Closing gaps through exchange diplomacy

MANY countries, whether through their governments, universities or foundations, run various programmes in which pioneers or emerging leaders from around the world are invited to the country in the hope of sharing knowledge and establishing ties that strengthen bilateral relationships.

For decades, Malaysians have benefited from technical exchange and scholarship schemes, but one current example of a Malaysian institution hosting such a programme, which I have been speaking at since its inception in 2013, is the Asean Youth Volunteer Programme led by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, which has the added distinction of partnering with other universities in the region.