BUKIT MERTAJAM: Russia will offer more scholarships to Malaysian students next year, particularly for medical studies, to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Russian Ambassador to Malaysia Naiyl M. Latypov said education and medicine were key areas for closer cooperation, as they would benefit both countries and strengthen people-to-people ties.
He said the Russian government would offer 4,000 scholarships to international students from next year, expressing hope that more Malaysians would benefit from the programme.
“To qualify, students must take part in knowledge-based competitions, with winners allowed to pursue five to six years of study in Russia,” he said during an official visit to the 136-year-old Bukit Mertajam Hospital (HBM) here.
The visit underscored the close ties between Malaysia and Russia in medical education, particularly through the contributions of Russian university graduates who now play important roles in the country’s healthcare system.
Naiyl, accompanied by Russia’s Honorary Consul in Penang, Datuk Dr Teoh Seng Lee, was received by Penang Health director Dr Zulhizzam Abdullah and HBM director Dr Prashant Subramanian, who is also a graduate of a Russian medical institution.
Russia has increased its scholarship allocation for Malaysian students from 10 two years ago to 20, and then to 40 this year.
The number is expected to rise to 60 next year in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Naiyl said Russian higher education institutions were proud to have produced Malaysian graduates who now serve as medical specialists, medical officers, hospital directors, surgeons and leaders in the healthcare sector.
He said nearly 7,000 Malaysian doctors had graduated from Russian universities, making them an important link in strengthening bilateral relations.
“I greatly appreciate the work of doctors as I come from a family of doctors myself. The profession carries immense responsibility and requires great sacrifice,” he said.
Naiyl also expressed concern over the declining number of Malaysians pursuing medical studies in Russia.
He said about 600 Malaysians were studying medicine in Russia when he first took up his post as ambassador, but the figure had since dropped to about 400.
“We need to do something to revive young Malaysians’ interest in pursuing medicine,” he said.
He said Russia hoped to further strengthen cooperation with Malaysia in healthcare, medical education, research and the professional development of healthcare personnel.
He also proposed setting up an association of Russian university alumni in Malaysia to bring graduates together and serve as a bridge between the two countries.