KUALA LUMPUR – The United States ambassador to Malaysia Brian McFeeters has urged more Malaysians to apply for the country’s Fulbright scholarships to gain quality education.

Congratulating the Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange (Macee) on its 60th anniversary and the establishment of the Fulbright Programme in Malaysia, McFeeters said he “strongly encouraged Malaysians to apply for Fulbright scholarships so they can benefit from the top-notch academic and research programmes offered by US universities.” 

In a statement, he said he looks forward to a stronger higher education partnership between the US and Malaysia in the years to come. 

This comes after Macee, a bilateral educational and cultural exchange programme, celebrated its anniversary at the Higher Education Ministry office in Putrajaya today.

The celebration was officiated by Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal and McFeeters.

In his keynote speech, Yusof stressed the importance of organising cultural exchange programmes, citing that the nation must utilise its opportunities to be a hub for educational excellence.

“Malaysia, as a country that is pursuing the objective of becoming a hub for educational excellence, must consider the internalisation process strategically – and careful thought must be given by taking into account the impact of globalisation, which places a high value on the knowledge economy,” Yusof said.

“We will have to take advantage of the transfer of knowledge between countries and the demand for higher education through the mobility of individuals seeking quality higher education, and this partnership has helped in realising that aspiration.”

Yusof added the ministry will continue to support both the US and Malaysia’s aspirations of promoting cultural exchange through Macee. 

Yusof also said higher education is vital for societal development and knowledge advancement.

Macee executive director Curtis Johnson praised the two nations’ “educational diplomacy” which was experienced through the exchange programme.

“Our years of bi-national collaboration and continuous success in the future would not be possible without the strong support of the government of Malaysia and its partnership with the United States,” Johnson said.

Macee is a bi-national commission dedicated to promoting educational and cultural exchange opportunities between Malaysia and the United States.

It is one of 49 commissions worldwide that is affiliated with the Fulbright Programme, a cultural exchange programme led by the US government. 

Since its inception in 1963, it has facilitated the tertiary education exchange of 1,000 Malaysians to the US and 2,000 Americans to Malaysia to pursue their higher education, research, and professional development opportunities. 

Those who wish to apply for Fulbright scholarships can visit Macee’s website at www.macee.org.my, or contact its programme team at fulbrightmalaysia@macee.org.my. – The Vibes, February 9, 2023