Malaysian students and graduates of UK universities: international education, social reproduction and mobility

This chapter examines the educational and career aspirations and experiences of Malaysians who were pursuing or have pursued a UK international education in the United Kingdom and in Malaysia. It highlights the lived experiences of students and graduates in the Malaysian private higher education sector and the higher education sector overseas. Bourdieu's concept of education as cultural capital as well as works which have drawn from it particularly is detailed. The last decade has witnessed continuing expansion of the Malaysian private higher education sector to cater to the increasing demand for higher education. Widespread perceptions and experiences of ethnic inequality, exclusion and discrimination will continue to be prevalent among Malaysians for as long as the Blueprint's system aspirations of equity and unity remain a doublespeak. The chapter discusses the elation to the likely impact of the Malaysia Education Blueprint's reforms on young adults' transition and incorporation into international education and graduate employment in a neoliberal economy.