Studying abroad is a dream many students and parents envision. However, finding reliable sources of information and credible universities often becomes a daunting task.

Organisations like Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) are hence providing credible and useful information on higher education options available to Pakistani students in Malaysia.

Mohd Radzlan bin Jalaludin, CEO of Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), speaks about the opportunities, possibilities and benefits of seeking higher education in Malaysia.

What are the advantages of higher education in Malaysia for international students?

Mohd Radzlan bin Jalaludin: The presence of international students in Malaysia is seen to provide great benefits, especially in economic terms.

As of 2020, the total number of international students in the country was 131,000.

Based on data from UNESCO (total cumulative data from 2014 to 2019), Malaysia is currently in the top 11 charts in terms of inbound student mobility.

It is well known that the United States and the United Kingdom are countries that have long been established in the field of education and still maintain the top position. However, in recent times, countries such as China, Canada, and Australia have begun to emerge as education hubs as well.

Malaysia is also not far behind in competing with these countries by highlighting its own uniqueness in terms of diversity and educational prowess.

What are the reasons why international students choose Malaysia as their study abroad destination?

Mohd Radzlan bin Jalaludin: There are many reasons why international students should choose to study in Malaysia.

Firstly, students will experience world-class education in Malaysia with top rankings in the world. Offering a degree that is well-recognised globally; Malaysian universities rank in the world’s top universities with 22 higher education institutions listed in the QS World University Rankings 2022.

Based on QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021, 32 Malaysian programmes were placed among the top 100 universities for the study of their academic subject.

The total number of higher education institutions in Malaysia is 435, which shows our large capacity to continue to accept international students.

Secondly, Malaysia is well known for its diversity; people belonging to various races, ethnicities, and religions reside in our multi-cultural nation.

Third, since safety is very important for international students, especially their parents, I would like to iterate that Malaysia is safe, peaceful, and prosperous.

According to the Global Peace Index (GPI-2021), Malaysia has been ranked the 23rd safest country in the world.

International students can also experience a dynamic lifestyle as they have many adventures to explore. Various activities such as hiking, diving and cycling can be done here.

Malaysia has an affordable cost of living compared to other countries. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital city, has been ranked as the 'Most Affordable Student City', according to QS Best Student Cities 2022. These costs include daily expenses, transportation costs, housing costs, and tuition fees.

Malaysia's strategic location in the middle of Asia makes it easy for students to travel to nearby neighbouring countries during semester breaks or return to their home country during semester breaks.

In terms of language, due to the widespread use of English as a medium of communication in Malaysia, students find it easy to settle.

Malaysia is also a modern and progressive country, with a balance between contemporary and modern and cultural and heritage.

What is the role and importance of Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) in the higher education sector in Malaysia?

Mohd Radzlan bin Jalaludin: Education Malaysia Global Services is a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLBG) under the purview of the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia.

EMGS is the wing responsible for promoting Malaysia as the international education hub of choice and positioning Malaysia amongst the top 10 education destinations.

It is also the principal body that manages the movement of international students in Malaysia, which includes facilitating of visa processing.

What are the latest initiatives taken by EMGS to encourage international students to study in Malaysia?

Mohd Radzlan bin Jalaludin: International students are our main priority at EMGS. We continue our efforts and initiative to stay in touch and welcome our international students to study in Malaysia.

EMGS has also launched a new portal, 'Discover Education Malaysia Portal', an information portal on all higher education institutions in Malaysia in line with the 'Study in Malaysia' brand. This portal has complete information such as background, program, fee structure, career path, student testimonials, and informative articles from Malaysian institutions.

The information on the portal is sourced from reliable and authentic government organisations, namely the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), Department of Higher Education (JPT), Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN), Department of Development Skills (JPK) and Private Education Division (BPS).

The portal has been visited by more than 106 countries around the world, with more than 120,000 page views.

EMGS has also launched a virtual digital education expo, 'Study in Malaysia Premier Edufair Showcase 2021'.

This is the first 360-degree virtual reality expo organised by EMGS, which took place from 30th July to 14th August 2021.

The expo was attended by more than 24 renowned higher education institutions from all over Malaysia. Visitors were able to directly meet the representatives online and get the opportunity to pursue higher education at various higher education institutions in Malaysia.

Students and parents who attended the fair have obtained information on further studies, existing education funding, admission application policies, and procedures through the online application and the required eligibility requirements from the representatives of the institutions involved.

EMGS has also created 'Course Talk Series' where we invite representatives from higher education institutions to share information about programs and faculties at their institutions live on social media platforms.

We also organised the ‘Interactive Session with EMGS’ program as one of the initiatives to stay connected with international students in Malaysia over Zoom.

Recently, EMGS has already begun to participate in events physically following the ease of COVID-19 restrictions worldwide.

In October 2021, we participated in the 17th International Education Show in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 19th to 21st October 2021 and the International Education Fairs of Turkey in Turkey on 23rd October 2021.

EMGS will be participating in more international events in the coming year of 2022.

Please tell us the latest number of applications from international students, particularly from Pakistan?

Mohd Radzlan bin Jalaludin: Malaysia has been receiving applications from international students despite the pandemic due to our consistent efforts to ensure the students should continue their education here.

As of September 2021, we have received more than 900 applications for new student enrollments and mobility from Pakistan.

With the Covid SOP by the government, we always ensure the safety of our students in Malaysia. We are happy to announce that Malaysia has uplifted the travel restrictions and international students from Pakistan can now come and study in Malaysia.

Despite the pandemic, multiple interested candidates reached out via online inquiries, feedback, and applications who wish to resume their studies in Malaysia.

EMGS is committed to supporting all initiatives made by the Government of Malaysia for the country's economic recovery through various methods. EMGS will also continue to be consistent in making Malaysia the global education hub of choice and ensuring the welfare of all international students in Malaysia is taken care of.

We have also kept students and parents in the loop via Facebook and Instagram.

Please share your remarks for students who wish to pursue higher education in Malaysia.

Mohd Radzlan bin Jalaludin: Pakistan and Malaysia have established a very strong relationship over the years. There's a lot in common between our countries and you will definitely feel at home.

I would like to personally invite all students from Pakistan to come and study in Malaysia as Malaysia offers many opportunities and possibilities to explore.

I can guarantee that you will have an unforgettable study journey in Malaysia.

On behalf of EMGS, I would also take this opportunity to thank Pakistani students and parents for choosing Malaysia as their preferred study destination.

We hope to welcome all of you to Malaysia very soon. Jald mulaqat hogi!

Watch the video to know why you should pursue education in Malaysia:

To find more about study opportunities in Malaysia visit the EMGS website.

This content is a paid advertisement by Education Malaysia Global Services and is not associated with or necessarily reflective of the views of Dawn.com or its editorial staff.