Study Melbourne Hub Kuala Lumpur reopens with new and enhanced space

From L-R: Cassandra Tam, education services director, Victorian Government Trade & Investment Kuala Lumpur; Georgina McCann, head of post (SoutheastAsia), Victorian Government Trade and Investment Southeast Asia; Fiona Morris, counsellor (Education and Research), Australian High Commission; and Louisa Richey, director, Southeast Asia Communications and Outreach Section, Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade during the launch of the enhanced Study Melbourne Hub Kuala Lumpur on March 14, 2024.

The Study Melbourne Hub Kuala Lumpur has unveiled a new look following the completion of significant enhancements since its initial launch in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Located on the first floor of Jaya One Mall, Petaling Jaya, the hub will boost Victoria’s connections with international students and promote Victoria’s leadership in international education and training, research and innovation.

Officially re-opening its doors to the public, the newly designed premises are adorned with Victorian-inspired elements. The revamped space features meeting rooms, a versatile venue space and hot-desks, reminiscent of Melbourne’s unique charm and regional Victoria’s iconic landmarks.

The Study Melbourne Hub Kuala Lumpur will provide prospective Malaysian students to obtain course information and resources about Melbourne and Victorian institutions. It is also a dedicated venue to foster connections, linking students and alumni with shared connections to Victoria.

The Hub also functions as a dynamic community space, providing alumni, prospective and current students with an engaging environment and a sense of belonging.

The launch event on March 14, 2024, attended by key partners, education agents, stakeholders, government officials and representatives from the education sector, celebrated the key milestone of the Study Melbourne Hubs initiative, a global network of Hubs in Victoria, Shanghai, Ho Chi Minh City, South Asia and Latin America.

Apart from the Victorian Government’s commitment to international students, Victoria continues to position itself as a key education and training partner across Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

Georgina McCann, the head of post (Southeast Asia) to the Victorian Government Trade and Investment network in Southeast Asia giving a speech during the launch of Study Melbourne Hub Kuala Lumpur.

Georgina McCann, the Head of Post (Southeast Asia) to the Victorian Government Trade and Investment network in Southeast Asia said, “The Study Melbourne Hub Kuala Lumpur reaffirms the Victorian Government’s unwavering commitment to its international education strategy. It signals a collaborative effort to strengthen ties between institutions and further solidify Melbourne and Victoria’s position as the preferred destination for international students.”

“Melbourne is Australia’s premier student city, and the Hub plays a vital role in fostering a sense of community and providing valuable resources for international students,” she added.

The reopening of the KL Hub will further strengthen the friendship and bilateral ties between Malaysia and Victoria, and has the potential to enhance cross-cultural collaboration, strengthen educational ties, and contribute to the internationalisation of Victoria’s education sector.

“In 2025, Australia and Malaysia will celebrate 70 years of Australia’s diplomatic presence in Malaysia. Australia has deep and longstanding connections with Malaysia, including through business, education and people ties.

“With a rich history of cooperation and exchange, the Study Melbourne Hub initiative serves as a testament to our shared commitment to fostering educational opportunities and cultural linkages,” Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia Danielle Heinecke said in a statement.

“We recognise the significant contribution of Malaysian alumni of Australian education institutions to the bilateral relationship. We are dedicated to nurturing this thriving community and developing lifelong connections between our nations,” Heinecke added.

Assoc Prof Dr Astri Yulia, the director of International Affairs Office, University of Selangor (Unisel) said they applauded the collaborative efforts of the Study Melbourne Hub Kuala Lumpur in forging global partnerships and fostering international collaboration through the physical space.

“Our ongoing partnerships with esteemed Victorian institutions underscore our commitment to providing our students with world-class educational opportunities. Study Melbourne plays a crucial role in facilitating these partnerships, strengthening people-to-people linkages, while pursuing education excellence,” she said.

The Study Melbourne Hub Kuala Lumpur is also available for Victorian education institutions and training providers, sector stakeholders, educators and Victorian (including EdTech) companies to organise and host activities and events to support student and international partner engagement.

The Hub, which resumed operations on March 1, 2024, has made event space and rooms available for booking as of March 15, 2024. For more information about Study Melbourne Hub Kuala Lumpur, visit https://www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au/Hubs/Kuala-Lumpur