Ambassador Lakhdhir welcomed the 100 Fulbright English Teaching Assistants (ETAs) assigned to the states of Terengganu, Pahang, Kedah, Kelantan, Perak, Perlis, Sabah, Sarawak and a newly added state of Melaka during a welcome ceremony at her residence on January 11, 2018. Besides assisting in English classrooms at local schools, the ETAs will conduct various English language activities such as English language camps, community service projects, writing and speaking competitions, and cultural exchanges.

This program has provided thousands of Malaysian students the opportunity to improve their English language proficiency, boost confidence and enhance their interpersonal skills. In her remarks, Ambassador Lakhdhir highlighted the importance of the Fulbright ETA Program in increasing mutual understanding and enhancing people-to-people relations between the United States and Malaysia. The ceremony concluded with a group photo session and media interviews.