Kuala lumpur: Higher education has become a strategic platform to strengthen Malaysia-Africa cooperation by developing globally competent talent, advancing innovation, and supporting high-value investment, said Deputy Higher Education Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Adam Adli emphasized that education, trade, and investment should be seen as interconnected pillars that bolster emerging market partnerships. He highlighted that education cultivates globally competitive talent through Malaysia's top-tier universities, trade expands through international student mobility, and investment fosters innovation by linking universities with industry and government.
Speaking at the Symposium to Commemorate Africa Day 2026 at Sunway University, attended by Zimbabwe Ambassador Constance Chemwayi, Adam Adli stated that the Ministry of Higher Education sees education as a catalyst for economic cooperation. He noted that resilient trade channels require cultural intelligence, while sustainable investment relies on a future-ready workforce.
Adam Adli outlined the policy direction by mentioning the Malaysia Higher Education Internationalisation Policy 2025-2030, which integrates education, trade, and investment within international higher education cooperation. The strategy also aligns with the Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint 2026-2035, ensuring the sector remains excellent, inclusive, and future-ready.
He expressed Malaysia's deep appreciation for its longstanding relationship with African nations, evidenced by the significant number of African students in Malaysian universities and strong academic collaborations. This momentum is further supported by high-level engagements, including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's tour to Africa and interactions with the African Union Commission.
Adam Adli pointed to initiatives like the inaugural Malaysia-Africa Higher Education Forum in Nairobi and the state visit of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa as markers of deepening ties. He also identified potential collaboration areas, including student and academic mobility, joint research, TVET, digital learning, food security, and green technologies.
In his concluding remarks, Adam Adli appreciated the African students, researchers, and professionals in Malaysia, highlighting their role in enriching local communities and strengthening the bond between Malaysia and the African continent.