My Journey as an International Student in Malaysia: A Gateway to Diversity and Growth

Hailing from Singapore, I, Natasha, am currently studying at the University of Malaya, majoring in Strategic and Defence Studies. My journey in Malaysia has been an absolute adventure, filled with eye-opening moments and new experiences. I noticed right away that the campus culture here is distinctly different from what I was used to back home. One of the most striking differences is the level of student activism, especially among undergraduates. It’s common here to see students passionately engaging in peaceful protests, advocating for various causes. Malaysia’s university scene definitely has more space for students to voice their opinions and stand up for what they believe in.

Besides, one of the first things that caught my attention was how friendly and approachable people are here in Malaysia. It’s a lot more laid-back compared to Singapore, which feels like a fast-paced city all the time. The slower rhythm of life took a bit of getting used to, but now I appreciate it. It gives me more time to soak in the experiences.

The photo above captures me with my international and local university mates, alongside UM Visa unit
officers, during the welcoming week for the new batch of international students
 

On the academic front, the international nature of my university has been a great advantage. With students hailing from diverse regions—Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and beyond—I’ve had the unique opportunity to discuss global geopolitical issues from multiple perspectives. These conversations have expanded my worldview and given me a deeper
understanding of the complex dynamics in global affairs. It’s truly rewarding to engage with peers from different backgrounds, each offering insights shaped by their countries' political and cultural contexts.

Plus, I’ve made friends from all around the world— Peru, Algeria, Somalia, Iran, Turkmenistan, you name it—and learned so much from them. Thanks to my international friends, I've had the chance to try unique dishes like horse meat from Kazakhstan and traditional maqluba. These connections have helped me build a global network of friends from diverse cultures that I know will be invaluable in the future.

At the Diplomatic Simulation of the United Nations in Kuala Lumpur with fellow international
delegates
 

Moreover, several universities and institutions in Malaysia offer various mobility and exchange programs, as well as opportunities to attend overseas conferences in countries like South Korea, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and more. I had the privilege of participating in the Malaysia-Iran Winter Camp under EMGS. During the camp, we attended lectures delivered by
professors from both nations and engaged in insightful discussions on geopolitics and various current issues. We also visited a polling station in Isfahan, Iran, where we witnessed firsthand the political participation of Iranians and democracy in action. Additionally, we immersed ourselves in Iran’s rich historical heritage. Hence, studying in Malaysia also opens doors to exploring more new places and experiencing diverse cultures.

*At Naqshe Jahan, Isfahan, Iran for the Malaysian-Iran Winter Camp 2024.
 

Beyond classroom learning, my classmates and I had the opportunity to attend Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA), which showcases maritime and aerospace technology, along with defense equipment from various countries. We’re fortunate to witness air shows by the Russian Knights and UAE’s Al Fursan as well as the Royal Malaysian Air Force. Some of the highlights were the tour inside Malaysia's best warship (Lekiu) and interacting with fighter jet pilots from around the world.

*Snippet of interactions with the jet pilots at LIMA.
 

And let’s not forget about the food! Malaysia is a paradise for foodies. Even if your university isn’t in the middle of a bustling city, food is still accessible. With food delivery apps, you can pretty much get any cuisine delivered right to you, be it Chinese, Japanese, Arab, Persian, Western, or traditional Malay dishes.

In short, studying in Malaysia has been an unforgettable experience that has offered me more than just an education. If you’re considering studying abroad, looking for a place to grow academically, make international friends, and experience a vibrant, multicultural environment, Malaysia should definitely be on your radar. It’s more than just a place to study. You won’t regret it!