The benefits of international students in Malaysian institutions

Foreign students have been coming to Malaysia for an education opportunity that is better than their home countries. But what does Malaysia get in return?

Malaysian universities have been admitting international students for a long time. The country became among the top 10 most popular study destinations in the world because of the affordability of education, cultural diversity, natural wonders, quality of education relative to the countries attracted to it, and more.

With more influx of international students, Malaysians worry about the effect of the ongoing change and tend to ponder about the benefits of having international students in the country. Additionally, one might question, has the international political situation effected Malaysians perception of international students particularly after the recent changes around the world? Or do Malaysians have legitimate concerns for the seemingly growing numbers of foreign students in the country?

The matter, of course, is not black or white. It is complicated and an attitude of generalisation won’t be the sensible direction to approach the issue. There are massive advantages to house international students besides the obvious financial reasons, such as language, culture, richer experience, better opportunities for Malaysia abroad. Also, there are many disadvantages such as involving in criminal activities and terrorism. However, it is imperative to distinguish the following: All international students contribute positively to the local economy; a tiny fraction of international students engage in criminal or terror related activities. Therefore, the benefits of having international students may tip the scale in favour of allowing more of them in the country.

1. Impact on economy

According to numbers made public by the Ministry of Higher Education as reported by local media, Malaysia is the host for some 150,000 foreign students as of 2015. The country seeks to get as many as 200,000 foreign students as of 2020.

One of the main reasons Malaysia continues to host more international students is the financial returns. The higher education sector makes around RM4.5 billion annually. The increase to 200,000 students is estimated to generate RM10 billion by the year 2020. In 2011, revenue generated from hosting international students was recording at around RM3 billion. It is fair to assume that the more international students there are, the more income that will be generated.

2. Impact on universities

In the undergraduate level, most international students enrol in private higher learning institutions. While there are many highly qualified private universities with rigorous admission standards and very strong processes, there are others with questionable quality. Some universities tend to close one eye on the qualification of students enrolling and admit the for the financial benefit. However, the situation is changing. New rules have been introduced to monitor the quality of students coming to Malaysia. But the situation is different on a postgraduate level. Majority of postgraduate international students in Malaysia are in public universities, especially students in the various fields of science.

Malaysian universities have been producing quality research and earned a global recognition that is evidential in the QS World University Ranking where five of Malaysia’s public institutions are earning a great place on the global stage.

One of the six criteria that contribute to the universities ranking is international students’ ratio.

3. Impact on culture

Foreign students in Malaysia come from more than 80 countries from Asia, Africa and some EU countries. There is a wealth of languages, cultures, and traditions that impact the classroom and beyond.

Malaysians also exchange their culture and values with these international students particularly in places like the Pasar Malam and other cultural gatherings of the country. The experience will be shared with those outside of Malaysia and impacts tourism.

Malaysia’s Islamic culture and heritage attracts Muslims from across the world to study here, tour the country and do business and trade activities.

Hindu and Buddhist culture here has the same effect on non-Muslims as well. This will all be translated into economic benefits for people in the country. Most international students are known to be big spenders. They have certainly impact the housing market in certain location that became student cities like Cyberjaya.

4. Cross culture learning and teaching

The cultural aspects above certainly effect the classroom environment. Some of these factors may include relative importance of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, preference for cooperative, competitive and individualist learning, basic approaches to studying, learning styles, and even fundamental conceptions of "intelligence", according to studies conducted by a number of phycologists.

The interaction of Malaysian students with international students opens the abilities to work in a diverse environment and be open about the various cultural backgrounds of others. This mix may also prepare local students for a more internationalised workspace outside of Malaysia.

5. Talent pool

Malaysia has a large pool of workforce after graduation. However, there are more niche talents that may only exists among the international students community. The talent pool will certainly improve and many Malaysian corporations might be interesting in investing in such individuals for the betterment of the corporation and ultimately the benefit of the local economy.

These are merely the benefits that scratch the surface. There are much deeper benefits that would extend to political ties, economic deals, and possible areas of collaboration with foreign governments.

No to generalisation

One of the biggest misconceptions that Malaysians have of international students has to deal with the idea that international students are involved in criminal activities like drug trafficking, prostitution, scams, and other form of organised crime. While there is some truth to that, most international students aren’t involved in these activities.

In January 2016, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said international students committing crimes in Malaysia are less than 1% of the total students in Malaysia. It is extremely difficult for a student to commit any kind of crime. Even a traffic violation is a big deal for an international student for many reasons.

Malaysian laws and enforcement authorities are very tough with foreigners and a student risk the cancellation of his or her study visa, deportation and even imprisonment. Universities demand their students to be law abiding guests.

Terror threats

Following the recent arrest of foreign students with possible IS and terror links, more attention is shed and will be shed on the situation. This will certainly effect the flow of international students.

It is a reasonable assumption that local intelligence, security experts and the counter terrorism unit are aware of the situation and they are constantly on watch for any possible threats. The authority is conducting investigations and undercover operations that digs out suspicious activities and individuals that may be involved and neutralise the threat.

That being said, some international students with a criminal record or ties to terrorism do enter the country with or without a militant intent. Some enter legally, others choose to get in the country illegally. It is a difficult job for law enforcement and intelligence agencies to find and infiltrate cells and groups with affiliation of terrorism.

Some students might not be directly involved in these activities, but they are liable for teaching and sharing indoctrinations that may result in militant intent. The spread of such ideology is just as dangerous as the acts because words can be buried within a person and the tipping point to act upon these words may occur at an unpredictable moment in time.

The government, higher education authorities, police, and immigration department are constantly working together towards detecting, investigating and acting on such issues with reliable information.