SHAH ALAM - The recently launched Study Melbourne Hub in Kuala Lumpur reflects the Malaysia-Australia's start to a long-term commitment.
Commissioner to South East Asia at Victorian Government Rebecca J. Hall said it aims to strengthen the relationship between Australian and Malaysian students, academics and researchers, as well as link the two countries in the global education sector.
She said it was part of Victoria state's initiative to establish a network of study hubs around the world, boosting Victoria’s connections with overseas students, future students and alumni, as well as promoting Victoria’s leadership in edtech and innovation.
The hub, she said, is also meant to support international students who are currently studying online with Victorian education institutions by providing a shared and physical location for students to connect and engage with others, whereas prospective students will be able to access support and information on the variety of professional and lifestyle benefits of studying with a Victorian education provider.
Hall added that the study hub was much more than just education.
She said industry stakeholders will also be able to utilise the hub to organise and hold events ranging from student engagement activities, networking and social events, alumni-focused activities, research collaboration and industry engagement, especially as remote learning becomes the norm in the pandemic era.
"It’s about bringing new ideas and new partners to work with Victoria.
"Among the collaborations include Victorian universities becoming business partners with Malaysia's local brands via the hub.
"There could be products or services that are of interest to our students, alumni or even parents. Opportunities are abundance,” she said during an interview with Sinar Daily on Nov 30.
Hall said the hub has partnered up with Cottle Coffee, one of the finest artisan coffee from Melbourne.
The partnership, she said, has made it possible for students and visitors to experience the taste of Melbourne, on top of participating in various programmes offered by the hub.
Hall hoped that the hub will be an asset for students and parents as well as partners to collaborate between Malaysia and Victoria, Australia.
"The hub would be a a place of engagement, a place of learning and also some business engagement platform as well.
"A place where anyone can come and engage and learn more about Victoria,” she added.
Victoria has about 7,700 Malaysian students, 25 per cent of whom are currently studying in Malaysia, due to travel restrictions brought about by the pandemic.
The hub, located in Jaya One, Petaling Jaya, was launched on Nov 24. Present during the launch were Deputy National Unity Minister Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, Australia’s Deputy Head of Mission to Malaysia Hannah Birdsey and Victorian Government Trade & Investment Education Services Director Kuala Lumpur.
The launch also saw hub space provider Global Victoria CEO Gonul Serbest announcing the 15 Malaysian students as recipients of the A$5,000 Career Catalyst scholarship that aims to provide the opportunity to undertake job readiness training and a three-month supported virtual internship.