Malaysian high commissioner to New Zealand Mazita Marzuki praised Usanita as a vital platform for promoting women’s involvement in cross-border business and economic diplomacy.

Speaking at the soft launch of Bridge to Brilliance (BtB) 4.0: Australasia in Auckland, Mazita said Usanita’s initiatives align with Malaysia’s strengths in entrepreneurship, culture and diplomacy.

BtB 4.0 will feature several cultural and economic programmes, including a Malaysian heritage fashion showcase during Malaysia Day in Wellington, and a “Taste of Malaysia” halal food promotion campaign.

Other initiatives include film screenings and short films by students that aim to promote inclusive cultural diplomacy between Malaysia and the region.

In a statement, Mazita said the collaboration supports Malaysia’s goals as this year’s Asean chair and contributes to the celebration of the country’s 62nd Malaysia Day.

She also said recent developments, such as the visit by New Zealand prime minister Christopher Luxon to Malaysia last year, have strengthened bilateral ties and paved the way for greater cooperation.

Usanita CEO Adzliana Hasan welcomed the high commission’s endorsement, saying it validates the critical role of Malaysian women in both economic and cultural diplomacy.

She said that as part of BtB 4.0, Usanita has begun production on two telemovies in Auckland and will begin filming a third in September.

The BtB programme, which started in Malaysia and expanded to Indonesia and the UK, aims to uplift Malaysian entrepreneurs, especially women and the B40 group, and is part of Malaysia’s broader strategy for inclusive development during its Asean chairmanship.