Nairobi: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the meeting with the Malaysian community in Kenya opened a new chapter in how the community living here continues to flourish with its own strength and uniqueness.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar stated that despite working far from home, the Malaysian community in Kenya was persistent in discussing different work cultures, families, and cultural adaptation. They also emphasized maintaining the language, values, and warmth of Malaysian manners that are well recognized. “Some have already settled in Nairobi, some have just migrated, but all of them bring the face of Malaysia in every aspect of their lives here,” he mentioned during a meeting with the Malaysian diaspora.

Among those present were alumni of the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP). Anwar expressed admiration for their sense of belonging and love for Malaysia, noting that although they reside far away on the African continent, their hearts and minds remain connected to their homeland. He highlighted how the community upholds Malaysia’s name through a friendly approach in their workplaces.

Anwar concluded by expressing his pride and confidence in the sincerity and honesty of these relationships, which he believes will continue to link Malaysia with the rest of the world. The MTCP is a short-term training initiative by the Malaysian government, aimed at sharing development experiences with developing countries, including Kenya. Since its inception in 1980, more than 600 officers in Kenya have benefited from this program, which offers training in fields like public administration, education, technology, economics, and social management.

Kenya stands as Malaysia’s third-largest trading partner in Africa, with total trade reaching RM5.7 billion in 2024, marking a 1.2 percent increase from RM5.51 billion in 2023.