The Department of Education (DepEd) further strengthened its ties with the Malaysian government to boost education opportunities and explore potential scholarships for learners.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara met with Malaysian Ambassador Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino and his delegation on Tuesday to discuss new opportunities that will benefit not only Filipino learners but also the broader Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) community, according to a DepEd news release on Wednesday.

“Malaysia has long been a valued partner in education, and today we continue to build on our shared history to empower our learners and communities,” Angara said.

He said the proposed Malaysian scholarship programs were identified as key to expanding access to higher education for Filipinos and fostering regional cooperation, sustainable peace and economic growth.

The meeting focused on advancing bilateral initiatives, including ways to improve the Philippines’ Madrasah Education Program, and the Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) program in public and private Madaris schools in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Angara and the Malaysian envoy also discussed the strengthening of workforce development through the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ahmad Zahid Bin Hamidi have earlier committed to boost TVET programs to make Filipino graduates more employable on the global stage during their meeting in October 2024.

Angara also expressed enthusiasm for revisiting the 2014 Memorandum of Understanding on Education Cooperation, which was renewed in 2019, to align with emerging priorities.

This includes integrating industry-focused initiatives such as the development of the halal sector and strengthening regional collaboration.

“We will explore new opportunities that will benefit not only our learners but also the broader ASEAN community,” Angara said. (PNA)