On January 22, the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur officially launched its anniversary year with an Australia Day celebration at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The year 2025 marks the 70th anniversary of Australia’s diplomatic presence in Malaysia.
The origins of this relationship stretch back even further, to December 1955, when the Australian Commission was established in Kuala Lumpur, then part of Malaya. Two years later, Australia became one of the first countries to establish formal diplomatic relations with the newly independent Federation of Malaya.
The reception, attended by approximately 1,000 guests, was hosted by the Australian High Commission in Malaysia. The event was officiated by the Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Danielle Heinecke, and Malaysia’s Home Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who served as the guest of honour.
In her welcoming speech, High Commissioner Heinecke reflected on the enduring warmth and depth of the bilateral relationship, reaffirming Australia’s commitment to strengthening ties with Malaysia in key areas of mutual interest.
Australia’s significant contributions to the Malaysian market were highlighted, particularly in the export of high-quality food products such as wheat, milk, dairy, and more. Notably, Australia supplies nearly 80 per cent of Malaysia’s beef. Additionally, Malaysians consumed approximately 30 million avocados last year — roughly one for every person in the country.
Heinecke also emphasised Malaysia’s role as the largest exporter of instant noodles to Australia, with a significant portion of the demand coming from Australian students. She noted that these products have been instrumental in meeting Malaysia’s growing appetite for premium food products, reflecting the robust trade partnership and mutual trust between the two nations.
In the realm of education, Australia has long been a preferred destination for Malaysian students, starting with those supported by the Colombo Plan. Today, over 300,000 Malaysian alumni have graduated from Australian institutions, many of whom were invited to attend the Australia Day 2025 event. Australia also hosts several campuses in Malaysia, including Monash University in Selangor, the University of Wollongong in Shah Alam, Swinburne University of Technology in Kuching, and Curtin University in Miri.
Beyond trade and education, the two countries have enjoyed strong cooperation in sectors such as defence and tourism.
The evening’s entertainment featured a special performance by Malaysian-born Australian singer Guy Sebastian, who mesmerised the audience with a selection of his hit songs.
The theme for the night, ‘EAT’, showcased an impressive variety of food and beverages imported from Australia.
With two-way trade valued at AU$ 33.5 billion in 2022, Malaysia remains a crucial trading partner for Australia, making it the second-largest trading partner in the ASEAN region.
