Offshore Malaysian students celebrate the KL Hub's launch

I remember the day I attended my pre-departure briefing six years ago - I felt extremely nervous yet excited at the same time as an international student embarking on a new journey to the Land Down Under.

I was very honoured to be asked to be the MC for the Study Melbourne Hub Kuala Lumpur official launch and to have the opportunity to be part of this remarkable event.

It gave me the opportunity to reminisce on my own student journey and I am grateful to the Victorian government for their constant efforts in supporting us international students, especially during the pandemic.

Tuesday, 23 November 2021 marks history in the making with the official launch of the Study Melbourne Hub Kuala Lumpur. The opening was officiated by Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of National Unity YB Senator Wan Ahmad Fayhsal bin Wan Ahmad Kamal; Chief Executive Officer of Global Victoria Gönül Serbest; Victoria’s Commissioner to South East Asia Rebecca Hall and Australia’s Deputy Head of Mission to Malaysia Hannah Birdsey.

The Study Melbourne Hub Kuala Lumpur represents the Victorian Government’s investment in global infrastructure and resources to recognise and support Malaysian students and their significant contribution to international education. It is also a part of the Victorian Government’s initiative to establish a network of study hubs around the world.

Currently, Victoria is the only Australian state or territory to provide its international students with offshore study hubs – the inaugural Study Melbourne Hub Shanghai was launched in April 2021, and the Ho Chi Minh City Hub was launched in early December 2021.

In the hour-long hybrid ceremony, students were informed about the significant number of initiatives available through the Hub – most notably, the Career Catalyst Malaysia Cadetships. Through this program, fifteen Malaysian students received a prestigious Career Catalyst scholarship worth AUD5,000 dollars, providing the opportunity for them to undertake job readiness training and a three-month supported virtual internship with a Victorian company.

The Hub will continue to support international students currently studying online with Victorian education institutions by providing a shared and physical location for students to connect and engage with one another. There are hotdesking facilities available, along with access to a private boardroom for meetings. 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, including upcoming pre-departure briefing sessions in the Jan/Feb period.

The Hub team is looking to involve alumni in various events and activities on career development, entrepreneurship, leadership, and global connections for Malaysian students. On an exciting note, students can also enjoy a cup of Victorian coffee at the Hub.