Russia seeks to expand youth exchanges with Sarawak

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7: Russia is looking to expand youth and student exchange programmes with Sarawak, including through scholarships and study opportunities, Russian Ambassador to Malaysia Naiyl M. Latypov said.

“We have more than 600 Malaysian students in Russia, but I think that we should increase this number.

“We are expanding these opportunities and increasing the exchange programmes. We are also looking into increasing grants for Malaysian students,” Latypov said.

“You are welcome to study in Russia from different parts of Malaysia, Pahang, Sarawak and other regions.

“Maybe at the end of this month, I will have a chance to visit Sarawak,” he said in an exclusive interview with TVS on the sidelines of the Paya Besar Global Pulse 2026 event.

Latypov also said he hoped to meet Sarawak authorities during the visit to discuss youth exchange programmes and identify opportunities to expand cooperation between young people from both countries.

He said Russia and Malaysia had achieved positive results in their relations in recent years, with youth playing an important role in shaping the future of bilateral ties.

“The future of our relations is in the hands of young people.

“We would like to ask them to actively take part in these events because I am really sure that it will be a very good experience for them and it will be very good for the future of our countries, both Russian and Malaysian,” the ambassador remarked.

The exchange programmes also provide young people with opportunities to gain exposure to different cultures and perspectives while broadening their understanding of global issues. – TVS