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Government endorses inter-campus exchange program

20 August 2008

students
The Sunway campus in Malaysia.

The Malaysian Government has welcomed a new push to encourage Australian students to travel and study at Monash University's Sunway campus in Malaysia.

The package, open to Australian and South African citizens and permanent residents, includes free airfare and accommodation, in addition to the Monash Study Abroad grant given out as part of the student mobility program.

The program allows students to study for up to two semesters at another Monash campus as part of their course.

The package has been developed after much consultation and hard work by staff at the Malaysian campus, working with other staff from across Monash, and makes an important addition to the Monash Passport.

During a recent visit to the campus, Advisor to the Ministry of Higher Education Professor Dato' Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar said that the proactive move by Monash University was something the Ministry has long hoped to see happen.

"This is in line with our goals and strategic plans. We want to see greater exchanges of students, especially those from developed countries," he said. "It is very important in fostering greater understanding of Malaysia and encouraging academic exchanges."

"Our relationship with Australia, particularly, has been one way. We've sent thousands of students there and even if they only spend a semester in Malaysia, it will provide them with a valuable opportunity to know Malaysia."

"I'm glad that the Monash Sunway campus is willing to make a large financial contribution to bring students to Malaysia. It will definitely benefit Malaysia and the Australian students."

"I hope other branch campuses will follow Monash University's footsteps in this area," he said.

Pro Vice-Chancellor and President (Malaysia) Professor Robin Pollard said the move was expected to provide a major boost to the University's inter-campus student mobility program.

"Until now, very few students from Australia have spent time on exchange in Malaysia. We aim to reverse that trend, in support of Malaysian national objectives and to broaden the experiences of all Monash students," Professor Pollard said.

Tuition fees have also been waived for summer units taken by participants this year during the Australian summer teaching period between December and January.

For additional information visit the Intercampus Exchange website and read David Bowly's student profile on studying at our Sunway campus in Malaysia.