In partnership with the Nippon Foundation Volunteer Center, the Japan Malaysia Association (JMA) has launched an initiative to dispatch university students from all over Japan to Sarawak, Malaysia, with the goal of planting 100,000 trees for reforestation.

In a significant move to strengthen this initiative, Yohei Sasakawa, the Chairman of the Nippon Foundation, and Takakazu Ogawa, the President of the JMA, recently visited Malaysia and held meetings with Datuk Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, and Nik Nazmi bin Nik Ahmad, the Minister of the Natural Resources, Environment & Climate Change (NRECC), respectively on 10 November and 9 November, to discuss the project and reinforce bilateral cooperation.

Credit: The Nippon Foundation

Action Plan
Starting in 2024, we plan to dispatch groups of 15 students, four times a year, aiming to plant a total of 100,000 trees over a decade.
The 1st Cohort: 6-17 February 2024
The 2nd Cohort: 5-16 March 2024

This effort focuses on rejuvenating the forests inhabited by orangutans. We are hoping that this initiative will eventually include Malaysian university students, and are confident that it will foster a bond of trust and friendship between the young leaders of the two nations.

Prime Minister Anwar:
We are profoundly grateful for the considerable assistance and contributions to environmental conservation and improving residents’ livelihoods. We look forward to the continued success of these projects.

NRECC Minister Nik Nazmi:
We deeply appreciate the significant contributions to environmental conservation and enhancing the living standards of residents in Sarawak. We sincerely hope for your continued support in these endeavors.

Reference: Forest Restoration Program by Youth Volunteers at Gunung Apeng National Park