The conferment act as an acknowledgement for his contribution in the energy cooperation between Japan and Malaysia

by ANIS HAZIM / pic TMR

PETROLIAM Nasional Bhd (Petronas) former president and CEO Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Marican (picture, left) has been conferred the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star award from the Japanese government, for his contribution in energy cooperation between Japan and Malaysia.

Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Katsuhiko Takahashi acknowledged Mohd Hassan’s contributions during his reign as Petronas president and CEO.

“His (Mohd Hassan) efforts and contributions have led further expansion of Japanese energy-related companies into Malaysia and is a successful example of bilateral economic cooperation in the country,” Takahashi said during the conferment ceremony yesterday.

According to him, Mohd Hassan played a key role in ensuring a steady supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Japan by securing long-term contracts between Malaysia LNG Satu, Dua and Tiga, and Japanese electric power companies, as well as gas companies such as Tokyo Electric Power Co, Tohoku Electric Power Co, Tokyo Gas Co and Osaka Gas Co.

He also acknowledged Mohd Hassan’s vital role in Mitsubishi Corp’s continued investment in Malaysia’s LNG segment. 

“Furthermore, he took the initiative in inviting participation of Nippon Oil Corp and Mitsubishi Corp in Tiga project.

“As a result, Japanese companies were able to participate in all projects that had begun producing LNG before he retired as Petronas president and CEO,” he added.

He also noted that Malaysia is the largest export partner since 1983 and its supply of LNG to Japan has been indispensable to the Japanese economy.