
Cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Kazakhstan and Malaysia is characterized by a high level of activity. Scientific and practical conferences, seminars, concerts of creative groups, music and cultural festivals, as well as sporting events are regularly organized, contributing to closer spiritual and cultural ties between the peoples of the two countries.
The two countries have established strong cooperation in the fields of education and science. Since 18 April 2012, a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of higher education has been in force, and the Kazakhstan–Malaysia Joint Working Group on Higher Education has been established. More than 20 memoranda of understanding and cooperation have been signed between universities of Kazakhstan and Malaysia. As of 31 December 2025, 1,724 Kazakhstani students were studying at Malaysian higher educational institutions.
In 2019, within the framework of the international project “The Procession of the Golden Man Across the Museums of the World,” the exhibition “The Great Steppe: History and Culture” was organized at the National Museum of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, becoming the first exhibition of its kind in Southeast Asia and attracting more than 21,000 visitors.
In 2020, within the framework of celebrations marking the 175th anniversary of the great Kazakh poet and thinker Abai Kunanbayuly, the Abai Center of Kazakh Literature and Culture was inaugurated at the National Library of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. During the event, the book “Words of Edification” by Abai was presented in the Malay language for the first time.
Kazakh creative groups have participated in the “Sabah International Folklore Festival” held in the state of Sabah. The professional cycling team “Astana Pro Team” regularly takes part in the Malaysian cycling race “Tour de Langkawi.” As part of the International Specialized Exhibition EXPO-2017 in Astana, the Days of Malaysian Culture were held in Kazakhstan.
As part of the celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the documentary film “Al-Farabi – The Pearl of Kazakhstan,” dedicated to the life and work of the outstanding scholar and philosopher Al-Farabi, was broadcast on the Malaysian television channel “Al-Hijrah TV” from 15 April to 6 May 2021.
In June 2023, Kuala Lumpur hosted a solo concert by the world-renowned Kazakh artist Dimash Qudaibergen as part of his “Stranger” world tour. The performance at Axiata Arena attracted audiences from Malaysia, Kazakhstan, and other countries of the region, becoming one of the most notable cultural events of the year. Malaysian singer Siti Nurhaliza participated as a special guest, symbolizing the vibrant cultural interaction between Kazakhstan and Malaysia.
An important event in the social life of the Kazakh diaspora was the First Kurultai of Kazakhs in Asia, held in Kuala Lumpur on 11 November 2024 with the support of the Embassy of Kazakhstan and the “Otandastar” Foundation. The forum addressed issues related to preserving the Kazakh language and culture abroad, developing educational and business ties, and strengthening contacts among compatriots.
A special place in cultural and humanitarian cooperation was occupied by the “Kazakh Culture Week,” held in Kuala Lumpur from 7 to 10 November 2024 at Pavilion Damansara Heights. The event was organized to promote Kazakhstan’s tourism potential, culture, and national traditions among the Malaysian public.
As part of the Cultural Week, a special roadshow was held with the participation of representatives of the Akimat of Almaty, the national tourism company, and Kazakh tour operators. Malaysian audiences were introduced to Kazakhstan’s tourism routes, opportunities for eco-, cultural, and business tourism, as well as prospects for expanding tourism exchanges between the two countries.
In December 2025, a joint fusion concert of Kazakh and Malaysian folk art was held in Kuala Lumpur with the participation of the Shamshi Kaldayakov Philharmonic of Turkistan Region and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall Orchestra. Organized jointly by the Embassy of Kazakhstan and the city administration, the event became a vivid example of cultural dialogue and attracted significant public interest in Malaysia.
The Embassy of Kazakhstan in Malaysia regularly participates in major international tourism exhibitions and industry forums in Malaysia, including MATTA Fair, the International Tourism and Culture Exhibition (INTAC), and the World Islamic Tourism & Trade Expo (WITEX). Within the framework of these events, the Embassy, together with Kazakh tourism organizations and regional representatives, organizes presentations, B2B meetings, cultural programs, and roadshows aimed at promoting Kazakhstan as a promising tourist destination in Southeast Asia. Enhanced cooperation in the tourism sector, the development of direct air connectivity, and the visa-free regime have significantly contributed to the growth of bilateral tourism. According to Kazakh tourism organizations, the number of Malaysian tourists visiting Kazakhstan in 2025 increased more than fivefold compared to previous periods.