Kuala Lumpur:Malaysia and Kazakhstan are set to rejuvenate their higher education cooperation, which was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The renewed focus will now include strategic areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), nuclear energy, critical minerals, and agriculture.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir noted that educational connections between the two nations began decades ago but experienced a slowdown due to the pandemic. He emphasized the importance of rebuilding these ties, highlighting the thousands of Kazakhstani students who previously studied in Malaysia and now contribute to various sectors in Kazakhstan.
During his visit to Kazakhstan, which coincided with the Malaysia-Central Asia Higher Education Forum 2026 (MAHEF2026), Zambry discussed opportunities for Malaysia to expand its higher education network in Central Asia. This follows the strengthening of regional ties after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's visit to the region in 2024.
A key development is the initiation of a ministerial-level meeting on higher education between Malaysia and Central Asian countries, with Kazakhstan hosting the first edition. Both countries have agreed to hold this meeting annually, with Malaysia scheduled to host the next one.
The collaboration will also include dual-degree programs and initiatives in AI, nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, critical minerals, rare earth elements, and agriculture. Furthermore, student mobility, industrial training, and experience sharing are part of this cooperation.
Zambry also highlighted the role of Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) in promoting Malaysia's higher education internationalization agenda. EMGS has been instrumental in managing international student affairs, with initiatives such as the International Student Arrival Centre (ISAC) facilitating student entry into Malaysia.
Additionally, Kazakhstan's Science and Higher Education Minister Sayasat Nurbek expressed interest in EMGS' operations, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to bolster cooperation and share Malaysia's expertise in internationalizing higher education.
Currently, Malaysia hosts approximately 170,000 international students from nearly 180 countries and aims to enter the world's top 10 international education destinations.