Pages

Share This

Deepseek https://www.deepseek.com/./深度求索 DeepSeek | 深度求索
Showing posts with label International Students. Show all posts
Showing posts with label International Students. Show all posts

Sunday, September 7, 2025

‘Malaysian edu can do better’

 

This visual is human-created, AI-aided

Positioning Malaysia as a hub of excellence in both innovation-driven and non-science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields is crucial to maintaining Kuala Lumpur’s edge as a global student city, industry players say.

While placing 12th in the latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Best Student Cities Rankings – the country’s best showing since participating in 2016 – is cause for celebration, Malaysia has the potential to do even better.

Looking ahead, Malaysian Association of Private Colleges and Universities (Mapcu) president Datuk Parmjit Singh said institutions should shift away from generic qualifications towards growth verticals such as artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, data science, analytics, cybersecurity and integrated circuit design.

Parmjit

National Association of Private Educational Institutions (Napei) president Datuk Lau Wai Cheng, meanwhile, emphasised that while STEM is critical, non-STEM areas should not be overlooked.

“We have seen institutions establish advisory boards with industry leaders, embed internships and work placements into degree programmes, and even co-develop courses with employers, especially in areas like design, communications and hospitality.

“These partnerships go beyond appearances; they deliver real-world skills, meaningful job placements, and industry-ready graduates.

“These partnerships go beyond appearances; they deliver real-world skills, meaningful job placements, and industry-ready graduates.

“That said, there is still room to strengthen the alignment between non-STEM programmes and the demands of fast-evolving job markets, especially in emerging areas like content creation, digital marketing, social innovation and careers related to environmental, social and governance initiatives,” she said, adding that to remain competitive, institutions must ensure their programmes stay relevant by embedding practical experiences like internships while equipping students with both technical and soft skills.

Lau also stressed that continuous engagement with industry at local, regional and international levels is vital to keeping curricula aligned with market demands and producing graduates who remain in high demand.

Malaysia, said Parmjit, already has what it takes to get ahead: English-medium instruction, internationally benchmarked programmes, competitive tuition fees and living costs, and continuous investment in modern campuses and resources to attract even more global learners.

But these strengths must now be strongly showcased in the global student recruitment arena, he asserted.

“Education Malaysia Global Services can champion Malaysia’s private universities abroad.

“The agency is best placed to highlight institutions that have invested heavily in providing attractive learning and living environments, alongside high-quality education and excellent student experiences,” he said.

Road to 2030

Parmjit noted that the key to staying competitive lies in internationalisation, mobility and innovation.

“Malaysian private institutions should intensify international mobility and recognition, as well as forge more transnational education (TNE) partnerships with reputed universities,” he said, adding that such efforts would broaden the range of unique programmes on offer and attract more international students.

He also called for greater flexibility around student work rights.

“It would be a big boost if post-study work schemes or visa flexibility were expanded to retain talented graduates. This will greatly enhance students’ interest in coming to Malaysia to study.

“This would help students defray their living expenses, and the extra income earned would in turn be spent here in Malaysia, especially as students tend to travel beyond KL during their holidays and experience the best of what Malaysian tourism has to offer,” he added.

For Parmjit, the latest QS rankings validate years of investment by private institutions in creating globally relevant offerings.

“The private sector is well poised and always prepared to capitalise on this recognition.

“Many member institutions already have high international student proportions and employ robust admission channels,” he said.

LauLau

Lau, however, stressed that while the QS recognition is important, rankings alone do not change global perceptions.

“We need to amplify this narrative through consistent communication, student testimonials and clear evidence of graduate success,” she said, while stressing the need to ensure momentum extends beyond KL.

“We should develop other cities – such as Penang, Johor Baru and Kuching – into student-friendly education hubs.

“This involves enhancing infrastructure, industry linkages, and student services,” she said, adding that with the right support and collaboration, KL’s success can be replicated and more Malaysian cities can be positioned as attractive destinations for international students.

She also said achieving the government’s 2030 goal of making Malaysia a regional and global education hub will depend on expanding the nation’s appeal and diversifying what it offers.

“With targeted investment and collaborative effort, Malaysia can not only sustain KL’s standing but also elevate other cities as attractive destinations for global learners,” she said.

Mapcu, said Parmjit, continuously plays a proactive role in policy advocacy, sector coordination and international branding.

“We work with the Higher Education Ministry and regulators on policies related to recruitment, quality assurance and graduate work rights; we help institutions benchmark and collaborate; and we amplify Malaysia’s position abroad through participation in global education fairs.

“Mapcu is fully committed to working hand in hand with government and institutions to ensure that KL – and by extension, Malaysia – capitalises on its inherent strengths and potential to achieve its goal of being a leading regional and global education hub by 2030,” he said.

 

In love with ‘second home’

INTERNATIONAL students from UCSI University share what it’s like to study in KL, which they fondly call their “second home”.

JenniferJennifer

I started my tertiary studies a year ago. When I arrived in KL, my first impression was that the country had nice food and a vibrant culture. But as I immersed myself more in the city, I fell in love with how developed its infrastructure was. As a student, this is the kind of place I was looking for. It is really convenient for me to get to university or head to the city centre to hang out during the weekends because the public transport is efficient and everything is affordable. I’m currently pursuing a mass communication degree, and there are many opportunities here. I love that many companies don’t shy away from hiring international students — it’s a great chance for me to broaden my horizons. My experience studying here has also given me valuable exposure that supports my future. KL has huge potential to rise in the QS rankings, with how integrated and safe the city is for students to explore on their own. It is one of the best places to discover who you are, to learn, and to build your career. -- Jennifer Janis, 23, Indonesia

SuyeonSuyeon

It has been 15 years since I first came to Malaysia. What began as a decision made by my parents, who saw the country’s potential for growth, turned into a long-term journey of learning, adapting and growing. Moving to a different country at a young age had its challenges. But over time, I came to truly appreciate what makes Malaysia such a unique and welcoming place to live and study in. Malaysia’s multilingual environment is another strength I deeply value. English, Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin are commonly spoken. As a student, this allows me to naturally broaden my linguistic skills and cultural understanding. It’s an experience that has prepared me well for global communication and cross-cultural collaboration — skills that are increasingly important in today’s world. Varsity life has also played a meaningful role in my growth — the student community is so open and engaging. As I prepare to graduate and step into the next chapter of my life, I’m grateful for the years I’ve spent in Malaysia. The lessons I’ve learnt, the people I’ve met, and the perspectives I’ve gained will stay with me — both as a person and as a qualified professional.-- Suyeon Huh,


Room for improvement

The Star https://www.thestar.com.my › education › 2025/09/07

12 hours ago — Asian cities rise in standings. The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Best Student Cities Rankings 2026, which feature 150 cities and districts, also ...

Room for improvement



Related stories:



 24, South Korea

SyedSyed

My friends and I were just talking about how it’s such a blessing to be studying in KL. From the moment you arrive at the airport, there’s a separate counter for international students — it makes you feel seen and welcomed. From the rich culture that allows students of any nationality to feel at home and the amazing places to visit, to the campus life that makes you feel part of a close-knit community - there’s so much KL gets right that many other places don’t. One important factor is that most international students feel safe in KL, no matter what is going on everywhere else in the world. I’ve seen firsthand how my varsity goes out of its way to support international students, especially those whose home countries are experiencing war and unrest. Initiatives like the International Buddy Programme and events like International Cultural Week really help us feel welcomed, safe and comfortable. --Syed Wajeeh Hassan, 20, Pakistan

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Malaysia, a magnet for international students

 

CLICK TO ENLARGE

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has the potential to attract more international students due to its quality education and affordable cost of living.

Malaysian Association of Private Colleges and Universities (Mapcu) president Datuk Parmjit Singh said factors that encourage students to study in Malaysia include the availability of high quality education programmes system delivered by universities with a strong international outlook and well-developed campuses and facilities.

“Tuition fees are relatively lower... (The same goes for the) living cost in Malaysia,” he said, adding that Malaysia also offers a student-friendly social ecosystem to provide the sort of lifestyle sought by international students.

“The tightening of regulations for international students is happening in a few countries, with some mainly due to shortages of accommodation in these countries.

ALSO READ: Growing worry over rising cost of studying overseas

“This does present opportunities for Malaysia to attract those students who are now unable to study in countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada.

“However, factors such as opportunities to work while studying and more inclusive post-study work opportunities – all of which are available to international students in those countries – may need to be enhanced in order to encourage these students to select Malaysia as a preferred alternative destination,” said Parmjit, who is also Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)chief executive officer (CEO).

Vice-Chancellors’ Council for Private Universities chairman Prof Mushtak Al-Atabi said in order to attract international students to our shores, Malaysia should make itself a more accessible destination.

“There are multiple countries in the region that are competing with Malaysia to be the regional education hub,” said Prof Mushtak, who is also Heriot-Watt University Malaysia provost and CEO.

National Association of Private Educational Institutions secretary-general Dr Teh Choon Jin said it is important for Malaysia to maintain a good reputation in terms of treatment of international students or foreigners in order to entice students to come here.

ALSO READ: INTERACTIVE: How the jobs mismatch may derail Malaysia’s drive to become a high-income nation

“If there is any negative report of ill treatment of foreigners, it may discourage potential international students from pursuing their studies in Malaysia,” he said.

Dr Teh also said these students may face challenges in finding employment opportunities in Malaysia after graduation as there are limited numbers for international graduates, compared to those in countries with more robust job markets.

On the plus side, Malaysia offers great cost savings due to the ringgit’s exchange rate being low compared with countries such as the UK, Australia, Canada and the United States, he added.

Malaysia’s location in South-East Asia with good connectivity to other countries within the region and those beyond the region also makes it an attractive destination to experience Asia, Dr Teh said.

He added that the nation is perceived as a safe country, Muslim-friendly and has a wide variety of food catering to different needs.

“Malaysia has relatively straightforward visa regulations compared to some other countries, making it easier for students to obtain study visas,” said Teh, who is also APU registrar.

Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) CEO Novie Tajuddin said the number of international students coming to Malaysia has been increasing over the years.

He said the principal body that manages the movement of international students in Malaysia, including facilitating visa processing, had received 65,207 applications by the end of 2023.

This is a huge increase compared with 10,453 applications in 2020.

“Malaysia is attractive to international students as (the living cost in the country) is affordable... The people are (also) friendly, and we are advanced in terms of transnational education,” he said when contacted.

“EMGS continues to promote our education, opening the door for new areas, looking into existing policy and working closely with the Higher Education Ministry and to work with other relevant ministries,”

Novie stressed.He also posited that the country could benefit from the tightening of regulations governing international students in other countries such as Canada, Australia and the UK.

Novie highlighted that Malaysia offers a graduate pass for students from 25 countries, including Brunei, Singapore, South Korea, Japan and Australia.

This year, he said, China and India were added to the list of countries that offer the pass.

“The graduate pass allows international students to stay for a year after completing their study.

“In this time, they can go on vacation, progress to the next study level or work in Malaysia,” he added.

The graduate pass is a long-term social visit pass that allows holders to gain multiple entries into the country.

The said pass is offered to international graduates who have completed their degree programmes at local universities and other higher education institutes

Source link:.https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/10/a-magnet-for-international-students

Related stories:

Growing worry over rising cost of studying overseas

INTERACTIVE: How the jobs mismatch may derail Malaysia’s drive to become a high-income nation

Related posts:

Malaysia, China aim to enhance Research and Education; Malaysian hospitality a win for varsities

 

Sunday, August 13, 2023

Malaysia, China aim to enhance Research and Education; Malaysian hospitality a win for varsities

 



GEORGE TOWN: Malaysia and China will explore the need to increase collaboration in research and education, besides the export of durians, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said during a closed-door meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that they also touched on regional matters such as an “Asean mechanism” for addressing pressing issues in the South China Sea.

“We discussed education since Malaysia hosts a substantial number of Chinese students at about 60,000, while there are about 7,000 Malaysian students studying in China.

“The Chinese minister also acknowledged the potential for further academic exchanges that could contribute to the growth and development of both countries,” he told reporters when met after the meeting here yesterday.

Anwar said despite sharing strong ties with China, Malaysia would strive to enhance normal diplomatic engagements through a strong, strategic partnership.

“Our strong relationship makes it easier for us to discuss other things because of the good ties we have,” he said, adding that he and Wang Yi touched on various aspects of cooperation and collaboration with a focus on investments, education and regional issues.

“Together with other Malaysian ministers, we also spoke on matters involving the strengthening of relationships on both sides.”

He also thanked Wang Yi for his role in facilitating significant Chinese investments in Malaysia, such as petrochemical giant Rongsheng and carmaker Geely, along with other key players.

The Chinese minister was in the country on a courtesy visit to meet Anwar.

 Source link

Malaysia and China to deepen ties in various fields









Malaysian hospitality a win for varsities



Home away home


Vibrant culture, lower cost, and ease of getting a visa among reasons more international students are flocking here.

MALAYSIANS are a friendly bunch and this, according to a recent global survey, is a pull factor for youths from other countries to study here.

The Global Student Experience Survey, conducted by the United Kingdom-based Tribal igraduate, found that overall, 89% of international students were satisfied with Malaysia, which is 2% more than the global benchmark.

In terms of making friends who are locals, 83% of those surveyed said they were satisfied. When it comes to making friends from other countries, 88% of the respondents said they were satisfied, while 85% said they were satisfied with how easy it was to make friends who were their countrymen.

These responses were all above the global average (see infographic), said Tribal igraduate Asia director Guy Perring.

“The friendliness aspect is a real positive for Malaysia,” he told StarEdu.

PerringPerring  

When international students go to the UK or Australia, they can sometimes find it difficult to make friends with the local British or Australians.

“Our data indicates that Malaysians are very friendly people and I think it’s because the country comprises a multicultural society,” he said, adding that the international students surveyed wanted to build a network and not just obtain a paper qualification from their places of study.

“They want to build a network as well as make friends for the future. Our survey contains 150 questions but in terms of friendliness, only three questions were asked.

“We asked about making friends. We asked if they were satisfied about making friends from Malaysia, from their home countries and from other countries.

“If they make friends from other countries, it shows they are in a good international university. If they are making friends from Malaysia, it shows they are integrating well into the society,” said Perring.

Of those surveyed, 84% described their courses as “value for money”.

The survey also showed that more international students were keen to study here with figures from the last quarter of 2022 showing that there was a 17% rise in the number of applications compared to the same period in 2021.

Perring said the nationalities most common in Malaysia – from China, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nigeria, India, Yemen, Pakistan and Sudan – were drawn here by a combination of culture, cost and the relative ease of getting a visa.

“As well as the presence of overseas campuses from Australia and the UK, there is little doubt that the growth is likely to continue,” he said.

According to the survey report, there has been a sea of change in the student experience for both domestic and international students caused by investments in new campuses and facilities, as well as a greater desire to listen to the student voice and ensure student views are incorporated in long-term strategies and appropriate investments.

The rise in international student numbers is due to positive word of mouth, said Perring, adding that about 70% of the students surveyed said they would encourage their friends and family to study in Malaysia.

The three survey questions on friendliness, he said, can be used as a guide for institutions of higher learning to foster greater integration on campus and to provide the necessary social support in terms of social activities.

“While international students should be encouraged to make more local friends, they also need friends from their own home countries,” he said.

The survey was carried out from September to December 2022, with the next round scheduled to be conducted from October to December this year.

Over 120,000 international students and 69,400 domestic students from 146 universities across 17 countries took part in the survey.

NovieNovie

In Malaysia, about 3,500 of the 12,441 international students studying here were involved in the survey.

Commenting on the findings, Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) chief executive officer Novie Tajuddin said the warm culture and hospitality of Malaysians make the country a great place to study.

EMGS, he added, is consistently working on promoting Malaysia and its tertiary education sector in untapped markets.

“To maintain the quality of our education providers, monthly engagement sessions with universities are held to ensure everything is okay.

“We also open the door and streamline Malaysia and various countries in terms of course accreditation. This will enable international students to study here seamlessly,” he said.

National Association of Private Educational Institutions (Napei) secretary-general Dr Teh Choon Jin said the country’s diversity creates acceptance and inclusivity, which make international students feel welcome.

TehTeh

“Malaysia, with our diverse culture and society, has a friendly environment so it is not surprising that international students rate us higher than other frontier markets known predominantly for being destinations for international students,” he said.

He said Malaysian universities that are very successful in attracting international students put great emphasis on enriching students’ experience and ensuring high student satisfaction.

Outside of the classroom, multicultural activities also take place on campus, he added.

With support from the universities, cultural activities and respective national days are celebrated on campus as part of student activities throughout the year, he said.

“Such events usually see a great number of students from different nationalities participating. When we see students of diverse backgrounds gaining an understanding of the many cultures that are different from theirs, it is evident that we have created a successful integration model.

“Our local students also benefit from the enriching learning experience, where they have friends from different countries which would help them in their future careers,” he said.

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) chief executive officer Datuk Parmjit Singh said apart from a harmonious learning and living environment on campus, students benefit strongly through their engagement with those from various cultural backgrounds, as this provides them with perspectives on how people from different cultures respond to situations and how to communicate effectively with each other.

Parmjit

Parmjit

He said the varsity’s strategy has always been to achieve strong and meaningful integration rather than assimilation.

“Students are encouraged to maintain and showcase their rich cultural heritage while at the same time learning about other cultures and sharing their unique cultural identities. “To make this happen, mental and cultural barriers have to be broken from day one,” he added.

Parmjit said throughout the international students’ time at APU, they are encouraged to appreciate their own cultures, tolerate other cultures and learn from each other.

“These broaden their horizons and ensure that our students graduate as well-equipped global citizens who are capable of adapting to different challenges within the global business environment,” he explained.

APU, with its student body of over 130 nationalities, took part in the Global Student Experience Survey.

Almost half of the students at APU are international students.

Commenting on the survey, Parmjit said both the varsity’s Malaysian and international students experience a diverse cultural mix as global citizens and create long-lasting friendships in Malaysia.

“On the whole, all of APU’s students, regardless of nationality, are very positive about their multicultural experience.

“International students view their Malaysian counterparts to be very friendly and most of our students develop lifetime relationships across the continents that last well beyond graduation.

“APU has always believed in bringing together as many communities of international students as possible from all around the world, without allowing any one country to dominate,” he said.

'I find the people in Malaysia to be generally friendly and welcoming. They often display warm hospitality towards international students, which has made my stay here more enjoyable. The locals are open-minded and accepting of different cultures, making it easier for me to connect and build friendships with them. The country has a diverse and vibrant culture, so it is not at all difficult for me to adapt. I really feel at home here. Additionally, the affordable cost of living and tuition fees compared to other countries allows me to pursue quality education without breaking the bank. While studying in Malaysia has been a rewarding experience overall, I did face some challenges. Language barriers have always existed, especially considering I’m not well-versed in the local language. This made it difficult to get along with some of my coursemates and do classroom activities, and interact with the staff. '– Quazi Isha Nafisa, 24, Bangladesh

'I’ve been here for four years and while the people are friendly, the language barrier is sometimes an obstacle for me to get along with people. The thing that first attracted me to study here is the fact that it has universities that are globally well ranked, and on top of that, they are affordable compared to universities in other countries with the same rankings. As a Muslim, I don’t face many challenges in Malaysia. I find many similarities between Malaysia and my home country. It is very convenient living here.' – Omar Elmanzalawy, 22, Egypt

'Malaysians are known for their warm hospitality and open-mindedness, which have made it easier for me to adjust to this new environment. Additionally, the university’s diverse student community has provided me with the chance to meet people from all over the world, and we’ve formed lasting friendships. The people around me have also been incredibly friendly and welcoming.' – Manaal Kurrumbacus, 21, Mauritius

'When I came to Malaysia, I spoke zero English. I thought I would feel like a stranger and everyone would judge me or not bother befriending me. However, it was completely the opposite. They made me feel like my English proficiency was not a barrier to forming friendships. I was treated like an old friend they’d known forever. Although they all spoke better English than me, it was not an issue to them. Instead, they would teach me English words. Each and every one of them acted like a teacher who is a friend. I will never forget how much it helped me to gain my confidence and build my self-esteem. Malaysians are very welcoming and kind. Most of the people here, be they local or from other countries, bring such a wonderful energy to the conversations we have. Everyone is trying to enjoy their time on campus and get the best out of the experience.' – Mohammed Adel Mohammed Ba Hamid, 22, Yemen

 Source link

Related:

Malaysia and China to deepen ties in various fields









Navigating the Future of China-Malaysia Relations