By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 22: Japan has reaffirmed its strong interest in investing in Sarawak, with a focus on renewable energy sectors such as hydro and biomass, alongside inclusive education, green economy initiatives, and human capital development.
According to Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news, the commitment was conveyed by Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Shikata Noriyuki during a courtesy visit to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Satria Pertiwi Complex here today.
He noted that Sarawak has emerged as a key destination for new investments, particularly in renewable energy, as well as a strategic hub for the transfer of Japanese technology to the State.
“Today’s meeting was very forward-looking, and I believe the Sarawak Premier’s encouraging message to the Japanese business community to invest here will further strengthen relations between Japan and Sarawak,” he said at a press conference after the visit.
Noriyuki added that Japanese investments are also expected to place strong emphasis on human capital development through industrial training, support for higher education institutions, and the integration of new technologies in education.
He further highlighted new approaches in early childhood education, including the use of technology and video games as learning tools.
According to him, solutions by ToyEight, which leverage platforms such as Nintendo, are seen as capable of supporting early childhood learning interventions while nurturing a future-ready generation equipped for emerging industries.
“Therefore, we hope to see closer collaboration in investing to nurture a new generation in Sarawak,” he said.
Yesterday, a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed between SeDidik Sdn Bhd and ToyBox Creations and Technologies Sdn Bhd (ToyEight Holdings Inc.) to implement a developmental screening and intervention programme using artificial intelligence (AI).
The initiative aims to expand access to early assessment for preschool children, particularly those without access to early intervention services at the One Stop Early Intervention Centre (OSEIC).
Also present during the visit were Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, her deputy Datuk Rosey Yunus, director of Sarawak Regional Office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia Dato Fenny Nuli, ToyEight co-founder and co-chief executive officer Shun Matsuzaka, as well as other distinguished guests. — DayakDaily
