TOKYO, JAPAN March 10, 2026 – A delegation of 31 Malaysian companies and 3 cooperatives has descended upon the International Food and Beverage Exhibition (FOODEX Japan 2026), Asia’s largest food and beverage trade show, with ambitious goals to secure up to RM80 million in potential sales. The event, running from March 10 to 13 at Tokyo Big Sight, features over 3,000 exhibitors from 80 countries, providing a prime platform for Malaysian entrepreneurs to showcase their products on the global stage.
Led by Dato’ Sri Khairul Dzaimee bin Daud, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP), the delegation includes representatives from key agencies under the ministry such as SME Corp. Malaysia, Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (PERNAS), and Suruhanjaya Koperasi Malaysia (SKM). The mission is further supported by strategic partners including the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA).
Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Steven Sim, highlighted the significance of penetrating Japan’s premium market, known for its high-quality standards. “Japan represents a gateway to elevating the credibility and competitiveness of Malaysian products internationally,” Sim stated. He emphasized that this participation aligns with KUSKOP’s ABCD strategy—Anjakan Produktiviti (Productivity Shift), Birokrasi Dipermudah (Simplified Bureaucracy), Capaian Modal (Access to Capital), and Daya Akses Pasaran (Market Access)—which serves as the ministry’s core framework for empowering local entrepreneurs.
Beyond the exhibition, the delegation’s itinerary includes a key meeting with Dr. Hirabayashi Kunihiko, Secretary-General of the ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC), aimed at exploring future bilateral cooperation between Malaysia and Japan. Additional engagement sessions with global industry players are scheduled to expand business networks for Malaysian entrepreneurs.
This trade mission forms part of Malaysia’s broader MADANI agenda, focusing on expanding economic networks, enhancing bilateral trade, and boosting the international competitiveness of local small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
KUSKOP, responsible for fostering a holistic and conducive entrepreneurial ecosystem, plays a pivotal role in Malaysia’s socio-economic development. The ministry oversees various agencies dedicated to cooperative development, SME growth, micro-financing, capacity building, and more, all geared toward creating inclusive, balanced, and sustainable national progress.
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