MANAMA: Mahmood Rafique, Editor: The Kingdom of Bahrain and Malaysia enjoy cordial and fraternal relations in all vistal sectors of common interest.
The history of diplomatic relations go back five decades of success and brotherly relations has reached the new heights of excellence under HE Ambassador Shazryll Zahiran, who emphasized that he felt honoured to be able to become part of the bilateral history between Malaysia and Bahrain, especially as both countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
There are key areas which has been pivotal in strengthening the bilateral ties including trade, education, tourism, health tourism, ICT, Technology, Food, in addition to topl leadership level understanding and identity of views on regional and international issues.
This year’s celebration was particularly historic, as Malaysia and the Kingdom of Bahrain celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The significance of these events gave deeper meaning to the National Day reception hosted by the Embassy of Malaysia.
Malaysia’s trade remained robust in July 2024, growing by 18.3% year-on-year (y-o-y), the fastest rate in 21 months. In terms of value, it reached RM255.88 billion (USD59 billion), marking the highest trade value since October 2022. Exports continued their upward trajectory for the fourth consecutive month, expanding by 12.3% to RM131.15 billion (USD30.26 billion), while imports increased by 25.4% to RM124.73 billion (USD28.78 billion). The trade surplus amounted to RM6.42 billion (USD1.48 billion), marking the 51st consecutive month of surplus since May 2020.
Export growth was primarily driven by increased demand for palm oil and palm oil-based agricultural products, machinery, equipment and parts, petroleum products, as well as electrical and electronic (E&E) products. Exports to major trading partners, namely ASEAN, the United States (US), the European Union (EU) and Taiwan, recorded double-digit growth. Compared to June 2024, trade, exports and imports grew by 7.6%, 4.1%, and 11.6%, respectively.
Established in November 1974, 2024, marks the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Malaysia and the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Malaysian Embassy in Manama, opened in September 2003, has played a key role in fostering these ties. H.E. Shazryll Zahiran, the current and 5th Ambassador to Bahrain welcomed the Government officials, diplomats, and guests at Wyndham Grand Hotel where 100’s of people attended a colourful reception marking the National Day of Malaysia. HE said that many exciting events and programmes are being planned by the Embassy to further enhance bilateral relations as well as to commemorate the Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations.
The most anticipated event of the year for every Malaysian worldwide has arrived. Malaysia’s National Day celebration encompasses two historic events: the Declaration of Independence on 31 August 1957 and the formation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963, when Sabah and Sarawak officially joined what was then known as the Federation of Malaya. These two events are celebrated together during the period between the dates, when all Malaysian embassies and high commissions globally host National Day receptions.
Malaysia is an increasingly popular destination for international students, offering globally recognised academic programmes and a multicultural environment. With strong rankings in the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the country’s higher education system stands out. Students benefit from Malaysia’s Muslim-friendly culture, where halal food is widely available and prayer facilities are plentiful. English is commonly spoken, making it easier for international students to integrate, and the country’s multicultural atmosphere allows students to experience diverse festivals, foods, and global perspectives.
In addition to cultural richness, Malaysia offers an affordable cost of living, with low tuition fees and reasonable expenses for food, transportation, and travel. The country is known for its peaceful environment, ranked 19th globally on the 2023 Global Peace Index, and offers a vibrant lifestyle with scenic natural beauty and exciting activities. Malaysia’s strategic location in Southeast Asia also makes it an ideal base for exploring neighbouring countries during semester breaks, making it an attractive option for students seeking a balanced, affordable, and dynamic study experience.
Malaysia’s tourism sector is undergoing a significant transformation as part of its post-pandemic revitalisation strategy. With a focus on sustainability, the country is positioning itself as a leading ecotourism destination, emphasising its rich biodiversity and conservation efforts. Iconic sites like Taman Negara, Kinabalu Park, and Gunung Mulu National Park showcase Malaysia’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage while offering unique experiences for nature lovers. Langkawi, Southeast Asia’s first UNESCO Global Geopark, also highlights Malaysia’s dedication to sustainable tourism. In addition to ecotourism, Malaysia promotes adventure tourism, wellness retreats, cultural festivals, and its renowned culinary scene, with Penang standing out as a hotspot for street food enthusiasts.
To boost international tourism, Malaysia engages in global travel trade events, roadshows, and partnerships with airlines, while the “Malaysia Truly Asia” campaign remains central to promoting the country’s cultural diversity and unique experiences. The digital age plays a key role in these efforts, as Malaysia enhances its online presence and adopts technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to engage tech-savvy travellers. Virtual tours, interactive maps, and mobile apps provide immersive previews of Malaysia’s attractions, further enriching the tourism experience and making the country more accessible to a global audience.
