Malaysia’s higher education sector continues to be a major contributor to the nation’s economy, with over 143,000 international students generating an estimated RM16.5 billion annually.
This underscores the importance of international students to Malaysia’s economic growth, says Novie Tajuddin, CEO of Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS).
Novie explained that the figure is based on the average monthly expenditure of international students, estimated at RM10,800, which includes tuition fees, accommodation, food, and daily expenses.
He stressed that private universities, in particular, rely heavily on international enrolments for revenue, as local students in public universities benefit from government subsidies.
“International students play a crucial role in ensuring the financial sustainability of private institutions,” said Novie. “We must continue to strengthen this sector and remain competitive on the global stage.”
Beyond the educational impact, Novie highlighted the broader economic benefits international students bring to local communities. “They support various businesses, from restaurants to landlords,” he added.
Novie shared these insights during the fourth meeting of the Malaysia-Russia Joint Commission on Economic, Scientific, Technological, and Cultural Cooperation (JC-ESTC) at the Langkawi International Convention Centre.
He also discussed the Malaysia-Russia Higher Education Forum (MaHEF 2025), which aims to enhance Malaysia’s global education profile and build partnerships with countries such as Russia, Uzbekistan, and several African nations.
“80% of Malaysia’s higher education institutions are now ranked in the QS World University Rankings, showing our growing academic strength,” Novie said, highlighting new opportunities for cross-border education collaborations and student exchanges.
-EDUCATION TVET ASIA