KUALA LUMPUR: It's a family affair at the Star Education Fair 2023 as students turned up with their parents to explore the tertiary study options available to them.
Shashwydh Saravanan, 16, and his family were early birds as they arrived at 11am just as the doors were opened on the final day of the fair held at the Pavilion Bukit Jalil Exhibition Centre here on Sunday (Aug 27).
Shashwydh said he wanted to check out science programmes offered by universities.
"I'm a pure science student. I find biology, chemistry and physics interesting. Although I'm not sure about the future course I will be taking, I hope to get a clearer idea.
"It's actually a fun experience. I get to see a lot of new things and listen to a lot of university representatives giving information about their courses," he said.
His mother Vijaya Lakshmi said this was the first time the family was attending the fair.
"We always read about the fair in The Star newspaper but never attended it.
"Now that Shashwydh is in Form Four, we wanted to come here and see what's happening. I want him to explore his options. When the university representatives explain, he can understand better than what we parents say," she said.
She added that she brought her 11-year-old younger son, Kirthykan, along as he is interested in aerospace, one of the fields promoted at the fair.
"I get to find out about the courses I can study. It's early exposure for me," said Kirthykan.
Muhammad Shazyan, 16, who also came with his family, was eager to find out more information about pilot training courses.
"I'm interested in becoming either an aircraft or helicopter pilot. I came here knowing there would be booths where I can find out information from flying academies," he said.
Earlier, his father Sufian Rafie won a lifestyle knapsack in the "Listen and Win" contest as he answered a question correctly during the Q&A following the "Introduction to International Aero Training Academy" talk.
"The talk was very interesting and informative. I got to know the requirements of studying as a pilot and taking a licence for my son," Sufian said.
Organised by Star Media Group, the fair saw a total of 39 institutions occupying 71 booths offering various study options and financial aids such as scholarships and study loans all under one roof.
Among the main exhibitors are Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), Mahsa University, Management and Science University (MSU), SEGi University & Colleges, City University Malaysia, and KPJ Healthcare University.
The fair, which offers various local study options, also draws the participation of international institutions, such as the New York Film Academy Australia; the International Aero Training Academy, Malaysia; the Savannah College of Art and Design, the United States; the University of Life Sciences "King Mihai I", Romania; Rennes School of Business, France; Health Careers International, Australia; Australian International School Malaysia; and Singapore Institute of Technology.
Another highlight is the exciting prizes up for grabs. Participants stand a chance to win a Gintell G-Beetle Plus Foot Massager, lifestyle knapsacks, Starbucks gift cards worth RM30, and TGV Cinemas tickets.
Don't miss out on the interesting talks happening today, such as "Learning opportunities after the Covid disruptions" at 3pm, and "Why pursue a masters in education" at 4pm.
The fair, from 11am to 7pm, ends today. Admission is free.
For further details on the Star Education Fair, visit facebook.com/stareducationfair
