Newly launched Study Melbourne Hub KL aims to support offshore students

KUALA LUMPUR – In an effort to support its offshore students, Australia’s Victorian state government has set up its first Study Melbourne Hub Kuala Lumpur.

The hub, located in Jaya One, Petaling Jaya, is also a centre promoting Melbourne and Victoria as study destinations for Malaysian students.

Victoria has about 7,700 Malaysian students, 25% of whom are currently studying in Malaysia, due to travel restrictions brought about by the pandemic.

At the launch yesterday, Deputy National Unity Minister Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said Australia has produced graduates who went on to become leaders in their own countries, for example, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.

“In terms of collaboration, Monash University was the first foreign university to set up its campus in Malaysia in 1998, and today, there are no less than 10 universities and international schools in Malaysia,” he added.

With a trade and investment office established in 2009, the launch of the Study Hub is proof of the continued confidence of Victoria in Malaysia as an important market, as well as the recognition that transitioning into a post-pandemic world requires brave leadership and radical innovation, especially in education.”

Meanwhile, Victorian Trade Minister Martin Pakula said the hub is part of the state government’s A$33.4 million (RM101.32 million) international education short-term recovery plan with additional funding through the 2021-2022 Victorian Budget over the next four years.

The Study Melbourne Hub Kuala Lumpur is a space for students to connect and engage with one another. Meanwhile, prospective students can access information about studying in Victoria and education service providers can hold engagement events.

Victorian commissioner to Southeast Asia Rebecca Hall said international education was a critical services export and job provider, contributing A$13.7 billion and supporting 79,000 jobs before the pandemic in the state.

The launch also saw hub space provider Global Victoria CEO Gonul Serbest announcing the 15 Malaysian students as recipients of the A$5,000 Career Catalyst scholarship that aims to provide the opportunity to undertake job readiness training and a three-month supported virtual internship. – The Vibes, November 24, 2021