Amman: Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Azmi Mahafzah, on Sunday engaged in discussions with a Malaysian delegation, led by Wan Rosdy bin Wan Ismail, Chief Minister of Pahang State, to explore ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in higher education and scientific research.
According to Jordan News Agency, Mahafzah emphasized the robust relationship between Jordan and Malaysia, expressing Jordan’s eagerness to expand academic collaboration, particularly through student and faculty exchanges. He also mentioned plans to provide additional facilities for Malaysian students in Jordanian universities, with a focus on medical and engineering fields.
During the meeting held at the ministry, Mahafzah stated that Malaysian students pursuing Arabic language and Islamic Sharia programs benefit from the same tuition rates as Jordanian students, a decision approved by the boards of trustees of public universities.
Wan Rosdy, on his part, commended the high competence of Jordanian university graduates in the Malaysian labor market and highlighted Malaysia’s commitment to leveraging Jordan’s expertise in higher education. He also acknowledged Jordan’s significant contribution in preparing moderate scientific cadres serving the Islamic nation’s interests.
The meeting further delved into the mechanisms for establishing an executive program to boost cooperation in higher education between the two nations, aiming to enhance academic partnerships and cultural and scientific exchanges.
The session saw the attendance of the ministry’s secretary general, Mamoun Debe’i, Malaysia’s ambassador to Jordan, Mohammad Nasri Abdul Rahman, Malaysian education advisor Ridwan bin Abu Rasheed, and senior academic officials from both countries.
Presently, over 2,000 Malaysian students are enrolled in Jordanian higher education institutions for the 2024-2025 academic year. In February, a joint delegation from the Ministry of Higher Education and the Jordan Tourism Board visited Pahang and other Malaysian states to promote Jordanian universities and attract more Malaysian students.