LAUNCH CEREMONY OF MALAYSIAN CULTURE & LANGUAGE IMMERSION PROGRAMME (M-CLIP) 2025 IN IPOH

IPOH, 27 JULY 2025 – The Malaysian Culture & Language Immersion Programme (M-CLIP) 2025 was officially launched at MU Hotel, Jalan Chung On Siew, Ipoh this morning.

The opening ceremony was officiated by City Secretary Ahmad Munir Ishak, representing Ipoh Mayor Zamakhshari Hanipah.

This prestigious event was also graced by the presence of international guests of honour, Kang Da-Eun, Secretary-General of the Tourism Promotion Organisation (TPO) for Global Cities, and Jiae Seo, official TPO representative from Busan, South Korea. Also present were MBI top leaders and representatives from state tourism agencies, including Ipoh City Secretary Ahmad Munir Ishak, MBI Urban Community Services Director Romzi Zamri, Perak Tourism Management Berhad Executive Officer Zulhymi Effendy Zakaria, Perak Tourism Association Chairman Datuk Mohd. Odzman Abdul Kadir, and Perak Heritage Association Chairman Mohd. Tajuddin Mohd. Tahir.

In his opening speech, Ahmad Munir expressed pride in hosting this international-scale programme that positioned Ipoh as a key platform for cultural and knowledge exchange.

"This programme is not just a cultural exchange, but a bridge between nations, a form of appreciation for diversity, and a platform for deeper understanding among communities from different cultural backgrounds," he said.

He also introduced Ipoh as a city rich in colonial history, breathtaking limestone caves, multicultural heritage and famous for its array of tantalising local cuisine.

M-CLIP 2025 brings together participants from various countries who will take part in the teaching of the Malay language and immerse themselves in Malaysian culture via exciting activities, such as traditional dance performances, heritage site visits, local cooking workshops and interactive sessions with the local community.

The programme also includes visits to several towns under the TPO network in the state of Perak, such as Kampar, Taiping and Manjung, to broaden the participants' understanding of the uniqueness of local heritage and culture.

"I hope the bonds formed throughout this programme will continue to flourish even after you have returned to your respective countries," he added, while expressing his highest appreciation to all parties involved, including the organising team, facilitators and volunteers.

The event concluded with the official declaration of the launch of the Malaysian Culture & Language Immersion Programme 2025, thus signifying Ipoh City’s continued commitment to strengthening international cultural ties and making Ipoh as a regional cultural diplomacy hub.