KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Malaya (UM), in collaboration with the Korean Education Centre in Malaysia (KEC), recently hosted the 21st Korean Speech Contest 2026 at the Auditorium Tun Mohamed Suffian, Faculty of Law, Universiti Malaya.
Organised through the longstanding collaboration between UM and the KEC, the contest reflected both institutions’ shared commitment to advancing academic cooperation, intercultural dialogue and people-to-people ties between Malaysia and South Korea.
The event, held on July 18, was officiated by Universiti Malaya deputy vice-chancellor (academic and international) Professor Dr Hasniza Zaman Huri and Yeo Seung-bae, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Malaysia.
Hasniza highlighted the importance of language education in producing graduates equipped with intercultural communication skills, saying language proficiency plays a vital role in strengthening cross-cultural understanding and global connectivity.
“At Universiti Malaya, we believe language education is a powerful catalyst for global citizenship. As Malaysia’s oldest university, we are committed to producing graduates who are academically excellent, culturally competent and globally connected.
“Beginning next year, Universiti Malaya plans to offer the Bachelor in Korean Language for Communication,” she said.
In his welcoming speech, Yeo said the occasion was especially meaningful as the Korean Speech Contest returned to Universiti Malaya for the first time since 2019.
“After a seven-year interval, it is wonderful to see this competition being held once again at UM, which is preparing to launch Malaysia’s first full-fledged Korean language programme.”
Yeo also underscored the importance of Korean language education in strengthening bilateral relations between Malaysia and South Korea.
He welcomed UM’s introduction of Malaysia’s first bachelor’s degree programme specialising in the Korean language, describing it as a significant milestone that would provide Malaysian students with greater opportunities to pursue advanced and systematic Korean language studies.
“I am also delighted to see the long-awaited establishment of Malaysia’s first bachelor’s degree programme specialising in the Korean language realised during my tenure.
“Students who have studied Korean for five years at secondary school will now be able to continue their learning at university, which will offer more advanced and systematic education.
“As South Korea-Malaysia relations continue to advance towards a new level of comprehensive partnership, including the conclusion of the South Korea-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement, many talented Malaysians with expertise in the Korean language will be needed.
“I hope, and I am confident, that students graduating in four years will play important roles in diplomacy, business, academia and cultural exchanges between our two countries.”
Outstanding participants received attractive prizes, including the opportunity to participate in a Korean language programme in South Korea.
Beyond the competition, the event serves as an inspiration for young Malaysians to pursue excellence in Korean language learning while preparing them to become future ambassadors of cultural understanding and international cooperation.
As one of Malaysia’s flagship Korean language events, the contest highlighted the role of language education in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting intercultural exchange.
The event also reflected Universiti Malaya’s commitment to global engagement and the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics’ aspiration of “Communicating Across Borders” by providing authentic opportunities for language learners to develop confidence in intercultural communication.
Image: Korea Embassy in Malaysia
