The Malaysian Australian Alumni Council (MAAC) is the national umbrella body for Malaysian alumni associations of Australian universities and other institutions of higher learning. The Council is supported by the Australian High Commission in Malaysia with the patronage of the Australian High Commissioner.
The MAAC was initiated in June 1996 when the need to establish a national organisation for Malaysian-based alumni associations of Australian universities was recognised at a meeting to plan the then 1996 Malaysian Australian University Alumni Convention (MAUAC) in Kuala Lumpur. That meeting consequently moved to establish the MAAC and the MAAC Protem Committee of five members, which was charged with the responsibility of pursuing and developing this initiative.
This Protem Committee proceeded to take the necessary steps to formalise the MAAC, including drafting and subsequently promulgating the MAAC Constitution and formulating a strategic plan to provide the strategic direction for the MAAC.
The formation of the MAAC was made official in November 1999, with the Registrar of Societies (ROS) approval of the application for a registered society status. Since its inception in 1996, the MAAC has successfully organised many activities and worked with various organisations and individuals to bring together various Malaysian graduates from Australian Universities and other institutions of higher learning through their respective Alumni Associations and representatives. Given the number of Malaysian alumni of Australian universities and other institutions of higher learning, it is hoped that the MAAC will be able to establish itself, in accordance to its Vision and Missions.
Now helmed by a fifteen-member Executive, the MAAC represents and serves its member entities on various issues related to Malaysia-Australia relations, as well as organises many activities throughout the year.
The vision of the MAAC is to be a prestigious, influential and respectable national organisation of Malaysia alumni associations of Australian universities and institutions of higher learning.
Alumni Relations
The MAAC Alumni Relations provides opportunities for Malaysia alumni associations of Australian universities and institutions of higher learning to stay connected with one another. Its goals are to provide services that will enhance professional and personal growth, to communicate the progress and plans of all alumni associations in Malaysia, and to foster alumni involvement with each other.
Missions:
- To protect, represent and advance the interests of both Malaysian alumni associations of Australian universities and institutions of higher learning, and the interest of their alumni;
- To promote and foster coordination, integration and networking amongst Malaysian alumni associations of Australian universities and institutions of higher learning including their alumni;
- To support and facilitate the establishment of new Malaysian alumni associations of Australian universities and institutions of higher learning
- To support and enhance the activities of the existing Malaysian alumni associations of Australian universities and institutions of higher learning; and
- To support and facilitate the alumni associations of Australian universities and institutions of higher learning in their promotion of the role and relevance of the said alumni associations in respect of their grassroots.
Bilateral Relations
The MAAC Bilateral Relations provides the foundation that was built upon for the relations of both Malaysia and Australia. It strives to be a platform for discussion and exchange of views aimed at developing activities and promoting bilateral relations between Malaysia and Australia amongst its members. It also plays a role in enhancing the relationships with other Australian alumni councils and associations in ASEAN and the Asia Pacific region which includes related dialogue sessions to support bilateral fraternity with each other and Australia.
Missions:
- To promote and foster bilateral relations between universities and institutions of higher learning, alumni associations, graduates and other relevant entities of Malaysia and Australia, in the areas of education, culture, commerce, industry, investment, scientific research, training, and any other areas as may be further identified by the MAAC from time to time; and
- To generate philanthropic investment and sponsorships through strategic engagement with alumni, universities and institutions of higher learning, alumni associations, professional bodies, relevant business councils, related corporate sector and other relevant entities of Malaysia and Australia
Education and Welfare
The MAAC Education & Welfare identifies potential opportunities towards the development of education and related welfare for both Australians and Malaysians. One of its major role is to organise and spearhead The Malaysia Australia Colombo Plan Commemoration (MACC) Scholarships.
Missions:
- Organiser of The Malaysia Australia Colombo Plan Commemoration (MACC) Scholarships – contributing towards the development of education in both Malaysia and Australia;
- To contribute towards the development of education and any other relevant areas as may be further identified by the MAAC from time to time; and
- To contribute towards the development of a caring and other positive manifestations of the Malaysian society and nation through community, charitable and any other initiatives as may be further identified by the MAAC from time to time.
General
Missions:
- To raise and administer funds, through fund raising, business and any other activities as may be identified by the MAAC from time to time, to support the activities and initiatives of the MAAC.
- To undertake and implement in such manner as it deems fit, such other matters not inconsistent with the above Missions as may be further identified by the MAAC from time to time.
Since inception, the MAAC has worked strategically with the Australian High Commission, including the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT), Australian Department of Education and the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade). Other strategic partners include Malaysian Students’ Council of Australia (MASCA), Education Malaysia Australia (EMA), Malaysia Australia Business Council (MABC) and various Malaysia Australia Colombo Plan Commemoration (MACC) Scholarships Partners
