Saifullah Ansar
ISLAMABAD: The High Commission of Malaysia in Islamabad successfully hosted the 3C Forum: Culture, Cuisines & Connections on Wednesday, 6 August 2025, as part of its ongoing efforts to foster people-to-people ties and promote cultural diplomacy between Malaysia and Pakistan.
The event was graced by Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting of Pakistan, and officiated by Ambassador Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Pakistan.
The forum brought together a diverse and distinguished gathering of Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) alumni, graduates of Malaysian universities, senior government officials, media professionals, members of academia, and heads of diplomatic missions, including representatives from ASEAN countries.
In his keynote address, Ambassador Dato’ Azhar Mazlan highlighted the strategic importance of alumni networks in shaping long-term partnerships in diplomacy, education, and development. He reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to being a centre of excellence in higher education and technical training, emphasizing Malaysia’s global standing in key sectors such as Islamic finance, halal industry, aerospace, and semiconductors.
The Ambassador also underscored the positive impact of the MTCP, which has benefited more than 37,000 participants from 144 countries since its inception in 1980, including over 800 Pakistani professionals across diverse sectors.
Federal Minister Attaullah Tarar reflected on his personal visit to Malaysia, praising the country’s vibrant culture, hospitality, and development. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further enhancing bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, education, tourism, and technology. He also referenced the fruitful Official Visit of Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Pakistan in October 2024, and expressed optimism for the upcoming Official Visit of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to Malaysia later this year.
Minister Tarar highlighted the need to utilize platforms like the MTCP and alumni networks to transform shared goodwill into meaningful and practical collaboration, particularly in areas like TVET, digital economy, and high-tech partnerships.
A key feature of the forum was a panel discussion with MTCP alumni and Malaysian university graduates, who shared their experiences in Malaysia and the ways in which they are now contributing to Pakistan’s development. The interactive Q&A session fostered vibrant discussion and exchange of ideas among participants.
The event concluded with a networking high tea, featuring a selection of authentic Malaysian cuisine, creating a warm atmosphere for dialogue and future collaboration.
The 3C Forum served as a vital platform to deepen cultural exchange, expand alumni engagement, and further strengthen the enduring friendship between Malaysia and Pakistan through the shared values of culture, education, and connection.
