Malaysia Targets 250,000 International Students By 2030 - Zambry

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- Malaysia aims to attract about 250,000 international students by 2030, focusing on a diversity of source countries to strengthen its position as a preferred higher education destination.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said about 170,000 international students from 180 countries are currently pursuing their studies in Malaysia.

"When there are many students from various countries, Malaysia becomes a good destination for them to study," he told reporters after closing the 2026 International Young Future Leaders (iFUTURE) Summit at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur here today.

Zambry said the presence of international students is projected to contribute at least RM16 billion a year to the national economy.

He added that the projection did not account for the spillover effects of other economic activities that also generate income for local businesses.

Meanwhile, when asked about monitoring graduates, Zambry said the Higher Education Ministry (MOHE) has the MyMOHES system to track their employment progress over a three-year period.

He said the system enables the ministry to regularly review the status and progress of graduates.

On iFUTURE, Zambry said the programme would continue as a flagship MOHE event to develop leadership skills among local and international university students.

He said interactions with national leaders during the programme gave participants the opportunity to hone their leadership skills and develop a global mindset.

The iFUTURE 2026 summit, held from Oct 11 to 13 themed “Redefining Future Leaders Through Value-Based Leadership”, gathered 1,231 students - comprising 813 Malaysians and 418 international students - from 60 countries.

The programme was organised by the ministry through the Higher Education Department, in collaboration with Yayasan Perkasa Siswa and Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah.

-- BERNAMA