Event / Presentation

Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia Visits C4 and Chitose Agri Laboratory

2025.03.18

Microalgae
Chitose Agriculture

The Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, Noriyuki Shikata, visited CHITOSE Carbon Capture Central (C4)*1, the world’s largest microalgae production facility*2, located in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, on February 14. The microalgae biomass produced at C4 is used to extract oils, proteins, carbohydrates, and other valuable materials that contribute to the production of cosmetics, food, medicine, and fuel—helping to reduce reliance on fossil resources.

Touring the C4 facilities

During the visit, Ambassador Shikata toured the production facilities under the guidance of CEO Tomohiro Fujita and Chief BioEngineer Takanori Hoshino, who explained the intricacies of microalgae cultivation and production, as well as its potential to address global challenges such as food shortages and fossil fuel dependence. In its efforts to advance carbon neutrality and sustainability through microalgae, CHITOSE is collaborating with various businesses in Japan and Malaysia via the MATSURI project.

The Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, Noriyuki Shikata and C4 members

Following the visit to C4, on March 4, Ambassador Shikata and Yuki Yagai, Second Secretary of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment, visitedChitose Agri Laboratory in Cameron Highlands. There, CHITOSE operates a circular agriculture business, producing sustainably grown crops renowned for their exceptional taste and quality, which are sold in approximately 70 outlets across Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.

Following the detailed tour of the farming facilities, the team engaged in discussions with the guests, exchanging insights on agriculture and addressing key challenges in the sector between Japan and Malaysia.

Director Kyosuke Kinoshita and Senior Manager Yowsuke Kataoka explain strawberry production method (left); Chitose Agri Laboratory team and Embassy of Japan in Malaysia Delegation (right)

The highlight of the visit was a fresh salad, generously prepared with freshly harvested CHITOSE green vegetables, cherry tomatoes, and strawberries. The team was delighted to receive positive feedback from the Embassy Delegation and remains committed to pioneering sustainable and safe agriculture.

1 This is the result of NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization) “Development of Production Technologies for Biojet Fuel Project”.
https://www.nedo.go.jp/english/activities/activities_ZZJP_100127.html
2 Scalable flat-panel type photobioreactor system suitable for the efficient production of microalgal biomass

About MATSURI
https://matsuri.chitose-bio.com/en
MATSURI project, led by the CHITOSE Group, was launched in 2021 to establish an advanced microalgae-based industry in collaboration with partner enterprises, government and academia institutions. By 2025, it had evolved beyond microalgae into a cross-industry initiative driving the global bioeconomy forward. With a vision to realize a society powered by biotechnology, our efforts continue to expand—from AI-driven bio-manufacturing and resource circulation to sustainable agriculture. As what MATSURI means in Japanese, it is a festival that will leave its mark on human history. We invite partners from all industries to join us in shaping the future together. Click here to contact us.

About CHITOSE Agriculture Initiative
Founded in 2015, the CHITOSE Agriculture Initiative is committed to developing a circular agriculture that can sustainably yield delicious produce with high nutritional value by maintaining the farmland’s ecosystem. It emphasizes empowerment of local farming communities and the importance of soil quality, particularly by nurturing microorganisms vital to its fertility. The initiative is active in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.