I joined the world of diplomacy in 1988.
After more than 34 years in the civil service, I can now pass it to the future generation to keep Malaysia’s ship sails through the unforeseeable, challenging yet satisfying world of diplomacy.
During my career, I have experienced many instances where diplomacy can work wonders, although it comes with hard work from all parties, either those direct or indirectly involve in the process, as well as the tenacity to uphold democracy.
Throughout my diplomatic career, Kenya remains as one of my favorite postings that I will look back with fond memories.
The country’s varied climate, safaris, friendly people and diverse culture never fail to amaze me.
Since I first arrived in September 2017, I have witnessed the country’s development steadily gathering pace after a brief period of political instability following the rerun of the October presidential election. Now that the August 9 polls are fast approaching, I wish all Kenyans a peaceful general election, as the people will once again exercise their democratic right to elect a new government.
In the context of South-South Cooperation that promotes the sharing of development experiences and expertise among developing nations, Malaysia will continue to offer various courses under the umbrella of Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme to Kenya.
Since 1996, more than 400 public officials from Kenya have benefitted from the programme. I hope to see more Kenyans applying and benefitting from the programme this year.
Bilateral ties received a boost this year following the First Malaysia-Kenya Bilateral Consultation in Nairobi. The establishment of the bilateral mechanism paved the way for the countries to identify and expand the mutually beneficial areas of cooperation in a coordinated manner. Malaysia in this regard looks forward to host the next bilateral consultation, which will further deepen relations between the two countries.
Despite the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, trade relations between Kenya and Malaysia remain robust. In 2021, Kenya emerged as Malaysia’s largest export destination in Africa. The total trade value between Kenya and Malaysia increased significantly by 84 per cent with the value of more than $1.1 billion, backed by the high demand of palm oil in the country.
I recall when I first arrived in 2017, total trade between the two countries was only at $251 million. The upward trend in the value of total trade between the two countries offers countless trade and investment opportunities that the states can explore and cooperate, taking advantage of the cordial relations between Malaysia and Kenya.
I will soon leave the country with a heavy heart upon completion of my assignment here. However, I am sure my successor will continue to build on the momentum that will see cooperation between Kenya and Malaysia soar even higher in the coming years.
I take this opportunity to thank Kenya, the host government, for all the support during my tenure.
Loh Seck Tiong is the outgoing Malaysia High Commissioner to Kenya
