Serdang, 14 October 2025 — Meet and Greet with International Students in Malaysia 2025, better known as MAGNET 2025, brought together international students from universities across Malaysia at Dataran Pahlawan, Malacca, in conjunction with the Festival Idea Negeri Melaka. The full-day programme celebrated cultural diversity while providing a platform for meaningful interaction among students, institutions, and national education stakeholders.

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), through PUTRA International Centre (i-PUTRA), took part in the event by showcasing the rich culture of Kazakhstan, represented by its international students alongside participants from France, Uzbekistan, Russia, and local UPM students. The vibrant display reflected a lively exchange of traditions, performances, and shared experiences, highlighting the spirit of friendship and cross-cultural understanding that MAGNET 2025 aims to foster.

The programme began with the Heritage Trail, which brought students through key historical and cultural sites around Bandar Hilir, Malacca. This was followed by a series of activities, including traditional games, artistic performances, and a national exhibition booth contest, in which participating universities showcased elements of their students’ home cultures. Students also demonstrated their talents through traditional song performances, adding energy and colour to the event atmosphere.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in a range of highlighted sessions, including the Educational Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) Hub Pocket Talk and the launch of the Malaysia Edutourism Gateway (MEG), which underscored Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening its position as a global education destination. International students also had the opportunity to network directly with Dato' Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir, the Minister of Higher Education, during a walkabout session, creating a rare and meaningful platform for dialogue and engagement.

The programme concluded with a prize-giving ceremony and visits to the exhibition booths, recognising student participation and creativity across the various competitions. With strong involvement from public and private higher education institutions nationwide, MAGNET 2025 successfully created a shared space for cultural expression, connection, and appreciation of Malaysia’s diverse international student community.

Through initiatives such as MAGNET 2025, i-PUTRA continues to support platforms that strengthen international student engagement while reinforcing Malaysia’s appeal as a welcoming and dynamic destination for higher education.

Date of Input: 02/10/2025 | Updated: 05/01/2026 | nurulshabila