Kochi: The inaugural Global Malayalee Festival, scheduled to be held on January 1 and 2 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Kochi, is set to emerge as a landmark gathering for the global Malayalee diaspora, blending cultural celebration with strategic economic vision. Organised by the Malayalee Festival Federation, a not-for-profit Indian organisation registered as an NGO, the two-day event will bring together Malayalees from across the world to foster cultural unity, business collaboration, and long-term development initiatives for Kerala.
A key highlight of the festival will be the announcement of a major public-private partnership project — the proposed Wayanad AI and Data Center Park — aimed at positioning Kerala as a leading hub for artificial intelligence, data infrastructure, and technology innovation in India.
A Platform for Global Networking and Investment
The Global Malayalee Festival is open to Malayalees from all walks of life and regions, including professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, artists, and community leaders. The central event on the evening of January 1 will see global delegates networking and welcoming the New Year in a celebratory setting, reflecting the festival’s emphasis on unity and shared identity.
January 2 will be devoted entirely to the first-ever Global Malayalee Trade and Investment Meet, a full-day series of structured sessions designed to connect Kerala with global business expertise and capital.
The morning session will feature presentations by prominent foreign business leaders — particularly from Gulf countries — alongside leading Malayalee entrepreneurs. Discussions will focus on investment opportunities in Kerala, emerging global markets, cross-border trade, and the role of the diaspora in strengthening the state’s economy.
Focus on AI, Startups, and the Digital Future
The afternoon session will turn the spotlight on artificial intelligence, information technology, and startup ecosystems, reflecting Kerala’s growing ambitions in the digital economy. Industry experts, technology entrepreneurs, and startup leaders are expected to explore opportunities in AI innovation, data science, and digital infrastructure, while highlighting Kerala’s potential as a knowledge and technology hub.
It is during this session that the Malayalee Festival Federation will formally announce plans for the Wayanad AI and Data Center Park, proposed to be located in South Wayanad, between Kalpetta and Nilambur. The project is envisioned as a comprehensive facility combining AI research and development, innovation labs, training and skilling centres, and a modern data center.
“Kerala should be at the forefront of AI development in India,” organisers said, adding that the proposed park aims to create high-value employment, promote innovation, and attract domestic and international investment. The federation plans to work over the coming year with the Kerala state government, the central government, and venture capital partners to turn the proposal into reality.
Recognising Global Malayalee Excellence
The evening public session on January 2 will honour 16 distinguished individuals with the Global Malayalee Ratna Awards, recognising excellence and lifetime contributions across diverse fields such as business, finance, engineering, science, technology, politics, literature, arts, culture, trade, and community service.
In addition to the main awards, several other prominent Malayalees will receive special recognition for their personal achievements and their sustained contributions to the Malayalee community worldwide.
The festival is expected to be attended by Kerala and central ministers, opposition leaders, senior political figures, and special guests from abroad, particularly from the Gulf region, underlining the growing global footprint of the Malayalee diaspora.
A Broader Vision for Kerala’s Development
According to Abdullah Manjeri, Director and Managing Director of the Malayalee Festival Federation, the organisation’s core mission is the socio-economic development of Kerala by leveraging the expertise, experience, and resources of global Malayalees.
“The Global Malayalee Festival is intended to build a lasting network of Malayalees across continents and actively connect them with Kerala’s development journey,” he said, adding that initiatives like the Wayanad AI and Data Center Park reflect the federation’s commitment to future-oriented growth.
The festival will conclude with a gala dinner and orchestra, combining cultural celebration with renewed commitment to collaboration and innovation.
With its blend of culture, commerce, technology, and recognition, the first Global Malayalee Festival is poised to become a recurring platform that not only celebrates Malayalee identity but also channels global expertise toward shaping Kerala’s future.
