Malaysian Students Want to Learn about Vietnam’s Bamboo Diplomacy
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Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son highly praised Ambassador Dato' Tan Yang Thai's contributions to Vietnam-Malaysia relations in general, as well as to the cooperation between VUFO, the Vietnam-Malaysia Friendship Association, and the Embassy of Malaysia in particular. He noted that over the past three years, the two sides had closely coordinated numerous meaningful activities, particularly the series of events marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Malaysia, along with cultural, economic, and people-to-people exchange programs. These efforts have helped strengthen mutual understanding, trust, and bonds between the peoples of the two countries.

President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son presents the "For Peace and Friendship Among Nations" Medal to Malaysian Ambassador Dato' Tan Yang Thai. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Since assuming his post in Vietnam in 2023, Ambassador Dato' Tan Yang Thai has maintained close cooperation with VUFO and the Vietnam-Malaysia Friendship Association while actively fostering people-to-people, cultural, trade, and business exchanges. He has also worked to advance cooperation in investment, education, the Halal industry, digital transformation, energy, and coordination within the ASEAN framework. Notably, his tenure coincided with the milestone of Vietnam and Malaysia upgrading their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in November 2024, laying a foundation for expanded cooperation across multiple sectors and further deepening ties between the peoples of the two countries.

These efforts to strengthen connectivity have translated into tangible benefits for the people and businesses of both countries. According to Ambassador Dato' Tan Yang Thai, bilateral trade increased from approximately USD 14 billion at the beginning of his tenure to more than USD 20 billion, while the number of Malaysian visitors to Vietnam rose significantly, surpassing 600,000 arrivals in 2025. The two countries are also promoting cross-border QR code payment connectivity, making it more convenient for people, tourists, and businesses to travel, conduct transactions, and consume goods and services, while also expanding cooperation in digital transformation and the digital economy.

Ambassador Dato' Tan Yang Thai has also devoted considerable effort to people-to-people diplomacy and social responsibility initiatives. He has worked directly with VUFO, the Vietnam-Malaysia Friendship Association, and partners to implement numerous programs supporting orphans, vulnerable groups, and social welfare institutions in Lang Son and Ha Nam (now part of Ninh Binh Province). In particular, the support program for the Ha Nam Social Protection Center in early 2026, with a total value of nearly VND 600 million, helped promote the image of Malaysia as a friendly, responsible, and compassionate nation.

Delegates pose for a group photo. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Addressing the ceremony, Ambassador Dato' Tan Yang Thai said that VUFO was among the first organizations he visited upon beginning his assignment in Vietnam, as he has always attached great importance to people-to-people diplomacy in building sustainable relations between the two countries. He highly appreciated the effective cooperation between VUFO and the Embassy of Malaysia in organizing activities marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Malaysia, affirming that the achievements made during his tenure were the result of close partnership, cooperation, and mutual trust among stakeholders from both countries.

Expressing his honor at receiving the "For Peace and Friendship Among Nations" Medal, Ambassador Dato' Tan Yang Thai emphasized that the accomplishments of his tenure were made possible through the partnership and mutual trust shared by both countries' partners. He said he would always cherish the warm sentiments of his Vietnamese friends and continue contributing to the friendship between Vietnam and Malaysia in whatever capacity he may serve in the future.

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