New British High Commissioner aims to strengthen UK-Malaysia ties
SHAH ALAM – The British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur warmly welcomes Ailsa Terry as the British High Commissioner-designate to Malaysia.
Terry, who assumed her post on Aug 10, expressed her aspirations to strengthen bilateral trade and cooperation between the two nations.
She highlighted the potential for such collaborations, particularly through the Free Trade Agreement and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which the UK recently became a part of.
Anticipating the opportunity to present her credentials to the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, Terry conveyed her excitement about her role in Malaysia.
"I am thrilled to be in Malaysia, a beautiful and diverse country with such a long-standing and important relationship with the UK.
"This is an exciting time for both the UK and Malaysia as we build a modern partnership based around our many shared interests, and I have a brilliant team to work with," she said in a statement today.
Terry highlighted the foundation of shared connections between the people of both nations, as well as their shared history and values as Commonwealth members.
She outlined the significant potential for collaboration in areas such as trade, education, technology, climate change mitigation, and upholding the international rules-based system.
"In fact, there are also opportunities to strengthen our defense partnership, including through the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA)," she added, signaling a commitment to enhancing security ties.
Speaking about Malaysia's status as a global biodiversity hotspot, Terry pointed out the UK-Malaysia Climate Partnership Memorandum of Understanding, which will facilitate closer cooperation on environmental and climate-related issues.
Terry also expressed eagerness to engage with Malaysia on vital matters impacting regional security, stability, and prosperity, especially during Malaysia's upcoming chairmanship of the Asean in 2025.
Before assuming her current role, Terry led the FCDO's inaugural Sanctions Directorate from 2022 to 2023, established in response to Russia's unauthorised invasion of Ukraine.
She also held positions of significance, including serving as the Foreign Affairs Sous-Sherpa and Director for the UK's G7 Presidency in 2021 within the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO).
Her contributions extended to the Cabinet Office's National Security Secretariat, a vital component in assisting the UK National Security Council's operations.
Terry is also a devoted family woman, a mother of twin sons with her husband, Adam Terry.
Academically, she holds a degree in English Literature (BA Hons) from Oxford University.
Outside her professional endeavors, she finds joy in cooking, reading, and spending quality time outdoors with her family.
With her well-rounded background and commitment to collaboration, Terry is poised to contribute significantly to the ongoing partnership between the United Kingdom and Malaysia.
