Studying in Germany may be a viable option, says PM

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is considering the possibility of sending more Malaysians to study in Germany.

There are a little over 630 Malaysians in Germany pursuing their higher education in various fields, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak praising their efforts during an official visit to the European nation yesterday.

“I am proud to know that you are doing well and I am proud to know that our students are doing well in Germany,” he said speaking to students at a dinner in the Malaysian embassy in Berlin.

Additionally, he will be taking a personal interest in the possibility of diverting more students to further their studies in Germany.

According to Najib, higher education in Germany is free, but the language is a major barrier to those interested to study there. "If you master a degree of proficiency in the German language, then sending a student to Germany is very viable for us to consider" he said.

Najib hopes that Malaysians in Germany adopt good values such as discipline, hard work, and not to throw the towel when things seem out of reach. These values, if brought back to Malaysia, will help the country reach greater heights.

“I can appreciate some of the traits that the Germans possess that have led them to be one of the most successful nations, amongst them, being very disciplined, focused and self-disciplined and having a sense of not giving up and also working as a team,” he said.

He cited the capabilities of the German football team to work as one body and have an impeccable performance in every tournament, which makes them a worthy and a tough adversary. He also praised the collective spirit of the German people and their ability overcome difficult times. “These are some of the characteristics of the German people that can be assimilated into Malaysian culture."

According to Najib, Malaysia can be a stronger nation with the adoption of the right values and discipline.

Najib’s visit to the European country is meant to strengthen bilateral ties and discuss the capacity of the two nations working together in trade and investment, vocational training and education, agriculture, science and technology, and infrastructure development.