JAKARTA: Malaysia is committed to nurturing networks among alumni of its higher education institutions (IPTs) worldwide, including in Indonesia, to serve as important platforms for enhancing bilateral relations, says Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir (pic).
The Higher Education Minister said that, besides official government-to-government relations, people-to-people links through cross-border alumni networks play a vital role in fostering mutual understanding and trust.
Drawing from his own experience, Zambry said strong relationships forged through individual and alumni networks have often helped resolve matters that may appear complicated at the official level.
“When there are alumni like this, we build trust. Any issues can then be resolved together.
“That is why these alumni networks must be maintained,” he said in his speech at a dinner on Sunday night with Indonesian alumni who had pursued their studies at Malaysian IPTs.
Based on records, he added that about 100,000 Indonesian students have studied at Malaysian IPTs over the past 30 years, with 11,400 currently studying in Malaysia.
“I hope more Indonesian students will come to study in Malaysia,” he added.
Zambry, who arrived in Jakarta on Saturday for a two-day working visit, also met with his counterpart, Prof Brian Yuliarto.
