Russia to offer more medical scholarships to Malaysians next year
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Russia will offer more scholarships to Malaysian students next year, particularly for medical studies, to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Russia plans to increase medical scholarships for Malaysian students next year, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations. Russian Ambassador Naiyl M. Latypov highlighted education and medicine as key areas for cooperation, foreseeing benefits for both countries and enhanced personal connections.
The Russian government will provide 4,000 scholarships for international students, with hopes of attracting more Malaysians to partake in the program. Eligible candidates must participate in academic competitions, and successful applicants can pursue 5-6 years of study in Russia.
During a visit to the 136-year-old Bukit Mertajam Hospital, Latypov praised the close ties between Malaysia and Russia in medical education, noting the significant contributions of Russian university graduates to the Malaysian healthcare system. Penang Health Director Dr Zulhizzam Abdullah and HBM Director Dr Prashant Subramanian, a Russian medical school alum, greeted the dignitaries.
Scholarship allocations for Malaysian students have risen from 10 in 2014 to 20, then 40 this year. The figure is projected to reach 60 in 2023 to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Latypov expressed pride in Russian higher education institutions producing Malaysian graduates who now serve as medical specialists, officers, hospital directors, surgeons, and leaders in the healthcare sector. Nearly 7,000 Malaysian doctors have graduated from Russian universities, reinforcing bilateral relations.
Latypov voiced concern over the dwindling number of Malaysians studying medicine in Russia, declining from 600 when he assumed his post to approximately 400. He emphasized the need to rekindle young Malaysians' interest in medicine. Russia aims to strengthen healthcare, medical education, research, and professional development cooperation with Malaysia. Additionally, Latypov proposed forming an association of Russian university alumni in Malaysia to foster connections between the two nations.
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