Language and food offered two different ways of understanding Malaysia as the country’s embassy in Manila welcomed students and faculty from the University of the Philippines Diliman for an afternoon of cultural exchange.

The Food and Language Sharing Session brought 24 students studying Bahasa Melayu at UP Diliman’s Department of Linguistics to the Malaysian Embassy, where lessons moved beyond the classroom and into conversation, cuisine, and shared Southeast Asian traditions.

The delegation was led by Department of Linguistics Chair Professor Francisco C. Rosario Jr., together with faculty members Professor Divine Angeli P. Endriga, Therese Maria Abigail V. Ledesma, and Katrina Joyce S. Jose.

The program grew out of discussions between Malaysia’s Ambassador Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino and UP representatives in June on expanding educational and cultural cooperation between the two countries.

Welcoming the students with a traditional pantun, Ambassador Castelino underscored how learning another country’s language can lead to a deeper appreciation of its people and culture.

“Language opens the door to understanding, while food reveals the heart of a culture,” he said. “Our shared Southeast Asian heritage reminds us that, despite differences in language, our traditions and hospitality continue to unite us.”

The afternoon put that idea into practice.

Embassy chef Ammar Syafiq bin Ayob, or Chef Ammar, demonstrated how to prepare “Mee Hailam” while introducing students to Malaysian culinary traditions. The menu extended to other familiar Malaysian favorites, including “Nasi Lemak Ayam Berempah,” “Teh Tarik,” and “Kek Batik,” giving participants another vocabulary through which to experience the country.

Students also put their Bahasa Melayu skills to the test through a quiz on language and culture, with winners receiving prizes featuring Wira and Manja, the mascots of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

Beyond the afternoon’s lighter moments, the initiative reflected a larger diplomatic purpose. Bahasa Melayu is spoken across Southeast Asia, and encouraging its study among Filipino students creates another avenue for greater engagement not only with Malaysia, but with the wider ASEAN community.

Ambassador Castelino expressed hope that the partnership with UP Diliman would continue, encouraging students to regard the embassy as a space where they could practice the language and deepen their understanding of Malaysia.