OPENING REMARKS BY AMBASSADOR EDI IRWAN BIN MAHMUD
WORLD EDUCATION EXPO 2026
29 JANUARY 2026
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON VIENTIANE
Salutation
Associate Professor Dr. Kaisone PHENGSOPHA,
Director General, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education and
Sport
Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen,
1. It is truly an honour for me to join you today at this important global
gathering on education, the World Education Expo 2026.
2. Education stands as our most enduring bridge, one that connects
cultures, expands opportunities, and nurtures understanding across borders.
Platforms such as the World Education Expo play a vital role in fostering
dialogue, and collaboration, ensuring that education remains inclusive and
relevant.
3. Malaysia firmly believes in the transformative power of education. As a
multicultural and globally connected nation, we place strong emphasis on
international partnerships, student mobility, research collaboration, and lifelong
learning. Our higher education institutions continue to welcome students and
scholars from around the world, offering not only academic excellence but also
a rich cultural experience grounded in diversity and shared values.
4. This year is particularly significant for Malaysia as we celebrate Visit
Malaysia Year 2026, It is also a milestone year as we mark the 60th anniversary
of Malaysia–Lao bilateral relations. These celebrations underscore the deep
and enduring ties between our nations and highlight the opportunities for further
collaboration in education and people-to-people connections.
5. At this Expo, Malaysia’s education sector is represented by Education
Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), the Government of Malaysia’s agency
dedicated to supporting international student mobility and promoting Malaysia
as a global education destination. Joining EMGS are four (4) Malaysian higher
education institutions: Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and
Technology, Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation, University
Malaysia Kelantan, and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman. This marks the first
time EMGS and these Malaysian universities are exploring potential education
collaborations in Laos. We hope their participation at this Expo will foster
meaningful partnerships and create new opportunities for students to engage1with Malaysia’s diverse and globally connected education system.
5. As of today, Malaysia hosts 155,986 international students. From this
total, more than 15,000 students are from ASEAN countries, actively pursuing
their studies in Malaysia. Malaysia offers high-quality academic programmes
across a wide range of disciplines. This commitment to excellence is further
demonstrated by the fact that five Malaysian universities are ranked among the
world’s top 200, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a trusted destination for
internationally recognised education hub.
6. Malaysia’s strengths also extend to education tourism, where quality
education is complemented by accessibility, cultural richness, and a welcoming
environment for international students. Strong connectivity supports this
ecosystem, including direct AirAsia flights operating three (3) times a week,
making Malaysia easily accessible for everyone.
7. On this note, on behalf of the Government of Malaysia, we hope to see
education cooperation between Malaysia and Lao PDR continue to expand in
ways that are mutually beneficial.
8. In closing, I commend the organisers for bringing together such a diverse
and dynamic community. I wish all participants a productive, enriching, and truly
inspiring Expo.
Thank you, and I wish the World Education Expo 2026 every success.
Malawakil Vientiane
29 January 2026