When we talk about the higher education institutions in Asia, Singapore, Hong Kong or China cross our mind instantly. The reason is simple. These localities occupy the top-10 list of most university rankings, such as Time Higher Education, and QS World University Rankings. But in case, you are one of those looking for the right institutions instead of the best or world-renowned institutions, Malaysia is probably your choice.

Photo: a sea of graduation caps

1. University Standard

In the past, Malaysia is rarely a choice of study destination. By accumulating experience in higher education, Malaysia is evolved into a hub for higher education and there now actually are quite a lot of popular universities in Malaysia, providing subjects meeting assorted needs of international students especially engineering and social science. For example, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia offers chemical engineering course that is ranked 100th, and 53rd for its engineering and environment course in the world; Universiti Sains Malaysia offers electrical & electronic engineering course that is ranked top 50 worldwide and is named as Malaysia’s top research centre; Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia offers engineering and technology that is ranked 88th, and social policy and administration that is ranked 100th; Universiti Malaysia is ranked 22nd for its engineering & technology, and ranked 30th for its electrical & electronic engineering. The last but not least, these institutions boast world-class campuses with state-of-the-art facilities, such as University Utara Malaysia that provides its students with the country’s greenest campus with golf course and go-kart circuit.

Photo: Petronas Twin Towers

2. Tuition fee and living cost

In spite of the remarkable quality of the higher education standard in Malaysia, the tuition fees remain comparatively low in Asia. For example, on average a local college charges around USD 7,500 to USD 15,000 for a three-to-four-year programme for international students, which is definitely cheaper than that of Singapore and Hong Kong, which, for example, National University of Singapore costs around USD 21,400 to  USD 27,400 per year, and Hong Kong University charges around USD 15,400 to USD 18,700 per year. Besides, the living cost is way much lower than that of other Asian localities. Spending USD 450 per month is more than enough in Malaysia, which includes accommodation per month in an apartment off-campus (ranging from USD 75 to 150), food expense (estimated to be USD 150 to USD 225), mobile phone bills, stationery, and even personal expenses.

Photo: Bird's eye view of open sea with 2 boats

3. Multicultural

In Malaysia, over 62% of the population speak English and this creates an ideal environment for language practice. Moreover, Malaysia is one of the most multicultural nations in Asia as it has influence from its neighbouring countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Brunei as well as influences from British ruling period and the immigrants from China. The diversified culture makes both the university and the society a good place to train up one’s ability to adapt to the future workplace.

Photo: A monkey in a tree

4. Travel capacity, food, climate

The best part of studying or working overseas would be the opportunities to travel around the locality. Malaysia is one of the best choice regarding this aspect as it provides a great travel capacity such as the well-developed transportations and flight routes connecting to travel destinations such as Langkawi, Penang, Malacca City, Kota Kinabalu, and even to Southeast Asia countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar.

Photo: Multicultural group of people hovered around a laptop

5. Startup ecosystem

It is a good news for new graduates with an entrepreneurial mind since the startup scene in Malaysia is growing at a remarkable pace. Malaysia enjoys its strategic location in Southeast Asia which is especially good for business across ASEAN countries. More and more potential investors are seeking investment opportunities, while there are fair amount of startup grants and funding sources available in Malaysia, such as Cradle CIP300 and Idea River Run.

To discover what moves young Asians, learn more about the Youth Mobility Index (YMi.asia) at www.ymi.asia

YMI 2018 Reports
PDF HTML YMI 2018 REPORT
PDF ALL LOCALES
PDF HTML BANGLADESH
PDF HTML BHUTAN
PDF HTML CHINA
PDF HTML HONG KONG
PDF HTML INDONESIA
PDF HTML INDIA
PDF HTML JAPAN
PDF HTML CAMBODIA
PDF HTML KOREA
PDF HTML LAOS
PDF HTML SRI LANKA
PDF HTML MYANMAR
PDF HTML MALAYSIA
PDF HTML NEPAL
PDF HTML PHILIPPINES
PDF HTML PAKISTAN
PDF HTML SINGAPORE
PDF HTML THAILAND
PDF HTML TAIWAN
PDF HTML VIETNAM
Where is the Asian Silicon Valley?

Where is the Asian Silicon Valley?

When we mention Silicon Valley, there might be more than one place popping up in your mind other the actual one in California. Silicon Valley is now a universal synonym for a startup hotbed. In fact, start-up scene is mushrooming across the globe especially in Asia.

read more
How much freedom do we have in Asia?

How much freedom do we have in Asia?

Relocating to an Asian locality is not only about the money and the people. Whether you could live happily is largely related to the freedom and tolerance of a locality. Imagine you would be isolated if people found out you are a homosexual person or you would get frustrated if your business development faces tons of restrictions. Then actually how free is Asia?

read more
Learn anything, anywhere in Asia

Learn anything, anywhere in Asia

In the past, it is common for Asian people to graduate from universities in the U.S.A, United Kingdom or Australia. Nowadays, the scene has changed. In fact, there is an enormous choice of universities in Asia with thousands of scholarships awaiting your applications.

read more
What do you want, Asian millennials?

What do you want, Asian millennials?

Asian millennials are often put in the spotlight especially when it comes to the global economy or consumer market, being named as potential big spenders. The millennials, particularly in China and India, have demonstrated superior spending power. According to MasterCard …

read more
6 ways to become a most followed person on the social media

6 ways to become a most followed person on the social media

It is undeniable that the social media has become part of our lives. To update yourself with the latest posting by the ones you are following is now our daily ritual. At the same time, how to build up a passionate fanbase seems like what many people are thinking in their heads. That’s why we could see people taking selfies in every corner and the ultimate purpose is probably to attract followers to their social media accounts. Though there is not any magic formula to become a YouTuber or a popular Instagrammers, it is not rocket science anyway. Are you following?

read more