Johannesburg - South Africa has much to learn from Malaysia's investment in education, President Jacob Zuma said during an official visit to Malaysia on Tuesday.
"Malaysia has done very well through investment in the development of its people through education," Zuma said.
"[The country] is well on the path of becoming a developed country within the time frame it has set for itself, and you have recognised quality and inclusive education as a crucial contributor to achieve this remarkable goal."
Zuma received a honorary doctorate of leadership from the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology on his two-day visit to the Southeast Asian country.
The president said South Africa had made substantial progress in reforming education post-apartheid.
"Government's commitment to education is witnessed by the fact that education is allocated 20% of total state expenditure, receiving the largest share of government spending," Zuma said.
The international relations department said 2013 marked the 20th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries.
It said South Africa was the largest African investor in Malaysia, with investments in the petro-chemicals, insurance, food, and beverages industries.
Total trade between South Africa and Malaysia grew from about R13.8bn in 2008 to R19.7bn in 2012.
Zuma thanked the people of Malaysia and its leaders for the role it played during the anti-apartheid struggle.