KUALA LUMPUR, May 7, 2026 (The Capital Post) —The International Malay Language Oratory Competition (PABM) Prime Minister’s Trophy 2026 continues to strengthen the position of the Malay language on the global stage by serving as an important platform for cultural diplomacy and international relations through education and literature.
According to information shared on the official Facebook page of the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (Kementerian Pendidikan Tinggi), Secretary-General of MOHE, Anesee Ibrahim, said the prestigious programme is not merely an oratory competition, but also a symbol of collective commitment to elevating the Malay language as a language of knowledge and global civilisation.
He made the remarks during his speech at the PABM Prime Minister’s Trophy 2026 Gala Dinner held in Kuala Lumpur to celebrate international participants.
According to him, this year’s theme, “Malay Language: A Bridge of Global Civilisation,” reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen the role of the Malay language as a medium that unites ideas, cultures, and civilisations across borders.
“The participation of contestants from various countries proves that the Malay language has strong potential to continue expanding internationally while becoming an important tool in fostering mutual understanding among global communities,” he said.
The programme, organised by Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia in collaboration with Universiti Kuala Lumpur and several strategic partners, received 174 entries from around the world for its 16th edition.
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Out of the total, 50 outstanding participants from countries including China, Uzbekistan, Russia, Japan, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Burundi, Yemen, Nigeria, and Thailand successfully advanced to the next stage across three main competition categories.
The gala dinner also provided participants with an opportunity to introduce their countries and share their aspirations, further strengthening international friendships through language and cultural exchange.
During the event, Anesee Ibrahim also announced the nine finalists who will compete in the PABM 2026 grand finale on May 8, representing Malaysia, Indonesia, Egypt, Afghanistan, Burundi, Uzbekistan, China, and Russia.
He also expressed appreciation to Malaysian embassies abroad, Immigration Department of Malaysia and Ministry of Home Affairs Malaysia for their cooperation and commitment in ensuring the smooth entry process for international participants into Malaysia.
Several senior MOHE officials, representatives of higher education institutions, and academic leaders were also present at the event in support of efforts to further strengthen the Malay language at the international level.-The Capital Post
