HO CHI MINH CITY

Eyeing prospects on Indo-china Market

COUNTRIES 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

CAMBODIA 213 218 269 254 283

LAOS 27 27 35 30 25

MYANMAR 573 500 652 439 464

VIETNAM 712 631 756 590 642

THAILAND 944 1148 1444 1679 1725

TOTAL 2469 2524 3156 2992 3139

Number of students from Indo-china as of 31 December 2010

Chicken and egg story

Number of students vs potential market

Indo-china students recruitment:Challenges -

• Malaysia as a Muslim country – population of countries in Indo-china are mostly Buddhist ( negative perceptions – terrorism, threat, unsafe )

• Income disparity – rich and poor ( huge ) : Malaysia is priced for middle to upper income group

• Malaysia vs SINGAPORE

Why Indochina ?• Demand vs number of institutions – local institutions not enough to

accommodate increasing number of students who qualify to enter local universities ( leaving those who fail to enter local universities with no other options )

• Education system in countries like Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos is far behind – parents and students keen to go out in search of good quality education

• Distance – close to Malaysia ( advantages to both students and institutions )

• Effects on economic crisis – Malaysia is seen as a destination to reduce cost

• Tourism is on the increase – more Malaysians coming to Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar , Laos with direct flights from MAS and Air Asia (creating a bigger impact on Malaysia as a country to the local people)

WHAT STUDENTS FROM INDO-CHINA LOOK FOR

• QUALITY OF PROGRAMS / BRAND / RANKING OF INSTITUTIONS –academic reputation of a country

• FEES

• STUDY & LIVING ENVIRONMENT – environmental conditions

• LANGUAGE ACQUISITION – English speaking countries

• PRACTICAL EXPERIENCES – study & work

• CAREER ADVANCEMENT – not gaining selection to top universities will limit career potential

Area of studies:

• Vietnam – hospitality, commerce, business, engineering, ICT, marketing

• Myanmar – education, medicine , business, ICT, nursing

• Cambodia – business, ICT , commerce

• Laos – business, ICT

• Thailand – hospitality, business, banking, education , ICT

Current emerging demand :

• Vocational education programs – to cater to mostly of those with less qualified academic background but very keen to find employment

• Focus more on accredited vocational training programs – to meet demands of students with no high qualification

Note : most countries in Indo-china are struggling with skills

shortages in many areas due to their rapid growth

WHAT CAN WE DO?• Sponsorships – partial / full ( other countries have been providing )

• positive images/stories about Malaysia – modern , developed & safe Malaysia

• Frequent visits – the more you come the more they know - NO touch & go • Collaborations with local institutions – we contribute in making their education

standards higher through exchange programs , twinning etc ( publicities on collaborations will help to promote Malaysia, they like us when we also believe in them )

• Proper marketing strategies that suit the market – sell twinning programs with foreign reputable institutions to convince them

• Work closely with alumni – parents and students believe those who already had experience in Malaysia

• Follow up with agents – don’t let them manipulate things and mislead potential leads

THANK YOU