The Japanese Invasion of Malaya began on December 8, 1941, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Japanese forces aimed to capture the British colony of Malaya, which was strategically important for its resources and location. The invasion was swift, with Japanese troops advancing rapidly through the peninsula, utilizing effective tactics and superior mobility. By February 15, 1942, the British surrendered in Singapore, marking a significant defeat for the Allies in the Pacific Theater of World War II. The invasion demonstrated Japan's military strength and led to the occupation of Malaya, which lasted until the end of the war in 1945.