Latest news with #StarEducationFair2025
The Star
05-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Students, parents throng Star Education Fair 2025 in JB
JOHOR BARU: Students and parents alike are making the most of their weekend by dropping by the Star Education Fair 2025 to explore the wide array of academic opportunities on offer. Among the visitors were sisters Belinda Goh, 21, and Regina Goh, 19, who stumbled upon the education fair after having breakfast near the convention centre. 'We saw the banners and signs for the fair and decided to just drop by to check things out. 'I've been to other education fairs before, but this is the first time for my sister, and I hope we can learn a thing or two here,' said Belinda when met at the fair held at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre here. Regina, who is taking the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), said she hopes to find out more about culinary programmes available at the fair. 'I am interested in culinary arts and I'm looking forward to discovering the local options available for me here,' she said. Also taking the opportunity to look out for education opportunities was 40-year-old lecturer Assoc Prof Hairul Azmi Mohamed. "I believe it is important for us to know about the latest technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), so that we can keep up with the fast-changing world. "So, I'm here to look out for courses related to technology, which may be helpful for the future of the maritime industry," said the maritime management and operations lecturer. Organised by Star Media Group, the two-day fair features 40 institutions occupying over 55 booths, offering a wide range of programmes and consultations. The fair, which is being conducted in Johor for the first time, offers various tertiary study options along with financial assistance such as study loans and scholarships. The fair, which is being held on Saturday (July 5) and Sunday (July 6), runs from 11am to 6pm at the Persada International Convention Centre here. Among the exhibitors are UniKL, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), University of Southampton Malaysia, Asia Aeronautical Training Academy, Singapore's At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy, Southern University College, Netherlands Maritime University College (NMUC), Educity International College (EIC) and Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed). The Star Education Fair, now in its 38th year, is one of the country's pioneer education exhibitions. It has consistently provided visitors with information on educational programmes ranging from pre-university, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate courses to professional and vocational training offered by various local and international institutions. For more details on the Star Education Fair, visit or email edufair@
The Star
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
The path to a brighter future
GEORGE TOWN: As school-leavers and parents face pressure to make the right education choices, the Star Education Fair 2025 provides a one-stop platform to explore academic programmes and financial aid opportunities. Now in its 38th year, the long-running fair is a rare opportunity to access diverse study options and funding resources under one roof. Held over two days until today, the event drew tens of thousands from Penang and neighbouring states on its opening day yesterday. Visitors explored over 100 booths representing 57 local and international institutions offering programmes ranging from pre-university to postgraduate levels. Students were drawn not just by enrolment perks but also by the chance to engage directly with education providers. S. Yamuna, 18, a recent SPM leaver from SM Bukit Jambul, attended with her mother in search of an information technology course. 'I was in the IT stream at school, which gave me early exposure to software and computing. 'Now I'm looking for something that matches my interests and is affordable – ideally with scholarship options,' she said. Her mother M. Puspa Kumari, 49, appreciated the convenience of comparing multiple institutions in one place. 'Tertiary education is a big step. This fair saved us the trouble of visiting each campus individually,' she said. For Form Five student Jason Lim, 17, the fair was an eye-opener. 'I wanted to explore both local and overseas universities,' he said. 'Scholarships and foundation programmes matter a lot to me. Even if I qualify, the cost of living and tuition need to be manageable. I also want a course with strong career prospects.' Exhibitors echoed the fair's importance, particularly in the northern region where such events are held less frequently. Patrick Ooi, assistant vice-president of INTI International College Penang, said the fair was an ideal platform to showcase over 50 programmes. 'We've received strong interest, several appointments and even on-the-spot sign-ups. 'With campuses in Penang, Subang, Nilai and Kota Kinabalu, we cater to a wide range of academic goals,' he said. Peninsula College deputy chief executive officer Tan Choo Khuan highlighted the appeal of their 'Campus-in-Industry' model. 'As a subsidiary of PKT Logistics Group, we place students within industrial parks where they can work part-time through our 'Jom Belajar Sambil Bekerja' initiative,' he said. 'They graduate with both academic and work experience certification.' Han Chiang University College of Communication (HCUC) vice-chancellor Dr Beh Kok Hooi noted that education fairs serve more than just promotional purposes. 'They raise awareness on the importance of tertiary education,' he said. 'With over 70 programmes, we're the only institution in the northern region offering Chinese Studies from diploma to doctorate level.' Organised by Star Media Group, the fair remains one of Malaysia's longest-running education expos. Admission is free, with door gifts for early birds. Key exhibitors include INTI International College Penang, Peninsula College, HCUC, Universiti Kuala Lumpur and The One Academy Penang. Others include UCSI University, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Universiti Malaya, TARUMT, AIMST University, Open University Malaysia, City University Malaysia, Wawasan Open University, University of Southampton Malaysia and Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia. Specialist colleges such as Ko Beauty Academy, Golden Chef College, Travex International College and Akademi Laut Malaysia join international institutions like Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University and Concord College International School. The event also features four booths focusing on TVET, three offering scholarships, three first-time exhibitors, two international participants and three booths centred on English language courses. For more information, visit or email edufair@
The Star
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Crowd throngs Star Education Fair 2025 at Setia Spice Convention Centre
GEORGE TOWN: The Star Education Fair 2025 in Penang has opened with eager students and their families thronging the Setia Spice Convention Centre on Saturday (June 14). Organised by Star Media Group, the two-day fair features a total of 57 institutions occupying over 100 booths, with an array of programmes offered and for consultation. The fair from 11am to 7pm, which ends on Sunday (June 15), is offering various tertiary study options and financial assistance such as study loans and scholarships. Among major exhibitors are Inti International University and Colleges, Peninsula College Malaysia, Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), The One Academy Penang and Han Chiang University College of Communication (HCUC). Other exhibitors include UCSI University, Ko Beauty Academy, Disted College, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), University Of Cyberjaya (UOC), NED College, IME University, Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP), Open University Malaysia (OUM), Management & Science University (MSU), German-Malaysian Institute (GMI) Multimedia University (MMU), Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Cambridge English For Life, Campus France Malaysia, Golden Chef College Of Culinary Arts & Hospitality, Equator College, Malaysian Communications And Multimedia Commission, AIMST University, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), eduCLaaS, Universiti Malaya, City University Malaysia, Admal Aviation College, Vitrox College, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT), CAE Kuala Lumpur, Lincoln University College, Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia, Manipal University College Malaysia, Othman Yeob Abdullah Graduate School Of Business (UUM), Beijing Normal - Hong Kong Baptist University, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA Advance), UOW Malaysia, Smartway English Academy, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UNIMAP), Sentral College Penang, University Of Southampton Malaysia, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kolej Meatech, Akademi Laut Malaysia, Asia School Of Business (ASB), MCKL College Penang, Travex International College, Wawasan Open University (WOU) Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia and Concord College International School. Admission to the event is free with door gifts for early birds. Those who register also stand a chance to win prizes such as game consoles, tablets, smart watches and wireless earphones. The Star Education Fair, which is in its 38th year, is one of the country's pioneer education exhibitions. It has continuously provided visitors with educational programmes ranging from pre-university, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate to professional and vocational courses from various local and international institutions. For details on the Star Education Fair, visit or email edufair@
The Star
18-05-2025
- General
- The Star
‘Speak freely – mistakes and all – to build English confidence'
PUTRAJAYA: Students must have an environment that encourages them to speak English if they are to improve their language skills. That is the first step that Ebright Public Speaking Academy managing director Kevin Khoo Kuan Xiong ( pic ) believes Malaysians must take. 'If they have the right environment, they will speak without fear,' he said when met at the Star Education Fair 2025 at the IOI Grand Exhibition and Convention Centre here yesterday. He said that environmental factors like discouragement from peers are among the reasons why students are reluctant to speak the language. 'Whenever they try to use English, they are condemned or sarcastically mocked. 'That's why we have to get rid of this mentality in the first place,' he said. He stressed the importance of encouragement in helping students overcome their fear of speaking English. 'When we encourage students to speak, we shouldn't nitpick every single word they use. 'Let them speak naturally, and then we can try to fine-tune their grammar. Doing so will improve their self-confidence,' he said. Khoo also advised parents to give their children a platform to shine. 'That means enrolling them in courses, classes or platforms where they have the opportunity to speak in public. 'That will train and boost their confidence in using the language,' he said. Ebright students Dhiya Humaira and Seshasri Rajan, both 12, agreed that having a platform to practise the language is essential. Dhiya said it helps to speak more and read storybooks. 'Other than that, you can ask your friends for help. 'Try communicating with them in English, and read signboards or anything written in English,' she said. Seshasri also recommended joining English courses and competitions such as Scrabble and public speaking. 'I've joined many competitions. I've also learnt from online resources and my mum. My English teacher, especially, helps me improve my English,' she said. The duo, along with team member Sathes Rajan, 13, also an Ebright student, are winners of the World Scholar's Cup Kuala Lumpur round recently. They will be heading to the global round in Bangkok, Thailand, next month.
The Star
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
UM: Cost not the only reason to pick public varsities
Come one, come all: Fairgoers speaking to a UM representative during the Star Education Fair at IOI Grand Exhibition and Convention Centre in Putrajaya. (Inset) Prof Noor Azuan. — Low Boon Tat and CHAN TAK KONG/The Star PUTRAJAYA: Amid Malaysia's wide array of tertiary options, public universities stand out for their adaptability, accessibility, affordability and industry-relevant education, says Universiti Malaya (UM) vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman. 'Currently, we have about 1.1 to 1.2 million local students in Malaysia, with 600,000 to 650,000 attending 20 public universities. 'Another 350,000 students are studying at some 309 private universities,' he said at the Star Education Fair 2025 at the IOI Grand Exhibition and Convention Centre here yesterday. He stressed that this trend is not due to a lack of quality in private institutions, which he praised for their excellence, but rather because public universities offer a balanced combination of affordability, relevance and modern infrastructure. He explained that public universities, including UM, are transforming to meet the expectations of a new generation of students. 'The new generation aren't like my generation. They need things fast, beautiful and simplified,' he said, adding that this has pushed public universities to modernise campuses with strong Wi-Fi access and futuristic classrooms. Beyond facilities, Prof Noor Azuan highlighted UM's three-pronged philosophy: community engagement, industry integration and international exposure. He said these integrated strengths make public universities a powerful choice – beyond just affordability. 'Three or four weeks out of the 14-week semester must be taught by an industry professional. 'These weeks are all about sharing their knowledge, experience, expertise and incorporating it into the course content,' he said, adding that students need real-world exposure to understand what is happening beyond the classroom. He also said UM and other public universities ensure their academic programmes – whether in engineering, social sciences or medicine – meet international accreditation standards. 'This means that when our students finish their studies, they can easily work not only in Malaysia but all over the world without question,' he said, adding that a university's core purpose is to create and share knowledge – knowledge that should benefit not only the country but also have global relevance and impact.
