1,300 Malaysians at student conference in Brisbane

BRISBANE: More than 1,300 Malaysians studying in Australia have converged on Brisbane for their five-day annual conference.

The conference is organised by the Malaysian Students' Council of Australia (Masca) and held at the Brisbane Convention Centre.

Besides panel discussions, events include briefings on career opportunities in Malaysia, debates, cultural performances, games and awards presentation.

Malaysian High Commissioner to Australia Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad opened the proceedings, reminding the students of their obligations to their country, parents and themselves.

Global Movement of Moderates chief executive Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, Kluang MP Liew Chin Tong and student leader Ahmad Hamidi also presented their views on 'The Changing Political Scene: the Rise of Moderates in Malaysia'.

Emeritus Prof Dr Zakariah Abdul Rashid and University of New South Wales researcher Dr Radzi Jidin spoke on 'Engineering Economic Reform: Towards a Malaysian Economic Resurgence'.    

Representatives from Shell Malaysia, Meltwater, Standard Chartered, Astro, CPA-Australia and Scholardeck held sessions on career prospects for students.

Masca spokeswoman Rehanna Ahmad Razif, from the University of Adelaide, said the organisers were delighted with the response from the students, some travelling long distances to take part in the events.

"Masca is one the most active student organisations in Australia and we take pride in our activities that bring us together," she said. - Bernama