Taiwan Higher Education Expo Visits Malaysian High Schools to Promote Studying in Taiwan
The Organization of Taiwan Education and Cultural, Malaysia, worked together with the Malaysian Conforming Secondary Schools Principals Council and four State Education Departments to organize the 2024 Study in Taiwan Higher Education Expo for government-subsided National Chinese Secondary Schools in Malaysia which are known as SMJK schools. The Education Expo was held in schools in five cities between April 15 and 21, 2024: at Heng Ee High School in Jelutong in Penang on April 15, at SMJK Jit Sin Independent High School in Bukit Mertajam in Penang on April 16, at SMJK Hua Lian High School in Taiping in Perak on April 17, at SMJK Yu Hua Secondary School in Kajang in Selangor on April 18, and at SMJK Chung Hwa Secondary School in Kota Bahru in Kelantan on April 21.
The aim of the Education Expo was to provide local secondary school students with information about studying in Taiwan after they graduate. Twenty-three universities and tertiary colleges in Taiwan took part.
James Buu, Deputy Representative at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia (TECO), was amongst dignitaries invited to speak at the opening of the Education Expo in Kajang in Selangor on April 18. He told the audience that universities in Taiwan are renowned for their academic excellence and research achievements, contributing to Taiwan's global competitiveness. He pointed out that in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2023, Taiwan ranked 6th overall among 64 economies. In addition, Taiwan has been widely recognized for its safe and welcoming environment and over the years, many Malaysian students have enjoyed staying in Taiwan for part-time jobs, or going there on vacation during school breaks.
Mr. Beh Chew Nam, CEO of the Organization of Taiwan Education and Cultural, Malaysia, explained that the expo has been conducted in Malaysia each year since 2013 to introduce Taiwan's higher education to Malaysian students. The universities and colleges in Taiwan provide a diverse range of courses and have a flexible admission system. These include professional degrees and TVET programs offering students different future career options. Taiwan welcomes students from various backgrounds who want to pursue their dreams. The government of Taiwan provides a large number of scholarships each year for international students to study or conduct research. Most universities in Taiwan are equipped with Muslim-friendly facilities, such as prayer rooms and halal food outlets on campus, which is another attractive feature.
Ms. Charlin Chang, Director of the TECO Education Division, added that the relationship between Taiwan and Malaysia has historically been cordial, particularly in the field of education. Taiwan’s higher education is well-equipped to meet the demands of students and offers both conducive learning environments and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Taiwan’s education system excels in interdisciplinary learning. Students acquiring professional knowledge in a particular department are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to extend their learning in other disciplines at the same time. This prepares students for success in a globalized world and has advantages if they want to study abroad in the future.
Ms. Beh Siok Kun, Deputy Director of the Language Unit of the Learning Sector of the Selangor Education Department, said that studying in Taiwan has become a popular option for students from both national and private schools in Malaysia nowadays. The wide range of academic programs and modern facilities provided by universities and colleges in Taiwan allows students to choose courses that suit their inclinations and career goals. She expressed confidence that the students would be able to make good use of this expo that provided a convenient opportunity to gather information about courses they were interested in.
