JAKARTA, Indonesia: Malaysia is committed to nurturing networks among alumni of its higher education institutions (IPTs) around the world, including Indonesia, which serve as important platforms for enhancing bilateral relations, said Higher Education Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
He said that in addition to official government-to-government relations, people-to-people links, particularly through cross-border alumni networks, play a vital role in fostering mutual understanding and trust.
Zambry said his own experience showed that strong relationships formed through individual and alumni networks often help resolve matters that might be complicated at the official level.
“When there are alumni like this, we build what is called 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 with Indonesian alumni who had pursued studies at Malaysian IPTs.
According to him, records show that around 100,000 Indonesian students have studied at Malaysian IPTs over the past 30 years, while approximately 11,400 Indonesian students are currently 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, on Sunday. – BERNAMA
