Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation

WEDNESDAY, 27 NOVEMBER 2019, KUALA LUMPUR: A women-owned company, Dr. Aishah Solution Sdn Bhd (DAS), that was groomed by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), has successfully entered the Japanese market, thanks to their active participation in MATRADE’s programmes.

Set to market its healthy halal snacks called DASTO to the Japanese consumers, the success of DAS - who is also MATRADE’s Women Exporters Development Programme (WEDP) participant - gives prominence to the strength of Malaysia’s women export capabilities. The company’s product ranges to be sold in Japan are Granola and Asian Superfoods.

These products will not only be marketed to consumers in key Japanese cities, but will also cater to the demands rising from the upcoming Tokyo Olympic 2020. DASTO products target Japanese consumers who are conscious on their overall health well-being.

According to Trade Commissioner of MATRADE in Tokyo, Mr. Niqman Rafaee Mohd Sahar, the success of DAS Sdn Bhd is a good example for other Malaysian companies to emphasise on high-quality – a value that resonates well with the Japanese culture.

“DAS Sdn Bhd has been part of MATRADE’s development programme since 2014 when MATRADE groomed them to build their export readiness. After they’ve graduated from the WEDP, they have taken part in various Export Promotion activities by MATRADE. Now, we can see the results of these engagements and we are proud of DAS’ determination in creating more values for their brand as well as following up with the targeted buyers MATRADE has introduced to them,” said Niqman adding that DAS had participated in the recent Export Acceleration Mission on Halal Products and Services to Japan organised by MATRADE from 4 – 8 November 2019.

DAS’ access to Japan will see DASTO products featured at a number of hotels in Japan. Owner of DAS, Dr. Aishah Tul Radziah Lebai Hussin said they began looking at Japan after MATRADE’s facilitation to introduce them to a few potential Japanese clients. “We started talking to Prince Hotel Karuizawa in Nagano, one of Japan’s prestigious hotels, to serve their meals using our Granola. We have done a series of food presentation and food tasting to help them visualise how DASTO can complement their menu such as Cauliflower Mousse, French Style Fish Fillet, Cheese Risot and Beef Curry.,” said Dr. Aishah adding that the potential sales of their export from the venture to be lucrative.

“To ensure DASTO will get the traction in Japan, we will be promoting our products through Japanese local magazines, websites and cooking schools in Japan with the support of MATRADE Tokyo of course,” she added.
Moving forward, MATRADE urges more Malaysian companies to aggressively promote their Halal products and services to Japan as it is estimated that 5 million Muslims will be visiting Japan for the Olympics. Malaysian companies are also encouraged to capitalise on MATRADE’s programmes such as Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) and international trade fairs such as FOODEX 2020 in Japan, Gulfood in Dubai and SIAL (pronounced as Sai-al) in France that will be spearheaded by MATRADE.

Malaysian companies keen to export are urged to contact MATRADE’s headquarters in Kuala Lumpur or any of its 46 international trade offices around the world for assistance. For more details on Japan email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and reach out to MATRADE’s social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.