Malaysia, Senegal sign pact

THE Malaysian government has offered 10 scholarships to students from Senegal in their bid to bridge the higher education gap between both countries.

Malaysia and Senegal’s higher education ministers signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) last Tuesday to increase the cooperation between the two countries.

“This effort is in line with our emphasis on making Malaysia an education hub within the (Southeast Asian) region.

“With the signing of this MoU, we will be able to work closely with Senegal.

“The 10 scholarships are offered to Senegalese students to pursue their postgraduate studies in various fields at our local varsities,” Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh told reporters after the ceremony.

Senegal Higher Education and Research Minister Prof Mary Teuw Niane said there are currently some 70 students from Senegal studying in Malaysia.

“I believe this MoU will help us increase this number greatly,” he added.

Through the collaboration, both sides have agreed to cooperate and support higher education and scientific relations between the institutions, further encouraging exchange programmes for academic staff and researchers.

Prof Mary (second from left) and Idris (second from right) exhange documents while Higher Education Ministry secretary-general Tan Sri Dr Noorul Ainur Mohd Nur and Senegal ambassador to Malaysia Dr Adrienne Diop (left) look on.