Ain Husniza&rsquo;s name first entered national consciousness when she was only 17, after she called out a teacher&rsquo;s insensitive and inappropriate joke about sexual violence during class. Her decision to speak up sparked the viral hashtag #MakeSchoolASaferPlace, triggering a nationwide discussion about how schools handle harassment and student safety. What began as a simple TikTok video became a rallying cry for many young Malaysians.Today, Ain is more than a symbol of student activism. She is the founder of Pocket of Pink, a youth-led organisation advocating for inclusive, comprehensive education, particularly around issues of consent and bodily autonomy. She is also an advisory board member with Comic Relief US, a former youth advisor with Purposeful and the Child Rights Innovation Fund, and a TEDx speaker who continues to amplify the voices of girls and children often left out of policy conversations.&nbsp;Her advocacy has taken her from local school halls to international platforms; yet, her mission remains grounded in a simple belief: education should be safe, inclusive, and empowering for all.&nbsp;<h1>The Girl Who Grew Up in a Library</h1>Before the headlines, Ain was just a curious kid from Shah Alam who spent her weekends at the local library. Her family didn&rsquo;t have much, but her father made sure she and her siblings had access to books. &ldquo;I could only borrow five books per card,&rdquo; she said, &ldquo;So I used all my siblings&rsquo; memberships and borrowed twenty books a week.&rdquo;Those hours spent reading weren&rsquo;t just a pastime. They were her first window into the world beyond her immediate surroundings. Through novels, non-fiction, and everything in between, Ain discovered global issues, social justice movements, and perspectives far removed from what she saw around her. &ldquo;If we didn&rsquo;t live near that library,&rdquo; she said, &ldquo;I wouldn&rsquo;t even be speaking to you in English like this.&rdquo; <img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/6850df319f6b6_1750130481.jpg" alt="" width="100%" height="auto" /> The internet played a parallel role. Growing up in a Malay-Muslim household, she noticed how narratives about certain communities were often skewed or divisive. Online, she found alternative viewpoints and stories that helped her form her own convictions about equality and rights. &ldquo;I realised that every person deserves the same rights. And to me, that right is education.&rdquo;It was this early exposure to books, ideas, and different ways of thinking that laid the groundwork for the activist she would become.&nbsp;<h1>A Campaign That Shook the Country</h1>The incident happened in the middle of a classroom lesson. A male teacher made a crude comment, joking that sexual violence should be reserved for those over 18. Ain was stunned. Even more shocking was the silence. &ldquo;It wasn&rsquo;t just about what he said,&rdquo; she later explained. &ldquo;It was about how normal it was for everyone else.&rdquo;She went home and recorded a TikTok video, speaking plainly about what had happened. She didn&rsquo;t expect it to go viral, but within hours, her words sparked a wave of responses from students nationwide. They began sharing their own experiences under the hashtag #MakeSchoolASaferPlace, revealing the deep-rooted culture of harassment, inappropriate behaviour, and systemic neglect in Malaysian schools.What began as a moment of frustration quickly transformed into a national conversation. &ldquo;When I spoke up, I was scared. But I realised I wasn&rsquo;t just speaking for myself. I was speaking for every student who had been ignored, shamed, or silenced.&rdquo;The backlash was severe. Ain received threats, faced relentless harassment online, and was even called in for multiple rounds of questioning at the police station. The trauma ran deep. At one point, she shared that her family wouldn&rsquo;t let her lock her bedroom door out of fear for her safety. &ldquo;I thought if I failed my SPM, everything would be over,&rdquo; she recalled. &ldquo;People kept saying, &lsquo;You&rsquo;re disrespectful, you&rsquo;ll never succeed.&rsquo; I had to prove them wrong, not just for me but for girls like me.&rdquo;&nbsp;<h1>Turning Advocacy into Education</h1>Advocacy had pulled Ain into the spotlight, but it was art that helped her stay grounded. Before activism became her full-time calling, she was a teenager who loved to draw, especially people. &ldquo;I like drawing them doing everyday things, like being at the supermarket or at the beach,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s how I de-stress.&rdquo;As a child, Ain spent her weekends at the Shah Alam public library, reading up to twenty books a week. Her love for knowledge, paired with a developing sense of justice, formed the foundation of who she would become. But it was art that helped her make sense of the chaos when things turned overwhelming. &ldquo;Art is calming. It&rsquo;s peaceful,&rdquo; she explained. &ldquo;When you're teaching kids about consent or boundaries, especially those who&rsquo;ve experienced trauma, you need to make it feel safe.&rdquo; <img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/6850e08f3c353_1750130831.jpg" alt="" width="100%" height="auto" /> That belief became the cornerstone of Pocket of Pink, the youth-led organisation she founded in September 2024. Through its flagship programme Express2Empower, Pocket of Pink brings comprehensive sex education to children, blending facts with fun. One example is a body autonomy exercise that uses colouring sheets to help children express what parts of their body they&rsquo;re comfortable with others touching. It&rsquo;s visual, accessible, and rooted in empathy.&ldquo;I wanted to make comprehensive sex ed more palatable to our culture and more engaging for the youth,&rdquo; Ain explained. &ldquo;That meant combining it with art, joy-based activities, and interaction. It&rsquo;s not about making it taboo. It&rsquo;s about making it safe and understandable.&rdquo;With a team of over 20 young volunteers, Pocket of Pink has already reached more than 400 beneficiaries. Workshops are conducted in schools, and future plans include an exhibition showcasing student artwork. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re creating pockets of safety, threads of empowerment,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;Every session is a step toward rewriting what education can look like.&rdquo;<h1> From Local Roots to Global Conversations</h1>Ain&rsquo;s activism didn&rsquo;t stop at the school gates. What began as a national movement soon led her to global platforms: each one expanding her understanding of advocacy, policy, and community-led change. Through her involvement with Purposeful, a feminist collective supporting girls' organising worldwide, Ain joined monthly discussions about gender-based violence, rights, and the challenges faced by girls across different regions.&ldquo;For me, the platform they gave was truly priceless,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;Even if you&rsquo;re young or inexperienced, your opinion is still taken as seriously as someone who&rsquo;s been in the scene for twenty years.&rdquo;Her experience with Purposeful opened doors to other international roles. With the Child Rights Innovation Fund (CRIF), Ain was part of the &ldquo;What&rsquo;s Possible Fund&rdquo;&mdash;a global grantmaking initiative where youth advisors decided which grassroots projects deserved funding. &ldquo;We had the autonomy to decide what&rsquo;s important for us,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;Rather than some big funder deciding what children need, we, as youth, made that call.&rdquo;She reviewed hundreds of applications and helped shortlist several Malaysian-led initiatives, contributing to the distribution of over one million US dollars in grants. &ldquo;Youth deserve to be empowered,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;We deserve to be in decision-making spaces.&rdquo;Today, she continues that work as an advisory board member with Comic Relief US, where she focuses on understanding how poverty affects young girls, especially in marginalised communities. Her current efforts centre around the Juntanza Fund in Africa, with lessons she hopes to bring home.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h1>Rising Above Uncertainty</h1>Amid all this, Ain never stopped being a student. During the height of the backlash from #MakeSchoolASaferPlace, she was also preparing for SPM. She had just transferred to a new school on scholarship, and the pressure to succeed was immense. &ldquo;If I didn&rsquo;t get good results, I would have to work right after SPM. My family had no savings for education.&rdquo;&nbsp;But the threats kept coming. She was called to the police station multiple times. She received messages almost daily&mdash;some deeply disturbing, others mocking her for speaking out. The emotional strain pushed her to the brink. &ldquo;I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;There was a point when my dad wouldn&rsquo;t let me lock the door to my room. If he heard a loud sound, he would immediately come in, thinking something had happened.&rdquo; <img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/6850e8145853f_1750132756.jpg" alt="" width="335" height="447" />She describes that period as one of her darkest. &ldquo;I barely slept. I&rsquo;d study one hour a night and spend the rest trying to stay sane.&rdquo; But despite all that, she made it through. She passed her exams with flying colours and secured the scholarship she had feared she&rsquo;d lose. &ldquo;I had to prove it wrong,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;Not just for me, but for the girls out there who feel like the world wants them to give up.&rdquo;&nbsp;<h1>Why She Keeps Going</h1>Ain is currently pursuing a degree in Politics and International Relations at the University of Nottingham Malaysia. Even as she transitions into university life, her advocacy remains central to who she is. For her, education is not just a personal achievement but a platform for empowerment and equity. She believes that access alone is not enough. What matters is the quality of education, the safety of the environment, and the inclusiveness of the system. &ldquo;It doesn&rsquo;t matter what nationality you are, what race you are, what gender you are&mdash;everyone should have access to education,&rdquo; she said.That belief continues to guide her as she juggles lectures, project deadlines, and community work. Whether speaking on global platforms or running workshops with Pocket of Pink, her goal is the same: to build a world where every child, especially every girl, feels seen, safe, and supported. &ldquo;Education always comes back to the community, it lifts all of us.&rdquo;&nbsp;

As the first British university to establish a campus in Malaysia, the University of Nottingham Malaysia, founded in 2000, delivers world-class education rooted in UK academic traditions. It offers diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including Engineering, Business, Medicine, and Environmental Sciences. The campus features cutting-edge facilities, research labs, and a scenic environment conducive to learning. Students benefit from a global curriculum, international exposure, and the opportunity to transfer to its UK or China campuses. Renowned for its academic rigor and employability focus, Nottingham Malaysia produces graduates equipped to thrive in competitive global markets.

Discover University of Nottingham Malaysia’s top courses and programmes. Get details on scholarships, intake 2025, entry requirements, and fees structure. Apply online with Afterschool.my.

University of Nottingham Malaysia | Courses, Fees, Intake 2025

University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus

Ain Husniza: The Voice Behind #MakeSchoolASaferPlace

If you&rsquo;re a recent SPM leaver who applied for public university through UPUOnline, take note: UPU results will be released this Monday, 17 June 2025, at 12:00 noon. Whether you&rsquo;re aiming for Asasi (foundation) or diploma admission through UPU, this moment can feel overwhelming, especially after months of waiting.But the truth is, no matter the result, there are clear steps you can take next. This guide will help you check your result, understand what it means, and figure out your next steps. <h2>How to Check Your UPU Results</h2>There are a few ways to access your result: <ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Visit the UPUOnline portal at upu.mohe.gov.my </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Download and open the UPUPocket app. </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Some public universities may also display results on their websites </li></ul>Make sure to log in with your IC number and the password you used during your application.Tips: <ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Try checking right at 12:00 noon to avoid slow loading times </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Screenshot your result as soon as it loads </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Only trust official channels. Ignore messages or sites claiming to give early access </li></ul><h2>What Your UPU Result Might Say</h2>When the result appears, you&rsquo;ll see one of a few possible outcomes: <ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">You received an offer for one of your selected programmes </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">You received an offer, but it&rsquo;s not your preferred course </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">You did not receive an offer</li></ul>If you got an offer, congratulations! Even if it wasn&rsquo;t your first choice, it&rsquo;s worth seriously considering the opportunity. If you didn&rsquo;t receive an offer, don&rsquo;t panic. There are still ways to appeal or explore alternative routes. <img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/684befab983c6_1749807019.jpg" alt="" width="100%" height="auto" /><h2>If You Got an Offer</h2>Once you&rsquo;ve received an offer, act quick. You have until Wednesday, 25 June 2025, at 5:00 p.m. to confirm your acceptance.Here&rsquo;s what to do: <ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Log in to UPUOnline and accept the offer before the deadline </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Prepare the required documents, which include: </li><ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Your offer letter (downloadable from the portal) </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">A copy of your IC </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Your SPM result slip </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Passport-sized photos </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Medical check-up forms or health reports, depending on the university&rsquo;s requirements </li></ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Check your university&rsquo;s website for registration dates, accommodation info, orientation schedules, and any additional documents they may need </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sort out financial matters early. You can apply for PTPTN loans or look into scholarships and zakat aid offered by the university or state government </li></ol>Even if you're unsure about the course, it's better to accept it first while you think things through. Some universities offer pathways to degree programmes later on, depending on your academic performance and programme availability.<h2> If You Didn't Get an Offer</h2>Not getting an offer can feel discouraging, but that doesn&rsquo;t mean you&rsquo;re out of options.<h3>Submit an Appeal (Rayuan)</h3>The UPU appeal window for SPM leavers will be open from 17 to 21 June 2025. You can submit your appeal through the same UPUOnline portal. You can choose up to two new programmes, but only those for which you meet the minimum requirements.Before submitting your appeal, take a moment to:<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Recheck the minimum requirements for the programmes you&rsquo;re choosing </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Choose courses with lower competition or different subject areas </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Avoid picking choices that were previously unsuccessful </li></ul>The appeal results usually come out in mid-July.<h3>Consider Other Pathways</h3>If appealing doesn&rsquo;t work out, there are still plenty of options to explore: <ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Private universities offer foundation and diploma programmes, many of which accept PTPTN and provide scholarships or fee waivers </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">TVET and ILKA programmes focus on skill-based training and are still open for application through the eTVET portal </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">If you&rsquo;ve applied earlier, you may still be eligible for Matrikulasi or Form 6, depending on placement status. These options are typically confirmed before UPU results are out. </li></ul>Take the time to research. Many students who started outside the public university system eventually transferred into it or found success through entirely different tracks.<h2> Final Thoughts</h2>UPU result day is important, but it&rsquo;s not everything. Whether you got your dream offer, a backup course, or no offer at all, what matters most is what you do next.Relax, review your options, and know that one result doesn&rsquo;t define your future.

How to Prepare for UPU Results: What SPM Leavers Need to Know Before They Drop

TAR UMT student Venice Wong Wen Xuan is now a certified winner after claiming the champion title at Creative Cloud Community's (CCC) Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) Malaysia National Championship 2025.The&nbsp;<a href="https://fcci.tarc.edu.my/programmes/bachelor-degree/graphic-design">Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Graphic Design</a>&nbsp;student came out on top of a highly talented lineup of 30 finalists from across the country after the results were announced on 22 May 2025.As the nation&rsquo;s champion, Venice is set to represent Malaysia at the Adobe Certified Professional World Championship 2025 to be held in Florida, USA, on 27 &ndash; 30 July 2025.&ldquo;I was genuinely surprised to be named the Champion, as I expected to finish among the top finalists! It is a very humbling experience and a great motivation that my skills and efforts are recognised,&rdquo; said Venice, who also gave credit to her lecturer Mr Mohd Rizzham bin Ishak, for mentoring her.&ldquo;Mr Rizz (Rizzham) is very instrumental to my success. We have built a strong mentor-mentee relationship since my diploma studies, and he has always given me constructive feedback and insights which helped me improve my creative and design skills considerably. His dedication and guidance led me to this achievement.&ldquo;I feel incredibly proud, happy and rewarded to see my student grow and achieve something so significant. Her success brings meaning to my role as an educator.&ldquo;I hope Venice will stay true to herself and make her mark with purpose and passion when she competes on the world stage,&rdquo; said a proud Mr Rizzham.&ldquo;I aim to give my absolute best. Representing Malaysia is a great honour, and I want to make my university, my lecturer, and everyone who has supported me proud. I&rsquo;m not only hoping to grow as a designer, but also to come back with new perspectives, valuable lessons, and no regrets &ndash; knowing that I truly embraced every part of this journey,&rdquo; said Venice, who is also looking forward to visiting Universal Studios during her trip to the USA.&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a place I&rsquo;ve only seen in movies, and visiting it feels like a dream come true. It will also be my first time traveling this far from home, so I&rsquo;m really looking forward to experiencing American culture, exploring new environments, and stepping out of my comfort zone.&rdquo; <img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/6847f73b86e02_1749546811.jpg" alt="" width="335" height="475" /><article class="post post-single"><div class="post-body"><div class="inset-sm-right-70 inset-lg-left-50 inset-lg-right-120 offset-top-30 offset-sm-top-50">Her work (pictured above), which was designed to match the &lsquo;Lighting Paths, Changing Lives&rsquo; theme, took about four to five hours to complete.&ldquo;I used both Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop to complete the design. It was inspired by our assigned client, Global Peace Foundation Malaysia, which supports the Orang Asli community by bringing sustainable resources such as solar power and education directly to their villages, rather than relocating them to urban areas.&ldquo;The layout guides the viewer&rsquo;s eye along a visual path that connects all the key elements that illustrate the journey of change that is enabled by the client&rsquo;s work,&rdquo; she explained.Venice is the second TARCian to be competing at the global stage of the competition. In 2016, student Nicholas Ng Hwa Ee won the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tarc.edu.my/preview.jsp?cat_id=875C7C98-8DE2-4DA2-AD7C-921428ABBBC8&amp;fmenuid=F62A26CE-3DA8-4F8A-BEA6-8E4E6ECB0306&amp;news_id=CE72AE39-35A4-4933-903C-4B792705812C">champion title in the inaugural Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) Championship</a>&nbsp;at the national level and went on to claim&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tarc.edu.my/preview.jsp?cat_id=875C7C98-8DE2-4DA2-AD7C-921428ABBBC8&amp;fmenuid=F62A26CE-3DA8-4F8A-BEA6-8E4E6ECB0306&amp;news_id=32D31A54-8F2F-4433-BDC6-E39B626DFEBC">Second Place at the ACA World Championship</a>.</div></div></article>

Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) is a prominent institution in Malaysia with a strong legacy of academic excellence and industry-driven education. Established in 1969, TAR UMT has grown to become one of the largest and most reputable universities in Malaysia. TAR UMT is renowned for its comprehensive range of programmes in fields such as Business, Accounting, Engineering, Information Technology, Social Sciences, and Creative Arts, all designed to meet industry demands. The university is recognised for its ACCA Platinum Approved Learning Partner status&mdash;the highest level of recognition awarded by ACCA, solidifying TAR UMT&rsquo;s strength in producing accounting professionals. TAR UMT&rsquo;s reputation for producing highly skilled professionals is reflected in its strong industry partnerships and impressive graduate employability rates. The university&rsquo;s modern facilities, including well-equipped labs, multimedia studios, and innovation hubs, provide students with a conducive learning environment. With a rich history of nurturing talent and promoting academic excellence, TAR UMT continues to empower students with the skills and confidence to excel in their chosen fields both locally and globally.

TAR UMT is a private university college in Malaysia. Explore TAR UMT's top courses. Get details of intakes, entry requirement, fees structure and related news.

TAR UMT - Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology Kuala Lumpur Campus

Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT)

TAR UMT is a prominent institution in Malaysia with a strong legacy of academic excellence, renowned for its programmes in fields such as Business, Accounting, Engineering, Information Technology, Social Sciences, and Creative Arts.

TARCIAN student earns a spot in the national spotlight as they prepare to compete at the Adobe World Championship, showcasing their creative talents.

National Spotlight: TARCian To Compete at Adobe World Championship

Mastering the complexities of analytical chemistry is no small feat, but TAR UMT&rsquo;s A Level students proved they are more than up to the challenge by sweeping the top three prizes at the Karnival Kimia Malaysia (K2M) 2025&rsquo;s Malaysia Schools' Analyst Competition. Held from 12 &ndash; 13 April 2025 at IMU University, the competition organised in collaboration with the Royal Society of Chemistry, United Kingdom, assesses students' abilities in analytical chemistry through practical problem-solving.K2M is an annual flagship event by Institut Kimia Malaysia (IKM) and K2M 2025 is supported by Minggu Sains Negara (MSN) under the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI). It aims to foster students' interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and to build a highly skilled talent pool to achieve the goal of a high-tech nation by 2030.TAR UMT emerged triumphant in the Pre-University category, with Gideon Chong Soong Yang clinching the Champion title, Caleb Tan Zhi Xuan taking First Runner-Up, and Tey Yi You securing Second Runner-Up. Tey Yi You and Lee Yong Heng were honoured with the Outstanding Analyst Award in the preliminary round.The competition began with an online preliminary round featuring 18 multiple-choice questions and 2 short-answer questions. Only the top 30 scorers advanced to the final round, where participants conducted two rigorous experiments, titration and qualitative analysis of functional groups based on a real-life scenario. The students were required to interpret their experimental results to solve the given problem.Reflecting on his win, Gideon Chong said that discipline and focusing on his goals were the underlying factors for his win. &ldquo;I stay driven because I have a clear aim&mdash;to get into one of the top universities abroad, like Nanyang Technological University (NTU),&rdquo; he shared. &ldquo;In our A Level programme, we do practical chemistry regularly. That hands-on experience really sharpened my skills and gave me an advantage over students in other programmes. What made a huge difference was the dedication of our TAR UMT lecturers. They didn&rsquo;t just teach us the syllabus &ndash; they trained us to think critically and apply what we learned. Their guidance and encouragement really pushed me to aim higher.&rdquo;<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/6847ee14d5207_1749544468.jpg" alt="" width="100%" height="auto" />Tey Yi You echoed that sentiment, adding that familiarity with the competition content boosted her confidence. &ldquo;Most of the topics were already part of our A Level syllabus, so it didn&rsquo;t feel overwhelming. I just needed to revise what we had already covered in class,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;On that note, I am glad I took my lecturer, Mr Low&rsquo;s encouragement to compete in this competition as the experience was a great exposure for me. I truly appreciate how approachable and supportive our lecturers are. They always take time to explain concepts clearly and ensure we&rsquo;re confident in applying them. That made all the difference for me.&rdquo; <img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/6847edf89edc7_1749544440.jpg" alt="" width="100%" height="auto" />Caleb Tan, meanwhile, offered words of encouragement to aspiring students. &ldquo;Work hard and stay true to yourself,&rdquo; he advised. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s okay to stand out if it means you&rsquo;re following what&rsquo;s right and meaningful to you. Keep chasing your dreams with purpose.&rdquo;

TAR UMT clinches top prizes at Karnival Kimia, showcasing excellence in chemistry and student innovation.

TAR UMT Sweeps Top Prizes at Karnival Kimia

A keen eye behind the lens and knack for impactful story-telling has garnered&nbsp;<a href="https://fcci.tarc.edu.my/programmes/bachelor-degree/broadcasting">Bachelor of Communication (Hons) in Broadcasting</a>&nbsp;student Wang Xiao Jun (pictured above) four awards in the Nitiin International Film Festival (NIFF) Malaysia 2025 after the film festival revealed its list of award winners for March 2025.NIFF is a popular film festival that is dedicated to discover new filmmakers in Malaysia through its platform and help bring recognition to the Malaysian film industry.Xiao Jun won the Special Jury Award: Best Documentary Short Film accolade through her first submission titled &lsquo;Digital Age Magic - The Power of Visual Effects&rsquo;, a documentary that shined a spotlight on the people who bring visual effects to life and how their behind-the-scenes work enhance the visual medium industries. Xiao Jun&rsquo;s second submission &lsquo;Silent Starlight&rsquo;, bagged three awards namely Best Trailer, Best Cinematography, and Best Student Short Film prizes. A visceral food-for-thought piece, &lsquo;Silent Starlight&rsquo; takes viewers through its protagonist&rsquo;s unspoken emotions and inner turmoil when faced with peer pressure and toxic culture, and how she finds the courage to overcome adversity.&ldquo;The awards validated the passion and effort my team and I put into the films, and the results definitely gave me the motivation to push on and continue to improve myself.&ldquo;These achievements are a combination of personal efforts and teamwork from my colleagues and peers. In addition, as a TAR UMT student, my lecturers&rsquo; guidance, access to facilities and the TARCian spirit among my coursemates were all instrumental in helping me reach this milestone,&rdquo; said Xiao Jun, who is aiming to become a film director one day.

Two Films, Four Awards for Budding TAR UMT Filmmaker

While most people get flowers or chocolates for Valentine&rsquo;s Day, three TAR UMT students were presented something different &ndash; two awards in the Deloitte Tax Challenge (DTC) Southeast Asia (SEA) 2025.On 14 February 2025, TAR UMT&rsquo;s Genevere Foo Wen Shun, Quek Wan Qi and Bryan Sim Myng Roong teamed up with Loh Xin Ying from Xiamen University Malaysia to represent Malaysia at this regional competition held in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.Up against the best teams from Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia and Philippines, the Malaysian team successfully claimed the Second Runner-up and Best Writer Award in the team category.

Two Sweet Accomplishments at DTC SEA 2025

MARA has confirmed it will no longer be sending students to the United States this year, ending a longstanding tradition of sponsoring scholars to some of the most prestigious American universities. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi explained that this decision was made due to concerns over changing U.S. policies and global conditions. A total of 131 students who were originally scheduled to pursue their studies in the U.S. this year will now be redirected elsewhere.The United Kingdom has emerged as the main alternative, with MARA currently negotiating with institutions there to secure placements. Several universities have agreed to offer up to 20% in tuition discounts for MARA-sponsored students.While the shift may have come quietly, it carries weight, especially for students and families who have long viewed the U.S. as the ultimate academic destination. The bigger story now lies not just in the cancellation itself, but in what it signals about Malaysia&rsquo;s evolving approach to global education.<h2>Is the U.S. Still Worth It?</h2>Once the undisputed leader in international education, the U.S. is beginning to lose its shine. Increasingly complex visa policies, rising tuition costs, and an unpredictable political climate have made it harder for international students, especially those on government sponsorship, to justify the risk.This isn&rsquo;t just about money. For many students, the uncertainty around whether they can stay and work after graduation, or even complete their studies uninterrupted, is a deal-breaker. MARA&rsquo;s move reflects this growing discomfort and signals a larger shift in how value is being measured in education.<h2>Are the &ldquo;Big Four&rdquo; Seeing a Decline?</h2>While the &ldquo;Big Four&rdquo; &mdash; the <a href="https://afterschool.my/find-university-in-malaysia/compare-american-degree-programmes-in-malaysian-universities">U.S.</a>, <a href="https://afterschool.my/guide-to-study-in-uk/top-reasons-to-study-in-the-uk-for-malaysians">U.K.</a>, Canada, and <a href="https://afterschool.my/study-in-australia/your-comprehensive-guide-to-studying-in-australia">Australia</a> &mdash; still dominate in numbers, cracks are starting to show. Across Asia and Europe, more affordable, student-friendly countries are stepping up to fill the gap. Countries like Germany, the Netherlands, France, Japan and South Korea are increasingly seen as smart alternatives: lower cost, higher stability, clearer pathways to employment.These countries offer more than just affordability. Their policies are, in many cases, better aligned with the realities international students face today &mdash; from mental health support to work opportunities and long-term migration pathways.<h2>What This Means for Malaysian Students</h2>For Malaysian students, especially those under MARA, this shift marks a turning point. Where previous generations may have chased prestige, the next cohort might focus on practical returns: employability, safety, and life after graduation. That doesn&rsquo;t necessarily mean ambition is shrinking; it means it&rsquo;s evolving.MARA&rsquo;s redirection could also reshape public perception about what constitutes a &lsquo;good&rsquo; overseas education. Rather than defaulting to familiar names, students might start looking at universities that offer stronger student outcomes, even if they&rsquo;re outside the usual map.<h2>A Realignment in Progress</h2>It remains to be seen whether this move is temporary or the beginning of a lasting change. But it&rsquo;s clear that MARA is not acting in isolation. It is one of many organisations around the world reconsidering what international education should look like in a post-pandemic, cost-conscious, increasingly multipolar world.

MARA Drops the U.S.: A Sign of Big Shifts in Global Education

Long before bright lights, concert halls, and big-name conservatories, Hoi Khai Weing was a five-year-old girl locking herself in her mother&rsquo;s piano studio, insistent on being taught. That fierce eagerness to not just play, but learn, is something that she still carries with her.Today, she&rsquo;s a classically trained violinist preparing to pursue her master&rsquo;s degree at the Royal Danish Academy of Music, graduating from Singapore&rsquo;s illustrious Yong Siew Toh Conservatory. Before heading to Europe, she&rsquo;s taking time to attend music festivals, sharpen her technical skills, and expand her artistic horizons.&nbsp;But her journey hasn&rsquo;t been defined by straight lines or instant certainty. From hesitating at the edge of a musical career to rediscovering her voice amid a struggle, Khai Weing&rsquo;s story is one of obsession, doubt, and an ever-deepening commitment to an art form that still challenges and excites her every day. <h1> A Childhood Surrounded by Music</h1>Khai Weing&rsquo;s early years were steeped heavily in the sounds of classical music. Her mother, a piano teacher, created a home filled with beautiful melodies and enthusiasm for learning, with students constantly coming in and out of the house. It didn&rsquo;t take long before that atmosphere began to shape her daughter&rsquo;s world.At age five, Khai Weing demanded to be taught the piano. &ldquo;I practically forced her to teach me,&rdquo; she recalled. &ldquo;I locked the door to her studio and said, you have to teach me.&rdquo; That keen aptitude for learning led her to pick up the violin two years later at her mother&rsquo;s suggestion, who had long hoped at least one of her children would learn an orchestral instrument. <img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/684263b3dd82a_1749181363.jpg" alt="" width="100%" height="Auto" /> The violin quickly became more than an experiment. By age nine, she was already sitting for her ABRSM Grade 3 exam. Her results were good enough to earn her an invitation to the High Scorers' Concert, which was one of the first moments she realised she might be genuinely good at this.&nbsp;At 12, her teacher nudged her into auditioning for the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (MPYO). Despite her initial reluctance, rooted in a hesitancy to mix with other people, the experience proved transformative. Surrounded by peers and guided by professional musicians from the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, she found a sense of belonging and purpose beyond practice rooms.It was in MPYO that Khai Weing first saw music not just as an individual pursuit, but as a shared journey. Living in hotels with fellow young musicians during week-long camps, rehearsing together, and preparing for performances gave her a glimpse of what a musical life could look like. &ldquo;It was like a big sleepover doing something other than studying,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;That was my illusion of what a musical life would be like. I loved it.&rdquo;<h1> Music or Medicine?</h1>By the time Khai Weing finished secondary school, she was at a crossroads. She had been playing the violin for years, training seriously and performing in ensembles, but she wasn&rsquo;t sure whether music could be more than a passion. So, she took a gap before pre-university, using the time to perform in an orchestra and reflect on her options.Eventually, she enrolled in Taylor&rsquo;s College for A Levels, taking the science stream &mdash; biology, chemistry, and mathematics &mdash; with cosmetic science in mind. Music, despite being deeply ingrained in her routine, still felt like a gamble. &ldquo;It wasn&rsquo;t really a hobby, it was too intense to be a hobby,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;But I was scared of taking the plunge. The music world is competitive, and a lot of people say it&rsquo;s not as lucrative.&rdquo;Yet, as the months passed, something shifted. Despite performing well academically, Khai Weing simply couldn&rsquo;t picture a fulfilling career in the sciences; deep down, she always knew what her true calling was. After completing her A-levels, Khai Weing began exploring options for music school applications, and one institution stood out: the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music (YST) under the National University of Singapore. <img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/684263d10bda2_1749181393.jpg" alt="" width="100%" height="Auto" /> YST was competitive and renowned. Entry came with a full scholarship covering tuition, accommodation, and a stipend, but few got in. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s one of the hardest schools to get into in Southeast Asia,&rdquo; she explained. &ldquo;In our circle, it&rsquo;s a big deal.&rdquo; Khai Weing was encouraged by her teacher to audition. Despite her nerves, a complicated pandemic-induced filtering process, and a memory slip during the performance, she was accepted. It was a moment of exhilaration and validation.&ldquo;I just screamed and ran downstairs to my mum. She was teaching at the time, and I was like, &lsquo;I got in, I got in!&rsquo;&rdquo; That acceptance didn&rsquo;t erase her doubts, but it gave her the courage to believe that music could, in fact, be her future.<h1> Finding Her Voice at YST</h1>As significant an achievement as getting into YST was, it was only the beginning. Once Khai Weing began enrolment into her undergraduate studies, she quickly realised that professional training at the highest level came with a whole new world of challenges.&nbsp;The second and third years were especially testing. With the pressure of high-level performance, frequent rejections from competitions and festivals, and the constant comparison to peers, she often found herself questioning her abilities. &ldquo;Before, music was something that made me feel special,&rdquo; she reflects. &ldquo;But in a place like YST, you start to realise that you&rsquo;re surrounded by people just as, if not more, talented. It was humbling.&rdquo; <img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/684263fe7e15e_1749181438.jpg" alt="" width="100%" height="Auto" /> An opportunity to embark on an exchange programme at the Royal Danish Academy of Music for a semester served as an important turning point. Immersed in a new culture and academic setting, Khai Weing gained a refreshed perspective on the subject matter to which she had dedicated herself for so long. &ldquo;When I came back for my last semester, I looked at everything differently. I managed to grasp what I needed much more clearly.&rdquo; She began to understand classical music not only as a performance, but as a window into history: a form of expression shaped by the times and societies that produced it. This broader lens deepened her respect for the art and grounded her more firmly in her purpose as a musician.That clarity led to a final recital she looks back on with pride. &ldquo;It was pretty good.&rdquo;&nbsp;Looking back, Khai Weing acknowledges her time at YST as a profoundly transformative experience in terms of technical growth and deepening her understanding of her relationship with music. &ldquo;Before university, we&rsquo;re so used to teachers telling us what to do, but we don&rsquo;t really understand why,&rdquo; she infers. &ldquo;Now, I&rsquo;ve learned to ask questions, to be aware of how I sound, and to create the kind of music I want to create.&rdquo; She also discovered a more grounded sense of confidence in learning to listen more deeply: not only to music, but to her own instincts.&nbsp; <h1> Looking Forward and Advice&nbsp;</h1>Later this year, Khai Weing will begin her master&rsquo;s degree at the Royal Danish Academy of Music, returning to the institution that helped her rediscover her passion during her student exchange. In the long term, she hopes to combine performing with education, especially for younger musicians. &ldquo;I had a lot of technique issues when I was younger, and it was a pain to relearn everything,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t want others to go through that.&rdquo; <img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/6842645c8e9b7_1749181532.png" alt="" width="100%" height="Auto" /> For aspiring classical musicians, her advice is simple: don&rsquo;t stay in your bubble. &ldquo;Join youth orchestras. Audition for music festivals. Get exposure outside of where you are. You&rsquo;ll grow so much more.&rdquo;And as for her own motivation, after nearly two decades of music, she hasn&rsquo;t lost it. If anything, she feels like she&rsquo;s just getting started. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s still so much beautiful music I haven&rsquo;t touched yet,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;Every time you revisit a piece, you&rsquo;re seeing it through new eyes. That&rsquo;s what makes it exciting.&rdquo;

Follow Khai Weing's inspiring journey from YST to Denmark, as he pursues his passion for classical music and builds a lifelong career.

From YST to Denmark: Khai Weing’s Lifelong Journey in Classical Music

You&rsquo;ve just received your SPM results, and now everyone&rsquo;s asking the same question: What&rsquo;s next?For many students, the decision comes down to three main options: Foundation, Diploma, or STPM. Each one promises a different experience, timeline, and pathway to university. But how do you know which one actually suits you?This guide is here to help you make that decision with clarity. No hype, no bias, just a realistic look at what each path offers and who it&rsquo;s best for. Start with YourselfBefore comparing the options, ask yourself a few honest questions:<ul><li>Do I already know what I want to study at university?</li><li>Am I someone who prefers coursework or exams?</li><li>Do I want to work as soon as possible, or am I fully committed to continuing my studies?</li><li>Is cost a concern for me and my family?</li><li>Am I looking at public or private universities?</li></ul>Keep your answers in mind. They will guide you through the comparisons below. What&rsquo;s it REALLY like to study Foundation, Diploma, or STPM?Let&rsquo;s move beyond definitions and talk about the real experience of being in each program. (P.S. For a detailed breakdown of all these courses, check out this <a href="https://afterschool.my/articles/spm-s-over-now-what-a-guide-to-your-next-steps-2025-edition">article</a>!)Foundation<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Duration: Around 1 year</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Environment: Usually offered at private universities with smaller class sizes</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Style: Heavily coursework-based, with regular assignments, presentations, and internal assessments</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Goal: A direct route into a specific degree programme, often at the same university</li></ul>Foundation programmes are fast-paced and structured around degree preparation. If you already know your field, like medicine, engineering, or mass communication, it&rsquo;s a smooth launchpad.Perfect for you if: You have clear goals and enough financial support.Diploma<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Duration: 2 to 2.5 years</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Environment: Offered by private colleges and some public polytechnics</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Style: A mix of theory and practical learning, including group work, projects, and sometimes internships</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Goal: Can lead to immediate employment or entry into a degree (often with credit transfer)</li></ul>Diploma programmes are more hands-on and career-oriented. You will dive deep into one field, gaining real-world skills along the way. If you want the option to work early or take a more practical route, this could be it.Perfect for you if: You prefer applied learning or want early job opportunities.STPM<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Duration: Around 1.5 years</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Environment: Taught in government schools, similar to Form 5 but more intense</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Style: Exam-based and academically rigorous, with three semesters and national-level papers</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Goal: Entry into public universities (IPTA) or recognised private and international universities</li></ul>STPM is respected, affordable, and widely accepted. But it is no walk in the park. You will need discipline, a strong academic foundation, and resilience under pressure.Perfect for you if: You&rsquo;re academically strong, and want flexibility and low costs Who Thrives in Each Path (And Who Might Struggle)Every pathway has its strengths, but they also come with challenges. Here is a quick snapshot:Foundation<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Good for focused, academically steady students</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Not ideal for those unsure about their future field</li></ul>Diploma<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Great for hands-on learners and career-focused students</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">May not suit those who want to keep their degree options open</li></ul>STPM<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ideal for students who are self-motivated and exam-savvy</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Can be overwhelming for those who struggle with pressure or need more flexible learning</li></ul>What Are Your Goals?Let&rsquo;s align each path with different student goals. Which one sounds most like you?<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">&ldquo;I already know what I want to study and where.&rdquo;</li></ul>Go for Foundation. It is the fastest, most direct route to your chosen degree, especially if you&rsquo;re aiming for a private university.<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">&ldquo;I&rsquo;m not entirely sure what I want yet.&rdquo;</li></ul>STPM gives you more time to decide and keeps your university options wide open.Alternatively, a Diploma in a broad field like business or IT could help you discover your interests through real-world application.<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">&ldquo;I want to start working as soon as possible.&rdquo;</li></ul>A diploma is your best bet. It is designed to be job-ready, and many employers recognise it as a standalone qualification.<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">&ldquo;I want to apply to a public university, but my results aren&rsquo;t perfect.&rdquo;</li></ul>STPM can be a second shot. If you didn&rsquo;t qualify for Matriculation, STPM still gives you a fair and affordable route into IPTAs. Final ThoughtsChoosing between Foundation, Diploma, and STPM is not just about what sounds easiest or fastest. It is about understanding your learning style, goals, and resources, then picking the path that gives you the best chance of growing and succeeding.There is no shame in taking a route that is different from your friends. Whether you are speeding ahead, taking your time, or pivoting later on, the important thing is that you&rsquo;ve chosen with intention.So take a breath. Ask questions. Do your research.And then take the first step on the path that truly fits you.

Explore the differences between Foundation, Diploma, and STPM to make an informed decision on which educational path suits your goals and aspirations.

I’m Choosing Between Foundation, Diploma, and STPM. Which One Actually Fits Me?

From bustling cities like Kuala Lumpur to quieter academic hubs like Nilai and Johor Bahru, Malaysia is becoming an increasingly popular study destination for international students. With an English-friendly environment, affordable tuition, diverse culture, and a growing list of globally recognised universities, it&rsquo;s no surprise that thousands of students worldwide are coming here to study.Malaysia may tick all the boxes on paper, but what&rsquo;s the real experience like for international students on the ground?We spoke to a few international students who have studied in Malaysia to learn more about their journeys.<h3>Sophie James (UK)</h3>University: The University Of Nottingham MalaysiaCourse: International Relations &amp; Asian Studies <img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/683c1ba32e6a8_1748769699.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="747" />Sophie James (pictured right) had always envisioned studying abroad, but when it came time to choose between Nottingham&rsquo;s overseas campuses in China and Malaysia, she let instinct guide her. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m trying to live my life by feeling,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;Malaysia just felt right: new, challenging, and exciting in all the best ways.&rdquo;Originally from a small village in Cambridgeshire, Sophie spent one semester at the University of Nottingham Malaysia during her final undergraduate year. While she expected cultural differences, it was the unexpected moments that left the deepest mark, like being invited to her classmate&rsquo;s Malay wedding. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s something that would never happen in the UK. It felt so special to be part of it. I still have my Baju Kebaya hanging in my room.&rdquo;Adjusting to life in Malaysia brought its own set of internal challenges. Sophie describes it as a period of &ldquo;trying on different versions of yourself&rdquo;, but in hindsight, it became a turning point. A module on food and development sparked a passion that now guides her next chapter: a Master&rsquo;s in Food Policy at City University of London. Currently, she&rsquo;s based in Spain, working on small-scale farms to deepen her understanding of sustainable food systems: a passion she traces back to her semester in Malaysia.Her advice to others? &ldquo;Pack gratitude. It helps you stay grounded and appreciate just how special the experience really is.&rdquo;<h3>Rachel Gunardi (Indonesia)</h3>University: UCSI University&nbsp;Course: Bachelor&rsquo;s in Graphic Design <img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/683960b3ebfec_1748590771.png" alt="" width="560" height="411" /> Rachel Gunardi moved to Malaysia in 2021, eager to study abroad while staying close to home. Though excited, the transition came with challenges; adjusting to in-person classes post-pandemic, navigating a new academic system, and adapting to subtle cultural differences were no easy feat for someone so far away from home.&ldquo;Malaysia and Indonesia are really similar, but everything still felt new,&rdquo; she recalls.While settling in, Rachel noticed a large gap between student life and the working world. This inspired her to co-found DEAD Enterprise, a student-run initiative aimed at real-world networking, mentorship, and collaboration. From campus marketplaces to off-campus events, the platform quickly became a space for meaningful connections.Her time in Malaysia became more than just academic; it helped her find purpose.&ldquo;You&rsquo;re not quite a student anymore, but not fully in the working world either. That in-between space is where I found myself.&rdquo;Rachel now hopes to expand DEAD Enterprise across the region, while continuing to use design as a tool for connection, clarity, and community.<h3>Sam Fazalur (UAE)</h3>University: Heriot-Watt University MalaysiaCourse: Bachelor&rsquo;s in Psychology (Forensic Psychology track)<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/68395fcee8931_1748590542.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="747" />For Sam Fazalur, Malaysia was the first country he chose for himself. After years of moving between France, the UK, the US, and the UAE, he arrived in 2019 to begin his degree in psychology at Heriot-Watt University. It was a decision driven by both affordability and independence, one that would mark a significant turning point in his life.&ldquo;Malaysia was where life finally felt like my own,&rdquo; he says.What began as a general interest in psychology evolved into a focused passion for forensic work. With small class sizes and niche electives, Sam often found himself in one-on-one sessions with lecturers, which deepened his learning. Outside the classroom, he interned with the Royal Malaysia Police, gaining hands-on experience in field operations and criminal investigations.Living and studying in Malaysia pushed Sam to grow beyond the textbook. He learned to navigate new systems, build a life from scratch, and chase his interests without apology. Years later, even as his path has taken him into football coaching in the Middle East, Sam credits Malaysia as the place that shaped his mindset and gave him the space to figure things out.<h3>Megumi Uchiyama (Japan)</h3>University: University of Nottingham MalaysiaCourse: International Communication with Performing Arts<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/68395f964feb8_1748590486.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="982" />When Megumi Uchiyama left Tokyo to study in Malaysia, she was looking for change, but she didn&rsquo;t expect the experience to shift her worldview entirely. What started as a spontaneous decision during the pandemic soon became one of the most formative chapters of her life.Megumi immersed herself in campus life at the University of Nottingham Malaysia through the Literature and Drama Society, eventually rising to president. But beyond the stage, it was her exposure to Malaysia&rsquo;s diverse cultures, especially the visibility of Muslim life, that left a lasting impression.&ldquo;I grew up with a lot of misconceptions about Islam,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;But living here, seeing it as a normal part of everyday life, changed me.&rdquo;One moment that stood out was when a close friend struggled to find halal food and prayer spaces during a visit to Japan. It made Megumi realise how invisible Muslim needs are back home, and how much more inclusive things could be.<h3>Uzair Dar (Pakistan)</h3>University: Asia Pacific University (APU) Course: Bachelor&rsquo;s in International Business Management &amp; Master&rsquo;s in Project Management <img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/683c1c5031f50_1748769872.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="574" /> Uzair Dar moved to Malaysia in 2018 with no friends, limited knowledge of local culture, and a simple goal: to pursue quality education at an affordable cost. He enrolled at Asia Pacific University (APU), eventually completing both a Bachelor's in International Business Management and a Master&rsquo;s in Project Management, earning dual degrees from APU and De Montfort University in the UK.&ldquo;From group assignments and the pressure of tight deadlines to late-night hangouts and learning to manage life independently, the whole thing has been super memorable,&rdquo; he says.One of his earliest hurdles? Food. &ldquo;In Pakistan, we usually eat bread or chapati, but in Malaysia, it&rsquo;s rice everywhere. It took some time, but then I ended up craving rice daily!&rdquo;Over the years, Dar&rsquo;s time in Malaysia became more than just academic. He built friendships across borders and embraced personal growth through both challenges and joy.His advice to future international students is simple: &ldquo;Take this opportunity to become the best version of yourself. Live every day to its fullest, because the best day is today.&rdquo;<h3>Asher Star (Australia)</h3>University: Monash UniversityCourse: Global Immersion Guarantee Programme<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/68395f1962ce8_1748590361.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="747" />Currently based in Kuala Lumpur through Monash University&rsquo;s Global Immersion Guarantee programme, Asher came to Malaysia after hearing positive things from a friend who had previously taken part. He didn&rsquo;t know exactly what to expect, but was quickly struck by the intensity of the heat and the surprising familiarity of the city. &ldquo;KL reminded me of other colonised places like Melbourne or London,&rdquo; he says.Adapting to local life had its challenges. The road systems were confusing, and the language barrier made everyday interactions tricky at first. But speaking with locals and engaging with the community helped him settle in.One of the highlights of his time here has been visiting Ipoh, a place he hadn&rsquo;t heard of before arriving. It&rsquo;s the kind of experience he hopes other students will seek out, too. His advice? Stay open, ask questions, and learn the language where you can&mdash;it goes a long way.

Discover firsthand experiences from six students about what it's really like studying in Malaysia, from campus life to cultural insights.

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I’m Choosing Between Foundation, Diploma, and STPM. Which One Actually Fits Me?

6 Students Share What It’s REALLY Like Studying in Malaysia

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