THREE of New Zealand’s top universities signed a new collaboration agreement yesterday with KYS International College Sdn Bhd (KYSIC).
The agreement is set to build on the valuable education partnership between the two nations and increase the number of Malaysians studying in New Zealand.
It will provide Malaysian students with the opportunity to gain a one-year Foundation Certificate at KYSIC before obtaining a three-year undergraduate degree from any of New Zealand’s eight world-class universities, all of which have ranked amongst the top 3 per cent in the latest QS World Rankings.
The University of Otago, Victoria University of Wellington and the University of Waikato worked in collaboration with KYSIC, a school established by successful Malaysian entrepreneur and New Zealand-educated alumni Tan Sri Halim Saad, to develop the programme.
University of Otago pro-chancellor Stuart McLauchlan has been personally involved in this great initiative along with the university’s Foundation Studies Programme CEO Roger McElwain.
“The University of Otago has contributed to previous successful education initiatives with Malaysia and is excited with the latest collaborative venture offering a foundation programme in Malaysia,” said McLauchlan.
Victoria University of Wellington pro vice-chancellor Professor Roberto Rabel said this continued collaboration highlights the institution’s commitment to Malaysian students.
“Victoria University is delighted to be working on another New Zealand Malaysian education initiative involving our distinguished alumnus Tan Sri Halim Saad. We hope it will be as successful as the accounting degree venture we have in co-operation with KYS in Melaka,” said Rabel.
For Waikato University pro vice-chancellor international Ed Weymes, who has been involved with this initiative since its inception, the signing represents a significant milestone in the ever-growing partnership between New Zealand and Malaysia.
“The University of Waikato is thrilled to be a participant in this collaborative venture, offering a foundation programme in Malaysia which will be recognised by all New Zealand Universities. This signals a new chapter in New Zealand’s international education strategy.”
Halim added that KYS has always been at the forefront of quality education in Malaysia.
“We have been working closely with New Zealand institutions before and we look forward for further collaboration with all New Zealand universities under this programme.”
More than 1,800 Malaysians studied in New Zealand last year.
For more information about education opportunities in New Zealand go to www.studyinnewzealand.com.