Envoy Tells Students To Promote Malaysia In India

By P.Vijian

BANGALORE, May 5 (Bernama) -- "Interact, socialise and learn" were some of the inspiring words from Malaysian High Commissioner to India Dato'  Tan Seng Sung to some 120 Malaysian student representatives in India.

He advised them to discard their introvert attitude, adopt a friendly mindset and be ready to promote multicultural Malaysia to the outside world.

"You are representatives of our country. Be more sociable and interact more, tell others about Malaysia. Use this platform to exchange experiences and views," Tan said in his opening speech at the inaugural three-day Malaysian Students' Leadership Convention 2009 here.

Over 120 Malaysian student representatives from 23 institutions across India are attending the leadership convention organised by the Public Service Department to promote student unity and instill leadership qualities.

An estimated 1,800 Malaysians are currently studying in India, largely in southern India, where many are pursuing courses in health sciences and engineering.

Meanwhile, Khairudin Abudullah, Malaysian Consul (Education) in Chennai, who was in charge of organising the event, said the seminar was to create a platform for students to interact with other Malaysians.

"We want to bring all Malaysian students under one umbrella. Our aim is to promote leadership awareness and allow them the space to express their views, and share their experiences in India," he added.

During the dialogue session, the students wanted to know about employment opportunities in Malaysia upon their return, especially medical and dentistry students, and some were keen to know about the political developments in Malaysia.

A proposal was also made to set up a Malaysia House for students India.

-- BERNAMA