TOKYO, JAPAN, April 23 – In a landmark move to boost regional design innovation, the Malaysia Design Council (MRM) has officially signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) and the Japan Institute of Design Promotion (JDP). The agreement was formalised today at the ASEAN Hall in Tokyo, marking a pivotal moment in ASEAN-Japan design cooperation.
The LOI was signed by Encik Amirul Fadhli Che Ismail, Director of MRM, Dr. Kunihiko Chris Hirabayashi, Secretary General of AJC, and Mr. Hiroyuki Fukano, President & CEO of JDP.
Strengthening Design Collaboration Across Borders
In his opening remarks, Dr. Hirabayashi noted that design is “not merely about function, but about heart — a delicate muscle that connects people, cultures and shared values.” Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Fukano described the alliance as “a bond between long-standing friends, united in our pursuit of growth and innovation.”
Representing Malaysia, Encik Amirul welcomed the partnership as a key step in strengthening Malaysia’s presence in regional design initiatives:
“This collaboration establishes a robust framework for joint efforts in design education, innovation and exhibitions — unlocking new opportunities for creative exchange and economic growth across ASEAN and Japan.”
KL Design Summit 2025: ASEAN Edition to Spotlight Regional Creativity
As part of this strategic partnership, MRM has officially invited AJC and JDP to serve as strategic partners of the KL Design Summit 2025 – ASEAN Edition, scheduled to be held this December in Kuala Lumpur. Backed by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), the summit is set to be Southeast Asia’s largest design-focused event, featuring themes across Industrial Design, Fashion, and Multimedia.
The initiative also underscores Malaysia’s leadership role as it prepares to chair ASEAN in 2025, positioning design as a catalyst for regional unity and innovation.
Acknowledging National Support and Visionary Leadership
MRM expressed deep appreciation to:
- YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry
- Encik Junady Nawawi, Chairman of MRM
- YBhg Dato’ Indera Ir. Dr Ahmad Sabirin Arshad, Secretary General of MRM
Their continued support and visionary leadership have been instrumental in propelling Malaysia onto the global design stage.
Malaysia’s Design Legacy and Regional Impact
With a legacy of over 30 years, MRM has been a pioneer in advancing design at both national and international levels through strategic collaborations and impactful programmes.
Among its hallmark initiatives is the ASEAN Design Sharing Platform, launched in 2003, which unites creative leaders from countries including Indonesia, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Singapore. Through this and other collaborations, MRM has strengthened Malaysia’s position as a regional design leader.
Toward a Unified ASEAN Design Ecosystem
MRM continues to champion the formalisation of institutional ties across ASEAN to bolster regional cooperation and cement Malaysia’s role as the ASEAN Design Hub. This mission aligns with the Council’s ambition to establish the National Design Centre — a central force for inclusive growth, knowledge exchange, and sustainable development in the regional creative economy.
