The Economist Group predicts industrial production within export-oriented sectors in Malaysia to remain weak in the upcoming months, due to a dim global outlook.

Growth started to decline in April 2023 by 3.3 per cent year-on-year (-5.6 per cent in sequential terms), as the weak external demand environment has affected the industrial production of manufacturing, mining and electricity segments.

Other production sectors, such as petroleum, chemical, rubber and plastics, also show a decreasing output in Malaysia, as a result of weak import demand from China. 

How does this impact international education?

 - This may lead to a more conservative spending amongst Malaysians and for students to find options for TNE programmes that are available in country.

 - Malaysians who are keen to experience international education might consider furthering their studies in countries with more favourable  currency exchange rate or spend a shorter period abroad by opting to start with TNE programmes in Malaysia.  

 - There might be higher uptake in studying locally as local and private universities offer competitive packages and equal value.

 - There might be a smaller number of scholars studying abroad under local scholarships or bursaries due to the high currency exchange rate which will make scholarship applications become more competitive and also for government /agencies to consider a more ‘value for money’ approach to scholarships. 

How can UK higher education institutions respond?

 - Partner with private institutions in Malaysia to offer new TNE courses that may appeal to students and more relevant to industry needs in Malaysia. 

 - Build academic collaborations and include student mobility aspect into the projects so that students can experience and promote UK education positively.

 - For those already with TNE programmes in Malaysia, arrange for more of your UK academics to spend time at your TNE partner institutions. The influential power of your UK academics when interacting with Malaysian students on your TNE programmes are key in encouraging these students to consider spending time in the UK.

 - Organise summer camps for UK university students to spend time at your local TNE partner institutions or local higher education institutions in Malaysia as the exposure to UK culture and exchanges between young British students with Malaysian students are one of the  influencing factors to encourage Malaysians to consider the UK as a study destination.