MALAYSIAN educational institutions – many of which are benchmarked internationally – have the expertise to support educational programmes and students’ career aspirations, said National Association of Private Educational Institutions (Napei) secretary-general Dr Teh Choon Jin.
“Malaysian educational institutions leverage local expertise to support students in achieving their career aspirations through various initiatives.
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“These initiatives include partnerships with industry stakeholders to facilitate internships, industry placements and mentorship programmes, providing students with real-world experience and networking opportunities which are crucial for their professional growth,” he said.
He added that the country’s strategic alliances with government agencies and industry bodies ensure that academic programmes are carefully tailored to meet evolving industry demands.
“By incorporating industry-relevant curricula and collaborating with experts, students are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge sought after by employers, enhancing their employability upon graduation,” he said, adding that the dedicated career services and counselling support available in institutions help students make informed decisions about their career trajectories.
He also said Malaysian universities provide a wide range of academic programmes and opportunities, including scholarships and financial aid packages such as PTPTN loans, which are not applicable to Malaysian students who pursue courses overseas.
“This diversity allows students to choose from various fields of study and pursue their academic interests effectively in Malaysia,” he said.
University of Reading Malaysia provost and chief executive officer Prof Wing Lam emphasised that the varsity’s branch campuses maintain identical curricula and assessments to its UK home campus.
This, he said, ensures students receive not only equivalent degrees but also a consistently high-quality educational experience.“In fact, smaller class sizes in Malaysia compared with much larger class sizes in the UK provide a more personalised learning experience for individual students, as they benefit from closer engagement with their lecturers.
“Many branch campuses also offer students the opportunity to spend a semester or a year at their home campuses, meaning that an overseas experience is still possible but also a lot more affordable due to the shorter duration,” he added. — By JAAYNE JEEVITA
