Malaysia has launched the Edu+ programme, in its efforts to elevate the country’s edutourism sector. The initiative targets students (under the age of 16), who are holding tourist visas, to pursue short-term education programmes while vacationing in Malaysia.
Together in collaboration with the National Association of Private Educational Institutions (NAPEI), Edu+ reflects the synergy between the tourism and education sectors to create unique learning opportunities.
The Edu+ programme aligns with Malaysia’s broader tourism goals ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026, and is poised to enhance the national tourism industry by indirectly driving Malaysia towards a preferred tourist destination in the region.
In its initial phase, the Edu+ programme focuses on the Japanese market, with plans to expand to other regions such as South Korea, China, Russia, and Vietnam. The initiative is designed to promote cultural exchange, educational enrichment, and tourism growth between nations.
Featuring a comprehensive model centred around learning English at educational institutions in Malaysia, the Edu+ programme comprises various components, including education, cultural and heritage experiences, collaborations with local schools, home-stay experiences, sports tourism learning, eco and nature experiences, and Sustainable Development Goals programmes.
Presently, 19 private educational institutions and eight travel agencies have committed to developing Edu+ packages under this programme.
Malaysia’s deputy minister of tourism, arts and culture Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan commented: “As a country rich in diversity, history, arts and culture, Malaysia has great potential in this tourism segment where Edu+ is set to have a key role in attracting young tourists to explore the uniqueness of the country. It is estimated that as many as 10,000 students will enrol in this programme in 2024, generating 50 million ringgit (US$11.65 million) of income for the country.”
