Malaysia and the United States mark 65 years of diplomatic relations in 2022. It is a longstanding relationship based on a strong foundation of strategic and economic cooperation.  Yet, the political tenor of the relationship has had its highs and lows, and there is an apparent scepticism, at the minimum, among the Malaysian mainstream media and public towards US foreign policy.  At the same time, the US is a strong partner of Malaysia in defence relations and security matters and the two countries continue to enjoy robust economic ties.

Hosted by the Malaysia Programme at RSIS on 24 February 2022, the webinar titled “Malaysia-US Relations: Challenges and Opportunities” featured three speakers and a discussant — Elina Noor, Director of Political-Security Affairs and Deputy Director, Washington, D.C. Office at the Asia Society Policy Institute; Dr Adam Leong Kok Wey, Professor of Strategic Studies, and Director of the Centre for Defence and International Security Studies at the National Defence University of Malaysia; Marc Mealy, Senior Vice President (Policy) at the US-ASEAN Business Council; and Shahriman Lockman, Director, Chief Executive’s Office at Institute of Strategic and International Studies, Malaysia.  All the speakers are well-known experts in their fields, who have worked and written on key aspects of the bilateral relationship for more than a decade.  With a focus on recent developments and mutual perceptions of key players, the webinar discussed issues of interest in the political, defence and economic spheres.

Watch it here on RSISVideoCast Youtube Channel: