Australia and Malaysia to collaborate more closely on all aspects of education

Prime Minister Albanese hosted Malaysian Prime Minister the Honourable Anwar Ibrahim for an official visit to Australia in Melbourne on Monday for the second Australia-Malaysia Annual Leaders Meeting. 

During the meeting the leaders agreed to collaborate more closely on education – from early childhood to university, and on opportunities for Australia’s young sportspeople to develop together.

Malaysia, the Prime Minister said, is an important regional partner and friend to Australia. As well as education and athletics, the leaders discussed their desire to bring their people and economies closer together, guided by Australia’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

The Southeast Asian Economic Strategy has highlighted the digital economy as a priority growth area for Australian business in Malaysia. In response to this opportunity, leaders announced a new agreement to encourage collaboration between Australian and Malaysian technology companies, which will boost two-way investment.

Leaders also welcomed new cooperation on maritime decarbonisation and clean energy which will reduce shipping emissions and drive cooperation on renewable energy uptake.

“I was honoured to welcome Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Australia for his first official visit as Prime Minister of Malaysia,” Prime Minister Albanese said.

“The Australian Government is committed to deepening links with Southeast Asia, and Malaysia is a longstanding friend and partner in the region.”

“Looking to the future, there are enormous opportunities to be realised by closer cooperation between Australia and Malaysia.”

Australia, he continued, is also pleased to support Malaysia’s democratic reforms through the Australia-Malaysia Institutional Strengthening Program, which will support Malaysia’s work to strengthen government integrity and transparency.

The leaders also committed to working more closely to manage cyber security threats and train professionals in cyber skills, as well as strengthening cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation.