Open AccessTHE UNIQUE SIGNIFICANCE OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN A PLURAL SOCIETY EMBROIDERED WITH HARMONY, COURTESY UNITY AS AN ADDED VALUE FAMILY TRUST AND A CATALYST FOR THE DIASPORA OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS TO STUDY IN MALAYSIA
Author(s) -
Irma Wani Othman,
Muhammad Safuan Yusoff,
Mohd Kamal Mohd Shah,
Saifulazry Mokhtar,
Abang Mohd Razif Abang Muis,
Syamsul Azizul Marinsah,
Mazdi Marzuki
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of education, psychology and counseling
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0128-164X
DOI - 10.35631/ijepc.639001
Subject(s) - harmony (color) , courtesy , sociology , multiculturalism , diaspora , value (mathematics) , population , social science , pedagogy , gender studies , law , political science , art , visual arts , demography , machine learning , computer science
Malaysia’s background as a multi-racial, multi-religious country, and overflowing wealth that exists as a result of the uniqueness of a plural society, is a vital asset that catalyses the international student diaspora. The choice of study destination is also significantly influenced by the social structure of an individual. In conclusion, this paper provides an understanding of the significance of multiculturalism and family consensus as the basis for decision-making to study abroad. The involvement of four public universities is determined based on the classification and status of the university, the historical background of the establishment of the university, the socio-political environment, and the population of international students registered at each university. In-depth interviews conducted on 40 international students have produced empirical data, which is then processed by inductive analysis. Transcripts of audio recordings are converted into text form for theme categorisation through an encoding process. The findings prove that the decision to choose Malaysia is not solely influenced by the multicultural society. The uniqueness of Malaysia’s cultural diversity embroidered with harmony and courtesy of unity has added value to the confidence of the family as well as the students themselves in dealing with the process of assimilation of a new environment that is different from the country of origin. The new findings of this study refer to the relationship between cultural themes with the pleasure of travelling, opportunities to immerse themselves in local culture, and conducive learning environment as the dominant element of testing student’s ability to adapt well in a foreign environment. This paper’s approach utilises empirical data as the basis of the discussion. Application of a selection of original dialogue narratives taken from informants presented to give a true picture of the assimilation experience of international students. The connection of these aspects can also be used as a guideline for university management to be sensitive to the implications of multiculturalism and family consensus on the results of student’s studies abroad.