Speaking at The Bridge: Fulbright@75 event, Noraini said she expected a steady increase in the number of Malaysian recipients in the coming years.

The Fulbright scholarship is the US government’s flagship programme for education and cultural exchange. Organised by the Malaysian-American Commission on Education Exchange (MACEE), the virtual event celebrated the programme’s 75th anniversary with alumni sharing their contributions and experiences in various fields.

“Both Malaysia and the US have always enjoyed strong bilateral relations in various fields, and the Fulbright programme significantly impacts both nations by increasing growth in bilateral collaboration among higher education institutions, international mobility and knowledge exchange.”

She said Malaysia was committed to strengthening the country’s bilateral relations with the US through MACEE and the Fulbright programme.

The higher education minister reiterated that Malaysia aimed to become an international hub for quality higher education.

Since its inception in Malaysia in 1963, more than 2,200 Malaysians and Americans have participated in the Fulbright scholarship programme to pursue higher education, research, and professional development opportunities.

Saying the relationship between both nations was strong, MACEE executive director Curtis Johnson added: “The Bridge: Fulbright@75 not only represents MACEE’s dedication to sustaining that relationship but also to serving as a bridge to the future of international education and exchange.”