April, the Hon. Dato’ Seri , Chief Minister of , paid a visit to Tokyo and held discussions with officials of Shibaura Institute of Technology to discuss po- tential collaboration with Universiti Utara Malaysia.

[Left] Hon. Dato Seri Mukhriz [Far Left] Gathering with Malaysians. Also present were Itabashi Mayor Sakamoto and his wife. On 16 April, the Hon. , Chief Minister of and H.E. Dato' Kennedy Jawan graced the Opening Ceremony of the Malaysian Pavilion at the Premium Food Show 2019. 14 Malaysian companies, including Invest Selangor Berhad participated in this year's Food Show

[Left] Ribbon cutting ceremony [Right] Malaysian Pavilion

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Working Visit of Chief Secretary to the Government 21-23 June 2019

Chief Secretary to the Government of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Dr. Ismail Hj. Bakar, paid a working visit to Tokyo and Kobe on 21-23 June. In Tokyo, he visited the JR Freight Sumidagawa; University of Tsukuba; AEON headquarters; Toyosu Market; Tsukiji market and met with Embassy officials. In Kobe, he visited the Japanese beef and dairy farms.

[Top] The delegation was given a briefing on the [Top] Datuk Seri Dr. Ismail met with Prof. Kyosuke Japanese freight railway system, followed by a tour Nagata, President of the University of Tsukuba, and of the JR Freight Sumidagawa Station discussed the university’s strong interest to establish its branch campus in Malaysia

[Bottom] Datuk Seri Dr. Ismail met and was given a [Bottom] Datuk Seri Dr. Ismail visited and met senior briefing by H.E. Dato’ Kennedy and the heads of officials of AEON at their headquarters at Makuhari, agency of the Embassy. He also exchanged views with Both parties discussed on ways to promote more the officials on efforts to further promote the existing Malaysian products (especially the halal-certified good relations between Malaysia and Japan. Prior to items) to be made available at various AEON outlets. the meeting, he was given a tour of the Embassy.

[Bottom Left] Datuk Seri Dr. Ismail touring the new Toyosu Market. [Bottom Right] Visiting a Japanese beef farm in Kobe.

7

Engagements by the Ambassador

[Top Left] H.E. Dato' Kennedy Jawan paid a courtesy call on H.E. Takeo Akiba, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan on 24 January. Discussions centered on enhancing bilateral relations between Malaysia and Japan. [Top Right]) H.E. Dato’ Kennedy Jawan paid a courtesy call on Mr. Keiji Furuya, Member of the House of Representatives of Japan and Chairman of Japan-Malaysia Parliamentary Friendship Association and Japan-Malaysia Association on 14 March. Both had a fruitful discussion on bilateral ties and would continue to work together for the mutual benefit of both countries.

Welcome Reception hosted by the Japan-Malaysia Association in honour of H.E. Dato’ Kennedy Jawan on 15 April. The JMA is a non-profit organisation established in 1956 to foster friendship between the two countries.

H.E. Dato' Kennedy Jawan met with Tsukuba University’s President Kyosuke Nagata on 9 April, to touch base about the university's internationalisation strategy including its ongoing and future collaborative ventures with partner universities in Malaysia 8

Engagements by the Ambassador

H.E. Dato' Kennedy Jawan paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Takamori Yoshikawa, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan on 18 June and held discussions on ways to further promote mutually beneficial engagements on agricultural and food industries between Malaysian and Japanese entities. He was accompanied by Mr. Mohd Taqiuddin Zakaria, Counsellor (Agriculture)

H.E. Dato' Kennedy Jawan hosted a Networking dinner for Japanese industry members on 20 March. Also present were Mr. Mikio Sasaki [President of JAMECA (Japan-Malaysia Economic Association)]; the Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr. Fadli Adilah and MIDA Tokyo Director Mr. Mohd Riduan Abd Rahman. Attendees warmly exchanged ideas on possible cooperation to further enhance the existing business relations.

9

Engagements by the Ambassador

H.E. Dato' Kennedy Jawan met with Mr. Toshiaki Mikoshiba [Chairman and Director of Honda Motor] on 22 April. H.E. Dato’ Kennedy invited Honda to explore more business opportunities and will help facilitate Honda's future plan in Malaysia

H.E. Dato' Kennedy Jawan met with Mr. Osamu Masuko, Chairman/CEO of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation during a visit to the company's headquarters on 13 February. The meeting provided an opportunity for MMC to update on its global business operations especially in Malaysia

H.E. Dato' Kennedy Jawan attended the OISCA Trainees Action Plan Presentation Session, organised by the Association of Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly Members Supporting OISCA on 9 March. Two Malaysian trainees participated in the 11-month OISCA/Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Long-term Agricultural Training Programme held at OISCA Nishi Nippon Training Centre in Fukuoka

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Participation at Exhibitions

[Top] H.E. Dato' Kennedy Jawan attended the Opening Ceremony of the 44th International Food and Beverage Exhibition - Foodex Japan held at the Makuhari Messe, Chiba on 5-8 March and visited the Malaysian Pavilion. Over 40 Malaysian companies participated in this year's exhibition.

[Left & Top] H.E. Dato' Kennedy Jawan and Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Ir. Dr. Mohamad Zawawi Ismail, Chairman of Nano Malaysia Berhad together with delegates from the seven participating Malaysian companies at the Malaysian Pavilion for Nanotech 2019 from 30 January to 1 February

[Bottom] Chief of Royal Malaysian Navy, Admiral Datuk Mohd Reza Mohd Sany met with Mr. Nobuaki Miyama, Commissioner of ATLA, Ministry of Defence of Japan on 17 June, on the sidelines of the Maritime/Air Systems and Technologies Asia 2019 Conference on 17-19 June

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Public Diplomacy

H.E. Dato’ Kennedy Jawan received the courtesy call by The Yomiuri Shimbun and an interview by the International Friendship Exchange Council (FEC) on 10 May. During the interview, H.E. Dato’ Kennedy elaborated on the Look East Policy as well as the availability of investment opportunities for Japanese companies in Malaysia.

H.E. Dato' Kennedy Jawan received H.E. Dato' Kennedy Jawan attended the 291st Meeting a courtesy call by Ms. Ayumi Kimura, of ASEAN Committee in Tokyo (ACT) hosted by Division Manager of and the Royal Embassy of Cambodia on 14 February her team at the Embassy on 20 March 12

Public Diplomacy

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) delegation comprising lecturers and students visited the Embassy on 19 April. The delegation was briefed on Malaysia-Japan relations by Mr. Fadli Adilah, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy. The delegation was also met by H.E. Dato' Kennedy Jawan.

Courtesy call on H.E. Dato' Kennedy Jawan by Ms. Cheah Joe Yee [President of MSAJ] on 9 May. Ms. Cheah briefed on MSAJ's programme for 2019-2020. Also in attendance was Mr. Abdul Ghani Selbi [Counsellor-HRD] and Ms. Wei Min Yi, Vice President of Malaysian Students' Association in Japan (MSAJ). Established in 1976, MSAJ proactively encourages and supports positive activism among Malaysian students. At present, MSAJ has about 470 registered members comprising those studying in Japan.

Courtesy call on H.E. Dato' Kennedy Jawan by Mr. Ahmad Nazri Abd Wahab, Chief Representative - Japan, . PETRONAS has been empowering the lives of Japanese people for over 35 years through stable, safe and reliable supply of energy and products especially Liquefied Natural Gas [LNG], crude oil and fertilizer. In 2018, Malaysia - through PETRONAS - was the second largest LNG supplier to Japan (at 13.5%)

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Public Diplomacy

Courtesy Visit to the Embassy by Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia (Biro Hal Ehwal Wanita) on 25 June. YBhg. Datin Josephine Anak Dagang, Chairperson of PERWAKILAN Tokyo welcomed and had a session with the delegation, particularly sharing of experiences when living abroad.

Visit to the Embassy by Sano International Exchange Association of Sano-shi, Tochigi on 14 February. The delegation was also given a briefing on Malaysia’s history, culture, tourism and bilateral status with Japan by Mr. Mohd Ishrin Mohd Ishak [Minister-Counsellor].

Mr. Fadli Adilah [Deputy Chief of Mission] gave a Mr. Fadli Adilah attended the Closing Ceremony of briefing on Malaysia-Japan relations to the visiting JENESYS: Youth Exchange Programme on 25 March. delegation from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Nine participants from Malaysia [part of the 110- on 16 January. member course from 19 March] completed the 26th Batch: ASEAN Inbound Programme. 14

Public Diplomacy

Delegation from Institut Aminuddin Baki visited the Embassy on 25 February. Mr. Fadli Adilah (Deputy Chief of Mission) and Mr. Abdul Ghani Selbi (Counsellor - HRD) gave a briefing on the bilateral relations between Malaysia-Japan, with emphasis on education cooperation

Mr. Mohd Ishrin Mohd Ishak (Minister-Counsellor) briefed students from Oshi Junior High School of Gyoda-shi, Saitama Prefecture during their study visit to the Embassy on 1 March

Visit by the delegation from Matsudo Eucaly Lions Clubs International on 19 February to discuss potential collaboration for 2019

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Events at the Embassy

CHINESE NEW YEAR 2019 Happy Chinese New Year! Gong Xi Fa Cai! Some 400 Malaysians and friends of Malaysia attended the Embassy's Chinese New Year’s Open House 2019 on 2 March. The event was supported by the Japan Graduates' Association of Malaysia [JAGAM]

HARI RAYA AIDIL FITRI 2019 More than 500 Malaysians, comprising students and expatriates, and friends of Malaysia thronged the Embassy’s compound on 5 June, the first day of Syawal, to celebrate the Aidilfitri this year. Support from several Malaysian entities - Yayasan Pelajaran MARA, PETRONAS-Japan, JAGAM, MISC-Japan - contributed towards the successful hosting of the Open House

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Events at the Embassy

Farewell events in May and June for Embassy officials [Bottom Left to Right) Mr. Shah Nizam Ahmad (Director of MATRADE Tokyo), Mr. Abdul Ghani Selbi (Counsellor - HRD) and Mr. Nik Ahmad Syazwan Nik Azman (First Secretary - HRD) upon completing of their tour of duty in Tokyo. Our appreciation for their excellent teamwork throughout and wishing them the very best in future assignments in Malaysia.

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PERWAKILAN Tokyo

PERWAKILAN Tokyo held its Annual General Meeting on 3 March and formed the new Committee Members for 2019-2020. H.E. Dato’ Kennedy Jawan graced the opening session, together with YBhg. Datin Josephine Anak Dagang, Chairperson of PERWAKILAN Tokyo

PERWAKILAN Tokyo organised several activities for the first half of 2019; Iftar Ramadhan on 11 May, Hanami [Picnic] at Higashiyama Park on 28 March, and Farewell Gatherings on 4 May and 13 June for the members who would be returning to Malaysia

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PERWAKILAN Tokyo

During the Working Visit of YAB Prime Minister to Tokyo in May, YABhg. Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, wife of the Hon. Prime Minister received a courtesy call by PERWAKILAN Tokyo members on 31 May. PERWAKILAN Tokyo was led by its Chairperson, YBhg. Datin Josephine Anak Dagang.

During the session, Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah emphasized to members of PERWAKILAN Tokyo to uphold the image of Malaysia. She reminded PERWAKILAN members to take the opportunity while being abroad to learn new skills such as language, ikebana and origami classes as well as emulate and instill the good Japanese culture and ways of doing things within their families.

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Outreach and Awareness

Stay Alert, Safe Travels, Have A Good Trip ww.jnto.go.jp/emergency/eng/mi_guide.html www.jma.go.jp

Japan has seen a recent spate of fraud incidents in which Malaysian citizens posing as tourists illegally purchase luxury items with Fake Credit Cards

Don’t Do It It’s Against The Law

Smuggling Illicit Drugs is a Serious Crime. There is an increasing number of people that become smugglers of stimulants. Among others, some victims were casually accepting offers to go abroad and carry luggage for other people

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Visit Melaka Year 2019 Visit Sarawak Year 2019

Melaka seeks to showcase and celebrate it's Whether it is sharing in lifestyle of one of the many bountiful and diverse cultures and festivities. indigenous communities’ longhouses, exploring gigantic caves This year; will be packed with festivities of every in the the UNESCO World Heritage of Gunung Mulu genre - cultural festivals and extravaganza, National Park, kayak along boutique rivers or hike the many international acclaimed events, eco-tourism events, jungle trails of Sarawak’s diverse national parks arts, music showcases, - you will find Sarawak offers a host of memorable food promotion and other themed events experiences

For more information: For more information: https://melaka.gov.my https://www.tourism.gov.my https://sarawaktourism.com https://www.tourism.gov.my

Outreach and Awareness Quick Facts on Malaysia

In 2018 Total Trade: USD 32.8 billion USD 990 million investment from Japan involving more than 63 projects Japan is Malaysia’s 4th largest trading partner after China, Singapore and the US Malaysia is Japan’s 9th largest trading partner

Japanese tourists to Malaysia: 394,540 Malaysian tourists to Japan: 468,360

Look East Policy (LEP): since its inception in 1982, more than 15,000 government officials, trainees and students have been sent to Japan

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Coming Soon In The Next Edition

Promotional activities for Programme commemorating the Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign Hari Kebangsaan Malaysia 2019

Malaysia MAKAN Fest 2019 Malaysia Fair 2019 31 August & 1 September in Yokohoma 2-4 November in Shinjuku

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The Embassy

Ambassador H.E. Dato’ Kennedy Jawan

Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Fadli Adilah

Minister-Counsellor [Political] Mr. Meor Syahrizal Azryl Meor Chek Hussien

Minister-Counsellor Mr. Mohd Ishrin Mohd Ishak

Defence Attache Captain Mohd Izzudin Ahmad

Counsellor [Agriculture] Mr. Mohd Taqiuddin Zakaria

Counsellor [HRD] Ms. Che Hartene Che Samsuddin

First Secretary Mr. Mohd Ainuddin Ahmad Hilmi

First Secretary [Agriculture] Mr. Mohd Fahmi Mohky

First Secretary [HRD] Mr. Nik Ahmad Syazwan Nik Azman

Assistant Defence Attache Major Zulkhibri Saleh

Second Secretary [Consular] Mr. Mahathir Mohd Yasin

Third Secretary [Finance] Mr. Mohd Farriq Osman

Administrative Assistants Ms. Aminah Adewiah Mohd Ali Piah, Ms. Zarith Suraya Mohd Zahar, Sergeant Norhafis Mohd Amin

MATRADE Tokyo Director, Mr. Shah Nizam Ahmad

MIDA Tokyo Director, Mr. Mohd Riduan Abd Rahman Deputy Director, Mr. Haslan Harun

MIDA Osaka Director, Mr. Afzanil Md Anuar

Tourism Malaysia Tokyo Deputy Director, Mr. Shahrul Aman Sabir Ahmad

Tourism Malaysia Osaka Deputy Director, Mr. Shahrulnazri Shaharuddin

Find Us Online

www.kln.gov.my MalaysianEmbassyTokyo MYEmbassyTokyo