By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, May 16 — Selangor is eyeing a prospective partnership with Japan to increase global market access for startups from Malaysia’s most developed state.
State executive councillor for investment and trade Ng Sze Han said representatives from the Selangor government shared the idea of potential bilateral collaboration in a meeting with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government yesterday.
Ng said tapping into one of the world’s largest economies is crucial for Selangor, considering the huge number of startups currently operating in Japan.
“It is pivotal for Selangor to tap into the world’s fourth largest economy. Japan now hosts some 10,000 startups, three times more than Malaysia.
“We look forward to the realisation of the ideas discussed,” he posted on Facebook today.
Ng is leading a delegation from Selangor on an official trip to Japan.
During the meeting with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, he was joined by state financial officer Datuk Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin, Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) chief executive officer Saipolyazan M. Yusop, Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation chief executive officer Yong Kai Ping and Permodalan Negeri Selangor Bhd chief executive officer Raja Ahmad Shahrir Iskandar Raja Salim.
Meanwhile, Ng said eight startups from Selangor are participating in the ongoing Sustainable High City (SusHi) Tech Tokyo 2024 Global Startup programme.
“It is a platform for domestic and international startup ecosystems around the world to address common global urban issues.”
The May 15-16 event, which takes place at the Tokyo International Exhibition Center, sees the participation of over 400 exhibitors and is projected to draw a crowd of over 40,000 people.
Selangor has implemented various initiatives to foster a robust startup ecosystem in the state.
Among the programmes are the Selangor Xccelerator Programme and Selangor Accelerator Programme, which are designed to facilitate business enhancement for the startup community.
Previously, on March 6, Ng had said Selangor is actively working towards producing and nurturing additional unicorn companies across diverse industries in the state, following the success of online used-car platform Carsome.
He said the state administration is committed to offering support through various programmes and schemes to startups that show promise of growth and advancement.
