This memorandum of understanding underscores Pearson’s commitment to supporting institutions in Malaysia and the government in attracting a diverse pool of international students.

“We are delighted to partner with Malaysia’s top university, ranked 60th in the world to their international education goals, while at the same time, supporting Malaysia’s ambition to become a global education hub, with a target to attract 250,000 international students by 2025,” said Matthew Lampkin, Director PTE Asia at Pearson.

“I am particularly pleased that through this MoU we are offering a scholarship with Univesiti Malaya which covers £3,000, plus combining our research powers to support UM academics and students alike.”

The MoU is an extension of Pearson’s already deep ties with Malaysia. The company delivers the Pearson Test of English across over 450 test centres in 115 countries globally, including six in Malaysia.

According to Pearson, its English test has provided testing for thousands of students from over 40 nationalities across 47 countries and territories, who are looking to study in Malaysia.

We are delighted to partner with Malaysia’s top university

Matthew Lampkin, Pearson

The partnership will pave the way for several initiatives, including student and academic staff exchanges, joint research activities, as well as an exchange in academic materials and information.

Professor Dr Yatimah Alias, deputy vice chancellor at Universiti Malaya, called the partnership “a significant milestone” as it “empowers our students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world”.

HE institutions in Malaysia appear to be open to collaboration when it comes to international education.

In March, the high commissioner to Malaysia, Ailsa Terry, exclusively told The PIE News that the UK and Malaysia are “well-placed” to tackle respective challenges together and areas such as TNE, TVET and alumni relations in particular offered opportunities to work together.

“I think the UK and Malaysia both strongly believe that education is the foundation for success in terms of economic growth, wellbeing, social inclusion. You can’t really do any of these things without the right education,” she said at the time.