Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir highlights the vital role of alumni networks in strengthening bilateral relations and fostering trust between Malaysia and Indonesia

JAKARTA: Malaysia is committed to nurturing global alumni networks from its higher education institutions as vital platforms for enhancing bilateral relations.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir emphasised this during a working visit to Indonesia.

He stated that people-to-people links, especially through cross-border alumni networks, are crucial for fostering mutual understanding and trust.

Zambry noted that strong relationships formed through these networks can help resolve matters complicated at the official level.

“When there are alumni like this, we build what is called trust. Any issues can then be resolved together,” he said in a speech at a dinner with Indonesian alumni of Malaysian institutions.

He added that his own experience shows how individual and alumni networks often facilitate solutions.

According to records, around 100,000 Indonesian students have studied in Malaysia over the past 30 years.

Approximately 11,400 Indonesian students are currently pursuing studies in the country.

Zambry expressed hope that more Indonesian students would choose to study in Malaysia.

The minister arrived in Jakarta for a two-day working visit, during which he also met his Indonesian counterpart, Prof Brian Yuliarto.

 The Sun Malaysia