Taylor’s International Student Society x Taylor’s International Office: First Town Hall Event of 2021 | By Tsang Ching Nam
22 January marks the day where Taylor’s International Student Society (TISS) collaborated with Taylor’s International Office (IO) to host their first town hall event of the year. Opening the doors to both international prospective and existing students, the team has cultivated a virtual community to bring together those who are interested in having a chat with IO representatives that were brought in to assist with the students’ needs.
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| Official poster for the town hall. Source: Taylor's International Students Society on Facebook. |
A variety of questions brought to light on that day ranged from documentation requirements to accommodation details, alongside other relevant queries like the ongoing pandemic situation in Malaysia. We sincerely hope that everyone had the chance to voice their concerns and be heard by our professionals. TISS wants to thank everyone for their contribution and support for making this a majorly successful session.
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| Ongoing Virtual Q&A Session, 22/01/2021. |
After a short introduction by Md Towfiq Jamil, the President of Taylor’s International Student Society, the microphone was then passed to Jaceline Yeoh, one of the IO representatives, to answer the participants’ questions.
What should I do if I want to come back to Malaysia?
For many, the travel procedure in order to gain entry into Malaysia is the main concern. As stated by Jaceline,
“Based on the immigration and EMGS’s latest SOP updates we’ve gotten, all existing students that own a valid student pass may enter Malaysia to continue with their required renewal. They would need to apply to EMGS to gain a visa approval letter (VAL). An email will be sent to students to upload their required documents like SEV. Once completed, the International Office here at Taylor’s will eventually take care of the rest of the process.”
Students should liaise with a counsellor or any relevant figure to ensure they have uploaded the right documents. Around this time is when the International Office will proceed with the endorsements. For those who have not received an email, students are strongly encouraged to seek assistance from the International Office to follow up with one. If the application period happened to close after three months with no submission, they would need to inform the office about this and IO will soon re-open a new application period for those who are still pending.
Jaceline promises that if there are any students who are still lost about what to do, the option to contact the Office by phone or e-mail is always open.
For existing students:
For students that have an expired student pass since February 2020, EMGS has made it possible for them to apply for a student pass renewal. While waiting for the results, existing students would still need to go through the travel authorization process from EMGS using their flight details. Once approved, an extra window of one year will be added to your student pass to signify a fresh renewal. If students have their student pass expire either this year or most recently, they are advised to get it renewed as soon as possible.
If students have also had their visa expired, renewal is required. Their next application has to include a SEV (Single Entry Visa), which is a travel permit needed to enter Malaysia. This can be done by applying to the Malaysian embassy in their own home country.
As for other inquiries regarding the set up of iKad or health insurance cards, students can send an email to the International Office or Campus Central to state their concerns.
For new students:
As for the remaining batch of students without a valid student pass, they are also required to follow the same procedures as above but not until the VAL has been approved. They will not need to apply for any travel authorization as the VAL already comes with it.
Can I have someone tag along when I’m travelling to campus?
“Both of them need to apply for a visa and a travel pass through the Malaysian embassy located in your home country. Look through and follow the procedures,” said Jaceline.
“We want to point out that EMGS will, however, be able to assist the needs of those who carry a student pass. If the student requires a letter verification to signify that they’re a student at Taylor’s, they can contact Campus Central,” she added.
Is it a must for students to come to Malaysia for classes? And what if I can’t make it back to Malaysia by 15 March?
The question was asked by a prospective student who plans to continue her classes remotely as of right now. She asked whether it is obligatory to return to Malaysia for face-to-face classes (or even hybrid classes).
“You can email and keep in contact with your Programme Director to talk about your academic-oriented issues as it all depends on the course you are taking. The implementation of online learning courses may be talked out and arranged accordingly for those who aren’t coming back to Malaysia,” said Jaceline.
“If you aren’t able to come to Malaysia on the 15th, please inform the school and get in contact with your Programme Director by obtaining their details with the help of Campus Central,” she added.
I have already gotten the vaccine. Do I still need to do the 7-10 days quarantine when I arrive?
Yes, it is a must for incoming students arriving in Malaysia to undergo quarantine regulations.
For those who are planning to get the vaccine in their country, they need to make sure to get it done at least 3 days before their departure date. Students need to bring along their test reports—all translated to English—as no other language will be accepted. If you are carrying reports that are more than three days away from the departure date, then you will need to complete an extended 10 days quarantine.
The International Office suggests that this is the safest procedure for students to take in order to lessen the probable risk of running into any problems related to the pandemic.
Any accommodation details for the ones who are about to enter quarantine?
The process will be entirely handled by (Agensi Pengurusan Bencana Negara) NADMA Malaysia. They will only arrange details on the day you are about to enter quarantine. Unfortunately, ICO will not be able to give students a precise answer since it is up to them to decide the next move.
The participants were then given the chance to unmute their microphones to speak directly to any of the available professionals.
Another participant mentioned the questions she has received from postgraduate international students at Taylor’s, including topics regarding visa cancellations, visa processing fees and many more.
“Visa cannot be cancelled online, but students can email the International Office and we will explain the process that they need to follow,” replied Jaceline. “We will then forward the documents to inform the immigration services that the student will no longer be staying in Malaysia.”
Jaceline also said she has to check with her supervisor first before she could confirm about the processing fees for the visas.
“If you really need it, you may write in to us so I can forward my email to my supervisor and then she may assist you with the required help,” she mentioned.
“Should I book a flight before or after I obtain my SEV?” asked another participant.
Jaceline suggested that students should book their flight after they have obtained their SEV, as this is usually the better option to avoid future complications.
As for a question regarding bank balances fees for the dependent passes for those who are residing in Malaysia.
“The university does not apply for a dependent pass on the behalf of the students. Instead, we issue a bond deposit and a letter. Students would need to apply for said pass at the immigration center,” Angeline, another IO representative, replied.
“The bank statements might be a new regulation to be shown during immigration hours but you can drop us an email for updates,” she added. “All sessions with the immigration department would be on an appointment basis. You have to just be patient and keep trying”.
Another participant also wanted to know more about the quarantine accommodation fees.
“Quarantine fees are fixed at the current moment. For seven days quarantine, total costs will equate to about RM4000+ and it should be paid to NAPDA via online and not the university,” Angeline said.
We hope that all international students were able to get an insight of how the services here at Taylor’s operates in terms of preparing the documents needed for successful travel. For those who did not get a chance to ask your question, don’t worry. Taylor's International Office is just one email or call away for anyone who wants to verify or get notable updates on anything in particular.
TISS plans to host more events like this in order to serve our international student community and ensure a smoother, more enjoyable learning experience when studying at Taylor’s University.
We at Etc. Magazine wish all international students the best of luck in the future!
Message from Towfiq Jamil, President of TISS:“TISS is home to all international Taylorians. We are here to listen to your concerns or problems, take it up to the management and help you in every way we possibly can. We aim to be the official platform for all the international students and we are working very hard towards that goal.”
For any inquiries, you may contact Taylor’s International Office at TaylorsInternationalOffice@taylors.edu.my
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