80,000 foreign students too many?

Malaysia's aim at becoming a regional centre for higher education and also a global education hub by 2010 is fast becoming a reality. Bernama reports that there are some 70,423 foreign students currently pursuing higher studies in both public and private institutions of higher learning (IPTA and IPTS) as at end of 2008. Deputy Higher Education Minister Dr Hou Kok Chung said the figure was very encouraging as it was close to the target of 80,000 set by the Higher Education Ministry by 2010. More foreign student are studying at the IPTS than the IPTA, which had been allowed to enroll up to five per cent foreign students since 2007.

Another report has that the number of foreign students enrolled in private higher education institutions grew from 13,472 in 2001 to 52,000 in 2006/07, the majority of whom were from China, South-East Asia (especially Indonesia and the Middle East) The Government is aiming at having at least 100,000 foreign students in Malaysia by 2010(New Sunday Times, 17 June 2007).

Looks like the government is a bit fickle about their target or number of foreign students they are aiming for in 2010. Nonetheless, 80,000 students is a bit realistic. Maybe they changed that when we had a different minister of Higher Education then.

Are there not too many of them here?

I was at Professor Rashidah's professioral talk this morning (10am-12.15pm). It started a bit late than the published time but the opening presentation/dance and multimedia show was impressive it was worth the wait. The talk was great, I enjoyed and loved every minute of it, although some at the back there would not have appreciated it much (they had their own professioral talk). Anyway, kudos to Prof. Rashidah and the organisers for a great performance.

Immediately after the talk I smsed my wife - "very touching and superb presentation by prof rashidah," and she replied... "in spirit only...".

I wish to be 'engendered' by my wife when we meet soon.

Izaham