UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive and sustainable mobility as the Premier Mobility Partner of the inaugural Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025, held from 18 to 19 June in Medini, Johor. The landmark event brought together over 500 key figures from politics, business, and policy to discuss cross-border cooperation, innovation, and economic sustainability across Asia.
Co-hosted by Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) and Japan’s Nikkei Inc., the two-day forum marked the first of its kind in Johor. It underscored the southern state’s rising influence as a hub for innovation and ASEAN connectivity. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Malaysia’s Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Johor’s Chief Minister, YAB Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi, and the Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, H.E. Shikata Noriyuki.
Toyota Mirai Showcases Hydrogen Innovation
Taking centre stage at the forum was Toyota’s flagship hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), the Toyota Mirai, displayed prominently at the entrance. The vehicle served as a powerful symbol of the brand’s forward-looking vision for zero-emission mobility. It also spurred active discussions on the potential of hydrogen technology in decarbonising cross-border transport, enabling emission-free freight corridors, and supporting clean logistics in future Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
With the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) initiative gaining momentum, Toyota’s hydrogen solutions were positioned as a scalable and practical pathway to achieving joint climate and infrastructure goals between Malaysia and Singapore.
Advocating a Multi-Pathway Approach
Representing Toyota on the high-level panel “Bridging Sustainability: Finance, Infrastructure, Industry and Innovation Across Borders” was Pras Ganesh, Executive Vice President of People & Business Transformation and Chief Information Security Officer at Toyota Motor Asia. His participation reinforced Toyota’s advocacy for a multi-pathway decarbonisation strategy, acknowledging the diverse infrastructure and economic profiles across ASEAN.
This approach spans a wide range of energy-efficient mobility solutions—from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles compatible with biofuels to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Ganesh stressed the importance of ecosystem building and collaborative innovation, arguing that true sustainability must be inclusive, practical, and attuned to regional realities.
Premium Chauffeured Mobility and Event Presence
As the forum’s Premier Mobility Partner, UMWT provided a dedicated fleet of 20 chauffeur-driven vehicles, comprising the Toyota Alphard, Vellfire HEV, Camry HEV, and Lexus RZ BEV and RX HEV. This fleet was tasked with transporting delegates and dignitaries throughout the event, showcasing Toyota’s blend of premium quality, efficiency, and logistical precision. The visibility of this branded fleet further cemented Toyota’s commitment to clean, reliable transport solutions.
Toyota’s Strategic Role in the JS-SEZ Era
UMWT’s involvement comes as the JS-SEZ initiative progresses, deepening economic integration between Malaysia and Singapore. Toyota’s robust portfolio of electrified and hydrogen-powered mobility solutions places the brand in a strategic position to support the transformation of logistics, public fleets, and industrial corridors along this economic axis.
Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor, emphasised that the company’s engagement extends beyond brand presence. He stated that Toyota seeks to influence the direction of future mobility—intersecting policy, innovation, and sustainability. As the JS-SEZ takes shape, UMWT sees tangible opportunities to contribute to fleet decarbonisation strategies and pilot hydrogen infrastructure initiatives across the region.
Commitment to an Inclusive Energy Transition
As Malaysia accelerates its energy transition agenda, UMWT has reinforced its commitment to making clean mobility accessible, efficient, and equitable. The company is actively addressing key barriers such as charging infrastructure, vehicle affordability, and energy efficiency, aiming to ensure that no segment of society is excluded from the shift towards a low-carbon future.
UMWT’s presence at the Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025 is emblematic of its broader mission to lead Malaysia’s sustainable mobility transformation. Through the deployment of innovative technologies, real-world applications, and strategic collaborations, UMW Toyota Motor continues to pave the way for a cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive transport future.
