Malaysian Ambassador to Japan Dato' Syahrir Effendi Abdul Ghani

Malaysia
Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia and consists of the Malay Peninsula and part of Borneo Island. Its capital is Kuala Lumpur. With an area of ​​approximately 33 square kilometers, it is slightly smaller than Japan. Its population is approximately 3350 million. Approximately 7% of the population is of Malay descent, and the official language is Malay. The currency is the ringgit. The head of state is King Ibrahim, the 17th king, who is elected by the rulers of the nine states. Anwar Ibrahim will serve as prime minister from 2022.

Malaysian Ambassador to Japan Dato' Syahrir Effendi Abdul Ghani

▼Reasons for becoming an ambassador

I spent my student days in the UK. I studied political science during this time, during which many historical events took place around the world. The Soviet Union was implementing its perestroika policy, and President Reagan came to power in the US, ushering in the end of the Cold War. It was a time of rapid change in the world situation. It was in this environment that I began to think about how to present my country, Malaysia, to the world. This experience sparked my dream of becoming a diplomat. Also, while attending university, I had the opportunity to interact with people from a variety of international backgrounds, which made me want to learn more about the world, and at the same time, strengthened my desire to promote Malaysia to the world.

▼Important things in the ambassador's job

What is necessary for a diplomat is to constantly learn about global trends and consider how to apply them to the development of one's own country. Around 1980, Japan experienced rapid economic growth and achieved great growth. I learned about the difficulties Japan overcame during that time to achieve reconstruction.
Furthermore, while China had little presence 30 to 40 years ago, it has now grown into one of the world's leading economic powers. As you can see, the world has changed dramatically over the past few decades. It is important to observe, learn, and absorb what changes as they occur. Malaysia also launched the "Look East Policy" around 1980, learning from and developing its influence on Japan and South Korea.

▼Selling Malaysia

Selling Malaysia to other countries is also an important part of my job, so I think about what is best for Malaysia. For example, to attract investment from Japan, we can introduce Japan's strength in technology, and in return, Malaysia will provide its human resources.
The country is also implementing various policies for its major industry, tourism. Malaysia is blessed with beautiful oceans and mountains, and is a treasure trove of natural beauty, including biodiversity. The country is also proud of the world's oldest natural park, Taman Negara National Park, and its habitat for orangutans.
Another attraction is that Malaysia is a multi-ethnic country, where you can enjoy a variety of languages ​​and cultures.
Next year will be Visit Malaysia 2026, so we are putting even more effort into promoting tourism. We hope that many people from all over the world will visit Malaysia.

▼What I want to say to Japanese students

I hope you will try many different things, absorb as much as you can, and learn as much as you can from your failures. And, explore what path you want to take. Take responsibility for your own actions and value the attitude of always doing what is right. Furthermore, I hope you will learn about other people's thoughts through reading and other means, and develop the ability to see things objectively.

Interview with Student Newspaper Online on July 30, 2025 by Aoi Watanabe, a first-year student at Hosei University

■Special information recommended by the ambassador!!

Malaysia is known for its natural beauty and delicious cuisine. Enjoy the lush tropical rainforests of Sabah and Sarawak, the tranquil beaches of Langkawi, and the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Perhentian Islands. Popular national dishes include nasi lemak, satay, char kway teow, and laksa. Recommended souvenirs include batik fabrics and East Malaysian handicrafts.

Shimada Hisakazu, third-year student at Hosei University / Watanabe Aoi, first-year student at Hosei University