14-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia could benefit if Russia–US ties improve, says Mohamad Hasan
MOSCOW: Malaysia must be ready to seize opportunities in Russia, especially if Moscow's relationship with the United States (US) improves, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
He said the government's move to strengthen ties with Russia is a long-term strategic step, as the global landscape remains fluid and unpredictable.
"Relations between Russia and the US could recover at any time. Under the current US administration, there's a different worldview compared to before.
"If that happens and Malaysia has already deepened its relationship with Russia, we stand to gain significantly," he said during a dinner with the Malaysian diaspora here.
Mohamad said Russia offers vast untapped potential across sectors, particularly in agriculture and technology.
"This is a country rich in resources and advanced in many areas, including agriculture. We need to be prepared to engage and benefit when the time comes."
More than 100 Malaysians, including students and embassy personnel, attended the dinner hosted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is on a four-day official visit to Russia.
Mohamad also urged Malaysian students in Russia to uphold the country's good name and return home to serve, especially in critical fields like medicine and engineering.
"When you graduate, come back and contribute. We need your expertise."
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said Malaysia's ambition to become a high-technology nation by 2030 requires deep investment in talent and innovation.
"With global uncertainty, it's getting harder to attract high-quality, capital-intensive and tech-driven investment. That's why we need a skilled workforce," he said.
"This includes Malaysians abroad. Your experience matters in building the ecosystem we need at home."
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the ministry is already moving to overhaul the higher education system.
This will be carried out under the Higher Education Transformation Plan 2025–2035, which is expected to be launched by the end of this year.
"The aim is to align our universities with global trends and future challenges, especially as technology continues to reshape the education landscape," he said.
