Malaysian High Commissioner engages NUML students on Trade, Culture, and Academic Opportunities

2026-02-20 - 15:13

ISLAMABAD – High Commissioner of Malaysia to Pakistan Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan delivered an inspiring academic discourse at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad. Accompanied by Mr. Mohammad Syafik Firdaus Bin Hasbullah, Counsellor, and Mr. Muhammad Zulasri Bin Rosdi, First Secretary, the High Commissioner was warmly received by Maj Gen (Retd) Shahid Mahmood Kayani HI(M), Rector of NUML. Faculty, staff, and students witnessed a historic engagement, marking the first visit of a Malaysian High Commissioner to NUML since its inception. Ambassador Azhar captivated the audience with an overview of Malaysia’s rich historical development, its thriving economic sectors, including palm oil, semiconductors, aerospace, and the halal industry, and the deep-rooted bilateral relations with Pakistan. Highlighting Malaysia’s pivotal role as ASEAN Chair in 2025, he stressed the country’s commitment to regional stability, economic growth, and enhanced ASEAN-South Asia cooperation. High Commissioner also underscored Malaysia’s foreign policy priorities and elaborated on the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program (MTCP), a cornerstone of development cooperation and capacity-building with Pakistan. He revealed that nearly 800 Pakistani officials have benefited from MTCP training programs in Malaysia, strengthening ties and fostering professional expertise. Education was a central theme of the address. Ambassador Dato’ Azhar urged Pakistani students to explore higher education opportunities in Malaysia, emphasizing its internationally recognized academic standards and supportive learning environment. Impressively, as of 2026, nearly 7,000 Pakistani students are pursuing studies in Malaysian universities. Brig. Muhammad Rafique Khan, Director General of NUML, lauded the High Commissioner’s visit, calling it historic and emphasizing its alignment with NUML’s mission to promote languages and intercultural understanding. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to future collaboration with Malaysian institutions through joint research, student exchange programs, seminars, and publications. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, leaving students inspired and engaged, followed by a taste of Malaysia through national dishes such as Nasi Lemak, Mee Goreng Mamak, and Karipap pastries. This landmark session forms part of the High Commission’s continuing efforts to strengthen Malaysia-Pakistan relations through education, culture, and economic engagement, fostering strong people-to-people connections between the two nations.