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New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia to train 60 govt officers from Asian-African nations
LANGKAWI: Malaysia has been entrusted with training 60 government officers from member countries of the Asian-African Rural Development Organisation (AARDO) over three years starting this year. Rural and Regional Development Ministry secretary-general Datuk Muhd Khair Razman Mohd Annuar said the responsibility would be undertaken by the Institute for Rural Advancement (INFRA). "INFRA has been assigned to train 20 AARDO officers annually from 2025 to 2027 under the theme 'Inclusive Rural and Regional Development in Malaysia'. "This is an exclusive training programme that features modules that highlight Malaysia's rural development success stories," he told reporters after closing the AARDO International Training Programme at Park Royal Langkawi last night. Present was INFRA director Abd Jalil Ismail. The eight-day programme hosted 20 participants from 16 countries — Bangladesh, Egypt, Eswatini, Gambia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Liberia, South Korea, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Zambia and Jordan. Khair said this year's programme aligned with Malaysia's upcoming Asean chairmanship in 2025, which will see the rollout of several collective regional cooperation initiatives. "In response, INFRA has crafted a more dynamic and inclusive training module. "Next year's edition is expected to support the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign directly. "That's why Langkawi was chosen (as the venue) this year. Participants stayed at rural homestays to experience firsthand the lifestyle and development of local communities," he said.
New Straits Times
20-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Traditional Malay wedding charms AARDO international civil servants
LANGKAWI: A group of 20 civil servants from 17 member countries of the African-Asian Rural Development Organisation (AARDO) were captivated by the vibrant traditions of a Malay wedding ceremony in Kampung Sungai Itau today. The delegates, who are in Malaysia for an eight-day international training programme organised by the Institute of Rural Advancement (INFRA) with the support of the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, took part in various aspects of the ceremony, including customary games and traditional food preparations. Participants in the programme included representatives from Bangladesh, Egypt, Eswatini, Gambia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Liberia, Korea, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Zambia and Jordan. Alagie Gaye from Gambia said the opportunity to witness a Malay wedding was a valuable experience that offered clear insight into the traditions and way of life in Malaysian villages. "I learned a lot about traditional Malay attire, local games, and the very warm way guests are welcomed. I'm so happy to have been part of this and will bring these memories home to Gambia. "You can only truly appreciate a culture when you live among the people and learn from them directly," he said. Gautam Singh from India echoed a similar sentiment, saying the opportunity to live with a host family provided invaluable insights into Malaysian village life. "Langkawi is a beautiful island, and programmes like this allow us to gain a deeper understanding of cultures beyond our own. I hope more initiatives like this continue," he said. INFRA director Abd Jalil Ismail said the programme was designed to deepen the participants' understanding of Malaysia's rural development policies and approaches. "They are not only learning about our policies but are also seeing the results for themselves, such as in Kampung Sungai Itau, which previously received the Madani Village Award," he said. Malaysia was recently chosen to host the AARDO International Training Programme aimed at promoting inclusive and sustainable regional development. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had said that since joining AARDO in 1962, Malaysia has actively contributed to capacity-building and training through INFRA.
New Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Malaysia to welcome officials from Africa, Asia for AARDO training
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will host the African-Asian Rural Development Organisation (AARDO) International Training Programme in Langkawi, Kedah, from July 15 to 23, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said. He added that 20 government officials from AARDO member states will participate in the eight-day programme, aimed at raising understanding about Malaysia's rural development policies, especially in poverty eradication and boosting competencies in implementing development projects and to promote an inclusive and sustainable approach towards regional development. "The programme will be vital in expanding strategic partnerships and strengthening Malaysia's standing as a global development partner," he posted on Facebook today. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said that Malaysia, through the Institute of Rural Advancement (INFRA) and his ministry, remained active in contributing in terms of training and capacity development since being a founding member of AARDO in 1962. "I hope the programme will be a bridge of knowledge and experience between Asian and African countries," he added. Set up in 1962 by five countries — Egypt, India, Japan, Libya, and Malaysia — the organisation now has 33 members, 17 from Africa and 14 from Asia as full members, and two associated members, and serves as a platform for joint discussions on rural development and agriculture in African and Asian countries.
