AEI Malaysia Newsletter – Counsellor’s Note

This update marks approximately one year that I’ve been in Malaysia. Over this time there have been a number of significant events and developments which have helped shape the bilateral education relationship between Australia and Malaysia. This update will help provide a flavour for some of the initiatives that AEI Malaysia has participated in over the year.

This year, Malaysia became the fourth most popular source country for international students, with around 20,000 enrolments. 2007 also saw a turnaround in the undergraduate enrolment declines in Malaysia over the

previous 2 years. Year to date enrolments show a 3.8% increase in overall enrolments, with the most significant increases in PhD enrolments (31%) and vocational education and training enrolments (16%).

The shifting enrolment patterns reflect changes in the Malaysian education landscape. The increased provision of higher education opportunities in Malaysia, particularly at the undergraduate level, provides Malaysians with a more cost-effective option in country. This is likely to continue at the undergraduate level, with enrolments in the postgraduate and vocational education and training sectors likely to continue to increase.

Postgraduate research enrolment increases are largely driven by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education’s PhD Scholarship program, and will continue to be the case at least until 2010. The challenge is to maintain Australia as a destination of choice, which will largely be driven by an awareness of Australian university research strengths.

This year also saw the introduction of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (replacing the National Accreditation Board or LAN) and Malaysian Qualifications Framework and the launch of the National Higher Education Strategic Plan by the Malaysian Prime Minister. Both these developments are welcomed by AEI Malaysia, and represent a renewed focus by the Malaysian Government on quality assurance, qualifications recognition, internationalisation and increased research collaboration.

Over the last 12 months, AEI Malaysia has renewed negotiations with the Malaysian Government on the activities of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Education Cooperation. With a focus on research collaboration, Australian student mobility, vocational education and training and quality assurance, the JWG provides an opportunity to bring all of the Malaysian Government agencies together to achieve specific outcomes.

A welcome addition to the Australian High Commission in 2007 was the new High Commissioner, H.E. Ms Penny Williams who has continued to demonstrate a commitment to education as one of the key pillars of the bilateral relationship.

While 2007 has been a full year, there are already a number of commitments in 2008 which signal the renewed direction of AEI Malaysia’s strategic priorities. This update will provide you with both a review of the past year, and a taste of what’s to come. We hope that you enjoy this edition and look forward to working closely with you in 2008.

Adam CarlonCounsellor (Education, Science and Training)

High Quality and Professional Agents via the EATCAEI Malaysia hosted the bi-annual education agents meetings in February and December 2007. The agents had the opportunity to bid farewell to the former High Commissioner to Australia Mr James Wise and greet incoming High Commissioner HE Ms Penny Williams during the February meet. Counsellor Mr Adam Carlon provided market updates on both occasions and among other interesting updates were the introduction of the Australian Government Scholarships and the revised National Code. An update on the Education Agents Training Course (EATC) was highlighted to encourage more agents to assess themselves via the course and be formally recognised as a bona fide representative of Australian education institutions.

The EATC is an online training course specifically designed to support individuals, particularly those who are starting in an agency-counselling role or those who wish to revise their skills and ensure they provide quality service to their student-clients.

Agents need to register online (www.pieronline.org/eatc) to have access to the EATC free of charge. The course has four sections each with tutorial lessons and relevant web-links, followed by a self-assessment test. Following successful completion of the self assessment, participants are prompted to undergo a formal assessment to receive an accredited Statement of Attainment.

AEI Malaysia conducts the formal assessment invigilation every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month from 10:00 – 11:30 am.

Three Malaysian agents have sat for the test since its launch and all of them passed with flying colours.

December 2007

February 2007

Australian Alumni Amazing Race!

The Australian Alumni Treasure Hunt was held on Sunday 6 May 2007 and it brought together some 90 Australian graduates, their family and friends in 22 teams that competed in the event. Organised by the Australian High Commission Kuala Lumpur with support from the Malaysian Australian Alumni Council (MAAC), the hunt was flagged off from the grounds of the Australian High Commission and finished at a restaurant in Kuala Lumpur.

The first prize winner of the 15 kilometre walk-and-ride hunt around Kuala Lumpur was a team who called themselves C’mon Aussie C’mon, comprised of University of Western Australia graduates and their friends, who took home RM1200.00 in prize money. The second prize of RM800.00 went to team Moomba 3 a collaboration of Victorian university alumni of La Trobe, Monash and Melbourne universities. Team Champs comprised of University of Melbourne alumni won the third spot and prize money of RM400.00. There were 5 consolation winners, with each team winning four bottles of premium Australian wine.

The Australian High Commissioner HE Ms Penny Williams, Deputy High Commissioner Mr Peter Doyle and Puan Sri Susan Cheah as MAAC President were at hand to give away prizes. The guest of honour for the event, Ms Zabrina Fernandez, winner of The Amazing Race Asia, also attended and graciously gave away consolation prizes.

As education is an important aspect of Australian-Malaysian bilateral relations, alumni events such as this are testimonial to the close people-people relationships fostered through Australian education and institutions. The event was also a fitting celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Australia.

As 2007 drew to its end, Adam Carlon, Counsellor, Education hosted a celebration for Alumni members on 13 Dec to celebrate another year of successful partnerships among alumni chapters and AEI Malaysia.

If you are an Australian alumni and would like to be invited to future events, please contact the Business Manager, Amy Gonsalviz on +6 03 2146 5529 or email at amy.gonsalviz@aei.gov.au.

Melbourne and Adelaide hosted visiting Malaysian journalists.AEI Malaysia organised its second Visiting Journalists Programme for two journalists from Sinchew Daily and Nanyang Daily to selected institutions in Melbourne and Adelaide from 24 to 30 June 2007. Austrade Malaysia participated in the programme as well, by inviting one journalist from the largest circulating Chinese daily in East Malaysia, See Hua Daily.

The objective of this programme was to provide a first-hand experience of Australian education, with focus on the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector and its relationship with industry, higher education and emphasis on job-readiness, and meeting Malaysian students and staff in Australian institutions.

One of the main highlights of the Melbourne leg was a thorough introduction to the VET system and its links with industry, as showcased by Victoria University and Box Hill TAFE. Through interviews with a group of Malaysian students who are proceeding with their tertiary studies through the VET pathway, they have acquired a very good understanding of the advantages that the VET-industry linkages offer to both local and international students.

A visit to Monash University at its Clayton campus provided us an opportunity to witness some of its latest research and development in the fields of science, engineering and information technology. The journalists met some of the top Malaysian students currently pursuing their PhDs in stem cells research and also visited the nanotechnology lab for exposure to ongoing research and development towards the next generation medical testing kit. The visit ended with a stopover at the Australian Synchrotron and an insightful brief was provided by its manager on its usages and contribution towards scientific research. On the whole, Monash University focused very much on its strong commitments towards education in Malaysia through its Sunway campus and emphasised the quality education and research at all its campuses.

At Deakin University for the last day in Melbourne, the journalists had the opportunity to meet up with two staff members from its education faculty in a discussion on the working relationship between the Malaysian Ministry of Education and the faculty to train Malaysian primary school teachers in the area of teaching mathematics and science in English. The topic was of great interest to the journalists, as this is an ongoing and important issue in Malaysia.

The Adelaide leg of the tour was organised by Education Adelaide and the focus was on higher education providers and the facilities and care provided by the city of Adelaide towards international students and their dependants. The journalists were given tours of accommodation facilities, both on and off campus at Flinders University and the University of Adelaide. A meeting with the Lord Mayor of Adelaide, Michael Harbison and Denise Von Wald, CEO of Education Adelaide reiterated the city’s endeavours to attract and provide assistance to international students.

At the University of Adelaide, the focus was on the institution’s long and illustrious relationship with the East Malaysian state of Sarawak, as many of its prominent Malaysian alumni members originated from there.

Throughout our visit in Adelaide, the journalists were able to meet Malaysian students from all three universities, from a variety of different fields, at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

On feedback, the journalists were very pleased with the programme and the direction of the tour and have commented that the trip has given them a better understanding of the VET system and the quality of education and services provided for international students in Australia. As a result of the visit, a series of articles were published in local Chinese dailies.

At the Adelaide City Hall With the Hon Michael Harbison, mayor of Adelaide and Mrs Denise Von Wald, CEO of Education Adelaide. From L: Ms Kun Lai-Leng from Sinchew Daily, Mr Kenny Boon from See Hua Daily Sarawak, Ms Koo Yi-Lin from AEI Malaysia and Ms Yau Ming-Yuan, Nanyang Daily.

With Mr Jeff Hyde at the Box Hill TAFE Institute, Melbourne.

Melbourne and Adelaide hosted visiting Malaysian journalists.

Study in Australia Exhibition,Kuala Lumpur & SingaporeThis year’s largest Australian education exhibition in Malaysia took place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on the 27th and 28th of October, 2007. Organized annually by the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade), the Study in Australia 2007 Education Fair had over 30 Australian education institutions participating from all states in Australia and saw a total of 4094 visitors during the two-day event.

Enthusiastic students, parents and working professionals were among the visitors at the two-day event. Assisting the exhibition, Australian Education International (AEI) Malaysia provided a variety of brochures on Australian Education and assisted in responding to general enquiries by visitors. It was also an opportunity for AEI to encourage visitors to visit the Study in Australia website (www.studyinaustralia.gov.au) for more information on studying and living in Australia as an international student.

While visitors had the opportunity to enquire and discuss Australian education matters and opportunities directly with education representatives from Australia, they also had the chance to listen to seminars addressing various topics and subjects of interest, including AEI’s talk on All about Studying in Australia – an Australian Government Perspective. Other seminars conducted included topics on applying for student visas, the importance of IELTS, and foundation studies as a pathway into universities. Speakers from chosen institutions also gave seminars on subjects such as Science, Accounting, Plant Biotechnology, Hotel Management and the Culinary Arts and Sustainable Architecture.

Based on the Post Show Report by Austrade, 48% of the enquiries were about undergraduate courses, followed by 25.5% on postgraduate studies and research. Secondary and foundation studies enquiries remained stable at 4.8% and 17.2% respectively. The breakdown in areas of interest during the exhibition included the fields of Business, Engineering, Medicine and Science, followed by Arts, Information Technology, Law and others.

The 23rd Study in Australia Education Fair in Malaysia is expected to be held on 18 -19 October 2008.

Study in Australia Exhibition, Kuala Lumpur & Singapore

Study in Australia Exhibition, Singapore

Team members from AEI Malaysia supported the annual Study in Australia exhibition organised by Australian Trade Commission Singapore, at the Suntec Convention Centre, 17-18 March 2007. This year’s event saw some 6400 visitors to the exhibition with 37 participating Australian institutions. The Study in Australia branding was enhanced with a more vibrant, larger information counter with AEI Malaysia and Department of Immigration and Citizenship Singapore officials providing generic information on visa application, studying and living in Australia. The AEI seminar sessions on studying and living in Australia attracted large crowds.

Platform for Research Engagement: AEI Malaysia Postgraduate Seminars 2007The annual AEI Malaysia Postgraduate Seminars provided a neutral platform for research engagement between Australia and Malaysia, which has attracted some 950 Malaysian attendees its inaugural event in 2005. The 2007 event was held from 29 October to 2 November at the Australian High Commission Kuala Lumpur. This year’s event focused on the fields of engineering, environmental management, medical research, science and agriculture, with participation from the University of Sydney, University of South Australia, Southern Cross University, Monash University, University of Newcastle, La Trobe University and University of Western Sydney.

The seminars aim to match emerging Malaysian research priorities with Australian expertise in those fields. In line with the increase of Malaysian interest in the postgraduate academic and research area and the increase in scholarship provisions by the Malaysian Government, the event provided an opportunity for experts from both countries to interact and consider possible research collaborations. A select group of invitees were compiled by AEI Malaysia to include academics, researchers, Malaysian Government officers, scholarship bodies’ representatives, relevant industry members and interested postgraduate students. At the end of each event, a contact database of those who attended the respective seminars sessions and photographs was provided to the Australian presenters.

For the Australian participants, the feedback has been very positive. They found the event a good avenue to meet the right people for the Malaysian market. Some presenters have used the event to share their research findings with Malaysian audiences while most would employ the indirect outreach and marketing approach by profiling their respective research areas and faculties. By and large, they have found the event to be a good opportunity to raise the profile of their postgraduate courses and researches.

One of the networking sessions for the 2007 event.

Presenters and Chairpersons with Adam Carlon, Counsellor.

The format of the event called for academics from Malaysian universities chairing sessions with the Australian presenters.

Engaging on the VET frontIn an inaugural meeting of like minds, the Australia-Malaysia Vocational Education and Training Symposium brought together sector representatives from both countries in an effort to gain a better understanding of each other’s vocational education and training (VET) sectors as well as identify areas for collaboration.

The event on 5 November was attended by approximately 80 representatives from the Malaysian Ministries of Human Resources, Higher Education and Education, local VET providers and industry.

A travelling VET delegation from Australia led by Ms. Mary Johnston, Branch Manager of the Industry Skills Development Group, included representatives from the Department of Education, Science and Training’s Skills Branch, Office of Training and Tertiary Education (Victorian Government), Australian Industry Group, TAFE NSW, Australian Council for Private Education, Queensland Department of Education, and Commerce Queensland.

The symposium was a significant event in establishing a platform of engagement with the Malaysian VET sector.

Australia’s engagement with the VET sector in Malaysia has remained relatively small in an environment dominated by the higher education sector. Much of the past involvement in country has been ad hoc and driven largely by individuals or individual organisations.

A contributing factor to the minimal engagement of this sector by Australian VET providers has been a lack of understanding of the complex interaction of the various Malaysian ministries involved in the delivery of VET in Malaysia. This has led to a lack of clarity on Malaysian VET industry regulation, quality assurance arrangements and qualifications recognition.

Recent developments in Malaysia are facilitating greater opportunities to overcome past barriers to VET engagement. These include the recent establishment of the Malaysian Qualifications Framework (similar to the Australian Qualifications Framework), the introduction of a National Dual Training System (similar to Australia’s Apprenticeships Scheme), the passing of the National Skills Development Act 2006 and the focus on human capital enhancement as a key pillar under the Ninth Malaysia Plan. The key outcomes included identifying specific follow-up action by industry, government and training providers. The list of action items can be broadly categorised as: facilitating follow-up visits by Malaysian representatives to Australia; developing student and staff attachment programmes between Australian and Malaysian training organisations; facilitating engagement with Australia’s National Council for Vocational Education Research; and facilitating further discussion on skills

qualification frameworks, the development of training packages, industry partnerships with registered training organisations and government, the recognition of overseas skills qualifications, articulation arrangements and skills pathway enhancements and successful strategies in raising the profile of VET.

The Australian VET delegation also visited a couple of Malaysian VET providers the next day and one in particular – Politeknik Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah – expressed interest in exploring areas of collaboration with Australian providers.

The Australian presenters and their Malaysian counterparts.

Engaging on the VET front

What’s in store for 2008:• Closer working relationship with the Malaysian Ministries through joint-working groups• Malay press to visit Australia• Comprehensive focus on VET promotion• Raising awareness of Australia’s research strengths• Alumni events to foster networking and friendship among Australian graduates

AEI MalaysiaAustralian High Commission6 Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, 50450 Kuala Lumpurt +603 2146 5647 f +603 2145 7807 e info.aei@streamyx.com w www.studyinaustralia.gov.au

Counsellor: Adam Carlon t +603 2146 5604 e adam.carlon@aei.gov.auThe Counsellor has overall responsibility for managing Australia’s education, science and training relationship with Malaysia.

Deputy Director: Gavin Gomez t +603 2146 5528 e gavin.gomez@aei.gov.auAs the right-hand man to the Counsellor, Gavin is involved in the overall operations of the AEI Malaysia office. He is the main source for local market intelligence and maintains close liaison with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Higher Education. He also helps coordinate visits, consults in areas of mutual collaborative interest and helps to maintain a positive public perception of Australian education.

Business Manager: Amy Gonsalviz t +603 2146 5529 e amy.gonsalviz@aei.gov.auWith nine years experience in AEI, Amy has had a hand in every aspect in the running of the AEC. As Business Manager, her key functions include fee-for-service, client service relationships, education agents and alumni.

Marketing & Promotions Manager: Yi-Lin Koo t +603 2146 5644 e yi.lin.koo@aei.gov.auYi-Lin manages a wide range of areas at AEI Malaysia, from regular Study-In-Australia talks to managing events for AEI Malaysia and Australian institutions. She is also responsible for media liaison as well as planning and commissioning marketing and promotional campaigns in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

Office Manager: Cindy Lee t +603 2146 5603 e cindy.lee@aei.gov.auApart from Cindy’s role of assisting Counsellor with his daily appointments and arrangement of transportation, she also manages the logistical and administrative side of AEI Malaysia.

Information Officer: Sazliny Jahaya t +603 2146 5651 e sazliny.jahaya@aei.gov.auSazliny manages the AEI database and updates all local market information. She is also the MARA and JPA liaison officer.

Information Officer: Dayana Mohd Faridt +603 2146 5527 e dayana.mohamad-farid@aei.gov.auDayana is the first point of contact for potential students and other visitors and provides generic information to students and parents.