How do you feel while working in Vietnam? Which is your deepest impression?
I am really happy to become Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Malaysia in Vietnam once again. This is not my first time working in Vietnam. In 1996, I went to Vietnam to work within 3 years. When I come back here one more time, Hanoi has had many changes, but I can still recognize the city I left 17 years ago. Hanoi is like an old friend and this is the first city I work outside Malaysia. For this time, I'm so impressed when Hanoi becomes a modern urban center while retains its culture in the old town.

Mr Khalid M. Zamruni - Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam.

The roads are more extended and upgraded; the central area around Hoan Kiem Lake is not changed too much. However, the change everyone can recognize is that the life of people in Hanoi has been so much better. Typically, the less people are using bicycles and pedicabs as a common means of transport in the same way 20 years ago. Instead, they can afford to buy the more convenient motorcycles and cars for themselves and their family. Nowadays, bicycles and pedicabs are used less and they are only seen around Hoan Kiem Lake.
When I was here 20 years ago, I visited several famous temples and pagodas. I see these places have great potential, but they have not really developed. Currently, the government and the authorities in Hanoi have made great efforts to repair so that the areas can attract more visitors.
Regarding the Walking Street at the weekend, I truly agree with the Hanoi authorities, because there is one more safe destination for tourists to walk, especially for those who are not used to the traffic in Hanoi. Previously, walking on the sidewalk is also quite difficult because there are too many cars and motorcycles. So this helps both residents and visitors to enjoy the beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake without fear for the safety while walking on the roads.
The traffic in Malaysia is dangerous as well, because there are many cars and they go very fast, especially in Kuala Lumpur. However, the good point is that there are a lot of footpaths for people. Hanoi should pay attention to the issue of parking because when it is full of vehicles, people have no place to walk.
How do you think about the relations between the two countries in recent years and the growth prospects in the coming years?
The relationship between Vietnam and Malaysia is great, based on three points. First, it is the relationship between the two governments, with visits and working together regularly. The second point is the economic issue, because the economies of the two countries have many similarities. According to reports, in 11/2016, Malaysia has a total investment of 411.7 million USD, accounting for 12.8% of total registered investment capital of the whole region in Vietnam.
The third point is the relationship between the people in Vietnam and Malaysia. I think this is the most important point, because the relationship between people can promote many other factors. For example, that Malaysian people continue to come to Vietnam for travelling and vice versa can contribute to economic and tourism development of both countries. In 2015, there were 300,000 Malaysian tourists coming to Vietnam, therefore there were more flights to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, then more and more people travel. In fact, compared to 20 years ago at which Malaysia was not famous, but now it welcomes a lot of Vietnamese people coming to travel. In 2015, there were 15,000 Vietnamese tourists coming to Malaysia. I want to encourage more and more Vietnamese people coming to Malaysia for travelling.
You have already mentioned the issue of tourism, so can you share some experience in promoting tourism in Malaysia?
We cannot say for sure what is good for the tourism development, because European people prefer one type while Asian people prefer another one. Southeast Asian tourists tend to enjoy shopping, so Malaysian people like to come to Ho Chi Minh City for travelling because there are many things they want to buy, especially fabric. Therefore if Hanoi wants to attract more Malaysian tourists in particular, it should develop more shopping centers.
However, Hanoi still should maintain the current culture, because when Ho Chi Minh City has developed, it is not much different from other cities in Southeast Asia such as Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, etc. Hanoi is distinctive and European tourists always want to discover the cultural and historical sites here.
You had many years working in Vietnam, so how do you feel about the traditional Lunar New Year in Vietnam?
I had experienced the traditional Lunar New Year in Vietnam twice. In my mind, people often go shopping for new items, decorate and clean their house because they all wait for the luck coming in the next year. On the first day of Lunar New Year, the streets are deserted because families often stay at home to receive guests or visit their relatives. On this day, I can feel Hanoi also has its quiet moments, it is not noisy or boisterous as usual, this is so great.