KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 – More Malaysians will now have the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies in New Zealand following an increase in the number of Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship offered to Malaysians.
The New Zealand High Commission in Malaysia, in a statement o Tuesday, said the allocation for Malaysians has been increased from two to 39 per year for the next three years, as announced by New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings, held here on July 10.
The High Commission said the expanded offering also marks a strategic milestone in bilateral relations as both countries seek to strengthen ties in education and trade.
“As New Zealand strengthens its ties with Southeast Asia, it is important we build on our existing people-centred connections. Our Manaaki Scholarship programme is a key part of this,” Peters was quoted as saying in the statement.
Meanwhile, New Zealand High Commissioner to Malaysia, Michael Walsh, said these new scholarships will cover tuition, travel cost, living stipends, and pastoral care, among other things.
“The scholarships will support the next generation of capable individuals to develop new skills and capabilities in a range of priority sectors for Malaysia,” he added.
He said over 1,300 scholars have benefitted since the beginning of the Colombo Plan in 1951.
The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship programme supports postgraduate students from Malaysia and other countries to study in New Zealand in a range of disciplines, including climate and economic resilience, governance, and education.
