Zambry: Malaysia, Kazakhstan to revive higher education cooperation

Astana: Malaysia and Kazakhstan plan to revive higher education cooperation that was hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir stated that the focus will now be broader, encompassing artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, critical minerals, and agriculture. The ties between the nations have been ongoing for decades, but the pandemic caused a temporary disruption.

Zambry noted that over 3,000 Kazakhstani students previously studied in Malaysia and are now working in various sectors. He emphasized that these individuals can play a crucial role in strengthening the relationship between the two countries. Zambry delivered this message during his visit to Kazakhstan, which coincided with the Malaysia-Central Asia Higher Education Forum 2026 (MAHEF2026). The forum aimed to enhance regional cooperation and student mobility.

Zambry mentioned that this development presents opportunities for Malaysia to expand its higher education network across Central Asia. This comes after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's visit to the region in 2024, which helped bolster ties. The two countries agreed in principle to hold an annual ministerial-level meeting on higher education, with Malaysia hosting the inaugural event next year.

In addition to the ministerial meeting, both nations have identified areas for joint studies and research. These include artificial intelligence, peaceful nuclear energy, critical minerals and rare earth elements, as well as agriculture. The cooperation also involves dual-degree programs for students from both countries, as well as mobility programs, industrial training, and experience sharing.

Zambry highlighted that the Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) plays a significant role in Malaysia's higher education internationalization efforts. The organization's approach to managing international students has become a model for several countries. EMGS established the International Student Arrival Centre (ISAC) in collaboration with the Malaysian Immigration Department and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd to facilitate the affairs of international students upon their arrival in Malaysia.

Kazakhstan's Science and Higher Education Minister, Sayasat Nurbek, expressed interest in EMGS's functions after signing a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation and share Malaysia's experience in internationalizing higher education. Currently, Malaysia hosts approximately 170,000 international students from nearly 180 countries and aims to be in the top 10 global destinations.