Malaysia - A Brief History

This site is part of the international school in malaysia directory. The purpose of this site is to provide information about international schools in Malaysia. Students can find helpful links and information about application, entrance exams, tuition fees, and much more!

Overview Of The Country

Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country. The official languages are English and Chinese. Most inhabitants are of Indian descent. Kuala Lumpur is the capital city. The geography is mostly flat with some rolling hills. The climate is hot and humid. The economy is mostly based on services and manufacturing. The education system is among the most developed in the world. There are around 700 international schools in Malaysia. The country is highly regarded for its English proficiency and many English speaking countries have an embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

History Of The Country

The earliest human settlers in Malaysia arrived around 60,000 years ago. The indigenous people were mostly nomadic hunters and gatherers. They lived in small family groups and inhabited the forest region. The first British influence in the country came in the form of trading posts. The first permanent settlement was at Kuala Lumpur. The posts were set up by the British to encourage trade between China and India. The economy benefited and many streets and buildings in Kuala Lumpur still bear the names of the businessmen who established the posts. The first school in Malaysia was opened in 1905. The country has been under British rule since 1875. Most of the inhabitants live in sprawling cities and towns. Education is regarded as vital to the country's development. Today, Malaysia's economy is largely founded on its position as a regional business hub. International students can study in English at top quality British universities. Students in Malaysia can take a gap year to travel abroad and study at an English-taught university. Many reputable firms have offices in the country. The economy has shifted to focus on technology and innovation. The country is also a popular place for retired people to live due to the warm climate and relaxed lifestyle. Kuala Lumpur is the most populated city in the country and has a truly international atmosphere.

Climate

Malaysia has a tropical climate. The weather is warm and humid. There are three main seasons; winter, summer, and monsoon. The temperature varies according to where you are located. The climate is best described as tropical. The rain is heavy and frequent. Floods are a regular occurrence. However, the country is not considered to be highly vulnerable to climate change. There are numerous green spaces throughout the cities. Kuala Lumpur is a particularly lovely city and many a nature lover may find it hard to leave! The humidity levels are high and it can be hard to breathe. Despite the heat, sweating is not recommended as it can cause health problems. The best way for the locals to combat the heat is by staying hydrated. The best time for you to visit the country is between September and October. The temperature is tolerable and you will have the opportunity to see spectacular scenery as the sun sets over the forests and water.

Geography

The geography of Malaysia is mostly flat. There are a few small hills but nothing mountainous. The country is made up of two separate regions; Peninsula Malaysia and the island of Borneo. Peninsula Malaysia extends into the South China Sea. Most of the inhabitants are ethnic Malays. The region is largely a coconut plantation with some rubber and palm oil producing areas. Kuala Lumpur is the capitol city of the region. The island of Borneo is larger than the country of Australia. It includes the famous Rainforest. The country itself is made up of two separate regions. The region of Borneo is home to orangutans as well as a host of other tropical species including giant frogs and pygmy hippos. The island is a rich natural treasure chest. Its interior is inhabited by the indigenous people called Dayaks. Stunning cloud formations are a common sight as you travel around the region. There are many active volcanoes. Mount Batur is the largest of these and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The geography of the country is interesting but unpredictable. There are numerous rivers and tributaries which flow into the beautiful and bountiful South China Sea!

Economy

Malaysia currently has the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia after Thailand. In 2019, the country's GDP was 364.9 billion USD. The service sector made up 75% of the economy. The manufacturing sector is slowly declining as the service sector grows. There is a lot of export activity in the country. Malaysia is one of the most business-friendly countries in the world. There is a lot of low-cost capital and a very positive business environment. Most investors will find it easy to establish a company in the country. Due to the small population, the country is looking to increase the number of foreign visitors and establish itself as a leading tourist destination. It is well placed to do this due to its pleasant climate and beautiful geography. The development of international schools in the country has been spurred on by this. Many educational institutions in Malaysia offer quality education and it is well worth a visit for students and educators from around the world.

Culture

Malaysia is a multicultural society. The country's population is a blend of Chinese, Indian, and native Malay people. Indian culture is prominent in the country. It is well represented by the festivals which occur throughout the year. The biggest of these is the Indian Independence Day on September 23rd. The country also honors its Buddhist and Hindu gods with colorful festivals. These range from the lighting of huge candles to dances and theatrical plays. Many of the dances and theatrical plays are performed in English. The culture of Malaysia is extremely diverse. You will never run out of things to do or places to see!

Climate

Tourism

According to the Malaysia Tourist Board, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore are the country's primary export markets. Around 80% of the country's exports are linked to tourism. Malaysia is slowly emerging as a tourist destination with a few well-known attractions such as the Malaysian Biodiversity Research Institute and the Tropical Rainforest Park in Kuala Lumpur. It also has some stunning water parks with both indoor and outdoor pools. If you are looking for a new destination to call home, Malaysia is definitely worth a visit!

With so much information about Malaysia available on the internet, the above should hopefully suffice to get you on your way to building an exciting international education. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact us here at WISE Global!