Synopsis: The Malaysian Business Chamber in Cambodia hosts a dinner for members, partners, and friends to mark the special occasion amid strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties.
The Malaysian Business Chamber in Cambodia (MBCC) on Sunday celebrated Hari Raya with its Khmer partners and friends in the Kingdom.
The occasion, which took place at Shangri-La Phnom Penh, brought together Malaysians and their friends to partake in festivities reminiscent of home.
Hari Raya is a meaningful cultural and religious celebration for Muslims, marking the end of Ramadan with prayers, festive meals, and a spirit of forgiveness and togetherness. For Malaysians living abroad, it stirs a longing for the familiar traditions of home.
Guests were encouraged to wear traditional “baju Raya” attire, adding an authentic and colourful touch to the event as they enjoyed Malaysian cuisine.
A highlight of the celebration was the chance for attendees to reconnect and build new friendships in a foreign land. Families and friends came together to share stories and create lasting memories, strengthening a sense of community and unity amid the vibrant diversity of Phnom Penh.
In his opening remarks, MBCC President Oknha Tan Khee Meng highlighted the Malaysian “muhibbah”—the spirit of unity, harmony, and mutual respect among people of all races and religions.
Oknha Tan reflected on childhood memories of the Raya “open house,” where people of all backgrounds celebrated together, saying diversity is Malaysia’s greatest strength. He contrasted this spirit with growing global divisions, conflict, and isolationism, advocating for forgiveness and reconciliation to guide international relations.
“The philosophy of Hari Raya offers a profound counter-narrative,” he said. “It is built on a pillar of mutual respect and forgiveness.”
He praised the strong and growing Malaysia-Cambodia partnership, noting that bilateral trade rose by more than 50% in the first quarter of 2026 to around $373 million. Malaysian investment in fuel, renewable energy, food production, and consumer goods reflects confidence in Cambodia’s stability and young workforce, he said.
“Since the early 1990s, Malaysian businesses have been among the pioneers in the Cambodian market, standing by the nation through its most transformative era. Today, our relationship has evolved far beyond the simple transactional role of buyer and seller.
“We have entered an era of deep bonding. Many of our original trading entities have merged into joint venture partnerships, co-investing in Cambodia. More importantly, many Malaysian entrepreneurs have called Cambodia home for as long as I have.”
Malaysia’s Ambassador to Cambodia Shaharuddin Onn said he was proud to see solidarity among the Malaysian community in Cambodia.
“I firmly believe that Malaysian businesses and Malaysian professionals contribute very positively towards the development of Cambodia,” he said.
“With 2026 designated as Visit Malaysia Year and Malaysia Healthcare Travel Year, I believe that as Malaysians, we can do our part, even in a very small way, to promote Malaysia as a tourism and healthcare destination to our friends.”