Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim inaugurated yesterday the campus of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) at Lusail City.

The UKM campus, according to an official statement, will commence registration of its first batch of students in October for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Ibrahim stated that the establishment of UKM Qatar not only fosters academic collaboration and cultural exchange on a global scale; it promotes bilateral relations and strengthens diplomatic ties between the two countries.

"UKM Qatar has become an inspiring landmark for other academic institutions in Malaysia,” he said. “It is hoped that other academic institutions in Malaysia will take UKM as an exemplary model and explore opportunities to expand their international presence.”

UKM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Ekhwan Toriman said that the establishment of UKM Qatar is a historic achievement for the university, making it the first Malaysian public university to open a branch in Qatar.

UKM Qatar was established in Qatar last year under the patronage of Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani.

Its establishment is in line with the aspirations of contemporary society in Qatar and the GCC countries, for the prosperity of society at all levels, where quality education is the cornerstone.

The event was attended by HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi, Malaysian ministers, and other dignitaries from both countries.