special report Mainland China has become the destination of choice for Malaysian students seeking tertiary education that does not cost an arm and a leg.

Rapid development combined with relatively low living and educational costs are the 'pull' factors that even keep some back after graduation, although the majority return to Malaysia.

"Over 1,000 Malaysia students are studying in Mainland China at present," said Ting Chee Seng, president of the Association of Graduates from Universities and Colleges in China.

"China is a perfect place for investment ventures. So, during their studies, students may not only learn about Chinese culture, but may also set up their own society of friends and meet future business partners."

According to a 2004 survey by the China National Foreign Students Committee, there were 841 Malaysian students in China in 2003, covering those pursuing associate, bachelor's and master's degrees.

As only about 20 percent students of Chinese Malaysians get places in Malaysian public universities, they are left with a choice of private colleges which provide twinning programme or to apply to educational institutions abroad.

Students interviewed cited different reasons for picking China.

"I want to find out more about China. In addition, science and technology are more advanced in China than in Malaysia," said Sum Yon Chun, a computer science student at Tsinghua University.

Ho Meng Siong who is studying business administration at Jinan University, said financial considerations played a big part in his decision.

"The tuition fees and cost of living are lower here than in Malaysia, United States, Europe and Australia. Most Malaysian students here share this view," he said.

It costs him the equivalent of about RM8,000 to study in China compared to RM100,000 in a private college in Malaysia.

Ting pointed out another reason: "It is the dream of many Chinese Malaysians to learn more about Chinese culture and to receive a Chinese education."

He said he expects the number of Malaysian students in China to increase over the next few years.

Absence of recognition

Despite the attractions of China, students who return to Malaysia at the end of their studies outnumber those who stay on.

"Their family and friends are here and they are more familiar with life here," explained Hiew Kim Boon, who heads the Student Enrollment Department of New Era College, a private college that provides twinning programmes with foreign universities, including those in mainland China.

"Other reasons such as the difficulty of finding a job in mainland China may also play a part. After all, it is widely known that there is fierce competition in China."

Ho expressed a wish to get a job in Guang Zhou, where Jinan University is located.

"All my friends and the relationships I've built are here. Furthermore, my major is more useful here. But more than 50 percent of my Malaysian friends plan to go home."

One worry is that the Malaysian government only recognises degrees from the world-class Tsinghua and Peking universities, alongside medical degrees from Peking University, Fudan University, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Jinan University and Tongji University.

"Most of the mainland Chinese degrees are not recognised. My sister, who graduated from Jinan University, didn't get a job until six months after her graduation," said Ho ( photo ).

The Malaysian Students Association in Beijing is hopeful this will change in time.

"Although degree recognition is not essential for those who don't plan to work for the government, which is the majority of Chinese Malaysian students, we will continue fighting for this," said Sum.

"We hope that the government will recognise our efforts and utilise our capabilities."

When contacted, deputy higher education minister Ong Tee Keat declined to comment on this aspect.