Country Lecture on " Malaysia" on 25 August 2013

The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised a Country Lecture Series on "Malaysia" on 25 August 2013 at the BIISS Auditorium.

The programme was graced by H. E. Dr Dipu Moni, MP, Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, as the Chief Guest. The lecture was delivered by H. E. Ms Norlin Othman, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh, as the Guest Speaker. The event brought together senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, policymakers, academics, researchers, military officials, representatives of think tanks, development partner organisations, media professionals, and students to discuss Malaysia's development experience, foreign policy, and the expanding bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and Malaysia.

In her lecture, High Commissioner Norlin Othman highlighted Malaysia's remarkable socio-economic transformation, emphasising its transition into a dynamic upper-middle-income economy through industrialisation, export-oriented growth, human resource development, and effective governance. She also discussed Malaysia's foreign policy priorities, underscoring the country's commitment to regional cooperation, economic integration, multilateral diplomacy, and sustainable development.

The Guest Speaker noted that Bangladesh and Malaysia enjoy longstanding friendly relations based on mutual respect, shared values, and close cooperation in bilateral, regional, and international forums. She highlighted the growing partnership in trade and investment, labour migration, education, tourism, healthcare, halal industries, and cultural exchanges, while stressing the importance of strengthening people-to-people connectivity and expanding collaboration in emerging sectors.

Addressing the programme as the Chief Guest, Dr Dipu Moni emphasised the importance of deepening Bangladesh–Malaysia relations through enhanced diplomatic engagement, economic cooperation, and regional collaboration. She underscored the significant contributions of Bangladeshi workers to Malaysia's economy and highlighted the need to explore new opportunities in trade, investment, technology, education, and skills development to further strengthen the bilateral partnership.

The lecture also explored prospects for greater cooperation within regional frameworks, particularly through ASEAN and other multilateral platforms. Participants discussed opportunities for expanding economic connectivity, promoting private-sector engagement, strengthening educational and cultural exchanges, and enhancing cooperation in addressing common regional and global challenges.

The programme concluded with an interactive discussion session during which participants shared valuable questions, comments, suggestions, and observations on Malaysia's development model and the future direction of Bangladesh–Malaysia relations. The event reaffirmed the shared commitment of both countries to strengthening their longstanding friendship and expanding comprehensive cooperation for mutual prosperity and regional stability.