Kuala lumpur: The United States (US) and Malaysia have renewed the Fulbright Agreement for the next 10 years, effective from August 2025 to 2035. The agreement exchange ceremony took place at a hotel, with Malaysia represented by Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, and the United States by Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard Kagan.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this renewal highlights the ongoing collaboration between the two nations, emphasizing their commitment to strengthening educational exchanges, fostering innovation, and advancing educational and technological development. The US government has allocated USD500,000 (approximately RM2.1 million) to the Strategic Malaysia-America Resources for Technology (SMART) Fund under the Fulbright exchanges to support research and innovation in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Zambry mentioned that over 1,000 Malaysians have participated in the Fulbright Programme, while more than 2,000 Americans have visited Malaysia through the same initiative. In the past decade, 48 Malaysian scholars have been awarded, and 28 American scholars have been hosted. Since 2008, the Global Undergraduate Exchange Programme (UGRAD) has provided opportunities for 116 Malaysian undergraduates to study in the United States, and 37 American specialists have shared their expertise in Malaysia.
Also present was US Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary for Southeast Asia and ASEAN Affairs, Hunt Vandertoll. Zambry noted that through the Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange (MACEE), the ministry has formalized 24 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with both public and private universities in Malaysia. Last year, MACEE facilitated a meeting between Malaysian and US vice-chancellors to explore new models of academic cooperation, calling for stronger institutional momentum.
Kagan emphasized that the Fulbright programmes, established in 1963, have been essential in fostering mutual understanding and collaboration between the two countries. He announced the appointment of Aeti Abdullah as the new executive director of MACEE, who will continue advancing the Fulbright initiative. The thriving alumni network of over 3,000 Malaysians and Americans continues to support progress towards shared goals, promote growth, and strengthen bilateral relations.
During a press conference following the ceremony, Zambry stated that to ensure the long-term success of the educational collaboration, both governments have agreed to increase funding allocated to MACEE. Malaysia's contribution will rise from RM197,000 to RM1 million. Additionally, a programme named 'Global Talent' is being established with MACEE to provide scholarships for more Malaysians to pursue studies at leading US universities.