Noorazam (left) and Hong holding up the signed MoU documents. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Mohd Jafni.
JOHOR Baru and Daegu in South Korea are looking at sharing knowledge and experience to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two cities.
Johor Baru mayor Datuk Noorazam Osman said the city council (MBJB) and the Daegu Metropolitan City authority hope to cooperate in various areas, such as electric vehicle use.
He said MBJB had also discussed the possibility of having a direct flight between Daegu and Senai International Airport as part of efforts to bring more South Korean investors and tourists to Johor.
“We have signed the Friendly City to City memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the possible sharing of technology, knowledge and experience directly between the two cities.
“Generally, we want to learn their expertise in electric vehicles and digitalisation and how we can implement it in our city.
“They are looking more into our tourism products, the expansion of their investment and the welfare of the Korean community in Johor Baru,” he said when contacted.
Noorazam said the discussion also touched on opening up more halal markets in South Korea to attract more Malaysians to that country.
“This MoU is basically to lay the groundwork for future collaborations,” he said, adding that it was important for strengthening bilateral cooperation in the areas of culture, education, economy and the arts.
“I believe that we can expand our friendship and sharing to also benefit the state and people of Johor, not only MBJB,” said Noorazam.
“Despite the difference between certain organisational structures and policies between both the city council of MBJB and Daegu, I believe that there are many best practices that we can share with each other, especially in the areas of smart city, smart governance, green technology, sustainability and low-carbon agenda,” he said.
MBJB is currently working to develop Johor Baru into a smart and sustainable city, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals as well as inculcating low-carbon society practices among its citizens, he added.
“It is true that we have a long way to go to achieve tangible results, but nevertheless a thousand-mile journey begins with a single step.
“MBJB also aims to expand its horizons by forming collaborations with international cities and partners so that we can share experiences, expertise and technologies,” said the mayor.
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by Daegu mayor Hong Joon Pyo, Daegu City Council chairman Lee Man Kyu, Daegu vice-mayor Lee Chong Hwa and Johor housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor.
