On 22 April 2025, the Malaysia Design Council (MRM), the ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC), and the Japan Institute of Design Promotion (JDP) formalized a strategic partnership by signing a Letter of Intent (LOI) at the ASEAN Hall in Tokyo. This milestone marks the beginning of enhanced cooperation in the field of industrial design among Malaysia, Japan, and ASEAN Member States.
Main photo (From left) Mr. Amirul Fadhli Che Ismail, Director of the Malaysia Design Council; Dr. Kunihiko Hirabayashi, Secretary General of the ASEAN-Japan Centre; and Mr. Hiroyuki Fukano, President and CEO of the Japan Institute of Design Promotion, signed the Letter of Intent to formalize a strategic partnership in industrial design at ASEAN Hall, Tokyo.
The signing ceremony was officiated by:
Dr. Kunihiko Hirabayashi, Secretary General, AJC
Mr. Hiroyuki Fukano, President and CEO, JDP
Mr. Amirul Fadhli Che Ismail, Director, MRM
In the opening remarks, Dr. Kunihiko Hirabayashi emphasized that design is not merely about functionality but embodies the essence of “heart”—a delicate yet powerful force that bridges people, cultures, and shared values. He noted that in an increasingly interconnected world, design plays a vital role in fostering understanding and unity across diverse communities.
Mr. Hiroyuki Fukano, spotlighted the significance of the collaboration with Malaysia, describing it as a testament to the enduring friendship and longstanding ties between the two countries. He underlined that the partnership is built upon a shared vision for innovation, creativity, and mutual prosperity, and expressed his confidence that it would yield tangible benefits for the broader ASEAN-Japan community.
Lastly, Mr. Amirul Fadhli Che Ismail, stated that the signing of the Letter of Intent represents a pivotal milestone for Malaysia. He noted that this initiative will not only elevate Malaysia’s active participation in regional design movements but also strengthen collaborative ties with both the ASEAN and Japanese design communities, ultimately contributing to the advancement of the regional design landscape.
This partnership establishes a comprehensive framework for future collaboration in design-related initiatives, encompassing the promotion of innovation, the facilitation of knowledge exchange, and the enhancement of capacity building. It seeks to contribute to sustainable development and inclusive economic growth by harnessing the transformative power of design across Malaysia, Japan, and the ASEAN Member States.
Through this initiative, MRM, AJC, and JDP reaffirm their strong and shared commitment to advancing design as a key enabler of creativity, connectivity, and innovation, while also serving as a catalyst for deepening regional cooperation, strengthening people-to-people ties, and building a more resilient and dynamic ASEAN-Japan community.
