PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia today signed a memorandum of understanding with Senegal to forge higher education and scientific research cooperation.
The signatories were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh and Senegal Higher Education and Research Minister Prof Mary Teuw Niane.
Idris said the MoU was in line with the government's efforts to transform Malaysia into an education hub in the region.
"Both sides are hoping to see better cooperation between the two countries in the field of education and research," he told reporters after his meeting with Teuw Niane and the signing of the MoU.
Teuw Niane said the signed MoU would create a legal framework to for better cooperation.
"There are about 70 Senegalese students in Malaysia. I believe the number will increase greatly in the near future," he said, adding 10 Senegalese would be awarded scholarships from Malaysia's Higher Education Ministry to pursue their post-graduate studies in various fields including biosecurity and economy.
Senegal is also hoping to learn from Malaysia's experiences in its efforts to reform its higher education sector, said Teuw Niane.