On 21 June 2012, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Southeast Asia Program and ISIS Malaysia launched a joint report entitled "From Strength to Empowerment: The Next Generation of U.S.-Malaysia Relations". His Excellency Datuk Othman Hashim, Ambassador of Malaysia to the U.S., provided remarks which highlighted recent advancement in Malaysia-U.S. bilateral relations and the way forward.
The Honorable Don Manzullo, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Asia, Pacific and the Global Environment, provided welcoming remarks and described the report as timely and would serve as an important roadmap for both countries in efforts to further enhance bilateral relations.
Aside from the Malaysian Ambassador, other panel discussants included Y.Bhg. Dato' Dr. Mahani Zainal Abidin, Chief Executive of ISIS Malaysia; Mr. Murray Hiebert, Deputy Director and Senior Fellow of the CSIS Southeast Asia program and Mr. Andrew Herrup, Office of Maritime Southeast Asia, U.S. State Department. The subsequent question and answer session highlighted the need for greater science and technology cooperation, educational exchanges and the need for the two business communities to contribute in promoting education and cultural cooperation between the two countries.
The report also highlighted the recommendation for the U.S. President to visit Malaysia.