AMMAN — The Malaysia-Jordan Cultural Exchange Event was held on Tuesday at the University of Petra, celebrating the growing cultural and educational ties between Malaysia and Jordan.

 

The event, co-organised by the embassy of Malaysia in Amman and the University of Petra, was held in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of Malaysia-Jordan ties at the campus of the University of Petra.

 

Jordan and Malaysia have “strong” academic ties with significant student mobility, especially Malaysian students in Jordan for Islamic studies and engineering, supported by initiatives like Education Malaysia Jordan and the recent Uni Connect Programme fostering university partnerships, MoUs, and joint research, with plans for mutual cultural exchange and scholarships for students from both countries.

 

During the ceremony, Malaysian Ambassador to Jordan Mohamad Nasri Abdul Rahman and President of the University of Petra Rami Al Shiyab underscored the importance of academic cooperation and cultural dialogue as key pillars of relations between the two states.

 

Both sides also highlighted the vital role of universities and cultural institutions in fostering mutual understanding, particularly among youth and students.

 

Delivering a keynote address, Abdul Rahman reaffirmed "the strong and ever-growing ties between Malaysia and Jordan", adding that Malaysian students studying in Jordan play a vital role as "cultural ambassadors", actively sharing Malaysia’s heritage, customs and values with their Jordanian colleagues.

 

The ambassador also underscored the importance of sustained cooperation in education, culture and people-to-people exchanges as bases of Malaysia–Jordan diplomatic relations.

 

The event featured five cultural performances by Malaysian and Jordanian students, showcasing traditional music, dance and artistic expressions that reflect both countries’ rich multicultural identities.

 

The performances captivated the audience and offered a vibrant glimpse into the diversity that defines Malaysian and Jordanian societies.

 

At the end of the programme, an interactive quiz segment emphasised interesting historical facts about both Malaysia and Jordan.

 

This activity aimed to deepen cultural understanding, strengthen connections between students of both nations, and foster a spirit of friendship and mutual respect, organisers said, adding that the Malaysia–Jordan Cultural Exchange Event concluded with participation from students, faculty members, diplomatic corps and dignitaries, reflecting the strong educational and cultural ties between the two countries.