Although I come from Indonesia, where traditions, culture, and societal habits may be quite similar due to our geographical proximity and shared heritage, there are still many interesting aspects worth sharing. Here, I will share three fascinating experiences of living in Kuala Lumpur as a new student, based on my personal perspective.
Mamak (Indian Muslim restaurant) – Open 24 hours
eeing an Indian Muslim restaurant in Indonesia is not a common sight. Do you know how I felt the first time I encountered one? Yes, I was surprised! As someone who cannot tolerate spicy or heavily spiced food, it took my stomach almost three weeks to adjust. However, due to the affordable prices, the wide variety of menu options (I tend to choose non-spicy dishes), and the fact that many mamak restaurants operate 24 hours a day, these establishments are always bustling with customers.
interestingly, at least in the area where I live, mamak restaurants are a favorite not just among one or two ethnic groups but almost everyone. Based on my observations, dining at a mamak is not only a symbol of diversity but also a public space where visitors engage in discussions, negotiations, or simply spend time beyond their primary purpose, eating.
Integrated transportation with TnG or Rapid KL concession card
Forget about getting lost or worrying about finding your way home! Kuala Lumpur is known for having one of the best transportation systems in Southeast Asia, isn’t it? Well-developed facilities and seamless interconnectivity between different modes of transport make public transportation a popular choice in the city. For students, especially international students, there is the added convenience of the concession card—a "magical" card that grants access to buses, LRT, MRT, and other transport modes connected to RapidKL. It’s "magical" because holders of this card receive a 50% discount on every trip. As someone who relies entirely on public transport, this significantly helps in managing my monthly expenses.
Options of communication
Kuala Lumpur is a highly diverse city, where the majority of its residents can speak international languages such as English and Mandarin. However, if you can speak Malay, your daily life will feel even more local! In the end, as a student from Indonesia, studying in Kuala Lumpur feels like being at home—but with an international touch.
#2: STUDENTS PRIVILEGES IN MALAYSIA WHILE TRAVELING
Being a student in Malaysia wouldn’t feel complete if you only focus on the academic side. Malaysia is one of the most visited countries in Southeast Asia, which indicates its openness to tourists and its wide range of attractions. Here, I have summarized three exciting aspects of traveling as a student in Malaysia.
In Tourist Attraction
In my home country, Indonesia, it is quite rare to find tourist attractions that offer special discounts for students, whether local or international. However, in Malaysia, I was amazed by the discounted entrance fees at several destinations. One great example is Melaka, a UNESCO World Heritage City. Many attractions there offer student discounts for those studying in Malaysia—just show your passport and valid student card, and you can enjoy reduced admission fees. You definitely have to try this when taking the Melaka River Cruise!
In Immigration Counter
Since I come from Indonesia, specifically from a region that shares a direct border with East Malaysia (Sarawak), I often travel home through Malaysia rather than taking a longer route via Jakarta. What I want to share is the privilege of being a student at a top Malaysian university—something that often leads to a surprisingly supportive experience at immigration checkpoints. Whether at Malaysian immigration, airport security, or even Indonesian immigration, officers frequently recognize and praise the university, sometimes even offering words of encouragement for my studies. In a way, studying in Malaysia seems to reflect the high regard Malaysians have for their education system. Would you agree?
In Shopping Center
I was surprised when I received a student discount while purchasing personal care products at a retail store. At that time, I still had my student card hanging around my neck as I had just come from campus. As I was about to pay, the cashier asked if I was a student, to which I replied, "Of course!" Without hesitation, they applied a 10% discount to my total bill. I hadn’t really noticed this benefit before or where else it might be available, but it was a pleasant surprise. Perhaps I should investigate it further in the future!
#3: FROM ASEAN STUDENTS GATHERING TO #AEF2025, HOW DO WE INTERPET THIS?
One of major events of EMGS which is ASEAN University and Exhibition Forum 2025 (#AEF2025) has successfully concluded as part of Malaysia’s role as the ASEAN Chair for 2025, a leadership position that rotates among member countries annually. So, what can I share from our involvement as international students from Southeast Asia in this significant event?
First, EMGS sent an open invitation to international students from ASEAN countries to participate in the Student Gathering with EMGS 2025. The registration was highly competitive, and I was grateful to be selected as one of the representatives from Indonesia. The agenda was light yet meaningful, featuring bonding activities to strengthen connections among participants. We had the opportunity to introduce ourselves as international students, discuss education, social, and cultural issues in our respective countries, and share experiences of studying in Malaysia.
Beyond that, the 20 selected participants were also given a special opportunity to join as EMGS volunteers for AEF 2025. This became a stepping stone for future engagements—especially for someone like me, a Ph.D. student who is often immersed in research with limited exposure to student activities. Joining EMGS events was a refreshing break from my routine!
Second, AEF 2025 Volunteering. Who wouldn’t be impressed by the indoor exhibition and forum held at the 5-star Sunway Hotel? This event combined an exhibition showcasing top universities from across ASEAN with discussion forums addressing current regional issues. As volunteers, we had the privilege of interacting with many participants, including VVIP guests—yet another advantage of being part of this event!
For me, initiatives that encourage international students to participate—whether as attendees or volunteers—serve as an excellent platform for building meaningful connections, both academically and beyond. Academically, I had the chance to meet fellow students who share similar research interests, opening doors for potential future collaborations. Non-academically, the event provided valuable insights into ASEAN from various perspectives, allowing us to appreciate differences, acceptance, and mutual respect among nations.
Mamak (Indian Muslim restaurant) – Open 24 hours
eeing an Indian Muslim restaurant in Indonesia is not a common sight. Do you know how I felt the first time I encountered one? Yes, I was surprised! As someone who cannot tolerate spicy or heavily spiced food, it took my stomach almost three weeks to adjust. However, due to the affordable prices, the wide variety of menu options (I tend to choose non-spicy dishes), and the fact that many mamak restaurants operate 24 hours a day, these establishments are always bustling with customers.
interestingly, at least in the area where I live, mamak restaurants are a favorite not just among one or two ethnic groups but almost everyone. Based on my observations, dining at a mamak is not only a symbol of diversity but also a public space where visitors engage in discussions, negotiations, or simply spend time beyond their primary purpose, eating.
Integrated transportation with TnG or Rapid KL concession card
Forget about getting lost or worrying about finding your way home! Kuala Lumpur is known for having one of the best transportation systems in Southeast Asia, isn’t it? Well-developed facilities and seamless interconnectivity between different modes of transport make public transportation a popular choice in the city. For students, especially international students, there is the added convenience of the concession card—a "magical" card that grants access to buses, LRT, MRT, and other transport modes connected to RapidKL. It’s "magical" because holders of this card receive a 50% discount on every trip. As someone who relies entirely on public transport, this significantly helps in managing my monthly expenses.
Options of communication
Kuala Lumpur is a highly diverse city, where the majority of its residents can speak international languages such as English and Mandarin. However, if you can speak Malay, your daily life will feel even more local! In the end, as a student from Indonesia, studying in Kuala Lumpur feels like being at home—but with an international touch.
#2: STUDENTS PRIVILEGES IN MALAYSIA WHILE TRAVELING
Being a student in Malaysia wouldn’t feel complete if you only focus on the academic side. Malaysia is one of the most visited countries in Southeast Asia, which indicates its openness to tourists and its wide range of attractions. Here, I have summarized three exciting aspects of traveling as a student in Malaysia.
In Tourist Attraction
In my home country, Indonesia, it is quite rare to find tourist attractions that offer special discounts for students, whether local or international. However, in Malaysia, I was amazed by the discounted entrance fees at several destinations. One great example is Melaka, a UNESCO World Heritage City. Many attractions there offer student discounts for those studying in Malaysia—just show your passport and valid student card, and you can enjoy reduced admission fees. You definitely have to try this when taking the Melaka River Cruise!
In Immigration Counter
Since I come from Indonesia, specifically from a region that shares a direct border with East Malaysia (Sarawak), I often travel home through Malaysia rather than taking a longer route via Jakarta. What I want to share is the privilege of being a student at a top Malaysian university—something that often leads to a surprisingly supportive experience at immigration checkpoints. Whether at Malaysian immigration, airport security, or even Indonesian immigration, officers frequently recognize and praise the university, sometimes even offering words of encouragement for my studies. In a way, studying in Malaysia seems to reflect the high regard Malaysians have for their education system. Would you agree?
In Shopping Center
I was surprised when I received a student discount while purchasing personal care products at a retail store. At that time, I still had my student card hanging around my neck as I had just come from campus. As I was about to pay, the cashier asked if I was a student, to which I replied, "Of course!" Without hesitation, they applied a 10% discount to my total bill. I hadn’t really noticed this benefit before or where else it might be available, but it was a pleasant surprise. Perhaps I should investigate it further in the future!
#3: FROM ASEAN STUDENTS GATHERING TO #AEF2025, HOW DO WE INTERPET THIS?
One of major events of EMGS which is ASEAN University and Exhibition Forum 2025 (#AEF2025) has successfully concluded as part of Malaysia’s role as the ASEAN Chair for 2025, a leadership position that rotates among member countries annually. So, what can I share from our involvement as international students from Southeast Asia in this significant event?
First, EMGS sent an open invitation to international students from ASEAN countries to participate in the Student Gathering with EMGS 2025. The registration was highly competitive, and I was grateful to be selected as one of the representatives from Indonesia. The agenda was light yet meaningful, featuring bonding activities to strengthen connections among participants. We had the opportunity to introduce ourselves as international students, discuss education, social, and cultural issues in our respective countries, and share experiences of studying in Malaysia.
Beyond that, the 20 selected participants were also given a special opportunity to join as EMGS volunteers for AEF 2025. This became a stepping stone for future engagements—especially for someone like me, a Ph.D. student who is often immersed in research with limited exposure to student activities. Joining EMGS events was a refreshing break from my routine!
Second, AEF 2025 Volunteering. Who wouldn’t be impressed by the indoor exhibition and forum held at the 5-star Sunway Hotel? This event combined an exhibition showcasing top universities from across ASEAN with discussion forums addressing current regional issues. As volunteers, we had the privilege of interacting with many participants, including VVIP guests—yet another advantage of being part of this event!
For me, initiatives that encourage international students to participate—whether as attendees or volunteers—serve as an excellent platform for building meaningful connections, both academically and beyond. Academically, I had the chance to meet fellow students who share similar research interests, opening doors for potential future collaborations. Non-academically, the event provided valuable insights into ASEAN from various perspectives, allowing us to appreciate differences, acceptance, and mutual respect among nations.
