PUTRAJAYA: Malaysian students should look beyond familiar study destinations when considering tertiary education courses, say university representatives at the Star Education Fair 2026.
They said embracing different cultures and learning environments can broaden perspectives, build adaptability and open doors to unique opportunities.
“This creates a strong sense of community, belonging and collaboration while exposing students to diverse cultures through both its India and Abu Dhabi campuses,” she said.
Pikee added that studying there not only shapes students academically but also broadens their perspectives on technology, culture and social development.
“When students carry that knowledge, innovation and exposure with them, it changes the dynamics of both their professional and student life,” she shared.
Meanwhile, for students interested in pursuing careers in the aviation sector, Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI) International Department head Alexey Zarechenskiy highlighted the institution’s strong ties with the aerospace industry.
“Our rector was the former head of United Aircraft Corporation, Sukhoi Company and Mikoyan Corporation so the institute has a strong connection not only in Russia but all over the world,” he said.
Even beyond academics, Zarechenskiy said Russia’s multicultural and multi-religious environment also provides a comfortable environment for Malaysian students to adapt to.
“With more than 100 Malaysian students currently at MAI, students can easily find halal food and mosques, making the transition much smoother,” he said.
Zarechenskiy said Malaysian students can also benefit from scholarships offered through the Russian Government Scholarship as well as Mara Corporation’s collaboration with UniKL Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology (UniKL MIAT), which has supported students for over 20 years.
Albukhary International University Centre for Graduate Studies director Prof Dr Yusnidah Ibrahim emphasised that financial limitations should not prevent students from receiving quality education.
She explained that the university was established to support students from low-income backgrounds through full scholarships funded by the Albukhary Foundation.
“All fees are waived under the scholarship so students don’t have to pay anything and can graduate without National Higher Education Fund Corporation loans,” Prof Yusnidah said.
She added that the opportunity is open to both local and international students, who are able to pursue programmes based on their interests and chosen fields of study.
“Sometimes, public university students may not always be guaranteed their first-choice programme. Here, we offer programmes including business, marketing, finance, media and communications, computer science and education,” she shared.
All interviewees were exhibitors at the Star Education Fair 2026, held at the IOI Grand Exhibition and Convention Centre yesterday and today.
Among the early visitors at the fair yesterday was 18-year-old Sarah Khadeeja Hermi Edwar, who arrived with her family when the doors opened at 11am.
She said her mother discovered the fair online and encouraged her to attend.
Sarah Khadeeja, who is a Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) leaver, hopes to pursue Actuarial Science, with Universiti Malaya currently topping her list of preferred institutions.
“I first learned about Actuarial Science two years ago. Since then, I have done some research on it and found that it suits my interests and personality,” she said.
Similarly, fellow SPM leaver Tashwinder Singh, who was attending the fair for the first time, shared his ambition of becoming an electrician.
“I am more of a technical person and enjoy hands-on work. I have been interested in this field since I was young,” he said.
Another first-time visitor, Genevieve Elizabeth, 19, who is currently pursuing her A-levels, said she is considering majoring in law but is still exploring her options before making a decision.
“I have heard a lot of good things about this education fair and I thought I would get some inspiration on how I can narrow down my choice of major,” she said.
