Cultural diversity attracts Chinese students

A rising number of students from China are applying to study in Malaysia. (APRIL 17 2024) — ART CHEN/The Star

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s melting pot of cultures and its inclusivity made it a top study destination for students from China, besides the affordable fees and top-ranked universities. Wang Wenting, 23, from Qingdao, a coastal city in eastern Shandong, said she chose to come here for all that and the warmth and diversity of Malaysian society.

“The multicultural environment here is very inclusive. For example, in my Theatre Production programme, I had lecturers from Malaysia, Singapore, the United States and other countries, each bringing unique global perspectives to our learning.

“This diversity enriches my academic experience in ways a single cultural setting cannot,” said Wang, a Bachelor's degree student at Sunway University.

         

A lecturer in China and PhD student at Universiti Malaya 40-year-old Xiping Wang encourages more students to come to Malaysia for their post-graduates studies.

She said the friendly Malaysian community also made it easier for her to adapt as she experienced a vibrant mix of cultures.

“It feels like home away from home,” she said, adding that she was keen on gaining professional experience in Malaysia’s creative industries.

Yan Yunpeng from JiangXi province said the lower tuition fees and high-ranked Malaysian universities attracted him to pursue his Bachelor in Arts and Social Sciences degree here.

“Universiti Malaya's position as among the top 60 universities recognised globally in the 2025 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings (QS-WUR) also gained my attention," said the 18-year-old.

         

18-year-old Yan Yunpeng from China’s JiangXi province said cheaper tuition fees and high ranked universities in Malaysia attracted him to pursue his Bachelor in Arts and Social Sciences in Malaysia. (APRIL 17 2024) — ART CHEN/The Star

Yan said the climate, multi-language and multiracial environment in Malaysia also created a unique appeal to him, adding that his course mates were also very supportive whenever he faced problems.

“It is very convenient to get around the city in a bus, train or e-hailing service. We have visited various spots in Kuala Lumpur,” he said.

Wang YuHao, 18, from ZheJiang province, spoke of increasing competition among China students to apply to enrol in Malaysia’s top universities.

           

18-year-old Wang YuHao from ZheJiang province said the competition to apply for Malaysia’s top universities is intensifying as more China students are keen for the opportunity. — ART CHEN/The Star

“I chose UM for its prestigious academic reputation, mixed cultural environment and strategic location.

“The multicultural campus gives me an opportunity to engage with students from various backgrounds and this helps broaden my horizon,” he said.

Lecturer Xiping Wang, 40, said she encouraged her students to pursue their post-graduates’ studies in UM, having pursued her PhD at the university herself.

“The academic environment at UM is excellent with competent supervisors," she added.

         

23-year-old Sunway University student Chen Yulin from southern China, said she enjoys Malaysia's quality education, warm weather and moderate cost of living.

Chen Yulin, 23, from southern China, said the similar weather, moderate cost of living and quality education made Malaysia her preferred study destination.

“I am also assisting other China nationals to learn English and to study and live in Malaysia,” said the third-year vocal performance student at Sunway University.