The Nobel Prize winner said that she is "proud to be called a Brummie" after her portrait was unveiled in Birmingham.
In 2012, the advocate for girls' education was brought to Birmingham after a Taliban gunman shot her in the head. She has since lived in Birmingham, her adopted city after receiving rehabilitation and treatment.
The Pakistani artist, Nasser Azam unveiled the 9ft 10in (3m)-high portrait of Malala at the University of Birmingham.
The painting was revealed at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts. Malala said that she was "very grateful" for the support received while she was in Birmingham as reported in BBC News.
She also added, "In terms of buildings you may not see a lot, but in terms of people, their love, their hearts, their passion, there's a lot of things."
"Other than the cold weather I love this place, I am proud to be called a Brummie".
The artist, Mr Azam, claims that it took him almost a year to finish the school girl painting. The portrait will be an addition to London's National Portrait Gallery's public archive. The Library of Birmingham will also feature a digital display of the painting.
Mr Azam said that having met Malala was "inspirational and an extreme honour".
Malala first gained world-wide attention because of her anonymous diary. She voiced out her concerns about the girls' rights for education in Pakistan. She was a genuine advocate for education. It was first published on the BBC's Urdu website.
She was only 11 years old at that time when her diary captured the attention of the rest of the world. She wrote using a false name, "Gul Makai."
During that unfortunate time, the girls' schools were targeted by the militants in her home. She remained faithful to her advocacy even after she went back home.
