Archives

Monash University Malaysia eyes Sri Lanka as a potential market for foreign students as those joining the Malaysian University have been increasing steadily.

"We have seen a significant growth in Sri Lankan students joining the Malaysian University over the last few years. Therefore, we will place much emphasis on promoting Monash Malaysia among Sri Lankan students and parents in the future. This is mainly due to the cost factor and comparatively short distance between the two countries," Prof. Robert J. Bignall, Pro Vice Chancellor of the University told the Daily News.

He said that Sri Lankan students so far have done well in their studies and they are active and keen on participating in extracurricular activities as well. Prof. Bignall who was on a brief visit to Colombo recently met prospective students and their parents as part of a student promotional program. Monash has already tied up with a few local institutions to promote its graduate study programs.

"As far as the University is concerned, we offer a wide range of graduate courses some of which are not available in local universities," he said. Currently, Monash Malaysia offers courses in Business, Information Technology, Science (Biotechnology), Engineering and Arts. Many students opt for degree programs in the areas of Business, Engineering and Biotechnology.

Since its inception, the campus has seen a tremendous growth in terms of student numbers, courses offered and facilities provided. The number of students has grown from 165 in the first intake in 1998 to about 1,700 students in February 2002.

Monash University Malaysia was the first foreign university campus to be set up in Malaysia. Set up in 1998 on the invitation of the Malaysian government, Monash Malaysia is the seventh Monash campus with six others in Victoria in Australia and the Malaysian branch was the first outside Australia, the second being in South Africa.

Referring to the advantages in the Malaysian University Prof. Bignall said that it offers identical degrees as in Australia. "The living is reasonably comfortable and comparatively cheap in Malaysia. The country is economically and politically stable. It also offers simple visa procedures for overseas students."

Among many Asian parents, Malaysia is a culturally preferred location. Its culture and social backgrounds are familiar to Asians," he said.

The Professor also said that students should be aware of the institution's stability when they choose a University for higher education. "It is important to select a reputed institution which would offer world renowned degrees without falling prey."

At Monash Malaysia we encourage students to develop analytical and research skills in order to produce complete professionals in their particular fields. For this we have a full fledged research facility and academia to assist the students, he said.

The University is also in the process of expanding its facilities with the setting up of a medical faculty. "We understand that many Sri Lankan parents want to see their children studying medicine. Therefore, a medical faculty will be an added advantage for us. At present, we are talking to the Malaysian government in this connection," he said.

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager