Global Mobility Programme (GMP): A Boon or Bane for Malaysian Tertiary Education Students?

The Global Mobility Programme (GMP) in Malaysian higher learning institutions

perhaps, is one of the many ways that young graduates or students may undertake to

venture outside the local geographical boundaries. Some students also may consider

this as an opportunity for them to travel abroad, and enjoy life outside the current

cultural norms. Others may have rather unfavourable opinions about it as travelling

abroad is costly and the feeling of being ‘alienated’ in a whole new environment whilst

getting surrounded by unfamiliar faces had rather obliterated the enthusiasm to grab

this valuable opportunity - this may as well become more apparent when one is not

suited to adapt to a new environment.

Based on prior assessments of the current industrial needs and various undertakings

that have been officiated by many higher learning institutions in Malaysia, it is crucial to

note that GMP has a rich potential to be offered to the overall Malaysian educational

landscape, contributing to the development of globally competitive graduates. Reflecting

on how this mobility programme can quench the thirst for knowledge for those who seek

it, the sky is the limit.

Overseeing the GMP as leverage for enhancing well-rounded graduates and their

potential in the job market, the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) along

with many other local and public universities has allocated a huge amount of budget

through their variety of scholarships, financial assistance, and partnerships.

As a matter of fact, the GMP turns out to be a jackpot, especially for those who appear

zealous for a chance to go abroad and experience the uniqueness of cultural diversity

that each state may represent. Students are served with a unique opportunity to gain

international exposure and cultivate a deeper understanding of diverse cultures, norms,

and fresh perspectives throughout their learning processes in various fields. This is

essential in today's globalized world, where employers are increasingly looking for

graduates with international experience.

In addition to the cultural benefits, the GMP also encompasses many other additional

benefits. Such programme allows students to take courses that are not offered at their

home university, rendering them to be intellectually adept by taking on new adversities

and challenges. This can help students to develop their critical thinking skills and to

become more adaptable to new situations later on as they graduate and on their paths

to enter the dynamic industrial landscape.

Of course, there are some challenges associated with the GMP. One challenge is that

there is still a lack of mechanisms in place to measure the tangible benefits of GMP for

graduates in terms of employability and career advancement. On the other end of the

spectrum, the program can be expensive, and not all students can afford to participate.

Another challenge is the language barrier. Students who participate in the GMP may

need to learn a new language, which can be a daunting task.

However, the perks of GMP for the students outweigh its shortcomings. It is hoped that

the Malaysian government and more local universities can make the GMP more

accessible to all students, regardless of financial constraints in the future. It can help

future graduates to become more globally competitive, and to contribute to the

development of a more prosperous and inclusive Malaysia.