Japanese Technical Cooperation in Malaysia: Analysis of Project Finding Capability, the Roles of Experts and Malaysian Mass Media

Abstract

Japanese technical cooperation in Malaysia was studied as a possible model for other middle income countries. Project finding activities were weak, particularly at the state government level. For more effective project finding, active information exchange in the Japanese technical cooperation system in Malaysia and use of Japanese Overseas Cooperation Volunteers as an information source from grass roots were suggested.

The prominent contribution of individual experts to identification and formulation of development survey projects was indicated. However, the share of individual experts has declined since the late 1980's. The supply of individual experts may be limited because of difficulties in recruiting from Japanese industries. The lengthy preparation period before dispatching personnel was also investigated. Introducing “program assistance” for quick and flexible technical cooperation was recommended to shorten the period and meet rapidly changing Malaysian needs for experts.

There was a positive correlation between the amount of ODA and the number of articles on international cooperation in a major Malaysian newspaper. More than half of these articles pertained to Japanese assistance, which was reported objectively. Information dissemination not only to recipient government circles, but to research institutions and public libraries was implied.