The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG)
Under TMG’s (Tokyo Metropolitan Government) Innovation Strategy 2.0, TMG has made “Global × Scale-up” a central pillar, backing technology startups with the potential to grow within Japan and on the world stage. A key part of this strategy is building meaningful bridges with international ecosystems, and Malaysia has now been positioned as one of Tokyo’s priority destinations in Asia, according to Kiyoko Hashiba Director for Global Promotion Startup Strategy Promotion Headquarters, Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
A Partnership Built on Trust
The Tokyo-Malaysia connection is especially evident at SusHi Tech Tokyo, the city’s flagship global innovation event, where MDEC organised a Malaysian Pavilion in both 2025 and 2026 bringing Malaysian tech startups and partner organizations to Tokyo to explore collaboration and business opportunities. Malaysian startups have shown strong appetite for the Japan market, while Tokyo startups are increasingly eyeing Malaysia as a gateway into ASEAN.
A Co-Organized Event with Real Impact
a co-organised event between TMG and MDEC was designed to create tangible business outcomes on both sides.
The event has three purposes. First, it will spotlight Malaysian startups that have already established a foothold in Japan, who will share practical insights on entering the Tokyo market through fireside chats and panel discussions. Second, it will promote SusHi Tech Tokyo as a platform for startups seeking not only to access the Japanese market, but to connect with stakeholders across multiple overseas markets. Third, it will showcase five promising Tokyo-based tech startups interested in expanding into Malaysia, providing structured business matching opportunities to help them take that next step.
Beyond the event itself, TMG with MDEC’s support had arranged an immersive 1.5-day ecosystem tour for the five Tokyo startups. The itinerary included visits to SIDEC, MRANTI Park, CoPlace 10 (operated by Leave a Nest Malaysia), and a Malaysian Smart Factory. These stops are designed to give Tokyo startups a firsthand look at Malaysia’s innovation infrastructure, manufacturing capabilities, and the kind of ground-level exposure that turns interest into real partnerships.
With TMG and MDEC jointly steering the collaboration, both sides have an institutional framework not just goodwill to make that exchange count.