Tourism Minister eyes closer Malaysia-Russia cultural collaboration through MoU

Tiong (right) receiving a memento from Lyubimova following a meeting at the St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum on Sept 25, 2026.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 25: Malaysia is looking forward to concluding a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cultural cooperation with Russia to establish a framework for closer collaboration among cultural institutions, practitioners and entrepreneurs.

Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing said the MoU followed Malaysia’s counterproposal submitted in August 2026 and would pave the way for greater cooperation in cultural showcases, professional exchanges, student engagement, cultural tourism and the creative economy.

“The MoU will provide a framework for closer collaboration among our cultural institutions, practitioners and entrepreneurs,” he said in a statement posted on his social media today, following his meeting with Russian Minister of Culture Olga Borisovna Lyubimova at the St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum.

Tiong said the meeting focused on strengthening Malaysia-Russia cooperation in culture and the arts, while expressing Malaysia’s appreciation for Russia’s continued engagement in the country’s cultural activities.

Among the recent initiatives was Russian Cinema Week, held in conjunction with the ninth Malaysian International Film Festival, which he said had provided an avenue for greater cultural exchange between the two countries.

He also highlighted the participation of students from the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory, who performed in Malaysia in May as part of the “Rising Stars” cultural project during their tour of the country.

“These initiatives, together with opportunities for Malaysian students to pursue their studies in Russia, have contributed to greater understanding and closer ties between our peoples,” he said.

Tiong said both sides also welcomed further opportunities for Russian students to experience Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage.

He said sustained cooperation in culture and the arts could deepen mutual understanding while contributing to stronger bilateral ties between Malaysia and Russia.

“Fostering a deeper understanding of each other’s cultures is also fundamental to building resilient and strategic partnerships between Malaysia and Russia,” he said.

Tiong described culture as an important bridge between the two peoples, saying continued exchanges of ideas, talents and traditions could create opportunities for innovation, shared growth and longer-term cooperation.

“The MOTAC delegation and I are confident that sustained cooperation in culture and the arts will deepen mutual understanding and contribute to a stronger Malaysia-Russia partnership,” he said. — DayakDaily