Affordable fees and growing reputation make China a top choice for Malaysian students
Dawn ChinSun, 1 September 2024 at 2:26 pm GMT+85-min read
Malay Mail
- An increasing number of Malaysian students are choosing to study in China due to lower tuition fees, living costs, and the availability of scholarships.
- The reputation of Chinese universities is rising, with several making significant gains in global rankings.
- Many Malaysian students are attracted by the opportunity to build business and cultural ties in China.
- The Malaysian government is encouraging this trend, citing the benefits of China’s technological advancements and strong bilateral relations.
Universiti Malaya’s Institute of China Studies associate professor and director Ngeow Chow-Bing said full or partial scholarships for foreign students are common in many Chinese universities, and the reputation of these institutions is also on the rise, according to the Straits Times.
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“The trend of Malaysians heading to China for further studies has been increasing, and I expect it will continue to do so, as China’s universities and various government entities have been providing generous scholarships,” he said.
Ngeow, who co-authored a book titled Rising China’s Soft Power in South-east Asia: Impact On Education And Popular Culture, also highlighted the appeal of building relationships in China, which could provide future business or economic opportunities.
“Another advantage is the perceived benefit of cultivating ties and relationships, while studying in China, that will offer business or economic opportunities in the future.”
Ngeow said that the reputation of China’s universities is “attracting more students, especially from the ethnic Chinese community in Malaysia”.
