Putrajaya, August 10, 2023 – The Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange (MACEE) has signed an unprecedented eleven (11) Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with various Malaysian public and private universities to further enhance collaboration and foster academic exchange opportunities between Malaysia and the United States. The signing ceremony, officiated by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education, YBhg Dato’ Seri Abdul Razak Jaafar, marks a significant milestone in forging stronger ties to the prestigious Fulbright Program and the U.S. higher education system.

The MOU signing represents a concerted effort to formalize the relationship between Malaysia and the Fulbright Program, building on a history of educational and cultural exchanges between the two nations. Established on January 28, 1963, MACEE has been instrumental in promoting global connectivity, primarily through facilitating the renowned Fulbright exchange program.

“As MACEE continues to celebrate its 60th anniversary, the signing of this first tranche of MOUs is a sign that Malaysian universities are investing in growing global connectivity, particularly with the United States,” said Curtis Johnson, Executive Director of MACEE. “I hope that through these collaborations, we will empower the next generation of Malaysian and American students and scholars to continue to embrace ‘Educational Diplomacy’ and continue to foster greater understanding between our nations through academic excellence.”

The Memoranda of Understanding signifies the commitment of Malaysian Universities and MACEE to create educational opportunities that will benefit students and academics on both sides. By fostering academic exchange, research collaborations, and joint programs, the MOUs aim to advance knowledge and promote cultural understanding between the two countries.

The MOU signing marks the first step in a series of collaborative initiatives anticipated in the coming year. The partnership is expected to yield lasting academic and cultural relationships that will enrich the education landscape in both countries.

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education said:
This partnership will serve as a bridge between Malaysia and the United States, further cementing the Fulbright program as one of the premier exchange programs in Malaysia through its 60 years of research collaboration, student/scholar mobility, and cultural exchange. By breaking down barriers and opening doors of opportunity, we aim to empower our young minds with the tools they need to shape a brighter tomorrow.
While His Excellency Brian McFeeters, U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia, said:

Since MACEE was established in 1963 to promote educational exchange and diplomacy, thousands of Malaysians and Americans have benefitted from the Fulbright Program in Malaysia. In that spirit, we are delighted to see more academic institutions partner with MACEE to foster educational engagement between Malaysia and the U.S. These collaborations enhance people-to-people linkages that are developed through educational and cultural exchanges as one of the most vital means to form a strong, sustainable, and long-term bilateral relationship between our two countries.

-End –

About MACEE:

The Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange (MACEE) was established in 1963 to promote educational and cultural exchanges between Malaysia and the United States. MACEE manages prestigious programs like the Fulbright Program, fostering mutual understanding and strengthening the bonds between the two nations.

Since its inception, MACEE has played a crucial role in facilitating over 1,000 Malaysian and 2,000 American Fulbright grants, contributing to developing future leaders and scholars. The Fulbright program, celebrating over 77 years of success, has awarded over 400,000 grants worldwide, producing a global alumni network that includes more than 40 current or former heads of state and over 60 Nobel Prize laureates.

For further information or interview requests, media representatives may contact:

MACEE: Datin Sharifah Ikhlas AlJaffree – sharifah@macee.org.my