WELCOMING REMARKS BY HERIZAL HAZRI, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE INSTITUTE OF STRATEGIC AND

Inspired by the Japanese work ethic, Tun Dr Mahathir sought to emulate and adapt the Japanese model at home, as a path for Malaysia to follow in its quest to become a developed nation. [...] His longstanding research has been on issues in the international trade and economic development in East Asia, specifically focused on the Malaysian economy and the middle-income trap. [...] Over the decades, ISIS Malaysia has worked in close partnership with Japanese agencies, institutions, and experts under the guidance of the Look East Policy. [...] With the support of the Japan Business Federation, the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia, the Japanese Chamber of Trade & Industry in Malaysia and the Japan Foundation, ISIS Malaysia also established the Centre for Japan Studies from 1991 to 2002. [...] The Look East Policy has served us well in the past, and I am confident it will continue drive the Malaysia-Japan partnership to greater heights.