GOVT CUTS SCHOLARSHIPS, URGES STUDENTS TO APPLY FOR GRANTS ABROAD
Students encouraged to apply to universities, visit education fairs
DEPUTY Education Minister Teo Nie Ching said the government has reduced the number of scholarships for students planning to study overseas because of its financial situation.
She said students keen to study abroad were encouraged to apply for scholarships from their universities.
“We have no choice but to reduce the number of scholarships because of the government’s financial situation.
“Hence, it is important for students to visit education fairs to get information on how to apply for scholarships to study overseas,” she said after opening the two-day Facon Education Fair at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here yesterday.
Citing an example, she said Hungary was offering 40 scholarships for Malaysian students.
About 500 local and overseas universities and colleges from countries such as the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Japan, Indonesia, Czech Republic, Italy, Finland and Taiwan are taking part in the fair.
More than 30,000 visitors are expected at the event.
Teo encouraged students to study in European countries and said Malaysia welcomed foreign students here.
“I believe having more international students in Malaysia will be advantageous for local students. There will be exchange and sharing of information on lifestyles, cultures and experiences.”
Ambassador and head of European Union delegation to Malaysia, Maria Castillo Fernandez, said 380 European students had studied in Malaysia since 2015.
Teo also lauded Petronas Dagangan Bhd for taking the initiative to build petrol stations on the campuses of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman and Universiti Teknologi Petronas.
The aim is to develop entrepreneurial skills among the students.
She said the government encouraged such efforts as it would ensure that students were equipped to meet the needs of the industries.
“The market feels that the students we produce don’t fit its needs. Therefore, we are always trying to bring industries into the campuses so that our students will have more practical skills, experience and exposure.”
We have no choice but to reduce the number of scholarships because of the government’s financial situation. Hence, it is important for students to visit education fairs to get information on how to apply for scholarships to study overseas.
TEO NIE CHING
Deputy education minister