Kuala Lumpur: Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) has further solidified its partnerships with four leading Thai universities, reinforcing Malaysia's role in advancing the ASEAN chairmanship agenda. The move aligns with the vision of Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir, who emphasised the importance of Malaysia's higher education institutions in driving the success of its ASEAN chairmanship agenda this year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, UniMAP Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Zaliman Sauli said that the strengthened collaboration with Walailak University (WU), Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS), Thaksin University, and Songkhla Rajabhat University would focus on advancing ASEAN's academic and research initiatives. 'These efforts are aimed at creating meaningful opportunities for students while fostering global knowledge exchange.'

Prof Zaliman highlighted that discussions have centered around the development of dual degree programmes for graduates, enhancing mobility for students and staff, fostering joint research, hosting joint conferences, and providing internship opportunities. He also emphasised that Malaysia's role as ASEAN Chair this year presented a key opportunity to further enhance regional cooperation, especially in academia, which was playing an increasingly vital role in the region's development.

UniMAP is confident that, through the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT), Malaysia's chairmanship will foster stronger higher education cooperation within ASEAN, boosting student and faculty mobility and creating a more integrated and competitive educational ecosystem in the region. Malaysia officially assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship on Jan 1, 2025, under the theme "Inclusion and Sustainability," reflecting the country's commitment to building a united and prosperous ASEAN. This marks Malaysia's fifth term as ASEAN Chair, following previous tenures in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.