Malaysia, Indonesia Partner to Strengthen Higher Education

• Malaysia and Indonesia strengthen higher education cooperation through an MOU
• The Malaysia-Indonesia Academic Consortium (KAMI) will focus on collaboration
• Both countries plan to expand research and innovation partnerships

Recently, Datuk Syed Mohamad Hasrin Tengku Hussin, the Ambassador of Malaysia to Indonesia, met with Indonesia’s Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Prof Brian Yuliarto, to enhance cooperation between both countries in higher education.

The meeting showcases Malaysia’s commitment to enhancing regional higher education networks in the Southeast Asia region, through the Ministry of Higher Education and Education Malaysia Indonesia (EMI), along with both nations continuing as leaders in human capital development and innovation capacity in the Southeast Asian region.

Malaysia Indonesia education is strengthening through a higher education partnership that promotes academic collaboration, student exchange, and broader ASEAN universities education cooperation.

During the meeting, five primary agendas were covered, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the higher education ministries of the two countries.

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The MOU relates to collaboration between universities with respect to academic mobility, joint research, international seminars, and recognition of curriculum. Another major initiative is the Malaysia-Indonesia Academic Consortium (KAMI), which is designed to promote academic collaboration in terms of green technology, artificial intelligence, health, and renewable energy.

EMI stated, "The consortium will also enhance academic and postgraduate student mobility and support the establishment of a Malaysia-Indonesia Regional Centre of Excellence (COE)".

Both sides also looked into broadening collaboration in the areas of research and innovation, including – nuclear energy, aerospace, and artificial intelligence, and increasing the participation of 15 public universities from Malaysia in the LPDP (Education Fund Management Institution) scholarship program in Indonesia.

The statement added, "EMI has observed growing interest among Indonesian students to pursue studies in Malaysia. With the inclusion of 15 more Malaysian public universities in the LPDP list, educational opportunities for Indonesian students will expand further, benefiting both nations".

The ambassador invited Prof Yuliarto to the Festival of Ideas 2025 taking place in Putrajaya, where academic leaders and policy-makers will gather to reflect on and discuss the future of higher education and science. The proposals were welcomed and, without prejudice, emphasized further collaboration between Malaysia and Indonesia for mutual benefit.