Learn more about Courses and the requirements, fees and other details.
Ask Questions to get an education expert’s advice immediately.
Get the latest information about education news, tips and career opportunities.
Find out information about different Institutions and apply to them directly.
A link will be sent via e-mail to initiate password reset. Please check your inbox.
If you have not received it, Seconds, please click here.
If you have not received it, please click here.
You have reached your password reset limit for today. Please check your spam folder, retry tomorrow or contact us now
A One Time Password (OTP) has been sent to your number at Update Phone Number
Skip Now
Back
Want to change your mobile number? Update Mobile Number
Didn’t get a call from us? Retry now Want to change your mobile number? Update mobile number
Want to change your mobile number? Update mobile number
We have saved your mobile number successfully! You may retry tomorrow.
Your IVR verification call has been initiated.
Visit the International Students section on our website to find out the latest news and everything you need to know about studying in Malaysia.
Published by Afterschool.my on Jan 14, 2022, 04:32 pm
Dr Abigail Koay Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) 2019 Victoria University of Wellington Research Fellow at The University of Waikato, Oct 2018 – Feb 2021
New Zealand’s high-flying universities open doors to a world of opportunities. All eight universities in New Zealand consistently rank high in the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education Rankings. Qualifications from any of these universities are also accredited across the world, opening a multitude of doors to prospects everywhere.
But aside from being a reputable country for higher education, New Zealand is also filled with picturesque landscapes, deep-rooted culture, friendly faces, and multiculturism.
For Dr. Abigail Koay, she believes New Zealand is forever welcoming towards international students while providing an excellent support system for all.
Dr Abigail (2nd from left) graduating from Victoria University of Wellington in 2019 with a doctorate in Philosophy (Engineering)
Pursuing her passion at Victoria University of Wellington Dr. Abigail’s tertiary education journey began in Malaysia, with her pursuing her Bachelor of Computer Science at Universiti Malaysia Pahang. As she had always aspired to gain an international education experience, furthering her studies in New Zealand was in line with her goals.
“Prior to me moving to New Zealand, I had a friend who had just graduated from Victoria University of Wellington, so I decided to dive in and check out if there were any academics interested in network security at that university. I wrote to the university expressing my interest in pursuing my Ph.D. and was thrilled to learn that there were several academics that were working on topics related to network security. Everything fell into place after that, and I was on my way to New Zealand,” Dr. Abigail explains.
She was in for a surprise as she walked down the halls of Victoria University of Wellington, learning the number of high-achieving individuals who have previously walked through those very halls. “I did not know much about the university before I arrived in New Zealand. Whilst studying there, I found out that the university produced so many great graduates, including Nobel Prize in Chemistry winner, Professor Alan MacDiarmid.
“The university was also ranked first in the country for high-quality research back in 2013 and again in 2019. Knowing this motivated me to strive in my education and brought me peace of mind in affirming that I not only chose the perfect university but also the ideal country that suits my needs, goals, and aspirations,” she gleams.
Inspired by the education, leading by example at The University of Waikato
After completing her Ph.D., Dr. Abigail took up the position of Research Fellow at The University of Waikato.
Speaking of the transition, she says, “It felt like I was starting my Ph.D. all over again but with a different take on it. I had to start researching from the fundamentals, which involved literature surveys and setting up an experimental testbed. I learned to teach and be a supervisor. It was a great experience as I received a lot of support from The University of Waikato and had a lot of preparation from my time at Victoria University of Wellington.” When asked what sets the education system in New Zealand apart from that in Malaysia, Dr. Abigail expressed, “I feel very blessed to have had the chance to pursue my education in both countries. But one thing that stood out during my Ph.D. was the greater freedom in course selection. I find that students in New Zealand can take any course they like as an elective, and not be constrained only to courses offered in their field. It is bewildering to know that a software engineering student can partake in earth science courses too! This helps students broaden their portfolio and encourage multidisciplinary research and interaction.”
The University of Waikato is located in New Zealand’s heartland, Hamilton and Tauranga - two of New Zealand’s fastest-growing cities
DID YOU KNOW?
International Ph.D. students in New Zealand enjoy the following benefits:
Learn about New Zealand’s Ph.D. Package HERE .
In February 2020, Dr Abigail Koay was the first Malaysian academic to deliver the inaugural Arisan Digital workshop on Cloud Security to Girls in Tech Indonesia’s members at Ruang Komunal for Facebook. Girls in Tech is a non-profit organisation dedicated to eliminating the gender gap in tech and has more than 60,000 members in 50+ chapters around the world
Bestowing joy & memories
Aside from the education system in New Zealand, Abigail paints a picture of the joys of being a student in a different country. “Studying abroad is very rewarding. You get to experience a different culture, try new food, and meet people from all around the world. In addition to world-class universities, New Zealand is such a beautiful country with picturesque sceneries and friendly people. When I traveled around New Zealand, the scenery changes every two hours which were phenomenal,” conveyed Dr. Abigail.
New Zealand is best known for its rich Maori culture and experiencing it first-hand played a large part in enriching Dr. Abigail’s student life. “The universities have their own marae, which is a Maori communal and sacred that serves religious and social purposes. Every official event will have elements of Maori culture woven into the proceedings, making them unique; helping us learn about showing respect towards the culture and the attendees. I love watching kapa haka, which is a traditional performance in Maori culture, it is always so mesmerizing and moving to watch,” she shares.
Dr Abigail (cre of last row) cherishes the spontaneous ski trip she had with her friends from Victoria University of Wellingtonent
A Ph.D. gained in New Zealand is recognized around the world, identifying the Ph.D. students as experts in their specialties. Although Dr. Abigail is now based in the University of Queensland, Australia, as a research fellow, she reflects on the wonderful years she spent in New Zealand and holds each moment dear to her heart. She comments, “I will forever treasure my time in New Zealand that has guided me down the road towards my goals and aspirations and opened many doors to future successes. It was sad to leave a country that felt like my second home, but I will always be grateful for all the memories and goals I achieved in New Zealand.”
For more information on how to Study with New Zealand, click HERE.
Thinking of applying to a New Zealand University? Speak to an ENZ Recognised Agency in Malaysia HERE.
Ooi Wei Xuen, the TaxPOD Challenge 2024 Champion.Ooi Wei Xuen, a Bachelor of Business (Hons) Accounting and Finance student, emerged as the Champion of the TaxPOD Challenge 2024. Organised by YYC, a leading tax advisory and accounting firm in Malaysia and Singapore, the competition took place on 14 ..
Some paths in life are driven by a clear calling, a passion that shapes every choice, every dream and every goal. For Sharmila Ravee, this calling came in the form of brands, the art of creative thinking and the power of strategic planning. Her journey through the world of advertising didn’t s..
Muhammad Amin Rafiq bin Abu Supian, a student from the Faculty of Computing and Informatics (FCI), has made MMU proud by securing a spot in the Top 5 at the MYStartup Pre-Accelerator Cohort 4. As a finalist, Amin walked away with a cash prize of RM35,000 for his groundbreaking startup, IOXTECH GLOBA..
MMU’s BYOC lets you explore your interests and discover what you like and enjoy.In today’s rapidly evolving world, a cookie-cutter approach to education doesn’t always cut it when preparing for the dynamic challenges of the 21st century. Flexibility and personalisation are key to making the mo..
Multimedia University (MMU) has achieved an improvement in its global standing, securing a spot in the 1001-1200 range in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, announced on 9 October 2024. The THE World University Rankings are widely recognised as the only glob..
As Malaysians, we’ve all had our fair share of football nights at the mamak, waving our fists in the air and yelling vehemently at the TV alongside friends and family. Lee Chun Hang managed to take the universal passion that Malaysians share for the game a step further by channelling it i..
Many Malaysian students coming out of secondary school think pre-university education boils down to a Foundation or diploma programme. While these paths may be considered the norm and most popular, these structured and exam-heavy learning environments might not be the perfect fit for everyone. In fa..
When Uzair Dar hopped off the plane in Malaysia 6 years ago, he was like many other students who had travelled abroad for tertiary study: anxious, excited and eager for a new journey.Despite Uzair’s immense excitement for travelling to a different country and embarking on a new journey, this monum..
While most engineers dream of building machines, Praveen Silvadas had his sights set higher — he dreamed of flying the skies. His transition from learning complex systems to soaring above the clouds is a story of bold ambition and boundless curiosity.Praveen's journey began in 2011 when he followe..
Management and Science University led the Accrediation Council and Engaged Universities Asia Pacific Forum in September 2024As the only globally operating quality assurance body, ACEEU – headquartered in Germany - recognises engagement and entrepreneurship in higher education.Framed aro..
Get the information first
Afterschool.my
Shares
0
2
7
Need help?