MEDAN–IPOH STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMME STRENGTHENS FRIENDSHIP TIES AMONG YOUNGER GENERATION OF MALAYSIA–INDONESIA

IPOH, 29 SEPTEMBER 2026 – Ipoh City Council (MBI) continues to strengthen international friendship and cooperation through the organisation of the Medan–Ipoh Student Exchange Programme, which brings together students from Medan, Indonesia with host families and the local community in Ipoh City.  

MBI Chief Whip Dato’ Mazlan Abd Rahman, representing Ipoh Mayor Zamakhshari Hanipah, in his speech at the Medan–Ipoh Student Exchange Programme Dinner at the Ipoh Convention Centre (ICC) tonight, welcomed the delegation from Medan comprising two accompanying officers and 10 students.  

Also present at the event was City Secretary A’zman Mohd Harun.  

According to him, the student exchange programme is not merely a visit or social activity, but serves as a bridge of friendship connecting the younger generation of two cities and two countries that share close ties in terms of history, language, culture and family values.  

During their stay in Ipoh, the students had the opportunity to get to know more closely the culture and customs of the local community, the education system and the way of life of the community in this city. They also had the opportunity to experience the uniqueness of Ipoh, which is famous for its historical heritage, diverse local cuisine, natural beauty and the friendliness of its people.  

The experience of staying with host families also gave a more meaningful dimension to the programme, as the participants were able to experience firsthand the daily life of the local community, besides fostering an understanding of cultural differences, appreciating similarities and building relationships based on mutual respect and trust.  

He also expressed his highest appreciation to all the host families who had opened their homes and hearts by welcoming the students from Medan as part of their families during their stay in Ipoh.  

MBI hopes that the students from Medan will take home not only photos and souvenirs, but also valuable experiences, the values of friendship and fond memories of their time in Ipoh. They are also expected to become “young ambassadors” of Ipoh City by sharing their experiences with their families, friends and communities in Indonesia.  

The organising of this programme reflects MBI’s commitment to expanding international cooperation networks, strengthening relations between cities and fostering friendship among the younger generation of Malaysia and Indonesia.  

This effort is also in line with the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI, Perak Sejahtera 2030 and Ipoh Bestari Sejahtera, particularly in shaping a society that is progressive, mutually respectful and open to the sharing of knowledge, culture and experiences at the international level.