PETALING JAYA: Malaysian and United States universities should foster greater intellectual exchange, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The MCA president said that the two MCA-founded universities — Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) — needed to build stronger academic links, especially in STEM fields, with universities in the US.
The matter was raised during a meeting between MCA leaders and US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan, who paid a courtesy visit to Wisma MCA on Wednesday (March 12).
Dr Wee said the discussions also touched on the importance of US foreign direct investment in supporting Malaysia’s economic growth and the need to attract more investments, particularly in the technology sector, to assist small and medium-sized enterprises.
"I emphasised the importance of trade certainties for local businesses, particularly regarding trade restrictions and sanctions amidst the ongoing trade war.
"I also pointed out that many Malaysian businesses rely on China for raw materials while exporting to the US and the rest of the world, making them vulnerable to policy shifts and supply chain disruptions," he said.
According to Dr Wee, Ambassador Kagan acknowledged both the risks and opportunities ahead and emphasised that Malaysia should not be forced to choose between the US and China but should instead strengthen ties with both nations.
"We also discussed enhancing collaboration in areas such as data centres and creating a more conducive environment for US companies to invest in Malaysia," he added.
Dr Wee further expressed his appreciation for Ambassador Kagan’s recognition of his role as Transport Minister in regaining Malaysia’s International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) Category 1 status from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2022.
"I look forward to further strengthening our bilateral cooperation for a prosperous future for both nations," he said.
Also present at the meeting was MCA International Affairs and Party Diplomacy Bureau chairman, Datuk Nicole Wong.
