Jakarta: 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 emphasized that alongside 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.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zambry highlighted that his own experiences demonstrated how 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 remarked during a dinner with Indonesian alumni who had pursued studies at Malaysian IPTs.

Zambry also noted that records indicate around 100,000 Indonesian students have studied at Malaysian IPTs over the past 30 years, with approximately 11,400 Indonesian students currently in Malaysia. He expressed hope that more Indonesian students would choose to study in Malaysia in the future.

During his two-day working visit to Jakarta, which began on Saturday, Zambry met with his counterpart, Prof Brian Yuliarto, further strengthening the educational ties between the two nations.