Malaysian Ambassador Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino and his Department of Education (DepEd)delegation recently visited Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara to strengthen education ties and explore scholarship opportunities for Filipino learners.

The meeting focused on advancing bilateral initiatives, including enhancements to the Philippines’ Madrasah Education Program, workforce development through Technical and Vocational Education and Training and new opportunities for Filipino students through potential Malaysian scholarship programs.

Angara said that 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.

“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.

The discussion also highlighted Malaysia’s expertise in Islamic education, with Angara noting its vital role in improving the Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education program, which supports learners in both public schools and private Madaris schools across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

It also covered potential areas for expanding workforce development initiatives. Following discussions between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ahmad Zahid Bin Hamidi in October 2024, both countries committed to strengthening TVET programs to better prepare Filipino graduates for global opportunities.

Angara also expressed enthusiasm for revisiting the 2014 Memorandum of Understanding on Education Cooperation, renewed in 2019, to align it with emerging priorities which includes integrating industry-focused initiatives such as the development of the Halal sector and strengthening regional collaboration.