150 PMC STUDENTS SET TO FLY TO IRELAND

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- A group of 150 multi-racial Malaysian
students from Penang Medical College (PMC) are set to fly to Ireland to pursue
their first degree in medicine.

They will enter PMC's partner education institutions, namely the Royal
College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI) and University College Dublin (UCD).

PMC's dean, Prof Amir Khir, said the students could expect a conducive
envi ronment, top-notch facilities as well as knowledgeable experts and
researchers as they pursue their studies in Ireland.

"Being away from home will also give you a better perspective of issues at
home in Malaysia. So, when you're there, open up your mind without losing your
Malaysian identity," he said at a pre-orientation event attended by the students
ahead of their departure in two week's time.

Malaysia has been sending students to Ireland since 1930, and currently
more than 1,600 Malaysians are studying there.

In terms of facilitating Muslims residents, Dublin is now home to the
Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland in Clonskeagh near UCD, and Atha Cliath
Mosque, near RCSI.