Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak outlined 6 areas that the 2nd wave of the Look East Policy (LEP2.0) should focus on, ranging from cutting-edge technologies to areas related to senior citizens.
On cutting-edge technologies, he said this was about industry tie-ups to increase the flow of research and innovation from Japanese institutions, in everything from nanotechnology to bio- and environmental technology.
Outlining the 2nd area, high-tech skills development, Najib said this was about new knowledge-based skills development, to accompany the new technologies.
On 3rd area, high-end services development, he pointed out that this was about building on Japan's know-how in services such as hospitality and healthcare, and opening up new collaborations.
The 4th area he outlined was managing eco-systems with safe, reliable and renewable energies. Here, he said tackling over-dependence on fossil fuels and improving water supply management were current concerns, and Japanese sustainable energy expertise could be tapped to tackle these problems.
The 5th area was modernizing small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), which formed the bulk of companies in Malaysia. This can be done with technology transfers and management input, encouraging new connections between SMBs with high-growth potential to enable them to move up the value chain.
The final area was touching on senior citizens, he said this was about studying and implementing programs to mitigate the coming challenges of an ageing population, and focusing on healthcare and lifestyle for senior citizens.