The UK and Malaysia have long-standing higher education (HE) relationships, strengthened by historical ties, shared interests and goals. In a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the two countries renewed their commitment to expanding collaborative efforts in higher education, research and innovation.
Since 2024, Malaysia and China have discussed strategic initiatives to strengthen HE cooperation while celebrating the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations.
The British Council has always recognised the vital role that HE plays in building robust, collaborative relationships between nations. To further strengthen knowledge sharing, cultural exchange, mobility and research excellence between our nations, the British Council has established the UK-Malaysia University Consortium and the UK-Jiangsu University Consortium, working in collaboration with local and provincial government departments. Against the backdrop of greater educational globalisation and the need to find innovative solutions to the challenges this brings, the British Council hosted the UK-Malaysia-Jiangsu (China) Higher Education Forum in 2025 with the theme of A Strategic Alliance for Global Excellence.
This Forum aimed to:
- bring together the UK-Malaysia University Consortium and the UK-Jiangsu University Consortium – both set up by the British Council
- build on existing diplomatic and partnership frameworks to create deeper, more responsive and adaptable partnerships between the UK, Malaysia and Jiangsu (China), enabling them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world
- set the stage for sustainable HE partnerships to drive innovation and excellence in the region and beyond
The importance of multilateral collaboration
With increasingly complex global challenges ahead, the need for strong, multilateral partnerships in higher education is now urgent. Stronger collaboration between the UK, Malaysia and Jiangsu (China) will better achieve shared goals of academic excellence, technological innovation and global sustainability.
This historic forum brought together education leaders from the UK, Malaysia and Jiangsu province of China, culminating in the “Kuala Lumpur Statement of Intent.” It formalised the first trilateral strategic alliance in higher education among our three regions—an initiative that reflects the British Council’s evolving ambition to foster meaningful, sustainable international partnerships.