The UP Asian Center in partnership with the Embassy of Malaysia in Manila will hold the forum "60 Years of Malaysia-Philippines Relations: Deepening Cooperation in a Dynamic World" on 5 December 2024, 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, at the GT-Toyota Asian Center Auditorium, UP Asian Center, University of the Philippines Diliman. Lunch and refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public. Online pre-registration is recommended due to limited seating.
Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Philippines-Malaysia Relations
The bilateral ties between the Philippines and Malaysia is deeply rooted in decades of shared history and mutual aspirations. As founding members of ASEAN, both nations recognize the importance of collaboration in addressing common challenges and fostering economic growth. In today’s complex geopolitical and geoeconomic landscape, countries face unprecedented asymmetric challenges. Rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, the economic impacts of a post-pandemic world, and regional security complexities present opportunities for stronger partnerships among neighboring nations.
As we commemorate six decades of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and the Philippines, the Embassy of Malaysia in Manila, in collaboration with the University of the Philippines will organise a half-day forum entitled “60 Years of Malaysia-Philippines Relations: Deepening Cooperation in a Dynamic World,” on 5 December 2024 (Thursday), from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM (PHT) at theG-T Toyota Asian Center Auditorium, University of the Philippines Diliman. This half-day forum seeks to highlight the profound ties that have developed between our nations. The event will serve not only as a celebration of our shared history but also as a platform to enhance collaboration and mutual understanding as both countries navigate the dynamic landscape of Southeast Asia.
In conjunction with Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2025, this forum aims to foster dialogue that aligns with our strategic goals and showcases our commitment to regional unity. The forum will facilitate meaningful dialogue on the strategic importance of Malaysia-Philippines collaboration in the face of current challenges. Participants will explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation in various sectors, fostering deeper ties that can lead to a more resilient and prosperous future for both nations. By leveraging the insights and expertise of diverse stakeholders, the forum aims to create a roadmap for sustained partnership and growth.
The event will gather key stakeholders from the government, diplomatic community, academe, and think tanks to discuss critical topics shaping Malaysia – Philippines relations such as regional security, economic cooperation, and governance. It also aims to explore additional opportunities for cooperation and collaboration between the two countries.
OPENING REMARKS
H.E. Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
Embassy of Malaysia in the Philippines
PANEL 1: Gearing towards Malaysia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN: Opportunities and Challenges
As Malaysia prepares to take on this leadership role for ASEAN in 2025, this forum will explore Malaysia’s strategic priorities, and the potential opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, to influence regional policies, strengthen economic ties, and enhance collaboration among member states. The panel will also examine potential challenges, including geopolitical tensions, economic disparities among member countries, and the need for cohesive action on pressing issues like climate change and public health. Experts from various fields will share their insights on how Malaysia can effectively navigate these complexities while maximizing opportunities for cooperation within ASEAN. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of Malaysia's vision for its chairmanship and how it can contribute to a more united and prosperous Southeast Asia.
Regional Security Dynamics and Cooperation
H.E. DATO' MOHD SUHAIMI JAAFAR
Undersecretary of the High-Level Task Force
ASEAN Community's Post 2025 Vision
Role of ASEAN and Diplomatic Engagement in Regional Security
ASSISTANT SECRETARY DANIEL ESPIRITU
Office of ASEAN Affairs
Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs
ASEAN Chairmanships: Its Potential Role in Strengthening International Rule of Law
JOEFE B. SANTARITA, Ph.D.
Professor and College Secretary
Asian Center, University of the Philippines Diliman
PANEL 2: Enhancing Philippines-Malaysia Relations
This panel will focus on strategies to deepen the bilateral relationship between Malaysia and the Philippines, emphasizing opportunities for collaboration in various sectors. Panelists will discuss key areas such as trade and investment, cultural exchange, and security cooperation. Participants will explore how both countries can strengthen economic ties by identifying new trade opportunities and joint ventures that benefit both economies. The discussion will also highlight the importance of cultural diplomacy, fostering people-to-people connections through educational exchanges and tourism.
Strengthening Economic Ties through Trade and Investment
MS. EUNINA MANGIO
President
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Advancing Halal: Unlocking Market Opportunities for Malaysia and the Philippines
MS. INTAN ZALANI
Trade Attache
Embassy of Malaysia in Manila
The Diplomatic Heritage of Malay Letters (Surat Jawi) in Manila, c. 1700-1900: Relevance to Contemporary Malaysia-Philippines Relations
ARIEL C. LOPEZ, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Asian Center, University of the Philippines Diliman
ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS
This forum is jointly organized by the Asian Center, University of the Philippines Diliman and the Embassy of Malaysia in Manila in celebration of the 60th anniversary of Philippines-Malaysia relations.
For inquiries, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 891-8500 loc. 3586.
The Asian Center, University of the Philippines Diliman offers M.A. degrees in Asian Studies with four fields of specialization: Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and West Asia. The UP Asian Center also has an M.A. program in Philippine Studies that allows students to major in Philippine society and culture, Philippine foreign relations, or Philippine development studies. It also offers a Ph.D. program in Philippine Studies in conjunction with the College of Arts and Letters and the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy. For an overview of these graduate programs, click here. As an area studies institution, the Asian Center also publishes Asian Studies: Journal of Critical Perspectives on Asia, the latest issue of which can be downloaded at the journal's website.
