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About the Fulbright Program
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Background and History The US Congress established the Fulbright Program in 1946 "to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States, and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange". Seeing that vision as one of tremendous importance, MACEE was established in 1963 to administer the Fulbright program and to promote and foster academic exchange as a means of bringing our two peoples together. MACEE now holds a place alongside 50 other binational commissions worldwide. Over the years, Fulbright Malaysia has become an influential and significant component of the educational partnership which exists between our two nations and peoples. The Agreement under which MACEE operates was renewed in 1995 and signed by The Honorable Warren Christopher, who was then the U.S. Secretary of State, on behalf of the American government of the USA, and Yang Berhormat Dato' Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak, the then Malaysian Minister of Education, on behalf of the government of Malaysia. Pursuant to this Agreement, both nations are required to contribute equally to the Commission. All U.S. government allocations to Fulbright Commissions are channeled through the United States Department of State's Education and Cultural Affairs Bureau, which also provides administrative guidance to the Commissions. To supplement funding sources, the Commission also receives contributions in-kind and cost sharing from Malaysian academic institutions, private corporations and donors. | ||||||||||
Selection and Fields of Interest Fulbright scholars, professionals and students from the United States and Malaysia are selected from open competitions based upon individual academic merit and ability to promote mutual understanding by acting as goodwill cultural ambassadors for their home country. All programs focus on the following themes: American Studies, Malaysian Studies, Economics and Technology Transfer, Issues in Contemporary Society, and International Relations. At the same time, MACEE seeks to ensure that Fulbright award recipients are motivated purely by a desire to learn more about each other's country through study, research, lecture and cultural sharing in order to enhance mutual bilateral understanding. Throughout the years, Fulbright Malaysia has retained its thematic approach to the long-range objectives of the program. MACEE has determined that the following five themes are most conducive to mutual benefit in the Malaysian context: Study of the United States; Malaysian Studies; Economics and Technology Transfer; Issues in Contemporary Society and International Relations. Nevertheless, consistent with MACEE's commitment to individual scholarly endeavors, candidates in "Any Field" are encouraged to apply. | ||||||||||
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While the majority of Fulbrighters are graduate students or scholars, many professionals from outside academia participate in the program. They include business executives, engineers, public servants, journalists and scientists. |
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Achievements In 1998, responding to the urgency of the Asian economic crisis, MACEE re-initiated its long absent Malaysian student program (Malaysian Graduate Study and Research Program). With the assistance of IIE, more than 10 distinguished young Malaysians have begun degree-track studies in the U.S. as Fulbright Fellows. Our thanks and congratulations to Citibank Bhd. for its foresight, courage and generosity in building a stronger Fulbright program and assisting outstanding young Malaysians. In 1999, 15 Malaysians and 27 Americans participated in various Fulbright Programs serviced by MACEE. In 2000, 15 Malaysians and 13 Americans participated in various Fulbright Programs administered by MACEE. |
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For those interested in the Fulbright Program, please contact the Fulbright Office (Tel. No.: 603 - 2166 8878) at the address provided below. MACEE, |
