Russia doubles number of scholarships for Malaysian students, says Zambry

 

Higher education minister Zambry Abdul Kadir said the two countries also discussed the feasibility of establishing direct flight services between Russia and Malaysia. (Facebook pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: 

The Russian government has agreed to double the number of scholarships for Malaysian students to 40 per year, says higher education minister Zambry Abdul Kadir.

He said this was agreed upon during the third meeting of the Malaysia-Russia Joint Commission for Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation in St Petersburg, following Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s official visit to Russia last month.

This was also proposed by Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov during his visit to Malaysia and meeting with the prime minister in July,

 he said in a Facebook post today.

Zambry said the meeting also touched on proposals to enhance educational ties, including primary and higher education, between the two countries.

“This includes increasing the number of Malaysian students in Russia and Russian students in Malaysia. There are currently 617 Malaysian students in Russia enrolled in courses such as medicine, engineering, oil and gas, and marine technology.

Apart from student exchange, this programme will also involve lecturers, researchers and civil servants to jointly enhance the skills possessed by both Malaysia and Russia,

 he said.

Zambry said Russia also proposed new areas of cooperation, including in-depth studies on minerals led by Saint Petersburg Mining University, which seeks to collaborate with universities in Malaysia.

This opportunity will be utilised to the fullest as Saint Petersburg Mining University is among the best in the world for mineral studies,

 he said.

Zambry said Malaysia and Russia have agreed to streamline all bilateral documents and agreements signed so far, which involve cooperation between ministries and agencies.

Another topic discussed was the feasibility of establishing direct flight services between Russia and Malaysia, which aligns with efforts to attract more Russian tourists to Malaysia and vice versa,

 he said.

Other key issues discussed at the meeting include the establishment of a chair of Malay studies in Russia, cooperation in finance and banking, as well as food security and agricultural products.

On investment matters, Zambry said both countries agreed to encourage bilateral trade by identifying new market opportunities, improving market access, and facilitating direct investments.

As energy continues to drive our economies, the meeting agreed to strengthen cooperation in both traditional and renewable energy sectors. This includes promoting innovation in clean energy technologies, in line with the sustainability goals of both countries,

 he said.

Zambry said Russia also raised the issue of halal certification, expressing hope that Malaysia, through the Islamic development department (Jakim), could assist in the recognition of halal certificates from Russia. - FMT