MELAKA: Global geopolitical tensions are one of the reasons international students are choosing to pursue their studies in Malaysia, especially at the postgraduate level.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said that in addition to this, the quality of education offered by Malaysia is also a major drawing factor for international students to continue their studies in the country.
"With the global geopolitical developments occurring today, they choose to come to the Asian side, and specifically, they select several countries that possess high-quality educational values.
"Hence, Malaysia is one of the selected countries… that is why we can see an increase in applications (from international students) every year for them to study (in Malaysia),” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after officiating the Meet and Greet with International Students in Malaysia 2025 (Magnet 2025) Programme organised by the Higher Education Ministry and Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) in Banda Hilir here on Tuesday (Oct 14).
Also present were Director-General of Higher Education Prof Datuk Dr Azlinda Azman and UTeM Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Massila Kamalrudin.
Zambry reiterated that the quota for local students to enter any university in the country will not be sacrificed, even though the ministry is targeting approximately 250,000 international students to continue their studies in Malaysia by 2030.
He stated that there are currently about 155,000 international students pursuing their studies in various fields. — Bernama
