Studying in Malaysia

Even though he had the option of pursuing a degree in engineering in Kashmir, Qazi Mamoon opted for Malaysia.  Today he feels that he was completely right in his choice. Ibrahim Wani reports
The Petronas twin towers in Malaysia are among the highest in the World. When Qazi Mamoon saw them for the first time, he was overawed. “When you land in Malaysia, it is as if you have arrived in a different world,” he says.
He had come to the country, to study in one of its top educational institutions-the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM). “I had heard a lot about the university from some of my relatives who reside in Malaysia,” says Mamoon, who opted for the university even after qualifying the AIEEE exam for admission to NIT.
When he entered the university for the first time, the thoughts were quite similar to when he had seen the twin towers for the first time. His eyes kept wandering from one building to the next in the university spread over 800 acres. “I was now sure that I had made the correct decision of coming to study here.”   
Till class 12th, Mamoon had been a student of Burn Hall School, Srinagar. Throughout his school years he was very good in academics and secured very good marks. “It was only due to my marks in 10th and 12th, that I was able to secure admission here,” he says.
“Anyone with good marks can secure admission in the university,” says Mamoon. And students from Kashmir are at a special advantage. “The university has a special quota for Muslim students in conflict zones like Palestine and Kashmir,” he says.
 He was not only granted admission into the university, but also extended a scholarship of around. “The scholarship takes care of everything ranging from tuition fees to hostel expenses,” he says.
Mamoon had opted for an engineering course in Computers, Information, and Electronics (CIE). When he made his way into the class for the first time he had another surprise waiting for him. “As I looked around I realised that I had classmates from all over the world,” he says. Among the nationalities he enlists are Bosnia, Sudan, Morocco, Bangladesh, “and even Somalia”.
At the university, he saw a practical approach to teaching. “The teaching is practical. More stress is on the laboratory work and exposure,” says Mamoon who is now in 3rd year of study.
“People in Malaysia consider education and knowledge as sacred, as something which comes direct from God,” says Mamoon.  He feels that this is a major cause for the good standards of education. “People here do not study to earn but to gain knowledge and skill.” According to him, this is a major factor responsible for the development of Malaysia, where per capita income is among the best for Muslim countries.
A lot can be learned from people her, he feels. “The people are very hardworking and civilised. Everyone greets each other with salaam. The atmosphere is such that everyone works to contribute.” he says.
“No one tries to waste the time of a student over unnecessary formalities and paper work as is the case here.”  He adds that everyone has a helping attitude, and there is no compulsion for anything.
Mamoon feels that students from Kashmir should apply to study in Malaysia, as it not only offers a quality education, but also exposure. “It is like you come in contact with the whole world,” he says adding, “ it is better than applying for colleges in Pune or Bangalore.”
“And you can apply not just in engineering but in any stream of your choice. There are a number of options like economics and management. Then there are pure science and arts subjects also,” he says. “And if you are good you will easily land a scholarship.”
In addition to being a student of engineering, Mamoon is an active blogger also. He has his own website by the name of qazimamoon.com where he posts his opinions, which have often been published in magazines and newspapers. “Being into engineering does not mean that you forget everything else. Remember that old proverb: All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”