2024 in Malaysia: Exploring Cultural & Diplomatic Ties
2024 marked my third year in Malaysia, a journey of non-stop discovery that has woven together the rich tapestry of this country's culture, vibrant events, and the warmth of its people. The year kicked off with an invaluable opportunity at Universiti Malaya (UM), where I attended a talk by Tan Sri Azman Hashim, the former Chairman of AmBank Group. His insights on building a banking empire were not just profound but also carried the charm of his musical talents, singing songs in Malay and English reminiscent of P. Ramlee and Frank Sinatra. The month concluded with the Malaysia Vision 2100 event, where I shared a handshake with the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and took a photo with the Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir, marking not just a personal highlight but also reinforcing my interest in Malaysia's ambitious vision to be a leader in Southeast Asia. The year began with an introduction to Malaysian business and politics, setting me up for an exciting year ahead.
.jpg "Minister-jpeg-(2).jpg")
February introduced me to the cultural richness of Malaysia through the Malaysian Arts & Kraft Fair. Here, my parents and I delved into the vibrant heritage, marvelling at the intricate craftsmanship of batik, traditional woodwork and tailored baju melayu. We bought three beautiful batik shirts from a Malaccan stall, and I pondered: "How does the art of batik reflect the cultural identity of Malaysians?”. February was a stepping stone to learning about local culture through Malaysian art, crafts and batik.
March's journey to Kedah for a family friend's wedding was a profound immersion into Malay culture. The early morning KTM train ride from KL Sentral to Alor Setar kicked off a day filled with the sounds, joys, and flavours of a traditional Malay wedding. This adventure got me thinking about Malaysia's communal spirit: "What do Malay weddings show us about the essence of community and family in Malaysian society?". In March, I experienced the joy of a Malaysian wedding, seeing firsthand how locals cherish traditional family values.
.jpg "Hari-Raya-(1).jpg")
The latter half of 2024 was not just about cultural immersion but also about witnessing Malaysia's diplomatic strides. June was marked by my role as Master of Ceremony at an art exhibition at the Malaysian Parliament, celebrating 55 years of Romania-Malaysia bilateral relations. This event, officiated by the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Tan Sri Johari Abdul, and the Romanian Ambassador to Malaysia & Brunei Darussalam, Nineta Bărbulescu, highlighted the role of art in diplomacy, making me question: “How can art serve as a bridge in fostering mutual understanding between Malaysia and Romania?”. In June, I helped Romania strengthen ties with Malaysia through art and culture, bridging distances and celebrating cultural differences.
In August, representing EUROCHAM Malaysia at the European Union (EU) Pavilion at Sunway University, I engaged with leaders including Tengku Amir Shah, the Raja Muda of Selangor, and Tan Sri Dato' Seri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah, Founder and Chairman of Sunway Group. The discussions on sustainability and business collaboration were eye-opening, prompting thoughts on: “How can deeper business ties between the EU and Malaysia drive sustainable development?”. In August, I contributed to the EU’s initiatives in Malaysia, focusing on education and business to pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future together.
My third year in Malaysia as an UM international student was unforgettable, from exploring traditional crafts, attending a local wedding to meeting Prime Minister Anwar. It showed me that Malaysian culture is thoughtfully shared and celebrated, while its foreign policy reflects a uniquely Malaysian approach. Ultimately, 2024 was a journey that deepened my understanding of Malaysia, from its vibrant youth politics to its impactful international relations, leaving me both hopeful and eager for another year in this remarkable country.
