Malaysia-Russia Educational Ties as Soft Diplomacy Tool
Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation, Teoh Seng Lee, emphasized the significance of education as a ‘soft diplomacy’ strategy in deepening Russia-Malaysia relations. Speaking at the ASEAN forum in Kuala Lumpur, Lee noted that thousands of Malaysian graduates from Russian institutions are bringing back expertise and a more favorable perception of Russia, challenging Western media portrayals.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov honored Lee with the ‘For Interaction’ badge, recognizing his pivotal role in advancing economic, trade, and humanitarian ties between the two nations over the past 30 years.
Lee highlighted the impact of his efforts, particularly in cultivating a generation of skilled professionals in Malaysia, including doctors and engineers, who now contribute to their country’s development. He expressed hope for expanded educational exchanges and scholarship opportunities to further strengthen the partnership.
The consul also stressed that these graduates play a crucial role in countering negative narratives, as their personal experiences create a more balanced understanding of Russia’s role in the region.
Yury Ushakov, a Kremlin foreign policy aide, noted that around seven thousand Malaysians had graduated from Russian educational institutions, mostly in medical fields, reinforcing the importance of these educational ties in fostering mutual understanding and collaboration.