Malaysia - Truly Asia!
What images does your mind conjure when you hear the word 'Malaysia'? Beaches and bluish-green oceans, high-rise buildings of concrete, steel and glass, beautiful women in traditional Malaysian attire dancing to the tunes of ancient instruments that are still very much in use; the list can go on and on!
Over the past decade Malaysia has evolved from a honey-mooners tourist destination to a promising avenue for students wishing to pursue affordable high-quality university-level education. Efforts taken by the Malaysian government to make Malaysia a hub for higher-education in the Asia-Pacific region are bearing fruit as the number of international students choosing Malaysia is steadily increasing.
From an Indian student's perspective Malaysia is a great option because:
- Medium of instruction is in English
- Kuala Lumpur is connected to most major Indian cities by regular flights
- Travelling to and from KL is much cheaper and quicker than travelling to the USA or the UK
- Ample scholarships for international students
- Proximity to Singapore, Thailand and other tourist destinations
- Weather is very similar to India's tropical climate
- Strong Indian community
- Less expensive when compared to Singapore or Australia
- Many Australian institutions have satellite study centres in Malaysia
Quick Facts:
Capital - Kuala Lumpur
Religion - Pre-dominantly Islamic country
Currency - Malaysian Ringgit - 1 Ringgit is roughly equivalent to INR 18
Government - Constitutional Monarchy
Weather - Tropical climate
Malaysian Top-10
Malaysia has a number of institutions that offer top-class courses in a wide variety of subjects. The top-ranking institutions are listed below for your reference:
- UM Universiti Malaya
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
- Universiti Sains Malaysia
- Universiti Putra Malaysia
- International Islamic University Malaysia
- Universiti Malaysia Sarawak
- Multimedia University
- Universiti Teknologi MARA
- Universiti Teknologi Petronas
- Limkokwing University of Creative Technology
Here are Malaysia's best, a comprehensive view of the institutions listed above!
Life in Malaysia:
As an Indian student in Malaysia; you will not feel out-of-place; because Malaysian culture is very similar to Indian traditions. People respect others and expect to be treated with respect as well. A pre-dominantly Muslim country the women are dressed in traditional Islamic dresses and cover their head with a scarf. Public display of affection, speaking loudly or spitting in public are considered impolite and may attract a monetary penalty.
Malaysia is a food-lover's delight as the cuisine is a mix of Indian, Chinese, Burmese and traditional Malay styles. There are a number of small home-style restaurants that offer tasty and nutritious food at extremely affordable prices.
Accommodation costs are relatively cheaper away from the city; a well-run public transport system ensures that you have connectivity to your institution. Students can choose from on-campus accommodation in student halls and serviced apartments or choose to rent a flat away from campus or live in a student-hostel. If you wish to stay off-campus; ensure that you don’t have to travel for more than an hour to reach your institution. Students can save money by opting for a student-rail pass; which offers travel at a discounted rate.
KL is a shopper's dream come true and offers amazing products at great prices with regular discount sales all through the year. Malaysia's location allows it to be a point of transit for people wishing to travel to Singapore, Thailand and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
Adventure-lovers can go scuba-diving, sea-surfing or opt for a trek in the hills. The Malaysian Grand Prix is an event that motor-sport lovers will enjoy. There are local clubs, which take part in football tournaments; there are a number of extreme sport events as well; sports on offer include - dirt-biking; endurance pentathlon, sky-diving and para-sailing.
Malaysia has its fair share of museums, art galleries and zoos; so if you wish to explore the fine arts and its joys; you will find something for sure! Sunday markets on the outskirts of KL usually have farmers sell fresh vegetables, fruits and dairy products. You might want to savour the market-experience!
Work Options:
Selected part-time jobs are available; wages will be average but it is useful for those who wish to gain experience and make some extra money!
In essence, Malaysia is an ideal option for high-quality affordable higher education; in an environment that is closest to the Indian way of life! All the best with your applications!
Embassy Information
Bangladesh
Bangladesh High Commission, Kuala Lumpur
Block 1, Lorong Damai 7
Jalan Damai, 55000 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
City: Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +60321487940,
+60321423271
+60321422505
Fax: +60321413381
Website: http://www.bangladesh-highcomkl.com
Email: bddoot@streamyx.com
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9.00 am - 5.00 pm
India
High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
No. 2, Jalan Taman Duta
Off Jalan Duta
50480
City: Kuala Lumpur
Phone: 03-2093 3504 / 2093 3509 03-2093 3510
Fax: 03-2093 3507/2092 5826
Email: highcomm@po.jaring.my dhc002@po.jaring.my
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9.00 am - 5.30 pm
Nepal
Embassy of Nepal in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Suite 13A.01,
13th A Floor Wisma MCA,
163 Jalan Ampang
50540
City: Kuala Lumpur
Phone: 603-2164 9653 / 603-2164 5934
Fax: 603-2164 8659
Website: http://www.nepalembassy.com.my
Email: info@nepalembassy.com.my
Nepalese Consulate in Selangor, Malaysia
Honorary Consulate General of Nepal in Selangor, Malaysia
No. 115 Jalan Templer
46050 Petaling Joya
City: Selangor
Phone: 60-3-75-714 90 / 603-754 8033
Fax: 60-3-754-8033
Email: shali_14@hotmail.com
Sri Lanka
High Commission of Sri Lanka
12 Jalan Keranji Dua, Off Jalan Kedondong, Ampang Hilir, 55000 Kuala Lumpur,
City: Kuala Lumpur
Phone: (+60-3) 4510000/9
Fax: (+60-3) 4513850
Website: http://www.slhc.com.my/consular.html
Email: slhicom@streamyx.com
Office Hours: The Consular Section from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm on business days (Weekends and holidays declared by the High Commission are not working days.)
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