British Council brings over education agents to gain first-hand insight into United Kingdom-based education in Malaysia.
British Council hosted more than 70 education agents from Brunei, China and Indonesia for the inaugural “Visit TNE Agents’ Mission Series: Malaysia as a Study Destination” recently.
The agents participated in campus visits in greater Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru while gaining insight into the UK’s transnational education offers in Malaysia. They also learnt about the international school network in Malaysia, which offers UK curriculum and the broader economic context shaping the sector.
British Council Malaysia country director Jazreel Goh said the three-day trip was a hit with all the agents, with interest expressed in similar future trips.
“The five United Kingdom (UK) university branch campuses operating in Malaysia are contributing to the Ministry of Higher Education’s goal of attracting 250,000 international students by delivering globally recognised education in an English-speaking, multicultural and cost-effective setting.
“UK institutions have played; and will continue to play a pivotal role in supporting Malaysia’s ambition to become a regional education hub, contributing to talent development, research collaboration and internationalisation of higher education,” she said.
In addition to visiting the five university campuses, the agents also visited three schools that offer British curriculum here in Malaysia. They ended the trip with a strong impression about the UK’s education offers in Malaysia from entry requirements to post-study work opportunities and how the systems in place help with student success and employability.
One of the participants from China, Pan Yun He of Shanghai QR Education & Technology Co. Ltd., expressed appreciation for the open and constructive engagement with Malaysian education authorities.
“Their passion and commitment to the sector were inspiring,” he said, singling out Education Malaysia Global Services for the work they do to provide a smooth experience for all international students.
Similarly, Saedah Said of Findlay Sdn. Bhd, a delegate from Brunei highlighted the value of engaging directly with UK universities operating in Malaysia.
“The facilities in the UK institutions’ Malaysian campuses are on par with those in the UK. For students who may not be able to study in the UK, Malaysia offers a perfect alternative — especially for Muslim students and food lovers. It’s truly an ideal destination,” she said.
An Indonesian agent, Gari Soedarjo of Noble Solutions Asia, meanwhile, shared how the experience reshaped his perception, saying many Indonesians underestimate the availability of high-quality UK education offers in Malaysia and the attractiveness of Malaysia as a study destination. “After this trip, I’m convinced Malaysia should be a top choice and will be encouraging my network to consider it seriously,” he said.
As the first of its kind initiative by British Council Malaysia, the visit lays the groundwork for deeper engagement and sustained growth by bridging institutions, international agents, and policymakers while also solidifying Malaysia’s reputation as a gateway to UK education in the East.
The visit, part of the larger British Council Going Global partnerships series, was also participated in by IELTS in Malaysia.