Malaysian High Commissioner Engages Students at IIUI in Academic Discourse on Bilateral Ties and Regional Cooperation
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: On July 21, 2025, His Excellency Ambassador Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Pakistan, delivered a compelling academic discourse session on Monday at the International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI), engaging with students and faculty on Malaysia’s development, foreign policy, and regional priorities.
The High Commissioner was warmly received by Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed, President of IIUI. The event drew participation from faculty members, administrative staff, and approximately 120 students, predominantly from the disciplines of social sciences and international relations.
During his address, Ambassador Dato’ Azhar provided an insightful overview of Malaysia’s historical transformation, strategic bilateral relations with Pakistan, and major economic sectors such as palm oil, semiconductors, aerospace, and the halal industry. He emphasized Malaysia’s position as the 2025 Chair of ASEAN and outlined the country’s commitment to regional peace, economic advancement, and enhanced ASEAN-South Asia cooperation.
The envoy also shed light on Malaysia’s foreign policy priorities and elaborated on the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program (MTCP), which has become a cornerstone of development cooperation and capacity-building initiatives between Malaysia and Pakistan.
Highlighting the importance of education as a bridge between nations, Ambassador Dato’ Azhar encouraged Pakistani students to consider Malaysia for higher education, citing the country’s globally recognised academic institutions and student-friendly environment. He noted that nearly 5,000 Pakistani students were enrolled in Malaysian universities as of 2024.
An interactive Question-and-Answer session followed the discourse, allowing students to engage directly with the High Commissioner on a range of topics. The event concluded with a cultural touch as attendees were served popular Malaysian dishes including Nasi Lemak, Rendang Daging, and Mee Goreng Mamak.
The academic discourse was part of the High Commission of Malaysia’s broader initiative to deepen bilateral ties through educational, cultural, and economic engagement, while strengthening people-to-people linkages between Malaysia and Pakistan.
