US and Malaysia Renew Fulbright Agreement for Another Decade, Boost Cooperation in Education and Technology
Kuala Lumpur, The Gulf Observer: The United States and Malaysia have renewed the Fulbright Agreement for an additional ten years, extending the bilateral educational collaboration from August 2025 to 2035.
Malaysia’s Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, announced the renewal during the Fulbright Renewal Ceremony held in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday. The renewed agreement includes a US$500,000 (RM2.11 million) contribution from the U.S. government to the Strategic Malaysia-America Resources for Technology (SMART) Fund, which aims to support research in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Highlighting the achievements of the longstanding partnership, Dr. Zambry said that more than 1,000 Malaysians have benefited from the Fulbright Programme, while over 2,000 Americans have participated in educational and cultural exchanges in Malaysia.
“In the last decade alone, we have awarded 48 Malaysian scholars and hosted 28 American scholars. Since 2008, the Global Undergraduate Exchange Programme (UGRAD) has provided opportunities for 116 Malaysian undergraduates to study in the United States. We have also welcomed 37 American specialists who have contributed their expertise here in Malaysia,” he said.
He emphasized that the renewal of the binational agreement reaffirmed both nations’ shared commitment to fostering excellence in education, scientific research, and technological advancement. The ceremony was attended by U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard Kagan and U.S. Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary for Southeast Asia and ASEAN Affairs Hunt Vandertoll.
Dr. Zambry added that through the Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange (MACEE), the ministry has formalized 24 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Malaysian public and private universities. “Last year, MACEE brought together Malaysian and U.S. vice-chancellors to explore new models of academic cooperation, and these efforts now call for stronger institutional momentum,” he noted.
Ambassador Kagan highlighted that the Fulbright Programme, established in Malaysia in 1963, has been a cornerstone of U.S.-Malaysia relations, promoting mutual understanding and collaboration. He also announced the appointment of Aeti Abdullah as the new Executive Director of MACEE, who will continue leading efforts to expand the Fulbright initiative.
“The thriving alumni network of over 3,000 Malaysians and Americans continues to propel progress toward our shared goals, foster growth, and strengthen the bonds of our bilateral relationship,” Kagan said.
During a press conference following the ceremony, Dr. Zambry revealed that both governments had agreed to increase financial support for MACEE to ensure the long-term success of the partnership.
“While Malaysia’s initial contribution was modest, we have now agreed to raise it from RM197,000 to RM1 million. We are also working with MACEE to establish a new programme called ‘Global Talent,’ which will offer scholarships to increase the number of Malaysians pursuing studies at leading U.S. universities,” he announced.
