1 September 1995

McMULLAN OPENS AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION OFFICE IN MALAYSIA

"Of a total $1.7 billion of educational exports, the Malaysian market is around $200 million, second only to Hong Kong," Senator McMullan said.

"Education is one of our biggest export earners in the Malaysian market, and the Australian International Education Foundation will play a major role in consolidating and expanding this important relationship."

The Australian International Education Foundation was established in 1993 by the Federal Government in recognition of:

• the fundamental importance of international education and training in forging links between Australia and the world

• the strategic role government representation plays in placing Australian international education and training in the context of human resource development objectives of other countries

• and the changing nature of education and training markets with growing competition and greater emphasis on in-country delivery of education and training.

Senator McMullan said the focus of Australian education services is changing.

"Malaysia will remain a strong source of undergraduate students, but overall the market will be supplemented by an increase in vocational and technical educational services to Malaysia."

DEET estimates that more than 100,000 higher education and research students have come to Australia from Malaysia since the Colombo Plan began forty years ago. At 30 June 1993, there were 9,879 Malaysian students undertaking various courses in Australia.

Senator McMullan opened the Australian International Education Foundation office in the presence of the Malaysian Minister for Education, Dato' Seri Najib.

Further information: John Flannery, (06) 277 7420