M'SIA AND CHINA DISCUSS RECOGNITION FOR UNIVERSITY DEGREES

PORT DICKSON (Malaysia), March 30 (Bernama) -- A delegation from China's
Education Ministry is in Kuala Lumpur for discussions with Malaysia's Higher
Education Ministry on recognition for university degrees from both countries.

Higher Education Deputy Minister Dr Hou Kok Chung said the exchange of views
was important as both countries had signed a memorandum of understanding on the
matter in November last year.

"We believe the outcome of the discussions will be beneficial for both
countries and so far there have only been some technical problems to be
resolved," he said after opening The Third Asean-China Rectors' Conference
organised by the Asean University Network and Universiti Malaya, here, Tuesday.

Hou said there were now 9,000 students from China in Malaysia while 2,000
Malaysians were studying in China.

"Malaysia plays an important in the development of higher education as it
now hosts 80,000 foreign students, making it an educational hub in the region."

He said besides trade and economy, education and culture also played an
important role in enhancing Malaysia-China relations.

Earlier, in his speech, Hou said there was much that could be done to
promote inter- and intra-regional cooperation in higher education.

"For example, universities in China and the Asean countries can look into
the possibility of providing scholarships for high-achieving students to promote
the mobility of students among universities.

"The presence of international students in classes will undoubtedly promote
interesting class discussions as diversified opinions are exchanged, hence
enriching learning experiences."

He said China's and Asean universities should also learn from one another so
that the quality of academic research could be further improved through academic
staff exchanges and research collaborations.

"In addition, cultural and language exchange programmes can be organised to
enhance mutual understanding among university students in China and the Asean
countries. Friendship and goodwill among our younger generation will undoubtedly
contribute towards promoting peace and development."

He said based on China's newspaper, International Business, dated Aug 11,
2009, there were now about 35,000 Asean students in China while the number of
its students in Asean countries was 70,000.

-- BERNAMA