On 12 June 2023, the Embassy of Malaysia in the Sultanate of Oman hosted a networking dinner for the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Alumni and Friends of Malaysia at the Crowne Plaza Muscat Hotel. The event was well attended by close to 50 guests including officials from the Foreign Ministry of the Sultanate of Oman. The high turnout for the event proved that the MTCP provides an excellent opportunity to establish an international network and cooperation through a common learning experience, discussion and knowledge sharing.
The MTCP was established in 1980 as Malaysia’s commitment to South-South Cooperation through the sharing of Malaysia’s development experiences and expertise with other developing countries. It emphasizes human resources development mainly through training; short-term courses in public and private Malaysian training institutions; and long-term courses in Malaysian public universities. Other forms of assistance include study visits, practical attachments and provision of services of experts.
In his welcoming remarks, the Ambassador of Malaysia to the Sultanate of Oman, H.E. Shaiful Anuar Mohammad expressed his gratitude for the strong commitment from the Foreign Ministry of the Sultanate of Oman and to all present for their positive response to the event hosted by the Embassy of Malaysia in Oman. His Excellency elucidated that Malaysia’s engagement with partners on “institution building” support in areas such as peace and security, trade, investment and holistic development has been increasing steadily. The primary vehicle for such efforts is through the MTCP. To date, 37,000 participants from 144 countries including the Sultanate of Oman have participated in courses and programmes offered under MTCP.
His Excellency shared the positive developments in the field of higher education between Oman and Malaysia including on the ongoing discussion between relevant authorities on mutual recognition of degrees/qualification between the two countries. Currently, Malaysia hosted almost 1,000 Omani students in Malaysia. His Excellency further shared the news of the inaugural flight of SalamAir between Muscat and Kuala Lumpur beginning 3 July 2023. With the enhanced connectivity and the visa on arrival for stay of 90 days upon entry into Malaysia for Omani nationals, His Excellency was committed to further reinforce the already strong people-to-people relations between Oman and Malaysia.
His Excellency expressed high hope for the group to maintain close contact with the Embassy for future collaboration in various fields and participation in events organised by the Embassy. Those present were also informed on the MTCP through a presentation of its corporate video besides a video presentation of Malaysia, which brought many down memory lane of their time in Malaysia. The event was also graced with a special performance of a renowned Omani Singer, Mr. Haitham Rafi who sang a Malaysian song titled ‘Janji Padamu’ by Exist.
The event ended on a high note with renewed friendship, new contact established with the promise to seek future interaction and collaboration in various fields for the benefit of Oman-Malaysia bilateral ties.
