US-Malaysia Renew Fulbright Agreement For Next 10 Years

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- The United States (US) and Malaysia have renewed the Fulbright Agreement for another 10 years, beginning August 2025 to 2035. 

The agreement exchange ceremony was held at a hotel, with Malaysia represented by Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and the United States by Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard Kagan.

This renewal underscores the long-standing collaboration between the two nations, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the educational exchange framework, driving innovation, and advancing excellence in education and technological development.

In addition, the US government has allocated USD500,000 (approximately RM2.1 million) to the Strategic Malaysia-America Resources for Technology (SMART) Fund under the Fulbright exchanges. This funding will support research and innovation in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies

Zambry shared that over 1,000 Malaysians have participated in the Fulbright Programme, while more than 2,000 Americans have visited Malaysia through the same initiative.

“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 in his speech at the Fulbright Renewal Ceremony held here today.

Also present was US Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary for Southeast Asia and ASEAN Affairs, Hunt Vandertoll.

Zambry noted that through the Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange (MACEE), the ministry has formalised 24 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with both public and private universities in Malaysia.

“Last year, MACEE brought together Malaysian and US vice-chancellors to explore new models of academic cooperation, and these efforts now call for stronger institutional momentum,” he added.

Meanwhile, Kagan emphasised that the Fulbright programmes, established in 1963, have been a cornerstone of US-Malaysia relations, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration between the two countries.

He also announced the appointment of Aeti Abdullah as the new executive director of MACEE, who will continue driving the Fulbright initiative forward.

“The thriving alumni network of over 3,000 Malaysians and Americans continues to propel progress towards our shared goals, promote growth, and strengthen the bonds of our bilateral relationship,” Kagan said.

During a press conference following the ceremony, Zambry said to ensure the long-term success of the educational collaboration, both governments have agreed to increase the funding allocated to MACEE.

“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 programme called ‘Global Talent,’ which will provide scholarships to increase the number of Malaysians pursuing studies at leading US universities,” he said.

-- BERNAMA