Malaysian Ambassador to PH pays a courtesy visit to UP – UP Office of International Linkages

By: Kenneth Eser Jose

*Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Malaysia to the Republic of the Philippines H.E. Castelino (4th from the left) with AVP Martinez, Dean Sevilla, and President Jimenez (R-L)*
*Photo by: Mr. Misael Bacani, UP Media and Public Relations Office*

In order to facilitate talks on an enhanced cooperation with the national university, His Excellency Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino bin Anthony led the Embassy of Malaysia, Manila delegation to their courtesy call on the University of the Philippines on 23 August 2023.

Accompanying the ambassador were Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Mohd Fareed Zakaria, and Counselors Mrs. Hazlina Mohammed Hatta and Ms. Nadhirah Mohammad Zanudain. They were received by UP President Atty. Angelo Jimenez alongside Atty. Edgardo Carlo Vistan II, UP Diliman Chancellor; Dr. Imee Su Martinez, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs and Director of the Office of International Linkages; and Dr. Henelito Sevilla, Dean of the UP Asian Center.

*UP Officials engage in a roundtable discussion with H.E. Castelino*
*Photo by: Mr. Misael Bacani, UP Media and Public Relations Offic*e

The roundtable discussions among the officials focused on various efforts to increase collaborations between the University and the Malaysian government that will directly benefit the economy and the academe. Among the matters highlighted were the Halal global industry and banking, the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), and the expansion of partnerships of Malaysia with academic institutions in the Philippines.

Following the meeting with UP officials, a brief campus tour was facilitated by the Diliman Information Office (DIO) en route to the UP Asian Center (AC), where the delegation was received by Dean Sevilla and Associate Professor Dr. Ariel Lopez.

*Delegates from the Malaysian Embassy visit the Asian Center Library*
*Photo by: Ms. Miccah Frayna, UP Asian Center*

Dean Sevilla organized a tour around the Asian Center facility featuring their museum and library. Concluding the visit was a discussion on student and faculty exchanges and the institution of an ASEAN Book Center.

Formerly detailed to the Republic of Italy, Dato’ Abdul Malik presented his credentials to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on 23 March 2023.