Kuala Lumpur:Malaysia and Finland are exploring ways to enhance their bilateral cooperation in the field of higher education, with a key focus on research, innovation, and the integration of advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), as stated by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the discussions took place during a courtesy call by the Finnish Ambassador to Malaysia, Anne Vasara, and the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs' Special Envoy for Education, Health and Wellbeing, Service Exports and Consumer Brands, Outi Hakanen.

The meeting served as a strategic platform to foster closer ties between the two countries, particularly in higher education, research, innovation, and talent development. Zambry highlighted Finland's reputation for an educational approach that prioritizes quality, innovation, and student wellbeing, noting that there are many best practices and valuable experiences that can be shared to strengthen the higher education ecosystems of both nations.

Zambry emphasized the importance of expanding inter-university cooperation, expertise exchanges, and joint research efforts, specifically in the context of addressing technological shifts and the rapid advancement of AI. He expressed hope that these discussions would lead to closer relations and deliver broad benefits to institutions, academics, and university students in both countries.