Welcome Message
H.E. Orla Tunney is Ambassador of Ireland to Malaysia, she presented her credentials to his Majesty Yang di Pertuan Agong XVI, King of Malaysia on 17 August 2023.
Welcome to the website of our Embassy, which will soon mark its thirtieth year as Ireland’s first resident Embassy in South East Asia. It is my honour to have been nominated by the Government of Ireland to be Ireland’s 8th Ambassador to Malaysia.
In some ways my arrival in Kuala Lumpur represents the closing of a circle which began very shortly after I joined the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland. Then Prime Minister Mahathir made an official visit to Ireland in 1992, accompanied by a large business delegation. As a junior diplomat I played a small supporting role for the visit and even then I was impressed by the diversity and vitality of the traveling party, and the breadth of shared interests underpinning the programme.
The intervening years have seen much change in the world, and it is particularly satisfying to note the further advancement of the bilateral relationship between our countries during that time. The presence of many Irish companies in Malaysia and the increased trade in both directions has contributed to the increase in the economic fortunes and the impressive growth of both countries. The further deepening of educational ties is testament to a shared commitment to the importance of excellent education, not only to allow individual graduates to fulfil their potential but also as a contribution to society as a whole.
I look forward to getting to know this beautiful country, and to building more awareness here of Ireland and its people. As proud Europeans with a rich heritage and a global outlook, we have much more to share, and ever more friendships to build.
Orla Tunney,
Ambassador of Ireland to Malaysia