The Honourable Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Bin Hamidi, visited the campus to celebrate growing educational ties between Malaysia and New Zealand, where he heard Nur Batrisya Binti Nor Effendi, a student in the Joint Training Programme with Kolej Yayasan Saad—a secondary school in Malaysia, speak about her experience studying towards a Bachelor of Commerce in Wellington.
“Being a student here is more than just about getting a degree. It’s about growth, exploration, and connection—and sometimes a bit of figuring-it-out-as-you-go,” says Nur Batrisya.
“These experiences shape us into more confident, open-minded individuals... and they will transform into fresh ideas and meaningful contributions that will help make a difference back in Malaysia.”
Nur Batrisya also spoke about the joy of connecting with locals through sport and volunteering, noting how she’s embraced Kiwi culture. “These days I even catch myself saying ‘sweet as’ or ‘chur’ without thinking twice!”
Deputy Prime Minister Dr Zahid praised the Malaysian students, describing them as “courageous and very lucky to be studying at Victoria.” He emphasised the value of New Zealand’s education system, particularly in areas such as green technology and renewable energy—fields that Malaysia is keen to develop expertise in.
“What is important is to learn about how New Zealand has turned towards green technology and renewable energy—this needs to be learned by our students,” he said.
Dr Zahid also highlighted the broader benefits of studying abroad: “It’s one thing to get knowledge from university, but what is also important is to learn the culture of New Zealand. Culture shock needs to be experienced by our students—it cannot be borrowed from a library.”
The Deputy Prime Minister was joined by New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Hon David Seymour and Minister of Universities Hon Dr Shane Reti, who attended the signing of a Memorandum of Arrangement on Co-operation in the Field of Higher Education between the two governments.
With the Malaysian government announcing plans to sponsor 100 students to study in New Zealand, the future looks bright for Malaysian students seeking a world-class education and transformative international experience at Victoria University of Wellington
A Letter of Intent from Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM) was also presented to Te Herenga Waka by UPTM Vice-Chancellor Associate Professor Dr Sharifah Syahirah Sy Shiekh, signalling a strong commitment to future collaboration.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Nic Smith welcomed the developments, noting Wellington is home for 109 Malaysian students, including nine PhD candidates, and Te Herenga Waka benefits from its vibrant and longstanding Malaysian alumni community.
“Under the Colombo Plan, we welcomed some of the earliest cohorts of Malaysian students to New Zealand from the 1950s onwards. Their presence here has contributed to the University’s growing international outlook and laid the foundation for enduring educational and diplomatic relationships between Malaysia and New Zealand,” says Professor Smith.
He added that many alumni have gone on to become influential leaders in Malaysia, including prominent business figure Tan Sri Halim Saad.