A STEP TOWARDS STUDYING IN MALAYSIA

Fast Track Educational Services held their yearly flagship Malaysia Education Lead Meet 2016 on November 11, 2016 at Platinum Suites Hotel in Banani, Dhaka. The event's organiser, Peter Paul D'Costa, Managing Director of Fast Track, said, "The main purpose of this event is to amend the perception people have regarding tertiary education in Malaysia. Due to limited opportunities in Bangladesh, Malaysia can be a liable option because of its affordability and cultural similarity."  

If someone wants to study in the UK or in Australia but is apprehensive about the cultural shock and expensive fees, several of the well-reputed UK and Australian universities have campuses in Malaysia. Representatives from the Malaysia campuses of The University of Nottingham, Heriot-Watt University, Curtin University, Swinburne University and two Malaysian universities – Taylor's University and INTI International University – were present at the event. With its high standards of education, reasonable fees, affordable living expenses, multi-cultural and secure atmosphere, Malaysia has become a force to be reckoned with in the Asian educational circuit.    

The seminar kicked off with each university representative giving a presentation on their respective institutions and showcasing their campuses. They talked about their facilities, campus lifestyle and course offerings. 

Eddie Siew Chee Choon, Education Consultant, Heriot-Watt University, said, "Our university in Scotland is almost 200 years old. Our contributions in the field of mathematics and engineering are lauded all over the world. Through this event, we'd like to attract interested Bangladeshi students to join us." 

Other representatives also put forward the flexibility Malaysian campuses offer regarding credit transfer. Alvin Ting, Marketing Officer at Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia said, "You get the same degree, with 30 percent less expenditure and the option to transfer to our Perth campus any time you want. There aren't many better offers." With just BDT 5,300-6,300 being the overall cost per week and heavyweights like Shell and Petronas backing them, Curtin has plenty to offer.

During tea-break, I had the opportunity to interact with some prospective students. Tasneem Khan, 16, an A Level student from Academia, said, "I'm here specifically for the University of Nottingham (UNMC) as it offers the two subjects I'm most interested in – genetic engineering and environmental sciences." While UNMC and Heriot-Watt is particularly popular for science, Curtin and Taylor's are top choices for business and economics. 

After the break, a one-on-one interaction between the university representatives and students/parents were held, for further communication and Q/A regarding scholarships and so on. Yuvaraj Chandra Segaran, Senior Executive, INTI International University talked about providing around 15-45 percent scholarships to their bright students.

It was an eye-opening experience and a pity that I'm already done with my undergraduate programme. If I knew any better, I wouldn't have thought twice before flying to one of these amazing universities in Malaysia. 

Fast Track Education Services

44/12, West Panthapath (1st Floor), Dhaka,

Mob: 01974046323 www.fteducation-bd.com

Rafidah Rahman is a teeny-tiny Hulk, she's always angry and she's always hungry. A cynical dreamer and a food enthusiast, she's your everyday entertainment. Correspond with her at rafidah_topaz@hotmail.com or https://web.facebook.com/rafidah.rahman.39