AUSTRALIA STRENGTHENS TIES WITH MALAYSIA THROUGH SCHOOLS

By Neville D'Cruz

MELBOURNE, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- The Advisory Board of the Australia-Malaysia
Institute (AMI) has recognised the achievements of six Victorian schools which
took part in the Australia-Malaysia Sister School pilot programme.

At the Australia-Malaysia Alumni reception held at The Hotel Windsor here,
AMI Advisory Board chairman Professor Lance Twomey presented each school with
A$2,000 (RM 5,831.79), in appreciation of their work in making the pilot project
a success.

The programme began with the twinning of six schools in Victoria with six
schools in Malaysia last year.

The schools have been active in building their relationships through
regular student communications via e-mail, blogs and wikis and cooperation in
the development of joint curriculum in the fields of English, mathematics, the
arts, science and languages.

The programme included two-way teacher exchanges and some student exchanges.

The AMI will work together with the Victorian Department of Education and
Early Childhood Development to expand the sister school programme to a further
six schools in Victoria and six in Malaysia.

The AMI advisory met with representatives of Malaysian student organisations
to discuss their experiences as international students in Australia and possible
collaboration in future projects.

The Advisory Board also considered a number of high-quality proposals for
projects in the fields of public policy, education, science, health, media and
sport that will further people-to people links and engagement between Australia
and Malaysian institutions and organisations.

The Australia-Malaysia Institute, established by the Australian Government
in 2005, aims to strengthen the Australia-Malaysia relationship through
supporting a broad range of projects that enhance contact and exchange between
the two countries and their peoples.

Board Members are Professor Lance Twomey, Christian Bennett, Geraldine
Doogue, Rechelle Hawkes, Dr Alia Imtoual, Kathe Kirby and Professor Anthony
Milner.
-- BERNAMA