KUALA LUMPUR: The United States (US) and Malaysia have renewed the Fulbright Agreement for another 10 years, from August 2025 to 2035.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said that the agreement’s renewal comes with a US$500,000 (RM2.11mil) US government allocation to the Strategic Malaysia-America Resources for Technology (SMART) Fund to support research in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Zambry shared that over 1,000 Malaysians have participated in the Fulbright Programme, while more than 2,000 Americans have visited Malaysia through the same initiative.
"In the last decade alone, we have awarded 48 Malaysian scholars and hosted 28 American scholars.
"Since 2008, the Global Undergraduate Exchange Programme (UGRAD) has provided opportunities for 116 Malaysian undergraduates to study in the United States.
"We have also welcomed 37 American specialists who have contributed their expertise here in Malaysia," he said in his speech at the Fulbright Renewal Ceremony held here on Thursday (Oct 23).
He added that the renewal of the binational agreement reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to strengthening excellence in education and technological advancement together.
The event was attended by US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard Kagan and US Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary for Southeast Asia and ASEAN Affairs Hunt Vandertoll.
Zambry noted that through the Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange (Macee), the ministry has formalised 24 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with both public and private universities in Malaysia.
"Last year, Macee brought together Malaysian and US vice-chancellors to explore new models of academic cooperation, and these efforts now call for stronger institutional momentum," he added.
Kagan, meanwhile, emphasised that the Fulbright programmes, established in 1963, have been a cornerstone of US-Malaysia relations, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration between the two countries.
He also announced the appointment of Aeti Abdullah as the new executive director of Macee, who will continue driving the Fulbright initiative forward.
"The thriving alumni network of over 3,000 Malaysians and Americans continues to propel progress towards our shared goals, promote growth, and strengthen the bonds of our bilateral relationship," Kagan said.
During a press conference following the ceremony, Zambry said to ensure the long-term success of the educational collaboration, both governments have agreed to increase the funding allocated to Macee.
"While Malaysia's initial contribution was modest, we have now agreed to raise it from RM197,000 to RM1mil.
"We are also working with Macee to establish a programme called 'Global Talent,' which will provide scholarships to increase the number of Malaysians pursuing studies at leading US universities," he said. - Bernama
