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.