Forum ini dianjurkan secara bersama oleh Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) dan Nikkei Inc. dari Jepun, menandakan edisi pertama seumpamanya yang dianjurkan di selatan tanah air. Kehadiran tokoh penting seperti Perdana Menteri Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Menteri Besar Johor, YAB Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi, serta Duta Besar Jepun ke Malaysia, Tuan Yang Terutama Shikata Noriyuki menyerlahkan lagi kepentingan strategik forum ini kepada rantau ASEAN.

Toyota Mirai: Lambang Inovasi Mobiliti Hidrogen

Tumpuan utama forum ini ialah penampilan Toyota Mirai — kenderaan elektrik sel bahan api hidrogen (FCEV) — yang dipamerkan di pintu masuk utama. Model ini melambangkan visi jangka panjang Toyota terhadap mobiliti tanpa pelepasan karbon, serta merangsang perbincangan tentang potensi teknologi hidrogen dalam pengangkutan rentas sempadan. Teknologi ini dilihat mampu mewujudkan koridor logistik bebas karbon serta menyokong agenda hijau di Zon Ekonomi Khas (SEZ) masa hadapan, khususnya menerusi inisiatif Johor-Singapura (JS-SEZ) yang semakin giat dilaksanakan.

Pendekatan Pelbagai Laluan untuk Mobiliti Lestari

UMWT turut menampilkan penyertaan tokoh utamanya, Pras Ganesh — Naib Presiden Eksekutif Transformasi Rakyat & Perniagaan dan Ketua Pegawai Keselamatan Maklumat Toyota Motor Asia — dalam sesi panel bertajuk “Merapatkan Kelestarian: Kewangan, Infrastruktur, Industri dan Inovasi Merentasi Sempadan”. Beliau mengutarakan pendirian Toyota yang menyokong pendekatan pelbagai laluan dalam usaha penyahkarbonan, selaras dengan pelbagai tahap pembangunan infrastruktur dan keperluan ekonomi negara-negara ASEAN.

Strategi ini merangkumi pelbagai jenis teknologi mobiliti seperti enjin pembakaran dalaman (ICE) yang menggunakan biobahan api, kenderaan hibrid (HEV), hibrid plug-in (PHEV), kenderaan elektrik bateri (BEV), serta kenderaan sel bahan api hidrogen (FCEV). Menurut Ganesh, kemampanan yang sebenar memerlukan pendekatan yang inklusif, praktikal dan sesuai dengan realiti serantau, di samping membina ekosistem inovasi menerusi kerjasama pelbagai pihak.

Mobiliti Bertaraf Premium dan Logistik Cekap

Sebagai Rakan Mobiliti Utama, UMWT menyediakan armada eksklusif yang terdiri daripada 20 kenderaan pandu pemandu termasuk Toyota Alphard, Vellfire HEV, Camry HEV serta model Lexus RZ BEV dan RX HEV. Armada ini bertugas mengangkut para delegasi dan tetamu kenamaan sepanjang acara berlangsung, sekali gus menunjukkan keupayaan Toyota dalam menyediakan penyelesaian mobiliti premium yang cekap dan boleh dipercayai. Kehadiran armada ini juga menzahirkan komitmen Toyota terhadap pengangkutan mesra alam yang praktikal untuk pelbagai keperluan.

Peranan Strategik dalam Era JS-SEZ

Penyertaan aktif UMWT dalam forum ini turut menggariskan peranannya yang semakin penting dalam pembangunan inisiatif Johor-Singapura SEZ, yang dijangka mengukuhkan integrasi ekonomi antara dua negara. Dengan rangkaian luas penyelesaian mobiliti berasaskan tenaga elektrik dan teknologi hidrogen, Toyota berada dalam kedudukan strategik untuk menyokong transformasi sektor logistik, perkhidmatan awam serta pembangunan koridor perindustrian masa depan.

Presiden UMW Toyota Motor, Datuk Ravindran K., menekankan bahawa penglibatan syarikat itu bukan sekadar untuk mempromosikan jenama, tetapi juga untuk menyumbang kepada pembentukan dasar mobiliti masa depan yang mengutamakan inovasi dan kelestarian. Beliau menyatakan bahawa JS-SEZ membuka peluang besar bagi Toyota untuk menyokong strategi penyahkarbonan armada dan memperkenalkan infrastruktur hidrogen perintis di rantau ini.

Menjulang Visi Mobiliti Bersih dan Inklusif

Dalam konteks peralihan tenaga negara, UMWT menunjukkan komitmen yang tinggi untuk memastikan mobiliti bersih bukan sahaja boleh dicapai, tetapi turut mudah diakses oleh semua lapisan masyarakat. Syarikat ini sedang giat menangani cabaran utama seperti kekurangan infrastruktur pengecasan, kos pemilikan yang tinggi dan kecekapan tenaga, dengan matlamat menjadikan peralihan kepada kenderaan rendah karbon sebagai satu realiti yang inklusif.

Kehadiran UMW Toyota Motor di Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025 merupakan bukti nyata kepada dedikasi syarikat ini dalam menerajui agenda mobiliti mampan Malaysia. Melalui teknologi inovatif, aplikasi praktikal di dunia sebenar dan kerjasama rentas industri, Toyota membuka jalan ke arah masa depan pengangkutan yang lebih bersih, lebih pintar dan lebih inklusif untuk semua.

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.

Insiden di Vovchansk

• Konteks Operasi: Insiden ini berlaku pada bulan Julai semasa operasi serangan balas di Vovchansk, Ukraine. Tentera Ukraine berusaha untuk menembusi loji agregat yang kukuh, dipegang oleh tentera Rusia. Dengan sokongan ketenteraan konvensional yang terhad dan bantuan asing yang berkurang, pejuang Ukraine mencari cara alternatif untuk menghadapi cabaran tersebut.
• Penggunaan Toyota Mirai: Kenderaan hidrogen Toyota Mirai, yang direka untuk tenaga bersih menggunakan sel bahan api hidrogen, menjadi alat penting dalam operasi ini. Tangki hidrogen bertekanan tinggi dari Mirai, yang mampu menyimpan lebih 5kg hidrogen pada 10,000 psi, digunakan dalam pembuatan alat letupan buatan (IED). Tangki ini, yang beratnya kira-kira 52kg, mempunyai potensi tenaga yang besar, setara dengan 162kg TNT apabila digabungkan dengan bahan letupan plastik.

• Pelaksanaan Taktikal: Tangki hidrogen tersebut dipasang pada kenderaan yang dikendalikan dari jauh, yang kemudian mengemudi menuju jambatan yang sebahagian musnah dan disembunyikan di belakang pokok untuk menghampiri sasarannya. Setelah tiba di loji agregat, peranti itu diletupkan, menghasilkan letupan besar dan kebakaran yang seterusnya. Letupan tersebut, yang diduga menyasarkan penyimpanan peluru Rusia, menyebabkan kerosakan berat kepada kubu Rusia dan memaksa penarikan balik strategik.

Impak dan Implikasi

• Kepintaran Taktikal: Penggunaan tangki hidrogen Toyota Mirai ini menonjolkan kepintaran dan fleksibiliti taktik ketenteraan moden. Kejayaan operasi ini bukan sahaja melemahkan pertahanan Rusia tetapi juga mengungkap kelemahan dalam kedudukan strategik mereka, membolehkan tentera Ukraine memanfaatkan gangguan dan memajukan objektif mereka.
• Perspektif Teknologi: Kisah ini menekankan bagaimana teknologi, yang asalnya direka untuk tujuan damai, boleh diubahsuai untuk aplikasi ketenteraan dengan cara yang tidak dijangka. Ia juga menimbulkan persoalan tentang bagaimana teknologi canggih boleh mempunyai implikasi yang luas dalam peperangan moden dan kesannya dalam konteks penggunaan awam dan ketenteraan.

Aplikasi Masa Depan dan Implikasi

• Peperangan Modern: Insiden ini menunjukkan betapa pentingnya inovasi dan adaptasi dalam konflik moden. Teknologi yang tidak konvensional, apabila diubah suai dengan cara yang inovatif, boleh memberikan kelebihan strategik yang ketara di medan perang.

• Keselamatan Teknologi: Ia juga menyoroti perlunya pertimbangan terhadap potensi aplikasi dwi-guna dalam pembangunan teknologi masa depan, termasuk kesan terhadap keselamatan dan etika.

Kejayaan dalam operasi ini bukan sahaja memberikan gambaran tentang kepintaran taktikal, tetapi juga memperlihatkan betapa teknologi boleh diubah suai untuk menangani keperluan mendesak di medan perang.

The incident occurred in July during a counteroffensive operation in Vovchansk, Ukraine. Ukrainian forces were engaged in a strategic struggle to penetrate a fortified aggregate plant held by Russian troops. With conventional military support limited and foreign aid restricted, Ukrainian fighters turned to salvage parts from electrified vehicles, including the hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai.

The Toyota Mirai, designed as a clean energy vehicle, utilises a hydrogen fuel cell to power its electric motors. The vehicle’s high-pressure hydrogen tank, which can store over 5kg of hydrogen at 10,000 psi, became a critical component in the creation of an improvised explosive device (IED). The tank, which weighs approximately 52kg, possesses an enormous energy potential—equivalent to 162kg of TNT when combined with plastic explosives.

The repurposed tank was mounted on a remotely operated vehicle, which navigated a partially destroyed bridge concealed by trees to approach its target. Upon reaching the aggregate plant, the device was detonated, resulting in a massive explosion and subsequent fire. The blast, speculated to have targeted Russian ammunition storage, severely compromised Russian fortifications and prompted a strategic withdrawal.

This innovative use of the Toyota Mirai’s hydrogen tank underscores the adaptability and resourcefulness of modern military tactics. The success of the operation not only weakened Russian defences but also exposed vulnerabilities in their strategic positioning, allowing Ukrainian forces to capitalise on the disruption and advance their objectives.

The story of the Toyota Mirai’s transformation from a symbol of clean technology to a potent weapon serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and often grim nature of conflict. It illustrates how technology, regardless of its original intent, can be adapted in unforeseen ways to address immediate and critical needs on the battlefield.

As the conflict in Vovchansk continues, the creative application of such technology may play an increasingly significant role in shaping the outcome of the war. The incident also raises important questions about the broader implications of technology in modern warfare and its potential for dual-use applications in both civilian and military contexts.

Mirai beroperasi sebagai kenderaan elektrik “plug-less”, menggunakan sistem sel bahan api yang menghasilkan elektrik dari hidrogen, hanya melepaskan air. Dibangunkan atas platform Rear-Wheel Drive GA-L, Mirai menyediakan pengalaman sedan mewah-sport mid-size dengan fleksibiliti kawalan yang luar biasa. Rekabentuk aerodinamiknya menyumbang kepada kecekapan dan prestasi keseluruhan.

Di dalam, Mirai menawarkan teknologi dan keselesaan yang canggih, dengan skrin sentuh multimedia 12.3 inci, sambungan Bluetooth berganda, pengecasan tanpa wayar, dan keserasian dengan Apple CarPlay dan Android Auto.

Keselamatan adalah keutamaan dengan Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, termasuk Sistem Pre-Collision dan Peringatan Keluar Laluan. Ciri keselamatan tambahan termasuk Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, dan Traffic Jam Assist.

Pemilik Mirai dapat mendapat manfaat dari Perkhidmatan Terhubung, ToyotaCare, bahan api hidrogen percuma, sokongan telefon 24/7, dan jaminan FCEV lapan tahun/160,934km, menunjukkan komitmen Toyota terhadap kepuasan pelanggan dan ketahanan pelaburan mereka dalam FCEV.

Harga untuk Mirai XLE adalah $50,190 (RM237,273) dan Mirai Limited sebanyak $67,155 (RM317,475).

One of the standout features of the 2024 Mirai is its extended driving range. The Mirai XLE grade boasts an EPA-estimated range of 646km, a notable improvement that caters to the growing demand for extended-range FCEVs. Beyond its extended range, the Mirai introduces a fresh Elemental Silver exterior colour and Beyond Zero badging, underlining Toyota’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and embracing a carbon-neutral future.

The inclusion of Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 further enhances the safety profile of the Mirai, making it a comprehensive choice for drivers prioritising advanced safety technologies.

At the heart of the Mirai’s allure is its “plug-less” electric vehicle operation. Instead of relying on traditional charging methods, the Mirai utilises a fuel cell system that generates electricity onboard from hydrogen. This process results in the emission of only water, aligning with Toyota’s commitment to creating environmentally friendly vehicles. The Mirai incorporates cutting-edge technologies, including an electrostatic air cleaner, a water-cooled oil cooler, and a lithium-ion battery, ensuring efficient and sustainable performance.

Built on the premium Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) GA-L platform, the Mirai delivers a mid-size luxury-sport sedan experience. The GA-L platform, coupled with a sophisticated multilink suspension, guarantees exceptional handling agility and a remarkably smooth, quiet ride. The Mirai’s aerodynamic design, featuring a 0.29 coefficient of drag, not only contributes to efficiency but also enhances overall performance.

Inside the Mirai’s cabin, advanced technology and comfort seamlessly intertwine. Both Mirai grades feature a standard 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen display, offering an intuitive interface for drivers and passengers alike. Connectivity options abound, with dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, wireless charging, and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Mirai caters to comfort with features like SoftTex-trimmed and heated seats, a Colour Head Up Display (HUD), and a digital rear-view mirror with HomeLink on the Limited grade.

Safety takes center stage in the 2024 Mirai, now equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. This comprehensive safety suite includes features such as Pre-Collision System, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and more. Additional safety elements include Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Traffic Jam Assist, ensuring a secure driving experience.

Mirai owners can enjoy an array of Connected Services, including Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote Connect. Extended benefits such as ToyotaCare, complimentary hydrogen fuel, dedicated 24/7 phone support, and an eight-year/160,934km FCEV warranty underline Toyota’s commitment to customer satisfaction and the longevity of their FCEV investment.

The pricing for the Mirai XLE is $50,190 (RM237,273) and the Mirai Limited at $67,155 (RM317,475).