HO CHI MINH CITY

1. HO CHI MINH CITY

2. Eyeing prospects on Indo-china Market

3. Number of students from Indo-china as of 31 December 2010

4. Chicken and egg story Number of students vs potential market

5. Indo-china students recruitment:Challenges - • Malaysia as a Muslim country – population of countries in Indo-china are mostly Buddhist ( negative perceptions – terrorism, threat, unsafe ) • Income disparity – rich and poor ( huge ) : Malaysia is priced for middle to upper income group • Malaysia vs SINGAPORE

6. Why Indochina ? • Demand vs number of institutions – local institutions not enough to accommodate increasing number of students who qualify to enter local universities ( leaving those who fail to enter local universities with no other options ) • Education system in countries like Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos is far behind – parents and students keen to go out in search of good quality education • Distance – close to Malaysia ( advantages to both students and institutions ) • Effects on economic crisis – Malaysia is seen as a destination to reduce cost • Tourism is on the increase – more Malaysians coming to Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar , Laos with direct flights from MAS and Air Asia (creating a bigger impact on Malaysia as a country to the local people)

7. WHAT STUDENTS FROM INDO-CHINA LOOK FOR • QUALITY OF PROGRAMS / BRAND / RANKING OF INSTITUTIONS –academic reputation of a country • FEES • STUDY & LIVING ENVIRONMENT – environmental conditions • LANGUAGE ACQUISITION – English speaking countries • PRACTICAL EXPERIENCES – study & work • CAREER ADVANCEMENT – not gaining selection to top universities will limit career potential

8. Area of studies: • Vietnam – hospitality, commerce, business, engineering, ICT, marketing • Myanmar – education, medicine , business, ICT, nursing • Cambodia – business, ICT , commerce • Laos – business, ICT • Thailand – hospitality, business, banking, education , ICT

9. Current emerging demand : • Vocational education programs – to cater to mostly of those with less qualified academic background but very keen to find employment • Focus more on accredited vocational training programs – to meet demands of students with no high qualification Note : most countries in Indo-china are struggling with skills shortages in many areas due to their rapid growth

10. WHAT CAN WE DO? • Sponsorships – partial / full ( other countries have been providing ) • positive images/stories about Malaysia – modern , developed & safe Malaysia • Frequent visits – the more you come the more they know - NO touch & go • Collaborations with local institutions – we contribute in making their education standards higher through exchange programs , twinning etc ( publicities on collaborations will help to promote Malaysia, they like us when we also believe in them ) • Proper marketing strategies that suit the market – sell twinning programs with foreign reputable institutions to convince them • Work closely with alumni – parents and students believe those who already had experience in Malaysia • Follow up with agents – don’t let them manipulate things and mislead potential leads

11. THANK YOU