From February 10 to 23, 2026, MARA-OISCA International Business Forum was held on Langkawi Island, located in northwestern Malaysia. This event marked the seventh business forum held in Malaysia since 2017. The island is blessed with a beautiful coastline and rich tropical rainforests, and is a natural treasure trove that has been designated a UNESCO Global Geopark. Moreover, the entire island is a resort area designated as a duty-free zone by the Malaysian government, and it is a region where nature conservation and tourism development are being promoted in harmony.
In response to our call for participants from outside Japan, attendees joined us from Mexico, India, Taiwan, and Uzbekistan, all of which have OISCA chapters.
Eleven companies from Japan, three from India, and one each from Qatar and Uzbekistan participated in the business matching event. They engaged in lively discussions with 200 local Malaysian companies from various industries, using samples and brochures to explore potential collaboration opportunities. Representatives from the participating Japanese companies shared the following observations: “I felt that as Malaysia’s legal framework develops in the future, demand for Japan’s advanced treatment technologies will increase,” and “Through this matching event, I recognized that despite differences in culture, national policies, mindsets, and environments, it is important not to view the current situation pessimistically, but rather to constantly seek insights and broaden our horizons.”
In addition, during the session titled “Business Opportunities & Exploration: Malaysia & Japan Business,” Mr. Mikio Kajikawa, former Director of the Ministry of Finance and OISCA Board Member, gave a presentation on the current state of cooperation between Japan and Malaysia and future prospects. Furthermore, a discussion was held with representatives from the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), who also participated in the event.
In another session, representatives from OISCA Chapters in Mexico, South India, and Taiwan gave presentations on OISCA’s activities in their respective countries and potential future collaboration, and there were also presentations on the future, trends, challenges, and opportunities of the global halal economy.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of MARA’s founding, and the forum’s Gala Dinner was graced by the presence of Yab Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi, Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development. The Deputy Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for the long-standing efforts of MARA and OISCA and shared his anticipation for the 60th anniversary celebration of the MARA-OISCA partnership scheduled for next year.
On the final day, February 13, an Eco-Sustainability Tour was held to explore the rich natural environment of Langkawi Island, and forum participants planted mangroves as part of the environmental conservation activities carried out by OISCA around the world.
Executive Vice President of OISCA International, inspecting sample products exhibited
Member (First person from the left side), making his presentation in Forum 1 (Business
opportunities & Exploration Malaysia and Japan Businesses)
Nurturing Sustainability)
speech, at Gala Dinner
Island