MOHE's engagement programme with national representatives towards the internationalization of HEIs

KUALA LUMPUR, 5 February 2024 - The programme, involving the Minister of Higher Education (MOHE) and representatives of foreign countries, took place during the Networking Luncheon with Diplomatic Missions in Malaysia at the Wyndham Grand Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. 

It is an initiative of the MOHE aimed at strengthening relations between MOHE and agencies associated with foreign embassies in Malaysia.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Higher Education, Dato' Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, Deputy Secretary General (Policy), Dato' Dr. Haji Megat Sany Megat Ahmad Supian, and Director General of Higher Education, Professor Dr. Azlinda Azman.

Also present were representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (KLN), representatives from the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI), representatives from public universities (UA)/ private higher educational institutions (IPTS), and MOHE agencies.

The Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin, was present along with Vice-Chancellors of UA’s and representatives from MOHE agencies, alongside foreign ambassadors in Malaysia.

During the programme, Dato' Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry shared insights into existing higher education policies and data on foreign students studying in Malaysia, including opportunities and spaces provided by the government to internationalize the country's higher education sector.

He also expressed hope that foreign embassies in Malaysia could assist MOHE in promoting Malaysia as a higher education hub to attract more foreign students.

Meanwhile, Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie stated that this programme serves as an effective platform for internationalization and improving relations with the international community.

"This aligns with MOHE's five main focuses as outlined in the Malaysian Education Development Plan 2015-2025 (Higher Education) (PPPM [PT]) and the UMPSA Strategic Plan 2021-2025," he said.

The five main focuses include preparing the country's best talents, strengthening the research and innovation ecosystem, implementing new approaches to knowledge transfer and sharing programmes, internationalizing higher education, and strengthening the enabling ecosystem as outlined in the Ministry of Higher Education's 2024 Roadmap Council.

MOHE has also identified 20 pillars aimed at enhancing the excellence of the country's higher education performance and reinforcing the direction of HEIs in Malaysia to be more competitive and proactive in achieving the agenda of boosting internationalization, contributing to the country's economic development.

As of now, there are a total of 106,893 international students studying in Malaysia, with 43,175 students enrolled in UA and 63,718 in IPTS.

The largest groups of students come from China, Indonesia, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Iraq.

By: Mimi Rabita Abdul Wahit, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMPSA Career Centre (UMPSACC)