HYDERABAD/CHENNAI (Bernama): Malaysian universities are increasingly attracting aspiring students from India's southern region.
A number of educational institutions, including foreign branch campuses in Malaysia, showcased their higher education options at a promotional event in Hyderabad on Sunday.
Malaysia has been successful in attracting a significant number of students from the non-resident Indian (NRI) communities, but the demand for foreign education is much bigger in India, said Ahmad Rezal Chan, chief executive officer of REXPO, whose business consultancy organised the education promotion tour.
The southern region tends to value foreign degrees more because of its strong diaspora links and is in tune with what qualifications are in demand.
"We have promoted our education for years among Indian diaspora communities in the Middle East. Most Indian students in Malaysia are from the south, so we are here to meet parents and students," Ahmad told Bernama in Hyderabad.
The roadshow covers Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kochi, and is held from May 17 to 22.
Nineteen universities joined the tour conducted by REXPO's counselling agency Education Malaysia Global Assist (EMGA).
Their representatives spoke of the need to reach out to students in places where interest in studying abroad is strong.
"Student numbers from India have improved since 2020. We are increasing our engagement to attract more students," said Trilie Siow Tyi Yng, head of the international department at HELP University.
She said courses in artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and business studies have grown in popularity.
Malaysia's appeal as a higher education destination has received a boost in South Asia over the years due its relaxed visa policies, affordability, and a vast range of graduate and post-graduate courses in the English language.
"Malaysia is a top choice for many students due to its geographical proximity and the quality of education," Syed Azharuddin, head of the Study Abroad unit of Shaheen Group of Institutions, told Bernama.
Azharuddin visited the Hyderabad event to explore collaboration opportunities with Malaysian universities and to better understand the country's student intake processes.
"We have tied up with universities in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan for MBBS courses. Now we are exploring academic collaboration with Malaysian universities," he said.
Indian students also find it effortless to adjust to Malaysia's food and multicultural environment, while parental visits are easy due to geographical proximity. "The advantages Malaysia offers to South Asian students are obvious," Azharuddin said. -- BERNAMA
