KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia can easily achieve the goal of being an education hub in the region within the next few years.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Mohammed Khaled Nordin said the number of international students studying here had been steadily increasing and he was confident that the numbers would continue to rise.

"There is a huge potential market for us to tap into in the Middle East and North Africa, as the education infrastructure in those countries is still developing," said Khaled after the launch of the Jom Masuk U education fair at the Putra World Trade Centre here yesterday.

He added that the focus on recruiting international students did not mean that there would be fewer opportunities for locals.

"At the end of the day, it all depends on whether you are qualified for tertiary education or not."

The ministry estimates there are 260,700 places available in public and private tertiary education institutions nationwide.

On recent student protests in Universiti Malaya over the upcoming student elections, Khaled said he was shocked by the students' conduct.

"I did not expect such behaviour from educated people, especially when compared to the peaceful by-elections we had in Kuala Terengganu."

The Star/Asia News Network