About Malaysia...

‘Selamat Datang’ is the traditional Malaysian greeting that welcomes visitors to this vibrant and exotic country.  Malaysia is a bubbling, bustling melting pot of races and religions where Malays, Indians, Chinese and many other people live together in peace and harmony.  Foreign visitors are welcomed with warm hospitality. 

Malaysia is also a land of fascinating extremes, where towering skyscrapers look down upon indigenous longhouses and S.E. Asia’s highest peak, Gunung Kinabalu rises up to chilly altitudes from the white sand beaches and tropical rainforest of East Malaysia. Ethnically diverse cultures share the same lush landscape and create a fusion of cultural styles, cooking and religions that is distinctly Malaysian. Festivals throughout the year mark the Malay, Chinese and Indian holidays, as well as those of the indigenous Orang Asli, and the tribes of Sabah and Sarawak.

The country of Malaysia is made up of 13 states and is split into two distinct geographical areas separated by the South China Sea: Peninsular Malaysia, bordering Thailand to the north and Singapore to the south, and East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak) on the island of Borneo shared with the Indonesian province of Kalimantan.

Although Malay is the official language of Malaysia, English and Chinese are widely spoken.  Malaysia’s many ethnic groups speak a variety of languages and dialects.  Islam is the official religion of Malaysia, but freedom of worship is rigorously upheld by the country’s constitution.

Although there is no one specific piece of legislation for people with disabilities in Malaysia, there are protections for people with disabilities in several pieces of legislation involving the rights of the disabled.  

Laws and regulations are in place in Malaysia to ensure the accessibility of public buildings, the outdoor environment and housing. The following measures have been promoted by the government to facilitate accessibility in the built environment: designating parking areas, installing lifts and accessible toilets, improving accessibility in housing, and providing adapted motor vehicles.

Disability Organizations

There is a national umbrella organization of people with disabilities in Malaysia consisting of organizations of the blind and physically disabled.  People with disabilities participate to a limited extent in government but to a greater extent in non-governmental organizations. The role of organizations of people with disabilities is to advocate for rights and improved services, mobilize persons with disabilities, identify needs and priorities, contribute to public awareness, provide services, and promote and organize income-generating activities.

Disability Organizations working in Malaysia

Exchange Programs

Mobility International USA has listed over 40 exchange opportunities and programs in Malaysia in the online database. Check them out to find an opportunity that interests you!

Language Schools / Programs

The Malay language, also known locally as Bahasa Malayu or Bahasa Malaysia, is spoken by the Malay people who reside in the Malay Peninsual, southern Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, central eastern Sumatra, the Riau islands, and parts of the coast of Borneo. It is an official language of Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore and  is very similar to Indonesian, known locally as Bahasa Indonesia, the official language of Indonesia. The official standard for Malay, as agreed upon by Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei, is the form spoken in the Riau Islands just south of Singapore, long considered the birthplace of the Malay language. 

Learn the language of the Malay people while immersing yourself in the fascinating culture, ecology, history and daily life of this tropical nation.  There is no better way to learn a language than to live where it is spoken EVERY DAY! Below are a few of the language opportunities available.

Taylor’s College and The Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange (MACEE)

Southeast Asia Study Abroad Program (SEAP)
The Southeast Asia Study Abroad Program (SEAP) is one of several programs offered under the Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange in Kuala Lumpur.  Taylor’s College offers semester, academic year and summer programs, including courses in beginning Malay.

AFS Intercultural Programs

AFS is an international nonprofit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities designed to help people develop the knowledge, skills, and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world.  AFS offers a high school study abroad program in Malaysia including exposure to spoken Malay by living and attending high school in the host culture.

For more information on study abroad programs in Malaysia, visit the following websites:

StudyAbroad.com offers information for students (high school, undergraduate and graduate) seeking study, language, internships, volunteer or other opportunities abroad.  They also offer an on-line travel guide with maps for Malaysia.

Study Abroad Links offers information on study abroad programs in Malaysia including summer, semester and academic year programs.

Scholarships, Fellowships and Internships

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the United States Department of State sponsors several scholarship, fellowship and internship programs available to high school students, college students, scholars and professionals from Malaysia and the United States.  Information about the programs listed below is available by contacting the ECA or the Malaysian-American Commission for Educational Exchange (MACEE). The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is committed to ensuring that all of its activities reflect the full diversity of American society and culture. The Bureau seeks and encourages the involvement of both Americans and foreign citizens in its programs from traditionally underrepresented groups, including women, racial and ethnic minorities and people with disabilities. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply! http://exchanges.state.gov/education

Other Scholarships/Internships:

American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) and the Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange (MACEE)
The AMCHAM-MACEE Scholarship annually awards a US$20,000 scholarship, covering four years of undergraduate study in the United States. The scholarship is open to qualified Malaysian students who are accepted to an accredited university in the United States for four years of study culminating in a Bachelors degree. The student must be accepted for Fall Semester of the first year of study.

East West Center Graduate Degree Student Awards
Grants are available to Malaysians with good Bachelor's degrees presently residing and working in Malaysia who wish to undertake graduate studies either at the Master's or Ph.D degree level. Successful applicants will participate in research and development activities at the East-West Center while studying for their advanced degrees in related fields the University of Hawaii.
For further information regarding the East-West Center Graduate Degree Student Awards, click the link above or go to www.macee.org.my/05_frame.htm

Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program
The Youth Exchange and Study is a program sponsored by U.S. Department of State to provide scholarships for high school students from countries with significant Muslim populations to spend up to one academic year in the U.S. Students live with host families, attend school, engage in activities to learn about American society and values, acquire leadership skills, and help educate Americans about their countries and cultures.

Links

StudyAbroad.com offers information for students (high school, undergraduate and graduate) seeking study, language, internships, volunteer or other opportunities abroad.  They also offer an on-line travel guide with maps for Malaysia.

Study Abroad Links offers information on study abroad programs in Malaysia including University year, semester and summer abroad programs.

Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board

BBC Malaysia Country Profile

Although efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, MIUSA/NCDE cannot be held liable for inaccuracy, misinterpretation or complaints arising from these listings. Mention of an organization, company, service or resource should not be construed as an endorsement by MIUSA/NCDE. Please advise NCDE of any inaccuracies you may find.