To achieve this goal, Tsubame E-Time will form a joint venture with Tsubame Group’s Malaysian subsidiary, AAH Tsubame Sdn Bhd.

Tsubame E-Time’s role in the venture will be to provide the design and technology as well as take care of the operations.

Tsubame Group president Tomohiro Yamamoto said AAH Tsubame’s task would be to engage with stakeholders on management strategies and raise funds in Malaysia.

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who witnessed the signing of the MoU, said the new partnership would contribute to the country’s foreign direct investments and lower the country’s carbon emissions.

“They are interested in lowering carbon emissions and promoting electric vehicles. This partnership should help Malaysia reach almost zero-carbon emission by 2050,” he added.

He also urged local entrepreneurs to learn from Japanese technology.

“They should gain as much knowledge and skills from their Japanese partners.”

He urged them to develop good work ethics from the Japanese as this could be the foundation of their future success.

“You can share and pass on (these work ethics) to your workforce, children and future generations,” he said at the event.