Cooperation between Russia and Malaysia in the field of education began in the mid-1960s, when the first Malaysian students went to study in the USSR. Since then, educational cooperation between the two countries has been developing, and now Russia is one of the popular places for Malaysian students wishing to receive higher education abroad.
One example of successful cooperation between Russia and Malaysia in the field of education is the participation of Russian universities in the International Cooperation in Education Malaysian governmental program. Under this program, Russian universities accept Malaysian students and conduct joint research and development activities.
Another example of successful cooperation is the agreement between Mendeleev University and Malaysian University of Technology on a joint chemical engineering program. This program provides opportunities for Malaysian students to receive higher education in Russia, as well as to conduct joint research and development activities in the field of chemical engineering.
In addition to it, Russia and Malaysia also cooperate in the field of language education. In 2011, a Russian school was opened in Malaysia, where local students can study the Russian language and Russian culture.
However, despite the successful cooperation, there are a number of problems between the two countries in the field of education. One of such problems is the lack of sufficient scholarships and grants for Malaysian students wishing to receive higher education in Russia. Besides, the exchange of professors and researchers between the two countries needs to be strengthened in order to increase joint research and knowledge sharing.
Nevertheless, Russia and Malaysia continue to develop cooperation in educational sphere. In 2018, an agreement was signed between Bauman Moscow State Technical University and Tenaga Nasional University (UNITEN) in Malaysia on a joint master’s program in electrical engineering.
It is also noteworthy that Malaysian students are showing great interest in studying in Russia. In 2019, about 500 Malaysian students enrolled in Russian universities, indicating a growing interest in Russia as a place for education.
Malaysia, like Russia, has a long history of Islamic culture and traditions, and cooperation between these countries in the field of Islamic education is an important part of their interaction.
In 2019, Malaysia and Russia signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of Islamic education and culture. The agreement provides for the exchange of experience and knowledge in the field of Islamic culture, Islamic education and the study of Islam and other religions.
One striking example of such cooperation is the establishment in Malaysia of a branch of the Institute of Islamic Civilization at the Moscow Islamic Institute. The branch was opened in 2017 and is designed to study and disseminate knowledge of Islam in Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries.
In addition, Russia and Malaysia have various student exchange programs which allow young people to study Islamic culture and traditions in other countries. Also, many Malaysian universities cooperate with Russian educational institutions, offering educational programs in Islamic culture and theology.
Overall, relations between Russia and Malaysia in the field of education continue to develop and expand. Cooperation between the two countries in the field of education not only promotes knowledge of religion and culture, but also helps to strengthen mutual understanding and respect between the peoples of the two countries.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: Russia-ASEAN Business Council