The Australia now Malaysia program launched yesterday, celebrating our deep bilateral ties and Australia’s economic, technological, education and cultural links with Malaysia.

Launching ‘virtually’ for the Australia now program was a first, with an online Zoom audience attracting a large volume of international viewers. The launch included tantalising previews of the Australia now Malaysia program, followed by an In Conversation between Malaysian-born Australian cook, author and TV presenter, Adam Liaw, and writer and comedian, Jennifer Wong.

The launch highlighted the longstanding close partnership between Australia and Malaysia – Malaysia being a top trading partner, and tourism and education market for Australia. In 2021 Australia and Malaysia elevated bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. What better way to celebrate this important relationship with Malaysia than through the Australian Government’s flagship public diplomacy program – Australia now.

The Australia now Malaysia program will showcase the best of Australian innovation, diversity and creative excellence – this year exploring the themes of Creativity & Culture, People & Potential, and Taste & Technology. Program highlights will include:

The Adam and Poh’s Malaysia in Australia TV series, which builds on our shared love of food will showcase Australia’s premium food and beverage exports and tourism locations. A Youth Entrepreneurs and Leaders Speakers series will explore issues of mutual significance such as sustainability, innovation, social enterprise, and gender equality with exceptional youth from both nations. A mental health forum will explore mental health challenges and responses during the pandemic. The digital, immersive experience of the Walking Through a Songline exhibition will celebrate Australian Indigenous arts, culture and innovation, and the Australia now LightsUp! lightshow will feature Indigenous artwork and familiar Australian images projected on the facade of the Australian High Commission in Malaysia.

Australia now will help bring Australia to Malaysia, allowing us to safely connect more people in more locations while international travel is not possible due to COVID-19.  The program is a creative way to continue building links between our countries and support economic recovery in these challenging times.

Australia now Malaysia is grateful to our program sponsors who are helping us celebrate Australia in Malaysia:  Lynas Rare Earths, Tourism Australia, Epson, the Australia-ASEAN Council, the City of Greater Bendigo, the Government of New South Wales, the Government of Western Australia, BlueScope, and Meat and Livestock Australia.