Pearson and Universiti Malaya Forge Strategic Collaboration to Enhance International Education Opportunities

KUALA LUMPUR : Pearson, the world’s leading learning company this week signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universiti Malaya (UM), aimed at UM to achieve its internationalisation goal through a robust partnership.

This collaboration will pave the way for several initiatives, including student and academic staff exchanges, joint research activities, as well as an exchange of publications, reports and other academic materials and information.

This strategic alliance underscores Pearson’s commitment to supporting Malaysian universities and the Malaysian Government in attracting a diverse pool of international students through its high-stakes English language proficiency test. The Pearson Test of English (PTE) had provided testing for thousands of students from over 40 nationalities across 47 countries and territories, who are keen to pursue their education in Malaysia.

“We are delighted to partner with Malaysia’s top university, ranked 60th in the world to support their international education goals, while at the same time, supporting Malaysia’s ambition to become a global education hub, with a target to attract 250,000 international students by 2025,” said Matthew Lampkin, Director PTE Asia at Pearson.

“I am particularly pleased that through this MoU we are offering a scholarship with UM which covers GBP 3,000, plus combining our research powers to support UM academics and students alike.”

“Today marks a significant milestone as Universiti Malaya and Pearson Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. join hands to elevate educational standards and create boundless opportunities for our students. This strategic partnership and the Pearson Test of English and Universiti Malaya Scholarship Campaign underscore our shared vision of nurturing talent and fostering academic excellence. Together, we are committed to empowering our students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.” said Professor Dr Yatimah Alias, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International), Universiti Malaya

This MoU is an extension of Pearson’s already deep ties with Malaysia, supporting thousands aspiring students coming to the country through the delivery of the Pearson Test of English across over 450 test centres in 115 countries globally, including six in Malaysia.

New data released by Pearson today shows out of those test takers:

64.9% have shown interests in taking postgraduate courses,
20.5% were keen on undergraduate courses, and
14.6% were for other courses.
Mr Lampkin added: “The impact towards local economy is tremendous when these international students choose Malaysia to study and live as their preferred study destination. In Malaysia, PTE Academic is accepted by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) for international student admissions into all public and private universities and colleges.

“UM, renowned for its academic excellence and vibrant multicultural environment, is an ideal partner for Pearson PTE in this endeavour. Together, we aim to create a dynamic educational ecosystem that attracts, nurtures, and empowers students from around the world.”