The AmBank chairman has been conferred the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star award

by NURUL SUHAIDI / pic by Japanese Embassy

AMMB Holdings Bhd (AmBank) chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim has been conferred the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star award from the Japanese government, for his contribution in strengthening the economic ties between Japan and Malaysia.

This award was also bestowed upon, through his role as a President of Malaysia Economic Association-Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA) to promote a closer economic relationship between the private sectors of Malaysia and Japan through an annual joint conference with Japan-Malaysia Economic Association (JAMECA).

Under his leadership, MAJECA has organised several webinars in collaboration with JAMECA to ensure continued communication and discussion between the private sectors of both countries even under the pandemic.

Ambassador-designate of Japan to Malaysia Takahashi Katsuhiko said during the conferment ceremony that Azman has contributed greatly to the deepening of trade relations between Japan and Malaysia.

“His great confidence with both nations economically has accelerated the Japan-Malaysia Economic Partnership Agreement (MJEPA) in promoting the trade and investment between our countries, while pushing the Malaysian government for the conclusion of the EPA,” Takahashi said.

“As a result, the EPA came into effect in June 2006 as the first bilateral EPA for Malaysia contributed significantly to step up the economic relationship between the two countries.

“We deeply appreciate his dedication and strong support towards enriching the long-lasting friendship and the solid bond between our two countries and people,” he said at his residence yesterday.

He further said that this handover is seen as one of the key events to kick start the commemorative year of the 40th anniversary of the Look East Policy (LEP) and the 65th anniversary of Malaysia-Japan relations.

When LEP was implemented in 1982, it marked a momentous shift in Malaysia’s foreign policy as it looked at the West approach as the model of development towards the East.

LEP has enabled not only economic relations but also social development and enhanced the connection between both countries.

Commenting on his award, Azman said this award serves as a recognition for his role and contribution through MAJECA in forging and fostering Malaysia and Japan’s strong bilateral ties.

“Japan has been, one of the biggest and still stands, among the top foreign investors even today. Due to that, Japan’s counterpart role is critical in strengthening the economic position of our country,” he told The Malaysian Reserve.

“This award is also a testament of the success of economic partnership from the day we established ourselves, especially through MAJECA,” he added.

“Therefore, as for Malaysia, we will continue to play our role and accommodate a comfortable economic environment for Japan dealing with us,” said Azman.

By the same token, Takahashi hopes Japan and Malaysia will continue to work closely together, seizing great opportunities to further promote our solid economic relationship.