The Malaysian Business Chamber in Cambodia (MBCC) celebrated Malaysia’s 69th national day, Hari Merdeka, in Phnom Penh today, highlighting the longstanding friendship and growing economic ties between Malaysia and Cambodia.
Held at NagaWorld, the celebration brought together members of the Malaysian community in Cambodia, their Cambodian friends and business partners, and members of the diplomatic community. Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia Shaharuddin Onn attended as guest of honor.
The evening featured Malaysian-Chinese cuisine, a magic show and musical performances, with guests joining enthusiastically in a rendition of the patriotic song Tanggal 31 Ogos, creating a festive atmosphere of national pride and friendship.
In his opening remarks, MBCC President Oknha Tan Khee Meng reflected on Malaysia’s journey to independence from British rule, noting that nation-building required courage, resilience and a commitment to unity amid the country’s rich ethnic and cultural diversity.
He highlighted Malaysia’s ability to turn its diversity into a source of strength, with Malays, Chinese, Indians, Ibans, Kadazans and other communities contributing to the country’s development while maintaining a shared national identity.
“This means that from the very moment Malaysia was born as a sovereign nation, we forged our relationship with Cambodia,” Oknha Tan said.
“Since then, our bilateral journey has grown from that very first day a beautiful coincidence and a true symbol of our enduring friendship and brotherhood.”
Oknha Tan also underscored the special significance of this year’s celebration, as Malaysia and Cambodia mark 69 years of diplomatic relations.
He noted that bilateral ties began in the same year Malaysia achieved independence in 1957, making the parallel anniversaries a symbol of the longstanding friendship and close relationship between the two countries.
Ambassador Shaharuddin, meanwhile, praised the Malaysian community in Cambodia for maintaining their national identity while contributing to the country where they live and work.
“True enough, Cambodia, with the vision and foresight of its leaders in developing the country into what it is today, many Malaysians and Malaysian businesses are still here to this day,” the ambassador said.
He particularly highlighted the close relationship between the Cambodian and Malaysian business communities, describing Malaysian businesses as among the earliest foreign investors to establish a presence in Cambodia during the country’s early period of peace and reconstruction.
Many Malaysian investors and companies that entered Cambodia during those challenging years have remained in the country, he said, reflecting the confidence Malaysian businesses have placed in Cambodia’s development and future.
The ambassador attributed the enduring presence of Malaysian businesses partly to Cambodia’s development vision and the efforts of its leaders to transform the country and create an increasingly favourable environment for investment.
