Malaysian students and NZ universities strengthen ties in series of education events

From 13 to 20 May, the Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) team in Malaysia supported a series of international education events across the country. The activities were co-funded with education agencies and were organised to raise awareness of the quality of New Zealand’s universities and the breadth of education opportunities for Malaysian students.

The initiative kicked-off with a series of education fairs held at MARA Colleges in Kuala Lumpur, Ledang, and Lenggong from 13 to 16 May. MARA (Majlis Amanah Rakyat) is the Malaysian Government Scholarship Provider and supports Malaysian students to pursue higher education at home or abroad. At these fairs, ENZ and participating New Zealand universities partnered with IDP to engage with diploma students from MARA who are looking to continue their bachelor's degrees overseas.   
  

ENZ followed this event by co-hosting another education fair in Kuala Lumpur with AECC Global Malaysia from 17 to 19 May. This event attracted approximately 100 enthusiastic students interested in pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at New Zealand universities.  

 

Prospective international students from East Malaysia were then offered the opportunity to learn more about studying in New Zealand at an information session in Kuching from 19 to 20 May. This session was held in collaboration with the city's leading education agency, MMS, and gave students valuable insights into New Zealand's academic landscape, empowering them with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their future education.  

ENZ’s Regional Director, Asia (excluding China) and Acting General Manager of International, Ben Burrowes, highlighted the importance of conducting such events in Malaysia. 

“Running student recruitment activities like these in Malaysia are a core part of ENZ’s strategy to promote diversity within New Zealand’s international student community.  

“They also serve to foster cultural exchange and mutual growth, strengthening the enduring ties between our nations that were originally established through the Colombo Plan,” said Ben.  

ENZ’s Market Manager for Indonesia and Malaysia, Naluri Bella, added that it was positive to see so much interest in learning more about studying in New Zealand from students right across the country.  

“In an effort to broaden the reach of our recruitment efforts, ENZ and agents also connected with international schools in Malaysia. Our PR activity also gained traction with local media who shared details of our information sessions. 

“This approach really underscores our commitment to fostering educational exchanges and facilitating pathways for Malaysian students to pursue higher education in New Zealand,” said Naluri.