Enter Malaysia – a tropical, Muslim-majority country in Southeast Asia where its citizens live in multi-racial and multi-religious harmony. Comprising of 13 states and three federal territories, it is headed by the only elected constitutional monarch.
Malaysia is a vibrant and diverse parliamentary democracy with a population of over 30 million, making it the world’s 44th most populous country in the world.
Home to a diverse group of races and religions, the melting pot that is Malaysia is reflected in the languages used on a daily basis, as well as its gastronomical delights,rich traditional and modern architecture. Made up of ethnic Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other indigenous ‘Bumiputera’ groups, Malaysia is a diverse, multicultural society. This melting pot leads to students gaining invaluable experience unique to Malaysia, and possibly learning life skills such as picking up a new language, or cultivating new friendships. Students coming to Malaysia gain a global perspective on working, interacting and living with people from different cultures. This perspective helps inculcates values like hard work, resilience and tolerance, ultimately creating individuals who are able to adapt to any environment and contribute their vast experience to any organisation they join.
One of the main attractions Malaysia holds for foreign students is ‘affordability’. The major cost considerations when it comes to a foreign education are course fees and living expenses. Kuala Lumpur has been named the world’s second most affordable student city by QS Best Student Cities 2018. This is mainly because the costs of living and tuition fees in the local currency are at least half if not two-thirds cheaper compared to countries like Australia, United Kingdom, Singapore and Canada. Malaysia is well known for its range in variety and quality of food. Step into a shopping mall and you have cheap choices of local Malay, Chinese and Indian fare – with the added international flavor of Italian, Japanese and Middle Eastern cuisine. Whether it is fine dining or fast food chains that appeal to you, your taste buds will always be spoilt for choice.
Transportation in Malaysia is excellent, with even the very remote areas being reasonably well-connected. Transportation throughout Malaysia reflects its status as an emerging economy. Paved roads and bustling highways link small towns to large cities. Rail transport is available in most parts of the country and comprises heavy rail (KTM) and rapid transit system such as MRT, LRT and Monorail (Rapid Rail). Heavy rail is mostly used for intercity passenger and cargo transport, while Rapid Rail is used for intra-city urban public transport. More rapid transit networks, including in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor and Sarawak, are currently under construction to improve the overall public transport system.
In Malaysia, located just north of the equator, the climate is equatorial, i.e. hot, humid and rainy throughout the year. With temperatures consistently (upper 80° F, around the 31-33° C range) and high humidity, you can count on being warm enough at all times outdoors. The only exception is the lush Cameron Highlands region where higher elevation makes it one of the only places you may actually feel chilly in South East Asia. All parts of Malaysia experience rainfall, even during dry season.