Bridging Horizons: Malaysian Perspectives on Opportunities and Barriers in Academic, Cultural, Sports, and Economic Cooperation with Iran

This study examines Malaysians’ perceptions of Iran across higher education, culture, sports, tourism, and economic collaboration, integrating social constructivism, soft power diplomacy, and commitment-trust theory to explore opportunities and challenges in bilateral relations. Using survey data from a diverse Malaysian sample, findings reveal strong interest in cultural engagement, educational exchange, and sports collaboration, alongside positive perceptions of Iranian products and economic potential. Awareness gaps, ideological differences, and limited visibility, however, constrain deeper engagement. Younger and urban respondents showed greater openness, indicating demographic opportunities for targeted initiatives. The study highlights the need for strategic, phased interventions, including scholarships, cultural programs, sports exchanges, tourism promotion, and trust-based economic partnerships, to foster sustainable Malaysia–Iran relations. Policy recommendations emphasize leveraging shared Islamic and cultural heritage to strengthen mutual understanding, collaboration, and long-term socio-economic ties.