Malaysian High Commission staff during the special National Day and Malaysia Day celebration in Singapore.
MALAYSIANS residing in Singapore have been advised to uphold the country’s good name and be helpful to each other.
Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore Datuk Dr Azfar Mohamad Mustafar said the Malaysian diaspora residing in the island republic was the largest outside the country, estimated to number 1.13 million.
“This is based on a report by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs known as International Migrant Stock 2020.
“I hope the Malaysian diaspora will make use of the government portal Malaysia@Heart or MYHeart to help with our country’s development and growth.”
Azfar (wearing songkok) cutting a cake with dignitaries from Singapore.
He said the portal developed by TalentCorp was for the Malaysian diaspora.
He was speaking at a special National Day and Malaysia Day celebration organised by the Malaysian High Commission in Singapore.
Also present were Singapore’s Minister in the Prime Minister’s office Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman (who is also Second Minister for Education and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs) and Singaporean MPs Dr Lim Wee Kiak and Darryl David.
Azfar said Singapore continued to be one of Malaysia’s most significant sources of foreign investment.
“Last year, Malaysia registered 38% growth in merchandise trade activities with Singapore amounting to US$83.4bil (RM391.16bil).”
He said investment and trade ties between the countries remained robust despite the challenging external economic environment.
Both countries could complement and leverage on each other’s strength to entice companies as part of a holistic and integrated regional strategy, he said.
Azfar added that last January, Malaysia and Singapore agreed to work together on the digital and green economy.
“Both countries are studying the possibility of establishing a Singapore-Johor special economic zone which will continue to drive regional economic integration.”
On people-to-people ties and social cultural exchanges, Azfar said Singapore continued to be an important source of tourists.
“We continue to collaborate to promote our shared culture such as the submission for the recognition of the kebaya as intangible cultural heritage by Unesco.
“We are also working together to organise the next edition of the Malaysia-Singapore Triennial Cultural Showcase which will be held in Singapore from Oct 6 to 8.”
Dr Azfar added that Malaysia would continue working with Singapore to meet Asean’s unity, centrality and neutrality goals.
“Malaysia is also committed to collaborating with Singapore and other Asean member states to ensure regional and international peace, security, the supremacy of the rule of law, freedom of trade and multi- lateralism.”
