Please tell us about your career path so far. What is your area of specialization and how did you come to work in this area?

Before my ambassadorship, I served as the Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Malaysia in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 2022. Prior to that, I held the position of Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of Malaysia in Berlin, Germany, and was assigned to the Embassy of Malaysia in Khartoum, Sudan, as Second and subsequently First Secretary. I also had a brief stint at the Public Service Commission and Public Service Department in Malaysia. At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I held senior positions as Undersecretary of the Finance Division and Undersecretary of the Human Resource Management Division, where I was entrusted with strategic resource planning and human capital development for the Ministry. I also had an assignment at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Division.

During my undergraduate study at International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), I joined the International Students Club (ISC) and participated in an international students exchange programme. IIUM is known for its multicultural environment as it hosts students from more than 100 countries globally, providing a wonderful opportunity for interaction and cultural exchange among the students. This exposure, inspired me to expand my perspective on how I see the world. After graduating and being called to the Malaysian Bar, I practiced briefly as an advocate and solicitor before deciding to apply for the Administrative and Diplomatic Service. That decision marked the beginning of my journey in public service.

You have recently been appointed as the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh. Congratulations! Please tell us about your mission and your initial experience there.

As the proverb goes, "The proof of the pudding is in the eating". Bangladesh is a land of rich cultural diversity with a lot of potential. Every city has its unique soul, and for Dhaka, I would say that it lies in its amiable people, whose warm welcome always awaits you. As Malaysia is highly regarded by both the government and the people of Bangladesh, I look forward to my tenure in Dhaka.

As the new High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh, the main mission is to ensure the bilateral relations between our two countries will continue to remain steadfast. Historically, Malaysia was the first Muslim nation to recognize Bangladesh as a sovereign country, with the formal establishment of diplomatic relations on 31 January 1972. Since then, we have maintained and nurtured a "brotherly relation", which has grown by leaps and bounds. The recent landmark visit of The Honourable Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Bangladesh, which was the first visit by a foreign Head of Government under the Interim Government of Bangladesh, has elevated bilateral ties to a new height. This visit has paved the way for more avenues of collaboration including trade and investment opportunities.

In 2023, Bangladesh was Malaysia's 27th largest trading partner, 19th largest export destination and 47th largest import source. Among South Asian countries, Bangladesh is one of Malaysia's key trading partners, ranking as Malaysia's second-largest trading partner and export destination, and third-largest import source. This highlights Bangladesh's growing importance as a rapidly expanding economy. Bangladeshi workers have also made significant contributions to Malaysia's economic development over the years.

In this context, a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) between Malaysia and Bangladesh presents an ideal avenue for recalibrating strategies to enhance economic cooperation. This can be achieved through tariff reductions, facilitating market access, promoting investments, and encouraging cross-sector collaboration. Such an agreement would create a win-win situation by boosting bilateral trade and investment flows, thereby mitigating the trade gap. With such a robust trade relationship, a Malaysia - Bangladesh FTA would not only strengthen economic ties but also prepare both economies to face whatever challenges that lay ahead. Notably, Bangladesh is set to graduate from the list of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in 2026.

To enhance ongoing trade cooperation, I am working closely with key agencies and institutions, including the prominent Bangladesh - Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI), the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA). There are significant opportunities in industries such as the Halal sector, health tourism, oil and gas, telecommunications, the digital economy, and infrastructure development. Although there are a number of trade barriers and challenges, I am certain that the government of Bangladesh is taking necessary action to overcome these barriers in a bid to attract more foreign investors, especially from Malaysia.

As Malaysia assumes ASEAN Chairmanship this year, we are truly supportive of Bangladesh's bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner (SDP) of ASEAN. Since ASEAN operates on the principle of consensus, it is essential for Bangladesh to effectively demonstrate its market potential to other ASEAN member states. Malaysia also believes that Bangladesh, as a member of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), can play a significant role in strengthening cross-regional cooperation to the mutual benefit of ASEAN and its partners.

In your current capacity, what do you see as the main opportunities and challenges for Malaysia over the course of the next five to ten years?

Malaysia is an aspirant middle-power country currently transitioning from an upper-middle-income economy to a high-income economy. To support this transition, the current government has introduced and emphasized six core values: sustainability, prosperity, innovation, respect, trust, and compassion. These values form the foundation of the "Malaysia Madani" concept, which guides the administration's efforts to ensure good governance and economic development.

As a trading nation, Malaysia capitalizes on its close bilateral relations with neighboring countries and its foreign policy of neutrality and equidistance in dealings with global superpowers. Malaysia's history of avoiding major military conflicts and maintaining relative domestic political stability has made it an attractive destination for foreign direct investments (FDIs). Moreover, in 2022, Malaysia successfully ratified two of the world's largest free trade agreements: the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The ratification of RCEP and CPTPP marks a significant milestone for Malaysia in its pursuit of bolstering foreign investments and expanding its trade horizons.

This year is a significant year for Malaysia as the country assumes the Chairmanship of ASEAN. With the theme, "Inclusivity and Sustainability", it reflects the ASEAN's collective commitment to shaping an equitable and resilient future. Malaysia's stewardship in ASEAN 2025 is an opportunity for the country to strengthen its international presence. In a meantime, it also provides a challenge for Malaysia to establish and to prove itself as an active, credible and respectable global actor, capable of shaping discourse in international affairs.

Domestically, Malaysia has a comprehensive strategy to address the country's challenges and needs over the next 5 to 10 years. Currently, the government is outlining the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13), which will be implemented from 2026 to 2030. Emerging against a backdrop of global uncertainty, the Plan aims to navigate the country through a rapidly changing global landscape, to propel the country to the forefront of Asian economies and to enhance the quality of life for its people.

Under the RMK-13 agenda, Malaysia will give more attention to sustainability and inclusivity. The plan prioritizes green growth, renewable energy and bolstering food security, among others. Malaysia also plans to leverage its position as a global hub for Islamic finance and halal industries while advancing digital innovation and high-value industries, including semiconductors. By embracing advancements in artificial intelligence, big data, and robotics, RMK-13 aims to close the technology gap between Malaysia and developed nations. Through substantial investment in research, innovation, and digital infrastructure, Malaysia seeks to remain competitive in the face of global technological advancements.

I am confident that within the next 5 to 10 years, Malaysia will successfully create a productive, innovative society with enhanced living standards and a sustainable environment. As the nation progresses in its democratic maturity and economic development, it is poised to achieve developed nation status in the near future.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your work? And what have been the most interesting or rewarding aspects of your career thus far?

The first line of defense is diplomacy. It requires dialogues, constant negotiations and other nonviolent means. War is a failure of diplomacy. A diplomat needs to be resourceful which demands a lot of reading, tacit knowledge and wider networking to be able to keep up with the latest information and developments around the globe. Being hardworking, assertive, versatile and having wisdom are also important traits of a diplomat as you are expected to anticipate issues and threats, provide informed opinions and make quick decisions to defend national interests. In addition to working closely with the host government, think tanks, academia, civil organizations, and others, my routine often involves meeting people from all walks of life to deliberate on various issues--a true "Jack of all trades and master of none".

Another aspect which is equally important is providing consular assistance to fellow citizens abroad. The COVID-19 pandemic caused an unprecedented global health crisis. With the entire world in lockdown and international borders closed, the pandemic also led to a movement crisis, leaving many people stranded in unfamiliar places. Considering the dire situation and the need to safeguard the wellbeing of Malaysians abroad, task forces were established in every Malaysian mission worldwide. We provided consular assistance 24/7 to our fellow Malaysians, including repatriating those in urgent need. We had to put aside our fear of infection and went out to meet and assist people. In total, the Malaysian government repatriated approximately 26,000 Malaysians during the pandemic.

There's nothing more rewarding than achieving satisfaction in our work serving the "King and Country". Throughout the span of my diplomatic career, I have had the opportunity of meeting dignitaries, world leaders and influential figures in international relations who shape the global political landscape. For me, the moments I feel most proud and fulfilled are when I represent Malaysia in international fora, witness the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and bilateral agreements. It makes all the hard work of networking, coordinating and negotiating paid off. I also derive immense satisfaction from every successful high-level bilateral visit that strengthens the relations between Malaysia and other nations, taking our partnerships to new heights.

Prior to your current appointment, you served in diplomatic roles in Saudi Arabia, Germany and Sudan. Could you highlight some of your experiences from your years of living and working abroad, and what you miss most about Malaysia?

Every foreign assignment presents unique challenges that often turn into opportunities. Despite the adversity, each assignment is also a worthwhile experience at the same time. I have not only learned to appreciate but also to deeply value cultural diversity and gain a better understanding of world history. I have also witnessed firsthand the remarkable transformation of nations when the right policies are implemented and resources are managed and exploited responsibly--and the adverse consequences when they are not. Exposure to humanitarian work, especially in assisting the underprivileged, has taught me to be respectful and a down-to-earth person.

Being an adventurous person, I have traveled extensively within the countries I was assigned to whenever the opportunity arose. I realized that being multilingual offers significant advantages. I recall driving through the Empty Quarter (Rub' al-Khali) desert of Saudi Arabia, attempting to experience the Bedouin way of life, and wandering the desert in Dongola, northern Sudan, while exploring the lost Nubian ancient civilization. These life-enriching experiences taught me to adapt quickly to new surroundings and made me a more resilient person. As the Japanese proverb goes, "Koketsu ni irazunba koji o ezu," which translates to, "If you do not enter the tiger's cave, you will not catch its cub"--or in other words, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

On the other hand, my tenure in Berlin provided me with a deeper understanding of the Cold War. History has shown that walls and ideologies dividing families and friends, and restricting free movement, cannot endure. In the end, democracy and the power of the people prevail.

As the saying goes, "East, West, home is best." As a modern-day nomad who grew up by the sea in the quiet town of Kuala Terengganu, I often find myself longing for the sound of waves, the pristine beaches, and the beautiful islands of my hometown.

What led you to GRIPS? What is the most important thing you got out of your studies, and how has your experience at GRIPS prepared you for future endeavors?

The Malaysian Government introduced the Look East Policy (LEP) in 1982 with the objective of learning from the best practices in nation-building from East Asian countries, particularly Japan. Under this policy, bright Malaysian students have been awarded scholarships to study in Japan. In addition, the Public Service Department of Malaysia (PSD), in close collaboration with the Japanese Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, has been responsible for outlining various educational and training opportunities to enhance the careers of promising government officials.

With an extensive curriculum encompassing diverse subjects and disciplines, GRIPS has equipped me with the necessary tools for effective policymaking. The thought-provoking lectures and colloquiums delivered by distinguished professors (senseis) and eminent individuals, deliberations with Japanese senior government officials who are subject-matter experts, Independent Study, constructive sessions, and field trips with fellow students have all been instrumental in nurturing future leaders and policymakers.

Moreover, the GRIPS alumni platform offers invaluable networking opportunities, enabling alumni from across continents to collaborate and stay connected.

What are some of your fondest memories of your time spent at GRIPS? And how do you stay connected with your former fellow students?

I deeply appreciate having had the opportunity to listen to the wisdom of the late Professor MASAHIRO Horie, as he narrated his experiences on administrative reforms and the ombudsman system. Likewise, I admired the calmness of Professor MASUYAMA Mikitaka in attending to the students' needs. I am also grateful for the support and guidance of Prof MATSUNAGA Masaei, who facilitated my connection with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) while preparing my Independent Study on international cooperation.

Beyond the classroom, I enjoyed the weekend outings organized by the Hiking Club, led by Isashiki-san, often accompanied by his son, Kohsuke. One memorable occasion was the impromptu surprise birthday celebration for Miran Muhyiddin-san on a cruise on a chilly day at a lake near Hakone during one of those excursions. I consider hiking Fujisan as one of my best accomplishments during my GRIPS days.

I also fondly recall memories of Shibuya crossing, grocery shopping near Ikebukuro, and the kindness of local Japanese vendors who went out of their way to assist us in finding halal food. Those moments truly defined my GRIPS experience.

In today's world, technological advancements have made staying connected easier than ever. Reaching out to former fellow students is now just a WhatsApp message away.

How do you maintain a balance between your work and the rest of your life? And what is your favorite thing to do when you are not working?

I believe one of the biggest challenges is maintaining a healthy lifestyle despite a busy daily schedule. I enjoy cycling and brisk walking, and I am fortunate that the Baridhara Diplomatic Enclave in Dhaka is a well-planned area with a cleaner, calmer environment, complete with beautiful parks and jogging tracks.

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone considering studying at GRIPS what would it be?

Seize the opportunity of a lifetime without hesitation, as it will be a rewarding experience!

How would you like to maintain involved with the School? What do you expect from GRIPS as an alumnus and do you have any suggestions on how to further utilize the GRIPS alumni network?

I intend to make full use of the GRIPS Alumni Platform, particularly to connect with GRIPS alumni in Bangladesh. I look forward to working closely with GRIPS, the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka, and the alumni to outline potential future collaborations.