Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi addressed more than 250 Malaysian students studying in New Zealand during a recent gathering. He urged them to connect with local communities rather than limit themselves to classroom learning. The deputy prime minister specifically encouraged students to learn about Maori traditions and their methods of preserving cultural heritage. He expressed admiration for how Maori communities have maintained their identity while managing economic resources through trust agencies since the 1800s. Ahmad Zahid suggested Malaysia could apply similar approaches to support Orang Asli communities.
The deputy prime minister acknowledged that Malaysian salaries remain lower than those in New Zealand but emphasized the importance of returning home after graduation. He specifically called for professionals in engineering, law and accounting to contribute to national development. Students from various scholarship programs attended the event alongside High Commissioner Mazita Marzuki and government officials. Ahmad Zahid announced a NZ$100,000 allocation to Rumah Malaysia for National Day celebration preparations. He praised the positive reputation Malaysian students have maintained while studying abroad.
The deputy prime minister acknowledged that Malaysian salaries remain lower than those in New Zealand but emphasized the importance of returning home after graduation. He specifically called for professionals in engineering, law and accounting to contribute to national development. Students from various scholarship programs attended the event alongside High Commissioner Mazita Marzuki and government officials. Ahmad Zahid announced a NZ$100,000 allocation to Rumah Malaysia for National Day celebration preparations. He praised the positive reputation Malaysian students have maintained while studying abroad.
