Currency exchange rate hike not deterring M’sians from studying in US

KUALA LUMPUR: The increase in the currency exchange rate will not affect Malaysian students from pursuing studies in the United States (US), says US Embassy’s deputy chief of mission, Edgard D. Kagan.

He said although the currency had f luctuated over the years, the US remained a popular destination for people the world over, to pursue their studies.

“Obviously, the currency f luctuation has its impact but this will not discourage Malaysians and citizens from other countries from studying in the US,” he told the media after launching the US University Fairs at Berjaya Times Hotel here yesterday.

However, Kagan acknowledged that the rise in the exchange rate would have some impact if it continued for a long period of time.

“Many people recognise the value and significance of US education and if they focus on the value of money, I think they are willing to make this kind of investment for their own benefit,” he noted.

Meanwhile, parents attending the fairs also agreed that the rising currency rate would not affect them from sending their children to study in the US.

Fong Chee Seng, 42, said the rise in exchange rate did not make much difference to them as they had planned and saved sufficient money for a l ong time.

Paulin Chong, 50, believed that parents should be prepared in terms of expenses because the cost of education in the world increased annually.

“Parents should be ready if they want to send their children to further their studies in the US.

“For me, it is quite tough to send them (children) now because our currency has dropped very low but it depends on parents and students if they want to go now,” she said. – Bernama