Australia and Malaysia sign higher education MoU
The Australian and Malaysian higher education sectors will forge closer and stronger ties after a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Higher Education was signed in Perth on 14 November.
Minister for Tertiary Education, Senator Chris Evans, today joined Malaysian Minister of Higher Education, Mohamed Khaled Nordin, at Curtin University to sign the agreement.
Senator Evans said Malaysia is a significant partner for Australia, considering the high numbers of Malaysian students studying at universities in Australia, the strong history of cooperation on education issues and its place in the ASEAN grouping.
"This MoU reflects Australia and Malaysia's joint commitment to increasing collaboration and policy dialogue on higher education issues.
"Australia and Malaysia have a long history of engagement based in education. The MoU formalises arrangements for annual joint working group meetings and further collaboration.
"By continuing to strengthen our ties through education, research and training we will ensure both our nations are well placed to prosper in the Asian century," he said.
Senator Evans said the MoU will support the Gillard Government's efforts to ensure young Australians were well placed to take advantage of deepening engagement with Asia.
"For a long time, Malaysian students have enjoyed educational opportunities here in Australia - and at Australian university campuses in Malaysia - but student mobility must go both ways.
"The next generation of Australian leaders will need to be increasingly Asian-literate and these are skills best learnt by experiencing Asia first-hand.
"That's why we aim to have a larger number of Australians undertaking study, internships or practical placements as part of their degree or course in an Asian country by 2025.
"Through the AsiaBound program and changes to OS-HELP, we will support thousands of Australian students to enjoy the experience of living and studying in Asia.
"The Asian Century presents a world of opportunities for our students and the Gillard Government is determined to make sure more Australians have the chance to benefit," he added.
Malaysian Minister of Higher Education, Mohamed Khaled Nordin (left) exchanging documents with Minister for Tertiary Education, Senator Chris Evans after signing the MoU.