Anwar hails Malaysia’s Asian Games sepak takraw gold after 36-year wait

Malaysia is enhancing ties with Central Asian nations in the realm of higher education, with a primary emphasis on student and academic mobility, research, and university partnerships. Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir is currently in Astana, Kazakhstan, for a working visit that concludes on September 27. This visit marks the first occasion where Malaysia's Higher Education Minister has met with counterparts from Central Asian countries, laying the groundwork for enhanced collaboration between educational institutions in both regions.

Zambry expressed optimism about the potential of Central Asia, a region rich in scholarly heritage and untapped opportunities. He highlighted that the meeting serves as a starting point for linking the resources and capabilities of Malaysian universities, researchers, and students with those of the Central Asian region. The minister further announced the upcoming Malaysia-Central Asia Higher Education Forum 2026, which will convene prominent figures from the higher education sector to deliberate on issues of student and academic mobility, research collaboration, and university partnerships.

During his stay, Zambry is set to receive an honorary professorship from L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University and will deliver a public lecture at the institution. As of June, approximately 3,726 students from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan were enrolled in Malaysian public and private higher education institutions.

The Education Ministry emphasized that Zambry's visit underscores Malaysia's dedication to broadening its international higher education network and fostering enduring partnerships with Central Asian countries.