On Wednesday, 5 March 2025, His Excellency Ambassador Dato' Mohammad Azhar Mazlan attended the Annual Convocation Ceremony 2025 hosted by the College of Tourism & Hotel Management (COTHM) at Pakistan National Council of the arts (PNCA), Islamabad.
The event was graced by Guests of honour Mr. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, Minister for Planning Development & Special Initiatives of Pakistan and Mr. Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of Prime Minister's Youth Programme. Other present were High Commissioner of Rwanda, Charge d'Affaires of Indonesia, Managing Director Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), industry professionals, academic leaders, government official and distinguished guests from public and private sectors.
During the convocation ceremony, graduates were awarded diplomas and certificates in various disciplines, including hospitality, culinary arts, baking & patisserie, travel, tourism & airline operations, food, nutrition & safety sciences, and life skills.
Addressing the ceremony, Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary emphasized the immense potential of Pakistan’s tourism industry and the crucial role of hospitality education in harnessing and maximizing this potential. He highlighted the entrepreneurial opportunities available in the hospitality and tourism sectors both locally and internationally, urging graduates to leverage their skills to contribute to the country’s economic growth.
In his speech, Ambassador Dato' Azhar Mazlan congratulated graduates of COTHM on their achievements and highlighted the vital role of youth in shaping Pakistan’s future, especially in tourism and hospitality, key drivers of economic growth. He encouraged students to explore Malaysia for higher education, offering world-class universities in a multicultural and Muslim-friendly environment. He also highlighted Malaysia’s thriving tourism industry, a major contributor to the economy, and invited Pakistanis to experience its rich culture, scenic destinations, and diverse culinary heritage.
As Malaysia prepares for its ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, Ambassador Azhar emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in tourism and economic development. He also promoted Visit Malaysia Year 2026, a key initiative to boost tourism, strengthen global partnerships, and showcase Malaysia’s unique attractions.
