Malaysia is developing as Hub of Education

Mr. Ahmad Phadil Ismail
First Secretary / Chargé d'Affaires a.i.

Why is the embassy supporting Malaysia Education Fair organized by an organization?
The Embassy will always support any initiative by any organisation that promotes Malaysia in Nepal. This synergistic cooperation will produce a win–win situation for both parties. The important thing for the Embassy is the Education Fair would be able to disseminate the information effectively to the public in Nepal that Malaysia offers quality education at an affordable cost. Furthermore, the effort is in line with our effort to become an education hub in the Asia Pacific region.

What is special in Malaysia for education? 
There are a lot of benefits that international students would find when they decide to further their studies in Malaysia. I could sum up that Malaysia offers:
•    A wide range of courses ranging from English Language programmes and Diplomas to Degrees and Post-graduate studies;
•    A variety of study options in private higher educational institutions, foreign university branch campuses and public universities;
•    Flexible external Degree Programmes that cater to different budgets and academic needs; and
•    Excellent internationally-recognised qualifications.

One important thing that we would like stress when we talk about studying in Malaysia is that the students can get the best of two worlds - a Degree from a highly recognised international university, but at a much more affordable cost. The students can:
•    Study at a Malaysian Private University and earn a Bachelor's Degree or Postgraduate Degree that is recognised worldwide; or
•    Study at a Foreign University Branch Campus in Malaysia at a lower cost and get a Degree issued by the parent university; or
•    Study at a Private College under a Split Degree programme or 3+0 Degree programme.

At present, some world-class universities such as Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University (RMIT), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland have established their collaboration with the local colleges and universities. There are also six foreign universities with branch campuses in Malaysia. They are Monash University (Australia), The University of Nottingham (UK), Curtin University (Australia), Swinburne University of Technology (Australia), Newcastle University School of Medicine (UK) and University of Southampton (UK).

The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia are also dedicated to ensure high academic standards in the country. In addition, the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) under the Ministry of Higher Education is a quality assurance body responsible for monitoring and overseeing the quality assurance practices and accreditation of national higher education.

Does Malaysian embassy or government provide any scholarship or fellowship programs to the students of Nepal?
The government of Malaysia do provide scholarship to International students, including from Nepal. We called it as Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS), an initiative by the Malaysian Government to attract the best brain from around the world to pursue advanced academic studies in Malaysia. It is divided into two (2) categories of study: Postgraduate and Post-doctoral Studies.

Priority will be given to talented international students with excellent academic records and outstanding co-curricular backgrounds as we aim to attract, motivate and retain talented human capital from abroad. They are welcomed to apply for this scholarship and further their studies in any selected and well-established Malaysian public and private universities.

There are certain criteria that needs to be fulfilled and the offer only focus on a few priority areas of studies. Interested students could gather further information at www.mohe.gov.my or liaise with the Embassy of Malaysia in Kathmandu for assistance.

How can Malaysian educations contribute for the better human resource development in Nepal? 
We offer quality education with a pleasant ambiance, definitely. International students benefit from the experience of studying in Malaysia through the exposure to the different cultures and traditions of a multiracial country, which is valuable and not easily available.

Malay, English, Chinese and Indian language are the four main languages in Malaysia.The multiracial backdrop provides an excellent opportunity to interact with one another and understand about different cultures. Furthermore, Nepali students will find a variety of student populations studying in Malaysia from many other countries such as China, Japan, Singapore, Pakistan, Indonesia, Australia, India and Thailand, to name a few. This type of interactions and exposure would help to build a better character for the students.

Which kind of education program you suggest for Nepali students from Malaysia?
We have more than 500 institutions of higher learning around the country. Nepali students will be able to choose a wide range of courses, institutions and locations. Degrees in various fields including Engineering, Medicine, Law, Mass Communication, Culinary, Tourism, Fashion, and Fine Arts can be obtained at a relatively affordable cost, with the quality assurance that is second to none.

What are the major things Nepali students should consider while studying in Malaysia? 
I believe the most important thing that students from Nepal should be aware is the general rules and regulations:
i.    A student must abide by Malaysian law at all times.
ii.    A student has committed a case of misconduct when:
a.    He is found guilty of criminal charges by the court;
b.    He is involved in any jobs, trades or the like, on part-time or full time basis, which are deemed illegal in the Immigration Ordinance 1959 and the Immigration Rules and Regulations 1963 or other laws or that which could affect his studies.
iii.    A student is to abide by all the rules and regulations that are enforced by the institution.
iv.    A student must at all times respect the culture, norms and beliefs of the locals.

Most of the Nepali students want to involve in part time job while studying. Is it possible in Malaysia?
It is possible, although the students need to be aware of the procedures involved in the process. International students are allowed to work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week, but only during semester break or any holiday exceeding seven days, subject to immigration requirements. 

Places which they are permitted to work include restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini markets and hotels, as long as the student pass remains valid.. However, international students are barred from working as a cashier, singer, musician, guest’s relations officer, and masseur. Additionally, students shouldn’t involve themselves in any activity deemed immoral.

In which kind of subject Nepali students seem interested in Malaysia?
So far, we received Nepali students who enrolled in engineering, business management, culinary and hotel management. 

Please provide your guidance to the students interested to pursue their studies in Malaysia.
Education is an important investment. As in every investment, the investment that you make in education should be taken seriouslyas it involves your future. 

Before studying in Malaysia, it is important for you to look for the suitable courses offered by different universities or colleges in Malaysia. The students should take extra effort to be familiar with so many facets of Malaysia; the culture, popular sights to visit, work opportunities, to the food habits of the people. This would assist the students to blend in with the environment and ease their stay far away from home to study.

Most importantly, you are going to Malaysia to study. As long as you keep this focus in mind then I believe you will achieve your objective at the end of your stay in Malaysia.