THE PHILIPPINES and Malaysia have strengthened their education ties to open more opportunities for Filipinos, with Malaysia’s proposed scholarship programs identified as key to expanding access to higher education.

This partnership is expected to foster regional cooperation, sustainable peace, and economic growth.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara met with Malaysian Ambassador Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino and his delegation to discuss advancing bilateral initiatives, including enhancing the Philippines’ Madrasah Education Program, workforce development through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and new opportunities for Filipino students via potential Malaysian scholarship programs, according to the Department of Education.

The meeting also explored areas for expanding workforce development initiatives.

“Malaysia has long been a valued partner in education, and today we continue to build on our shared history to empower our learners and communities,” Angara said.

He also expressed enthusiasm for revisiting the 2014 Memorandum of Understanding on Education Cooperation, renewed in 2019, to align with emerging priorities.