Many of us have heard of Malaysia, yet, only a few may see it as a land of educational prospect. Mohamed Kumail Kassam of Nairobi, Kenya studied in Malaysia and now works there. Kumail explains his experience of studying in Malaysia, which is much cheaper than the West for international students:

My name is Mohamed Kumail, son of Hussein and Saida Hussein Esmail Kassam of Nairobi, Kenya. I possess a Bachelors of Arts (Honours) in Business & Marketing Management and am currently working and residing in Malaysia with my family. I have been here for the past five years, of which during the first three I pursued my tertiary education.

After completing my IGCSE O’Levels in 2000 in Nairobi, studying in Malaysia was one of the alternatives I was considering when evaluating the opportunities to pursue my tertiary education. Among them were to proceed for A’Levels in Kenya, or to proceed to the United Kingdom.

Coming from an average-income group family, United Kingdom was perhaps the least feasible alternative. While the urge to pursue tertiary education instilled me, knowing that possessing one has become a primary requirement in today’s society, we looked at other avenues. Fortunately, we came across a brochure from one of the Malaysian institutions. Inspired by the range of courses it offers and at a competitive price, we sought more information from the respective institution. We learned that courses and degrees offered at Malaysia’s private institutions were on a twinning / collaboration basis with well-known and recognised overseas universities. This means, such courses and degrees were practically from overseas universities such as those in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States. Therefore, the certificate too came from the respective universities.

It inspired us further when we noticed that both tuition and living cost were significantly lower  than the UK or US and thus considerably affordable for us and for many out there from the evidently majority average-income group within our community.

In January 2001, after receiving the blessings of my parents, I left for Malaysia. Malaysia, a South East Asian nation, is a Muslim majority country that has a multi racial society with the Chinese and South Indians being the next two major races after the native Malay race living together in peace and harmony. Despite its vision to be labeled as a “Developed Nation” by the year 2020 via its “Vision 2020” plan, Malaysia has considerably progressed and advanced since its independence in 1957. With a GDP of over 5%, Malaysia has also economically advanced. Its Capital City cum Financial Centre, Kuala Lumpur, and the Administrative Capital, Putrajaya are highly developed cities in terms infrastructure. Several cities around the country too are well developed.

Most private institutions have their campuses located outside the metropolis making it a more conducive environment for studying purposes. Efficient public transportation does allow easy mobility to the metropolis and nearby townships though. I studied at Nilai International College that is located just 20 minutes away from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and an hour’s drive or train ride from Kuala Lumpur. The degree I pursued, B.A. (Hons) Business and Marketing Management, is from the Oxford Brookes University of the UK, one of the college’s partner institutions. I completed all three academic years at the college here in Malaysia. There is however a choice to pursue the final year in the UK instead.

Studying in Malaysia has been more than just an educational experience. Although the first days were quite unpleasant with all the cultural shock and home sickness but that gradually disappeared with the warm and hospitable environment of Malaysia. The standards of education are certainly very favourable and to a certain extent I believe is even better than that in the US or even the UK. Teaching environment, teaching methods and the like have been very conducive. Being also much advanced in terms of infrastructure, information technology and the fact that the college was recognised as a Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) institution, a status given by the Malaysia Government for its application of advanced information technology, it made learning very attractive. Many other institutions do also possess the MSC status.

After completing my education I looked for opportunities to gain some relevant work experience before I could continue to pursue my post graduate studies. At the moment, and for the past two years, I am working for an International Construction Company here in Malaysia as an International Executive in the company's Business Development and Projects Management Division highly involved in overseas project negotiation and solicitation.

Many of us might have never heard of Malaysia as a prospective educational option. But there are many of our community members out there who want to pursue tertiary education but lack the financial capacity to do so in Western countries. Malaysia indeed is a better option. While one can benefit from obtaining the same degree that one would obtain if studying in the UK or US, there are several other benefits including, cultural exchange, a Muslim society, conducive environment, and better savings, that one could get when choosing Malaysia to pursue their tertiary education.

Currently there are several other community members from Kenya and Tanzania studying in Malaysia and many have already completed their studies. Although I may have made the first step to Malaysia from our community, I am certainly hopeful that many would take advantage of the education opportunity in Malaysia. I can always be contacted via email at qumeyl@gmail.com if any one wants to know further from me.

May Allah guide us all to achieve better standards within our community and to help our brother and sisters to develop for the eventual benefit of the society, nation and mankind.

Wassalamun Alaikum.

Mohamed Kumail