Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation was started to praise individuals and groups who showed tremendous contribution to promote amity between Japan and other countries.

This year, the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation will be conveyed to The Japanese Chamber of Trade and Industry, Malaysia (JACTIM) and Mr. MANDAI Toshio(Vice president of the Japan Club Kuala Lumpur, and Advisor of Kindergartens of Japanese School in Kuala Lumpur) as an expression of profound appreciation and respect for their continuous efforts in promoting the mutual understanding and friendly relations between Japan and Malaysia. Awarding Ceremony took place on 20th August 2008 at Japanese Ambassador's Residence.

JACTIM has played a significant role in fostering closer relations between Japan and Malaysia and an invaluable interface for Japanese companies vis-a-vis the Malaysian government and vice versa. JACTIM has been working closely with various ministries of the Malaysian Government such as the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), holding dialogues and providing feedbacks and proposals on issues of importance to Japanese companies and improve the business environment in Malaysia.

JACTIM through its JACTIM Foundation is committed to contribute to community development in Malaysia. Established in 1996, JACTIM Foundation has contributed more than RM200,000 every year to NGOs, education institutions, health clinics and many more organizations. For instance, it has donated sports equipments for the disabled athletes to the Malaysian Paralympics Council since 2003, and supports the Japanese Studies Program, University of Malaya, by donating books as well as offering scholarships to its students. Last year, it donated mobile toy library for disabled children to Asia Community Service in Penang.

Mr. Mandai has been playing leading role in the activities and management of the Japan Club Kuala Lumpur (JCKL) as office bearer since 1996. He has served as Vice President of JCKL since 2000. He also heads the Committee for the Constitutional Rules of JCKL, under which the rules were revised to ensure smooth running of the club. He also heads the Committee for the Management of the Japanese Cemetery. The Japanese cemetery is an integral part of the history of Kuala Lumpur and well managed under this committee.

Mr. Mandai has also contributed immensely in the development of child education, as the principal of the kindergartens of Japanese School in Kuala Lumpur from 2001 to March 2008, and the advisor of the same kindergartens currently. He introduced institutional changes to improve the standards of teachers.