Universiti Malaya and the Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange (MACEE) have entered into a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in an effort to further enhance collaboration and foster academic exchange opportunities between Malaysia and the United States. The signing ceremony, officiated by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education, YBhg Dato’ Seri Abdul Razak Jaafar, marks a significant milestone in forging stronger ties to the prestigious Fulbright Program and the U.S. higher education system.
The MOU signing represents a concerted effort to formalize the relationship between Universiti Malaya and MACEE, building on a history of educational and cultural exchanges between Malaysia and the United States. Established on January 28, 1963, MACEE has been instrumental in promoting global connectivity, primarily through facilitating the renowned Fulbright exchange program.
"As MACEE continues to celebrate its 60th anniversary, the signing of this first tranche of MOUs is a sign that Malaysian universities are investing in growing global connectivity, particularly with the United States," said Curtis Johnson, Executive Director of MACEE. "I hope that through these collaborations, we will empower the next generation of Malaysian and American students and scholars to continue to embrace ‘Educational Diplomacy’ and continue to foster greater understanding between our nations through academic excellence."
The Memorandum of Understanding signifies the commitment of Universiti Malaya and MACEE to create educational opportunities that will benefit students and academics on both sides. By fostering academic exchange, research collaborations, and joint programs, the MOU aims to advance knowledge and promote cultural understanding between the two countries.
The MOU signing between Universiti Malaya and MACEE marks the first step in a series of collaborative initiatives anticipated in the coming year. The partnership is expected to yield lasting academic and cultural relationships that will enrich the education landscape in both countries.
Professor Dato. Ir. Dr. Mohd Hamdi Abd Shukor, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya said that “It is a proud moment to be able to collaborate with MACEE as this partnership will tremendously benefit both parties by opening up opportunities for students, faculty members, researchers, experts as well as engagements in mobility, recruitment, and exchange. This MoU will also promote educational exchange and professional development of staff that will enable them to share ideas and collaborate. We foresee that the collaboration will enhance the linkages between Malaysian and U.S. universities through international partnerships and global networks with the support and coordination by MACEE.”
The Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education said:
This partnership will serve as a bridge between Malaysia and the United States, further cementing the Fulbright program as one of the premier exchange programs in Malaysia through its 60 years of research collaboration, student/scholar mobility, and cultural exchange. By breaking down barriers and opening doors of opportunity, we aim to empower our young minds with the tools they need to shape a brighter tomorrow.
While His Excellency Brian McFeeters, US Ambassador to Malaysia, said:
Since MACEE was established in 1963 to promote educational exchange and diplomacy, thousands of Malaysians and Americans have benefitted from the Fulbright Program in Malaysia. In that spirit, we are delighted to see more academic institutions partner with MACEE to foster educational engagement between Malaysia and the U.S. These collaborations enhance people-to-people linkages that are developed through educational and cultural exchanges as one of the most vital means to form a strong, sustainable, and long-term bilateral relationship between our two countries.