New Zealand High Commission Kuala Lumpur

H.E. Michael Walsh caught up with Deputy Finance Minister YB Liew Chin Tong for a wide-ranging discussion on Malaysia-New Zealand relations, economic priorities, and regional developments.

It was a good conversation, with YB Liew reflecting on his longstanding engagement with New Zealand - not only in the finance and economic space, but also during his time at MinDef and MITI.

The discussion also touched on opportunities for deeper collaboration between Malaysia and New Zealand, including in finance, trade, and institutional cooperation.

Policy shapes economies. Conversations shape policy.

A thoughtful exchange with Khazanah Research Institute on where the region is heading and how New Zealand and Malaysia can deepen cooperation.

Thank you to Dr Nungsari Ahmad Radhi and Najyah Johar for their time.

H.E. Michael Walsh was delighted to return to Kuching from 7–9 May for his fifth visit to Sarawak.

The visit offered a wonderful opportunity to experience more of Sarawak’s rich natural beauty, culture and hospitality — including Fairy Cave, Serikin Market, a boat tour along the Kuching River, and local favourites such as kolo mee and Sarawak laksa.

The High Commissioner was also pleased to meet with Sarawak officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Sarawak Tourism Board, and the Ombudsman Office, as well as reconnect with longstanding friends of New Zealand.

Thank you, Kuching, for the warm welcome.

Malaysia is New Zealand’s 9th largest trading partner - a longstanding and complementary trade relationship that continues to matter amid a more complex global economic landscape.

H.E. Michael Walsh called on Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Johari Ghani, for discussions on New Zealand-Malaysia trade ties, regional supply chain resilience, and shared economic priorities.

H.E. was joined by John Subritzky, Principal Adviser (Asia and Americas Group), New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The New Zealand High Commission and NZTE Malaysia were pleased to lead a delegation to Penang as part of the New Zealand–Northern Region Engagement Programme, in collaboration with NCER Malaysia.

The programme brought together New Zealand government representatives, business leaders and Malaysian stakeholders to strengthen connections and explore opportunities across advanced manufacturing, logistics, tourism, food & beverage, and sustainability-related sectors in Malaysia’s northern region.

The delegation also visited the NCER Technology Innovation Centre (NTIC) and Penang Port, providing valuable insights into the region’s growing industrial and logistics ecosystem.

A highlight of the visit was the New Zealand–Penang Business Connect networking reception, which brought together industry, government and ecosystem partners from across Penang and the northern region.

The New Zealand High Commission and NZTE Malaysia were pleased to lead a delegation to Penang as part of the New Zealand–Northern Region Engagement Programme, in collaboration with NCER Malaysia.

The programme brought together New Zealand government representatives, business leaders and Malaysian stakeholders to strengthen connections and explore opportunities across advanced manufacturing, logistics, tourism, food & beverage, and sustainability-related sectors in Malaysia’s northern region.

The delegation also visited the NCER Technology Innovation Centre (NTIC) and Penang Port, providing valuable insights into the region’s growing industrial and logistics ecosystem.

A highlight of the visit was the New Zealand–Penang Business Connect networking reception, which brought together industry, government and ecosystem partners from across Penang and the northern region.

No trip to Penang is complete without making time for the food.

From Balik Pulau durian to George Town kway teow, clearly one trip isn’t enough.

Penang once again reminded me why it is celebrated as one of the region’s great culinary destinations.

Until the next meal, terima kasih Penang.

- MW

We’re working more closely than ever with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to support a more prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific.

Last week, we welcomed government representatives from the 11 ASEAN Member States and the ASEAN Secretariat for the annual ASEAN-NEW Zealand Dialogue.

The High Commissioner was pleased to meet YB Zairil Khir Johari and YB Wong Hon Wai during his visit to Penang.

Conversations covered Penang’s impressive development journey and its continued ability to deliver strong economic performance despite its relatively small size, as well as tourism as a shared priority for both Penang and New Zealand. This also included discussion on people-to-people links, including New Zealand’s Working Holiday Scheme.

It was a valuable exchange with both YBs on the priorities shaping Penang’s continued growth and outlook.