KUALA LUMPUR: Students who want to study abroad have been encouraged to apply for scholarships from overseas universities.
Deputy Education Minister Teo Nie Ching said this was because the government had cut funding for scholarships for students to study overseas.
“Because of the financial situation that the government is facing, we have no choice but to reduce the scholarships.
“Hence, it is important for students to visit education fairs and exhibitions so that they will get information on how to apply for scholarships to study overseas,” she said after launching the two-day 2018 Facon Education Fair at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, here, today.
“For example, Hungary offers 40 scholarships for Malaysian students.”
The fair is open from 12pm to 6pm daily.
Some 500 local and overseas universities and colleges from countries such as the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Japan, Indonesia, Czech Republic, Italy, Finland and Taiwan are taking part.
More than 30,000 visitors are expected.
“On behalf of the Education Ministry, I urge our students to study in European countries and welcome foreign students to come to Malaysia,” said Teo.
“I believe that having more international students in Malaysia will be advantageous for local students. There will be exchanges and sharing of information on different lifestyles, cultures and experiences.”
European Union delegation to Malaysia head and ambassador Maria Castillo Fernandez said 380 European students had studied in Malaysia since 2015.
Meanwhile, Teo lauded Petronas Dagangan Bhd for taking the initiative to build petrol stations on the campuses of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman and Universiti Teknologi Petronas.
She said the government encouraged such efforts as it would ensure that university students were equipped to meet the demands and needs of industry.
“The market feels that the students we produce don’t fit their needs. Therefore, we are always trying to bring industry onto the campuses so that our students will have more practical skills, experience and exposure. It is a very good move.”
Earlier today it was reported that Petronas will invest RM50 million to build the petrol stations.
The aim is to develop entrepreneurial skills and create businesses among the students. The stations are expected to be completed within a year.