Egypt Fosters Cultural Diplomacy and Tourism Collaboration during Official Visit to Malaysia

Saturday, Mar 15, 2025 0

Egypt Beauty Queens Mayada Hamed, Miss Mediterranean International 2025 from Cairo, and Lily Ahmed, Miss Mediterranean Teen 2025 from Alexandria, embarked on a 14-day touristic visit to Malaysia to celebrate the natural beauty shared by Malaysia and Egypt. Their journey, in collaboration with the Miss Mediterranean International (MMI) Organization, aimed at fostering cultural exchange and promoting tourism cooperation between the two countries.

Representing Egypt on this prestigious visit, the two beauty queens engaged in a variety of cultural activities, reinforcing the message of unity and appreciation of heritage. Their itinerary included two major destinations: the bustling capital city of Kuala Lumpur and the serene Langkawi Island.

Highlights of the Visit

During their stay, Mayada and Lily participated in Batik painting workshops, where they learned the ancient Malaysian technique of wax-resist dyeing. They also attended traditional Malaysian dance performances, including Joget, Zapin, and Kuda Kepang dances, immersing themselves in the country’s vibrant cultural expressions.

“Being able to engage directly with Malaysia’s traditions made me feel connected to the culture in such a unique way. These moments of cultural exchange show how beauty pageants can bridge cultures and bring people together,” said Lily Ahmed, Miss Mediterranean Teen 2025.

A key highlight of the visit was their trip to Batu Caves, a significant spiritual and historical landmark. They explored religious sites such as the Sri Venkatachalapathi & Alamelu Temple, Ramayana Cave, and The Cave Villa, deepening their appreciation of Malaysia’s cultural diversity.

“Visiting Batu Caves was an unforgettable experience. The beauty of the site and the stories behind its religious significance gave us a deeper appreciation of Malaysia’s cultural diversity,” said Mayada Hamed, Miss Mediterranean International 2025.

Strengthening Global Tourism and Cultural Appreciation

“I am particularly attuned to the richness of Malaysia’s traditions and history. Malaysia’s commitment to culture and religion is something it shares with my country. The love for ancient heritage and traditions unites us,” added Mayada Hamed.

In addition to experiencing Malaysia’s cultural richness, the queens visited landmarks such as the Petronas Twin Towers, Merdeka Square, Istana Negara, and Thean Hou Temple. Their journey showcased the country’s deep commitment to preserving its heritage.

The collaboration between the Miss Mediterranean Beauty Pageant and the MMI Organization underscores a shared commitment to fostering global tourism and cultural connections. By exploring Malaysia’s heritage and engaging with its traditions, Mayada and Lily not only highlighted Malaysia’s appeal as a travel destination but also shared Egypt’s values of unity, cultural appreciation, and global partnership.

The Miss Mediterranean Beauty Pageant is honoured to have been part of this impactful cultural initiative, and both Mayada and Lily look forward to continuing their roles as ambassadors of cultural diplomacy and tourism for Egypt.