By Ricky Laxa
Staff Writer
The Embassy of Malaysia in Kuwait recently hosted a momentous event celebrating the 68th National Day and the 62nd Malaysia Day, marking not only these national anniversaries but also commemorating the 60th year of strong bilateral relations between Malaysia and Kuwait. The event was graced by the presence of His Excellency Dr. Nader Abdullah Mohammad Al-Jallal, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the State of Kuwait, who underscored the importance of international cooperation in fostering meaningful ties.
In his address, Malaysian Ambassador His Excellency Alauddin Mohammad Nor highlighted the fruitful partnership between the two nations, emphasizing their longstanding collaboration across various sectors. Over the years, both countries have cultivated a multifaceted relationship that extends its reach into economic relations, defense, security, energy, finance, food security, tourism, culture, healthcare, education, and person-to-person exchanges. This strong foundation serves as a testament to Malaysia’s commitment to building a stable and prosperous future together with Kuwait.
Strategically positioned as a key player in the region, Kuwait plays an integral role in Malaysia’s international trade landscape. In 2024, Kuwait was identified as Malaysia’s 44th largest trading partner, with total bilateral trade exceeding USD 622 million. Malaysian exports to Kuwait reached USD 168.9 million, while imports from Kuwait amounted to USD 453.1 million, illustrating a robust trading dynamic that benefits both nations.
Notably, tourism has become a significant aspect of this bilateral relationship. In 2024, Malaysia welcomed an impressive 11,289 tourists from Kuwait, reflecting a 17.2 percent increase compared to pre-pandemic figures in 2019. The trend is expected to continue, as evidenced by the 35.77 percent rise in tourist arrivals recorded from Kuwait in the first half of the year, showcasing the growing appeal of Malaysia as a travel destination.
To enhance this growth further, the Malaysian government has launched the “Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026,” aimed at attracting international patients and promoting Malaysia’s healthcare facilities. This initiative aligns with Malaysia’s commitment to enhancing its position as a global leader in medical tourism and reflects a strategic focus on expanding the nation’s tourism offerings in the coming years.
Education also stands out as a vital area of collaboration. With approximately 131,000 international students currently studying in Malaysia, the nation aims to boost this number to 250,000 by the end of the year. The upcoming education exhibition, “The Big 10 Most Popular Malaysian Universities,” scheduled for 19 September 2025 at the embassy, will further explore educational opportunities for Kuwaiti students and strengthen academic ties.
Ambassador Alauddin expressed gratitude towards Malaysian companies and agencies represented at the event, acknowledging their contributions to the evening’s success. Collaborators such as TNB REMACO, Alypz, and the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board played pivotal roles in enhancing the diplomatic and economic landscape between Malaysia and Kuwait.
As Malaysia and Kuwait look forward to the future, including the 47th ASEAN Summit scheduled for October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, their unwavering commitment to cooperation continues to pave the way for a prosperous partnership, reinforcing regional stability and security. The celebration not only honored past achievements but also inspired a collective vision for growth and collaboration in the years ahead.
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