PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda have exchanged special messages to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Malaysia’s Look East Policy.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said both prime ministers described the policy as a testament to the close bond of friendship and partnership between Malaysia and Japan.

“Both sides have also expressed the hope that the recently established Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology in Kuala Lumpur would significantly develop as a centre of excellence in engineering education, not only in Malaysia but also for the Asean region,” it said.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the policy, which was introduced in 1982 by then prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The Look East Policy’s main objective was to acquire technological know-how, work ethics and good work values, which are seen to be among of the ingredients for the success of the developed countries in East Asia, especially Japan.

Some 15,000 Malaysians have benefited under the policy, through studies and training at Japanese universities and companies, especially in sectors that require advanced technical skills and technology. – Bernama