MALAYSIA KEEN ON EDUCATION PACT WITH UAE

By Muin Abdul Majid

DUBAI, March 25 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is looking at the possibility of
signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
to further promote activities in the field of higher education between the two
countries.

Malaysian ambassador to the UAE, Yahaya Abdul Jabar, said a draft of
the proposed MoU had been forwarded to UAE authorities for consideration.

He said the pact would, among others, facilitate the exchange of students
and staff, collaborations between institutions of higher learning such as joint
research efforts, and others.

"We're also hopeful of attracting more UAE students to study in Malaysia,"
he told Bernama in a recent interview.

According to the envoy, the embassy had joined hands with the Dubai-based
Malaysia Education Promotion Centre (MEPC) and the Malaysian consulate in Dubai
in a concerted move to make the MoU a reality.


Yahaya disclosed that some 2,000 applications from prospective students in
the UAE were processed in 2009.

The applicants comprised various nationalities, including Yemenis, Somalis
and Egyptians.

Malaysia had attracted some 25,000 students from the Middle East region at
the end of 2009.

To a question, the ambassador acknowledged that stiff competition may be the
name of the game in efforts to lure students to study in a particular country.

But, according to him, Malaysia could hold its own on this matter as it
offered competitively-priced quality education in a conducive environment.


The motto "World-class Degrees. Truly Asian Values" espoused by Malaysia's
Higher Education Ministry encapsulates what the country has to offer to
prospective foreign students.

Malaysia is also among a handful of signatory countries worldwide to have an
international cross-recognition agreement for professional degrees under what is
known as the "Washington Accord".

Meanwhile, MEPC regional director for Middle East and North Africa,
Shushilil Azam Shuib, said promotional efforts would be stepped up this year to
encourage more Middle East students to opt for Malaysian institutions of higher
learning.

He said in addition to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, such activities would be
expanded to other emirates of the UAE.

"We'll approach bodies and employers who may be able to sponsor students
from this country intending to further their studies in Malaysia," Shushilil
Azam explained.


The education official also said there were plans to engage various
communities present in the UAE in hopes of coaxing more people to choose
Malaysia as an education destination.

"We're looking at the Iranian, Sudanese, Palestinian, Iraqi, Indian and
Pakistani communities here, among others," he said.

Shushilil Azam said distinguished speakers from Malaysia would be roped in
to help spread the word about the advantages of Malaysian education.

In addition to promoting Malaysia as a choice location for education,
promotional activities would also highlight what Malaysia had in store in areas
like edutourism as well as Malaysia My Second Home scheme, he added.

-- BERNAMA