Malaysian Students Build Lasting Connections During ASEAN-NZ 40th Anniversary Celebrations

By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah SINGAPORE, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Four Malaysian students were selected to take part in the recent ASEAN Student Voice 2015, a special event organised by Education New Zealand (ENZ) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) in Wellington. The event was to commemorate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and ASEAN. Aimi Nabilah Hussein from Lincoln University; Muhammad An-Naim Yasim from Queenstown Resort College; and Sharifah Azzahra and Nurul Haiza Sapiee, both from the University of Auckland were part of a group of 30 identified by ENZ as exceptional students from ASEAN countries, currently studying in New Zealand. They were joined by 10 New Zealand students who recently toured South East Asia on the 'Understanding South East Asia' programme organised by New Zealand's Victoria University of Wellington. During the two-day event, the 40 students were able to share their individual experiences of learning abroad and collaborating in an interactive programme designed to nurture and grow lasting connections between New Zealand and ASEAN countries. In a statement released by ENZ here Tuesday, its chief executive, Grant McPherson said New Zealand placed enormous importance on understanding the New Zealand international student experience. Being a MARA scholar studying in New Zealand, Nurul Haiza said: "I can't help but feel blessed and privileged. "Not only was I able to gain loads of experience while enjoying the fantastic scenery and truly green environment of New Zealand, I also had the chance to meet wonderful, kind-hearted people. "Only when you are out of your comfort zone will you understand and learn many things, not just about your degree, but everything. It's hard not to fall in love with New Zealand." Last year, a total of 1,807 Malaysian students studied in New Zealand. --BERNAMA