BUSINESS BEYOND BORDERS

With more than a century of expertise in Japan's chemical trading industry, Iwata & Co. is now charting new frontiers in Malaysia.

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INTERNATIONAL TRADE IS THE DRIVER BEHIND NOT ONLY THE movement of goods but also the exchange of technology, ideas, and innovation. For centuries, Japan's isolation shaped a distinct culture and economy. Today, its firms are global leaders, driving innovation and international trade. Japanese investment in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations nearly doubled during AEC 2025, reaching $20 billion. Trading and logistics hubs such as Singapore and Penang have thrived, attracting investors with their prime locations. In Malaysia, nearly one-half of Japanese firms plan to expand within two years, driven by rising demand and export potential. One company driving