Studying in Penang

Second Home

Penang is packed with world-class institutions of higher learning, vibrant festivals, cultural and historical treasure troves, modern amenities and green spaces. But most importantly, it also offers homeliness, safe environment, good food and quality healthcare for students.

World-Class Education

With affordable twinning programmes, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-based learning and first-class learning facilities, it is really no surprise that Penang is known as a regional education hub that attracts local and foreign students.

STEM Education

Supported by the Penang state government, Penang STEM is an umbrella organisation for Penang Science Cluster, Tech Dome, Penang Math Platform, @CAT Penang, Penang Digital Library and Penang Skills Development Centre. These STEM centres are here to help students pursue their studies and future careers in STEM by providing workshops, activities and conducive learning facilities.

Another STEM education programme, ESTEEM, helps students learn STEM and English through engaging, fun, hands-on, real-life relevant and inquiry-based learning workshops. The programme is offered by the Penang Youth Development Corporation and is supported by Penang Science Cluster and the Livingston House of Language.

Good Quality Twinning Programmes

Many member colleges collaborate with prominent foreign universities from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States to offer unique twinning programmes. Twinning programmes are platforms to earn a foreign degree at affordable fee.

First-Class Learning Facilities

Our member colleges are equipped with state-of-the-art college facilities such as games labs, sports complexes and student lounges. Elsewhere, the Penang Digital Library is a 24-hour library, offering a safe and conducive place for students to study or hang out.

Experienced and Highly Qualified Teaching Staff

Our member colleges’ qualified team of lecturers and tutors help students to fulfil their learning potential. All teaching staff are committed to prepare students with the necessary skills to work in the professional, industrial and services sectors through face-to-face classroom lectures and hands-on practical training.

Affordable Cost of Living

Living in Penang is affordable. Good kopitiams (local cafés) and halal food are plenty, and eating out is inexpensive. You will find a wide range of local and international cuisines at competitive prices. As for housing, rental rates are reasonably priced. Getting around town on public transport is inexpensive, too. Altogether, you can have a fantastic lifestyle in one of the world’s most liveable cities.

Friendly Locals

Although Bahasa Malaysia is the national language, English and Mandarin are widely spoken in many areas so making friends is easy. Speaking some basic Malay can take you a long way with the locals.

Easy Access to Healthcare

Malaysia, namely Penang, is listed as one of the top five countries with the best healthcare in the world by International Living. Armed with highly qualified specialists and well-trained doctors and nurses, both private and public hospitals in Penang offer a wide range of healthcare services. The calibre of care is the best in the region.

Safety

Penang is the first state in the country to introduce facial recognition system for closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) installed on the island. Major streets in the state are kept safe with frequent patrols, too. On campus, the personal safety of students is well taken care of by the respective colleges.

World-class Food at Your Doorstep

Penang is home to world-class street food such as assam laksa and nasi kandar. Labelled as a ‘hawker’s paradise’ because of the sheer variety of hawker or street food available, Penang has won many international accolades, such as:

• Penang’s Assam Laksa voted as No.7 in CNN Travel’s World’s 50 Best Food

• CNNGo listed Penang among Asia’s top 10 greatest street food cities in 2013

• The Huffington Post listed Char Koay Teow as 1 of 19 Local Delicacies You Can’t Come Home Without Trying

• Penang tops Independent’s list of places for foodies to go in 2014

• The Culture Trip listed George Town as one of the 15 Best Cities In The World For Food

• Penang Assam Laksa listed as one of the 8 World’s Hottest Street Foods by CNN

• Penang Assam Laksa takes 7th place in CNN’s listing of the World’s 50 Most Delicious Foods

The cafe scene is also superior, with many charming small sidewalk cafes and restaurants. Many hipster coffee haunts with unique themes are fun places to hang out with friends over a cup of handcrafted coffee and Instagrammable food. Most cafes also provide free WiFi.