Malaysia Pavilion At Expo 2025 Osaka Exceeds Expectations With Strong Visitor Turnout, Strategic Business Focus

By Nor Hamzeela Md Hambali

KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 (Bernama) -- Pavilion Malaysia is on track to achieve its ambitious targets at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, said its director Ellyza Mastura Ahmad Hanipah.

She said that the expo has been going on for nine days, and the average number of visitors to the Malaysia Pavilion is about 12,000 per day.

bootstrap slideshow

“Besides international visitors, we also invite Malaysians who are in Japan to come to Osaka and stop by the Malaysia Pavilion,” Ellyza Mastura said.

The Malaysia Pavilion has attracted 251,077 visitors since its opening on April 13. This remarkable turnout highlights the pavilion’s attractiveness and Malaysia’s strategic initiatives to engage a global audience.

Malaysia’s six-month participation in Expo 2025 Osaka is part of a broader strategy to enhance its global presence and economic partnerships.

bootstrap slideshow

The pavilion aims to attract 1.5 million visitors and secure RM13 billion in trade and investment opportunities.

This goal is supported by a comprehensive strategy involving the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), focusing on business programming and international outreach.

Crowd Favourite 

The theme of the Malaysia Pavilion, “Weaving a Future in Harmony”, resonates strongly with visitors by highlighting the country’s commitment to sustainable development, cultural diversity, and technological innovation.

Its design, inspired by a rainforest seed, symbolises growth and potential, reflecting Malaysia’s aspirations on the global stage.

The pavilion also hosts a series of thematic weeks, exhibitions, and dialogues, acting as platforms to inspire positive change and build partnerships for a more sustainable and equitable future.

“The cultural performances on the stage outside the pavilion have been the main attraction for visitors. Even those who initially had no intention of entering the Malaysia Pavilion became interested after watching the performances at the main stage.

“They are then drawn to proceed to Level 2 to view our permanent exhibition,” said Ellyza Mastura. 

Malaysia’s Sustainability Journey

The Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka invites visitors on a dynamic, immersive journey into the nation’s vision for a sustainable and prosperous future.

Showcasing Malaysia’s commitment to a green economy, smart city development, and technological innovation, the pavilion blends vibrant storytelling with impactful exhibits. From bustling urban centres to tranquil natural landscapes, Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage is seamlessly woven into the pavilion’s design.

More than a showcase of ideas, the pavilion highlights real progress, featuring advanced green technologies, from renewable energy solutions to smart living innovations, that are shaping Malaysia’s sustainable future.

Visitors will gain unique insights into how artificial intelligence and digital technologies are driving the country’s eco-transition, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a forward-thinking leader on the global stage.

The pavilion also hosts engaging dialogues and seminars on pressing global issues, including climate change, international trade, and emerging technologies, serving as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and meaningful change toward a more sustainable and inclusive world.

Economic and Business Potential

Ellyza Mastura emphasised that the Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is more than a celebration of cultural heritage and sustainable innovation; it also serves as a strategic platform for exploring business opportunities and unlocking investment potential.

With its robust economic growth and strategic location in Southeast Asia, Malaysia stands as a vital hub for regional trade and investment, playing an increasingly influential role on the global stage.

A central goal of the pavilion is to foster international collaboration. To this end, it features a dedicated business networking space; an ideal environment for businesses, investors, and corporations to connect, exchange ideas, and form strategic partnerships.

Through these engagements, Malaysia seeks to strengthen its position as a gateway to the ASEAN market, leveraging its membership in the ASEAN Economic Community to attract global stakeholders.

The pavilion is positioned as a meeting point for companies aiming to enter or expand within the region, particularly in high-potential sectors such as renewable energy, smart technologies, and sustainable infrastructure.

Behind The Scenes: The Malaysia Team

Ellyza Mastura said the smooth operation of the Malaysia Pavilion at the exposition is supported by a dedicated team of 26 personnel, working in two shifts — 13 in the morning and 13 in the evening — to manage the various exhibition zones efficiently.

A total of 20 staff members from Malaysia have been specially assigned for a six-month posting to oversee the pavilion’s exhibition spaces. These personnel are divided into two teams: the first team will manage the pavilion from April to mid-July, while the second team will take over from mid-July to October, ensuring continuity and fresh perspectives throughout the event.

In addition, as part of the pavilion’s cultural programming, the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) has sent a dedicated performing arts group to Osaka. The team, consisting of 13 members (one choreographer and 12 dancers), showcases Malaysia’s rich and diverse cultural heritage through both traditional and contemporary dance performances.

Addressing Humanity’s Pressing Challenges 

The World Expo 2025, held under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, brings together 158 countries, offering a global platform to present innovations and cultural expressions that address humanity’s most pressing challenges.

Taking place on Yumeshima Island in Osaka Bay, the event promises to be a hub for over 150 countries and organisations, each contributing groundbreaking ideas and solutions for a more sustainable and equitable future.

One of the expo’s standout features is the Grand Ring, a two-kilometre-long wooden structure encircling the main exhibition area. Designed by renowned architect Sou Fujimoto, the Grand Ring symbolises unity and diversity, offering visitors panoramic views of the expo grounds.

Pavilions of Innovation and Sustainability

Among the many impressive pavilions, China’s pavilion stands out with its theme “Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature — Future Society of Green Development”.

This pavilion reflects China’s commitment to ecological harmony and sustainable development. Inspired by traditional bamboo slips and designed to resemble an unfolded calligraphy scroll, the pavilion celebrates China’s cultural heritage while emphasising its progress in green technologies.

Canada’s pavilion embraces the theme of “Regeneration,” symbolising the nation’s dedication to environmental renewal and stewardship. The pavilion’s exterior, inspired by the natural phenomenon of ice jams during spring thaws, leads visitors into a welcoming interior that highlights Canada’s diversity, creativity, and sustainability efforts.

The Nordic Pavilion, a collaborative effort between Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway, underscores the shared values of trust, sustainability, and innovation. The 1,200-square metre timber structure, designed for reuse, showcases the Nordic region’s commitment to sustainable architecture.

Diverse Global Presence

With over 150 countries participating, the World Expo 2025 offers a rich array of pavilions, each presenting unique perspectives on how nations are contributing to global progress. Visitors can expect to experience a wide variety of technological innovations, cultural exhibits, and interactive displays that highlight different approaches to building a better future.

-- BERNAMA