Malaysian students'

Malaysian students'
opportinity in Ukraine

V.K. CHIN
The Star Online

The recent visit by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir
Mohamad to Ukraine has shown that there are many economic and
educational opportunities for Malaysians in the former Soviet
Union states and Eastern Europe.

These are new areas for the Government to explore and while
many follow-ups may be needed for economic co-operation,
education is one area which can show the quickest results.

At present, about 500 Malaysians are reading medicine at
Crimean State University, which is recognized by the Public
Services Department and the Malaysian Medical Council.

Though Education Minister Tan Sri Musa Mohamad, who was a
member of the official delegation, was not impressed with the
facilities offered by the university, the fact that it was
recognized by the two most important accreditation bodies has
given the students the confidence in this medical school.

Musa has the right to be concerned as he has to ensure that
Malaysians going abroad to study must do so at the best
universities. But there is really not much that he can do to
rectify things immediately.

The fact remains that the graduates of the university will be
able to practice in Malaysia on their return though their
training may remain in doubt as far as the minister is concerned.

As to why recognition was given to it, it is up to him to find
out from the PSD and MMC on how they arrived at their decision.
The public too will no doubt like to know as well.

It is interesting too that another Ukrainian tertiary
institution, Kiev University, is prepared to provide courses
using English as the medium of instruction if at least 500
Malaysians should show an interest in studying there.

Musa seems impressed with the facilities of this university
and it should not be too difficult to send Malaysians to study
there if it should make a genuine effort to attract more foreign
students.

The former Soviet states have a good reputation in the fields
of science and technology and Kiev University is said to offer
several courses not easily available in such technical subjects.

The offer is worth looking into especially if the tuition fees
and cost of living are deemed affordable to the Government and
prospective students.

Ukraine has a strong defense system and should be able to
offer courses of a high standard in aviation and related
technical topics.

Students, too, are unlikely to need the approval of the
Ukrainian authorities before they can embark on such sensitive
studies.