Onnie Zurin Bin Abu, Executive Chairman of Kolam Emas Sdn. Bhd. in Malaysia, along with other members, visited Japan and toured the JIIA Media Lab, the operational base of the Japan International Influencer Association (JIIA).
Kolam Emas is an organization that primarily supports Malaysian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in areas such as product development, branding, compliance, certification acquisition, market access, export readiness, and international business strategy. In addition to assisting domestic businesses and local products with overseas expansion, it works to build international commercial distribution channels through collaborations with overseas organizations, including those in Japan.
In June 2025, JIIA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a strategic business alliance with Kolam Emas at the Malaysia Pavilion of the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. The signing was witnessed by SME Corp. Malaysia and aimed at promoting business collaboration between Southeast Asia and Japan.
The visit this time was part of an ongoing exchange based on the MoU. At the JIIA Media Lab, discussions centered on the theme of smoothing commercial distribution between Japan and Malaysia, with participants exchanging views on creating an environment that facilitates mutual cooperation among influencers, media, regions, business operators, and related organizations.
During the session, a wide range of ideas were exchanged regarding the challenges of expanding Japanese products, services, and regional resources into the Malaysian market. They also discussed organizing information, building trust, and promoting a deeper understanding of the local market, which are essential when Malaysian businesses and organizations enter the Japanese market.
Acknowledging differences between the two countries in language, culture, business practices, religious backgrounds, certification systems, and consumer needs, both parties reaffirmed the importance of moving beyond simple product distribution. They emphasized deepening mutual understanding among stakeholders and establishing frameworks and environments that lead to smooth commercial distribution.
JIIA is actively working to establish a foundation for international exchange by creating environments that properly connect foreign influencers residing in or visiting Japan with the media, local regions, business operators, and various organizations.
This exchange served as an opportunity to further deepen the existing partnership and engage in practical dialogues focused on creating mechanisms and environments that generate smooth commercial flows between Japan and Malaysia.
JIIA will continue to collaborate with Kolam Emas to foster a deeper understanding of each other’s cultures and markets while building and refining an exchange environment that connects Japan and Malaysia.
