PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia welcomes graduates and researchers from Saudi Arabia to further their studies and conduct research here, said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
In a statement today, in conjunction with the awarding of an Honorary Doctorate in Management by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) to Saudi Arabia's Minister of Haj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Khaled said the Higher Education Ministry was committed to strengthening the existing ties with the Saudi Arabian government, especially in the higher education sector.
"Malaysia has developed a strong global brand and emerged as an international education hub that offers internationally recognised education at affordable rates, a good quality of life, as well as rich cultural experiences," he said.
Mohamed Khaled also called on UTM, as an academic and research institution focused on technology, to play a role in establishing various strategic collaborations with universities and industries in Saudi Arabia, in bringing Malaysian-Saudi Arabian diplomatic relations to a higher level.
UTM awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Management to Tawfiq for his outstanding achievements and contributions to the management of Haj and Umrah pilgrimages as well as public health services in Saudi Arabia.
Tawfiq is in Malaysia for a three-day working visit which began yesterday. -- BERNAMA