MALAYSIA is ready to expand its student exchange programme with Russian universities, but mutual recognition of diplomas should be introduced first to give the students an incentive to study in both countries, Higher Education Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said.

“We are open to that,” Khaled told Sputnik on the sidelines of the 14th International Economic Forum, themed “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum”, in Kazan, Russia.

He said Malaysia has a student mobility programme, the country has many universities from all over the world that are already participating in it and sending their students to Malaysia.

“We welcome, especially in summer, Russian students to Malaysia. We want more Russian students to come to Malaysia,” he said.

Khaled said the countries should sign an agreement on mutual recognition of diplomas.

“We also agree that there should be an understanding and agreement between the two countries because one of the important areas, in which we can address (this issue) by having these agreements, is on mutual recognition (of diplomas)... And this will pave the way for more students to come to Russia or Russian students to continue their studies in Malaysia. Without this mutual recognition, there can be limitations,” he said.

Khaled said many students from Malaysia are studying in Russia, especially in the field of medicine and pharmacy as well as engineering, and they are grateful for the opportunity.

“We (Malaysia) are grateful that we have this opportunity. We have very strong relations in higher education between the two countries,” he said.

“Firstly, there are many collaborations between our universities and Russian universities. We hope this can continue.” – Bernama, May 20, 2023.