MORE STUDENTS FROM WEST ASIA LOOKING AT MALAYSIA

KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is expected to be an important
education hub for students from West Asia to further their studies, Nippon
Foundation chairman Yohei Sasakawa said Monday.

He said students, especially those from countries like Iraq, Iran and Syria,
were already coming here for further studies.

"One of the important factors in attracting students from West Asia is the
fact that Malaysia is an Islamic country," he told reporters after the 20th
anniversary celebration of the Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship Fund (Sylff)
Programme at Universiti Malaya(UM) here.

Sasakawa also said that Asia could be the main power and take the leading
role in the 21st century due to the current political, education and economic
situation.

However, to make the dream come true, all the countries throughout Asia
should look and learn at each other so that common problems like illiteracy and
poverty could be solved.



He said the fund was established to identify and nurture leaders who respect
the diversity of culture, race and religion and thus have the ability to tackle
global issues.

It was established in 1987 and UM is among 69 universities in 44 countries
involved in the programme. Currently, there are 13,000 recipients of the fund
around the world, 57 of whom are UM recipients.

For further information about the fund, applicants may visit
www.ips/um/edu/my.

-- BERNAMA