Malaysia opens scholarship opportunities for Filipino students

MANILA, Philippines - The government of Malaysia plans to expand educational opportunities and explore scholarship programs for Filipino learners with the help of the Department of Education (DepEd) as Secretary Sonny Angara discussed initiatives with Ambassador Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino that aim to benefit Filipino Students and the ASEAN community.

Angara stated that Malaysia has been a trusted partner in education for a long time and both countries are working together to empower learners and communities. The proposed scholarship will offer higher education for Filipinos with the promotion of regional cooperation, peace, and economic growth in mind. 

Both parties also discussed enhancing the Philippines’ Madrasah Education Program and the ALIVE (Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education) program, which are vital for schools in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The meeting also focused on strengthening workforce development through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) which has already been endorsed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ahmad Zahid Bin Hamidi during their 2024 meeting.

The Secretary is positive in revisiting and updating the 2014 Memorandum of Understanding on Education Cooperation. HE highlighted that industry-focused initiatives such as developing the halal sector and boosting ASEAN-wide collaboration are vital adding that the Nation is committed to creating new opportunities that will uplift not just our learners but the whole region.