Naveed Ahmed Khan / Asim Tanveer
MULTAN: Emphasizing the transformative role of education in fostering international understanding and cooperation, the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Pakistan, His Excellency Amb. Dato’ Mohamad Azhar Mazlan, called for enhanced educational collaboration and greater student exchange opportunities between Pakistan and Malaysia during his visit to the University of Southern Punjab (USP), Multan.
The visit underscored the deepening academic relationship between the two friendly countries and highlighted the importance of people-to-people connections through education, cultural engagement, and institutional partnerships. It also reflected the shared commitment of Pakistan and Malaysia to strengthening cooperation in higher education, research, and academic mobility.
The Malaysian envoy received a warm welcome upon his arrival at the university. Chairman Board of Governors USP, Mr. Asim Nazir Ahmad, and Rector USP, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, greeted the distinguished guest. The reception was also attended by Director General USP Mr. Saqib Nazir Ahmad, Director Finance Mr. Yasir Nazir Ahmad, Director QEC Dr. Syed Farhan Gillani, Deputy Director Chairman Secretariat Mr. Rana Abid Hussain, members of the university’s senior management, faculty members, students, and prominent journalist and Editor Daily The Spokesman Mr. Naveed Ahmed Khan.
The formal ceremony began with a welcome address by Rector Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, who expressed his appreciation for the High Commissioner’s visit and highlighted the significance of academic engagement between institutions of the two countries.
Addressing a large gathering of students, faculty members, and university officials, High Commissioner His Excellency Amb. Dato’ Azhar Mazlan reflected on the longstanding educational ties between Pakistan and Malaysia. He noted that in earlier decades, Malaysian students frequently travelled to Pakistan to pursue higher education and professional studies, contributing to strong educational linkages between the two nations.
He observed that educational trends have evolved significantly over time, with Malaysia now emerging as a preferred destination for thousands of Pakistani students seeking quality higher education.
“Today, thousands of Pakistani students are pursuing their education in Malaysia, which reflects the confidence that Pakistani families and students have in Malaysian educational institutions,” he remarked.
The High Commissioner emphasized that while this growing trend is encouraging, educational collaboration should be mutually beneficial. He stressed the need to create opportunities for more Malaysian students to study in Pakistan, enabling them to experience the country’s academic environment, cultural heritage, and social diversity.
According to the envoy, educational exchanges extend far beyond classroom learning. Such programs expose students to new cultures, traditions, languages, and perspectives, helping to build lasting friendships and stronger international understanding.
“Education serves as one of the strongest bridges between nations. When students study abroad, they not only gain knowledge but also learn about the culture, traditions, and perspectives of other societies. Such experiences contribute to long-term understanding and cooperation between countries,” he said.
The High Commissioner encouraged educational institutions in both countries to work closely together to facilitate greater student mobility, collaborative research, faculty exchanges, and academic partnerships that can benefit future generations.
The event also provided an opportunity to celebrate the success stories of individuals whose academic journeys have strengthened links between Pakistan and Malaysia. Rector Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar shared his personal connection with Malaysia, revealing that he had completed his own education there. He highlighted how his academic experience in Malaysian institutions had played a significant role in shaping his professional career and leadership in higher education.
The Rector further introduced five faculty members currently serving at USP who had also graduated from Malaysian universities. Their achievements, he noted, stand as a testament to the positive impact of international education and the enduring value of academic cooperation between the two countries.
Adding a personal dimension to the event, Malaysian alumni associated with the university shared their experiences of studying in Malaysia. They spoke about the academic excellence, multicultural environment, and professional opportunities they encountered during their educational journeys. The alumni emphasized the importance of investing in education as a catalyst for sustainable development, innovation, and international cooperation.
During the discussions, participants explored a wide range of opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation in higher education. Topics included joint research initiatives, faculty development programs, institutional partnerships, student exchange schemes, and collaborative academic projects. The conversations reflected a shared vision for building stronger educational networks that can contribute to regional and global knowledge development.
A major highlight of the visit was the inauguration of the University of Southern Punjab’s School of Fashion Designing by the Malaysian High Commissioner. During the inauguration ceremony, the envoy took keen interest in the handmade products and creative works displayed by students. He praised the talent, creativity, and craftsmanship demonstrated by the young designers and encouraged the university to continue fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and practical learning opportunities.
The High Commissioner also undertook a comprehensive tour of the university campus, visiting academic departments, laboratories, learning facilities, and student activity centers. University officials briefed him on ongoing academic programs, research projects, institutional achievements, and future development plans aimed at enhancing educational quality and student outcomes.
Expressing his admiration for the institution, the Malaysian High Commissioner commended the University of Southern Punjab for its contribution to higher education in Pakistan. He acknowledged the important role played by private-sector universities in expanding access to education and supporting national development through human capital formation.
The envoy praised the university’s efforts to provide quality education and modern learning facilities, describing the institution as a valuable contributor to Pakistan’s educational landscape. He also appreciated its commitment to preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly interconnected and rapidly evolving world.
The ceremony concluded with Chairman Board of Governors Mr. Asim Nazir Ahmad delivering the vote of thanks. He expressed sincere gratitude to the Malaysian High Commissioner for visiting the university and engaging with students, faculty members, and university leadership.
Chairman Asim Nazir Ahmad reaffirmed USP’s commitment to strengthening educational partnerships with Malaysian institutions and expanding avenues for academic cooperation. He said the university looks forward to organizing future collaborative programs, exchange initiatives, and joint academic activities that will further deepen educational and cultural ties between Pakistan and Malaysia.
He noted that such engagements create valuable opportunities for students, researchers, and educators while contributing to greater mutual understanding and friendship between the two nations.
The visit of the Malaysian High Commissioner was widely regarded as a significant milestone in advancing academic cooperation between Pakistan and Malaysia. Through meaningful discussions on student mobility, educational partnerships, cultural exchange, research collaboration, and institutional engagement, the event reinforced the shared commitment of both countries to building stronger educational bridges and creating new opportunities for future generations.
The visit also highlighted how higher education continues to serve as a powerful platform for strengthening bilateral relations, promoting cultural understanding, and fostering long-term cooperation between Pakistan and Malaysia—two countries united by friendship, mutual respect, and a common commitment to educational excellence.
