KUCHING: Japan continues to express its interest in investing in Sarawak, focusing on sectors such as inclusive education, the green economy, and human capital development.

This was stated by the Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia, Shikata Noriyuki, during a courtesy call on the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, at the Satria Pertiwi Complex here on Wednesday.

According to him, Sarawak has now become a strategic location for new investments, including renewable energy sectors such as hydro and biomass, in addition to the transfer of Japanese technology to the state.

“Today's meeting was very forward-looking, and I believe the encouraging message from the Premier of Sarawak to the Japanese business community to invest here will continue to strengthen the relationship between Japan and Sarawak," he said in a press conference following the courtesy call.

Shikata added that Japanese investment is also expected to emphasise human capital development through industrial training, support for higher education institutions, and the implementation of new technologies in education.

Furthermore, he stated that a new approach to early childhood education was also highlighted, including the use of technology and video games as learning mediums.

He explained that the solution by ToyEight, which utilizes platforms like Nintendo, is seen as capable of assisting in interventions for early childhood learning difficulties while also helping to produce a future generation that is better prepared to meet the demands of new industries.

“Therefore, we hope to see closer cooperation in investing to nurture the next generation in Sarawak,” he stated.

Earlier on Tuesday, a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed between SeDidik Sdn Bhd and ToyBox Creations and Technologies Sdn Bhd (ToyEight Holdings Inc.) to implement developmental screening and intervention programs using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.

The initiative aims to expand access to early assessments for preschool children, particularly those who do not have the opportunity to receive early intervention services at the One Stop Early Intervention Centre (OSEIC).

Also present during the visit were the Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Deputy Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Rosey Yunus, Director of the Sarawak Regional Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia, Dato Fenny Nuli, Co-founder and Co-CEO of ToyEight, Shun Matsuzaka, as well as other dignitaries. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Translator: Sarah Nicole Hii
Photo by: Hazrin Sunaini