Tengku Zafrul Officiates Tokyo Auto Salon KL 2023 - New Industrial Master Plan 2030 Coming In September

The inaugural Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur was officially opened yesterday by Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry. The event is taking place at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) from June 9 to 11, 2023.

Since its start in 1983, the Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS) has grown to become one of the largest events in the world of automobile customisation and tuning. TAS brings nearly 1,000 cars on display, 500 exhibitors, and 4,000 booths displaying the most recent automotive accessories and performance parts in Japan. Over 300,000 people attend the event, including members of the global press and renowned automotive celebrities. The TAS facilitates commercial prospects between Japanese and regional automobile and aftermarket industry companies in ASEAN. The TAS, according to Tengku Zafrul, will also enhance commercial prospects and cooperation between Malaysia and Japan.

Malaysia aspires to become a centre for sophisticated technology in order to hasten its transition to a high-income country. The country has successfully attracted large corporations such as Porsche, KIA, Hyundai, Mini Cooper, Mazda, and BMW, which have established or expanded their operations in Malaysia. Malaysia is notable for housing the first Porsche manufacturing factory outside of Europe. Through MITI's BEV Global Leaders project, Tesla has also announced intentions to open an office, Tesla Experience centres, and a supercharger network in Malaysia.

The Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry established the National EV Task Force to assist the growth of electric cars (EVs). This task force will be critical in developing comprehensive regulations for EVs, including manufacturing, importing, local brand promotion, and statewide charging infrastructure beyond traditional electric and electronic (E&E) networks.

Tengku Zafrul emphasised Malaysia's strengths in the E&E and semiconductor industries, which are critical for EV manufacturing and attracting investment. MITI is committed to investing in technical and vocational education and training to improve future workforce knowledge and skills.

MITI recognises the significance of institutional transformation and strong policies, which will be addressed in the future New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP2030), which is scheduled to premiere in September 2023. The strategy will explain MITI's strategic orientation, underlining the importance of innovation in meeting important objectives. The NIMP2030, in collaboration with institutions such as Bank Negara and the World Bank, will revitalise the industrial framework by enhancing economic complexity, promoting tech adoption and innovation culture, addressing global agendas, and ensuring economic security and inclusivity.

Tengku Zafrul expressed his hope that the Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur will not only contribute to these efforts, but will also inspire a new generation of Malaysian automotive entrepreneurs who are imaginative and creative. He emphasised the automotive industry's economic contribution as well as the numerous opportunities it provides.

TAS 2023's Kuala Lumpur leg is projected to draw between 80,000 and 100,000 visitors over three days. Adult tickets cost RM60 per day, while children's tickets cost RM28. Visitors can view over 100 local modified automobiles competing in an auto styling competition in addition to the cars flown in from Japan.