KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 — The Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government of the United Kingdom (UK) for further co-operation in the higher education sector.

The MoU was signed by MoHE secretary-general Datuk Seri Abdul Razak Jaafar and Susan Acland Hood from the UK Department for Education.

The scope of co-operation covered by the MoU will include establishing strategic co-operation in scientific research and talent training between the two countries and the exchange of staff, teachers, trainers, experts and students between higher education institutes upon negotiations between Malaysia’s MoHE and the UK’s Department of Business and Trade.

It will also provide a training platform for educational administrators and teachers, including those involved with training those in the service sectors.

Scholarships will also be provided to those who wish to further their studies at higher education institutions recognised by both parties.

A two-way programme between recognised higher education institutions will also be implemented for the benefit of both parties.

Alongside that, efforts will be made to implement the transfer of credits and compatible programmes between the higher education institutes of both countries as well as the possibility of mutual recognition for academic qualifications.

There will also be mutual co-operation in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), information and communications technology (ICT), technical and vocational education and training (TVET), innovation, online learning, lifelong learning and entrepreneurship sectors.

The proposal to sign the MoU was based on how it will strengthen the educational co-operation between both countries as more students from the UK will further their studies here in Malaysia and both parties will co-operate when it comes to research and student exchanges.

The MoU will also allow student exchanges that will provide Malaysian students with the opportunity to receive exposure and broaden their perspectives while learning more about the social and cultural aspects of international students.

Besides that, educational cooperation at the international level will indirectly encourage local higher educational institutions to compete further by offering high-quality educational programmes to attract more international students to their institutions.

Meanwhile, the admission of international students from the UK contributes to Malaysia’s economic development through the exchange of foreign currencies.