Kazakhstan and Malaysia Held University Forum
The inaugural event in Astana focused on expanding academic mobility and strengthening research ties between nations.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Scholarships
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Kazakhstan and Malaysia hosted their first joint University Forum at Maqsut Narikbayev University in Astana. The event facilitated the signing of new cooperation agreements to foster educational initiatives and research collaboration.
Why it matters
The forum aimed to bridge the gap between higher education institutions in both countries to expand academic mobility and research. These direct ties provide students and faculty with more robust international study opportunities.
Over 80 formal cooperation agreements currently link more than 40 Kazakhstani and 30 Malaysian universities. In 2026, 50 Kazakhstani students participated in academic mobility programs within Malaysia.
The players
Zambry Abdul Kadir
He serves as the Malaysian Minister of Higher Education and received an honorary professorship at Gumilyov Eurasian National University during the forum.
Maqsut Narikbayev University
This educational institution located in Astana served as the official venue for the inaugural Kazakhstan-Malaysia University Forum.
Gumilyov Eurasian National University
This major university in Astana hosted the Malaysian delegation and awarded an honorary professorship to Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir.
Education Malaysia Global Services
This organization acts as the primary agency for the international promotion of Malaysian higher education and signed new cooperation documents.
National Center for Higher Education Development
This Kazakhstani body is responsible for educational advancement and participated in the signing of cooperation agreements at the forum.
The details
The event provided a dedicated platform for representatives from higher education institutions to finalize formal partnerships. Delegations also visited several institutions, including the Kazakh National University of Sport and Gumilyov Eurasian National University, where the Malaysian Minister of Higher Education was awarded an honorary professorship.
Timeline
September 2026: The first Kazakhstan-Malaysia University Forum was held in Astana.
2026: Over 50 Kazakhstani students participated in academic mobility programs at Malaysian universities.
Culture Shift
The forum follows a pattern set by the Kazakhstan-Malaysia Bilateral Higher Education Cooperation Protocol. This expansion reflects a growing trend of nations moving away from isolated academic systems toward integrated international partnerships.
Students in both nations may see increased access to international academic mobility programs and joint research initiatives. These partnerships simplify the administrative requirements for students looking to pursue studies abroad in either Kazakhstan or Malaysia.
The takeaway
Direct university-to-university partnerships reduce barriers for students and researchers operating in different geographical regions. Prospective students should monitor university portals for new exchange programs resulting from these finalized agreements.
Further reading
Discover more about academic exchange programs and opportunities in the Scholarships section.
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