On 13 January 2024, H.E. Ms. Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia, presided over the opening ceremony of the Thai Students Association in Malaysia (TSAM) Assembly 2024 at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), whereby Prof. Tan Sri Dato’ Dzulkifli Abdul Razak, Rector of IIUM, and his spouse, as well as officials of the Royal Thai Embassy and Team Thailand in Kuala Lumpur were also present. The event was well attended by over 120 Thai students across Malaysia.

In her address to the Thai students, Ambassador underlined the importance of seizing opportunities from the TSAM Assembly 2024 and related activities to learn and exchange experiences, to strengthen bond of networks, both among Thai students and with peers from other countries, as well as to improve social skills, leadership, responsibility, hospitality, and sense of loving for their community. In addition, Ambassador also encouraged the students to play key roles in driving forward Thailand-Malaysia relations.

While expressing his delight to attend the opening ceremony for the first time at the Ambassador’s invitation, the Rector commended TSAM Assembly 2024 as a useful platform for meaningful learning and appreciation of university life, particularly students’ engagements with community, the approach which IIUM can also learn from Thailand. The Rector also expressed his readiness to work with the Royal Thai Embassy, academic institutions and private sector to take forward Thailand-Malaysia education cooperation.

The event provided a good opportunity for the Ambassador to casually interact with Thai students and participated in futsal and badminton opening matches between the Royal Thai Embassy Team and TSAM United. The event was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, which has greatly impressed the participants.

TSAM Assembly 2024 was held during 12 - 14 January 2024 with the support of the Royal Thai Embassy to strengthen networks and unity among Thai students in Malaysia, and to enhance their capacity as Thai representatives and cultural diplomats in Malaysia. This year’s activities included Thai and international sport competitions, quiz competition about the Royal Thai Embassy and Thailand-Malaysia relations, as well as brainstorming session on “Thai Students in Malaysia’s View: Education in Modern Multicultural Society”. The students actively participated in all activities and expressed appreciation to the Royal Thai Embassy for protecting and overseeing the well-being of Thai students in Malaysia, and continuously pushing forward cooperation with Malaysia in the field of education.