Bogor A Strategic Partner In Economic And Educational Ties - Malaysian Envoy

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

BOGOR, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- The economic and educational ties between Bogor and Malaysia are expected to continue to flourish following a meeting between Malaysia's Ambassador to Indonesia Datuk Syed Mohamad Hasrin Tengku Hussin and Bogor City Mayor Dedie A. Rachim, on Monday.

During the courtesy visit at Dedie's office at Balai Kota Bogor (city government office), both sides discussed cooperations in various fields, including the export of Bogor products to Malaysia, the involvement of Malaysian companies in the pharmaceutical sector, and Malaysian student welfare in the city.

“We hope this meeting helps to expand cooperation in education, tourism, and the economy,” Syed Mohamad Hasrin said.

He also expressed appreciation to the Bogor City government for the close cooperation and for looking after the the welfare of Malaysian students.

Bogor is famous among tourists for its cool climate, beautiful nature, and attractions such as Bogor Palace, the president's official residence, the historical Bogor Botanical Gardens, and Sundanese cuisine, the traditional cuisine of the people of West Java famed for its fresh raw vegetables and spicy sambal.

Meanwhile, the Embassy of Malaysia in Jakarta organised the second of its annual “Temu Dubes Malaysia” programme at IPB University, the institute formerly known as Bogor Agricultural Institute and located about 70 km from Jakarta.

The event, which brought together 142 Malaysian students and the leadership, academic staff, and the university's Indonesian students, was also attended by IPB University Vice Rector, Prof Iskandar Zulkarnaen Siregar.

Syed Mohamad Hasrin said the programme serves to forge closer ties with Malaysian students, in addition to promoting the culture, cuisine, and the latest development in Malaysia-Indonesia bilateral ties.

“We are pleased that IPB has established cooperation with universities in Malaysia, and hope that it can be bolstered through joint research, double degree programmes, and academic and student mobility,” he said.

He also advised the 1,173 Malaysians who are pursuing their studies in Indonesia, in particular in Bogor, to prioritise personal safety, especially during rainy seasons, and to immediately get in touch with the embassy in the event of an emergency.

He reminded the students to preserve the country's image and good name by respecting local customs and law, and to make use of the opportunity to interact with Indonesian students to gain experience and build network for the future.

The meeting and programme in Bogor reflect the continued commitment of both countries to strengthen bilateral ties, in particular in education, economy, and people-to-people diplomacy.

The events were held five days after Syed Mohamad Hasrin made a courtesy visit to Indonesia's Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Prof Brian Yuliarto, in Jakarta to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of higher education between Malaysia and Indonesia.

-- BERNAMA