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Economic Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
10 million tourists picked this Asian paradise over Thailand in 2025
Malaysia received 10.1 million foreign arrivals in the first quarter of this year, making it the most visited country in Southeast Asia, thanks to its visa relaxation policies. According to a report by VN Express, Thailand, which held the champion title for years, was second with 9.55 million, followed by Vietnam (six million) and Singapore (4.31 million), according to official data. Malaysia recently announced the extension of visa exemption for Indian travelers until 2026. The exemption allows Indian nationals to visit Malaysia without a visa for up to 30 days. A similar exemption has been granted to Chinese nationals. ALSO READ: Malaysia extends visa exemption for Indian nationals (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Malaysia is also becoming an increasingly popular study-abroad destination for international students, thanks to its highly ranked universities, affordable tuition fees and relatively low cost of living. Malaysia boasts eight universities ranked among the top 500 in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. Moreover, the country offers a highly affordable lifestyle compared to other leading study-abroad destinations. For example, Malaysia has been estimated to be two-thirds less expensive to live in than the US and half as expensive as Canada and READ: This country with top universities and low tuition fees has become the new hotspot for international studentsIn addition to this, annual tuition for an undergraduate degree is on average US$6,000, as per an ICEF Monitor 2023, all of Malaysia's Top 10 markets were in Asia and Africa. India emerged as one of Malaysia's key source markets for international students, ranking fifth among the top contributors that year. Indian students submitted 1,900 applications, marking an 18% increase compared to 2022. This highlights the growing appeal of Malaysia as a study-abroad destination for Indian students. ALSO READ: Indians spoilt for choice as nations roll out easy visas As per the ICEF report, the Malaysian government has adopted a selective approach to post-study work policies for international students. In the previous year, students from 23 countries, including Australia, the US, the UK, Germany, Japan, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Switzerland, and Finland, became eligible for the 12-month Graduate Pass. These countries are not major sources of international students in Malaysia but were chosen to promote two-way internationalisation with nations hosting significant numbers of Malaysian students.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
10 million tourists picked this Asian paradise over Thailand in 2025
Malaysia received 10.1 million foreign arrivals in the first quarter of this year, making it the most visited country in Southeast Asia, thanks to its visa relaxation policies. According to a report by VN Express, Thailand , which held the champion title for years, was second with 9.55 million, followed by Vietnam (six million) and Singapore (4.31 million), according to official data. Malaysia recently announced the extension of visa exemption for Indian travelers until 2026. The exemption allows Indian nationals to visit Malaysia without a visa for up to 30 days. A similar exemption has been granted to Chinese nationals. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: 1 simple trick to get all TV channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo ALSO READ: Malaysia extends visa exemption for Indian nationals (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Malaysia is also becoming an increasingly popular study-abroad destination for international students, thanks to its highly ranked universities, affordable tuition fees and relatively low cost of living. Live Events Malaysia boasts eight universities ranked among the top 500 in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. Moreover, the country offers a highly affordable lifestyle compared to other leading study-abroad destinations. For example, Malaysia has been estimated to be two-thirds less expensive to live in than the US and half as expensive as Canada and Ireland. ALSO READ: This country with top universities and low tuition fees has become the new hotspot for international students In addition to this, annual tuition for an undergraduate degree is on average US$6,000, as per an ICEF Monitor report. In 2023, all of Malaysia's Top 10 markets were in Asia and Africa. India emerged as one of Malaysia's key source markets for international students, ranking fifth among the top contributors that year. Indian students submitted 1,900 applications, marking an 18% increase compared to 2022. This highlights the growing appeal of Malaysia as a study-abroad destination for Indian students. ALSO READ: Indians spoilt for choice as nations roll out easy visas As per the ICEF report, the Malaysian government has adopted a selective approach to post-study work policies for international students. In the previous year, students from 23 countries, including Australia, the US, the UK, Germany, Japan, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Switzerland, and Finland, became eligible for the 12-month Graduate Pass. These countries are not major sources of international students in Malaysia but were chosen to promote two-way internationalisation with nations hosting significant numbers of Malaysian students.
NDTV
3 days ago
- NDTV
Malaysia Beats Thailand To Become The Most Visited Country In Southeast Asia
In a significant shift in Southeast Asia's tourism landscape, Malaysia has emerged as the region's most visited country, surpassing Thailand in tourist arrivals. More than 10.1 million foreign travellers visited Malaysia in the first quarter of calendar year 2025. This surge is largely driven by visa relaxations for several countries. Thailand ranked second with 9.55 million tourist arrivals, followed by Vietnam with 6 million and Singapore with 4.31 million, according to Malaysia Tourism data cited by VN Express. The majority of Malaysia's international visitors come from Singapore. In the first three months of 2025, over 4.9 million Singaporeans travelled to Malaysia. Additionally, 1.12 million visitors arrived from China and 1.08 million from Indonesia. This tourism boom is largely attributed to Malaysia's relaxed visa policies. The country has extended a five-year visa exemption for Chinese tourists, with an option to renew it for another five years, up to 2036. Indian travellers also enjoy visa-free entry into Malaysia until 2026. Top 5 places to visit in Malaysia Planning a trip to Malaysia? Here are five must-visit spots that showcase the country's natural beauty, culture and modern charm: 1. Langkawi This 99-island archipelago is a tropical paradise. Snorkel in the clear waters of Pulau Payar Marine Park, relax at luxury beach resorts, or enjoy stunning views from the iconic Langkawi Sky Bridge. Langkawi offers the perfect mix of adventure and island serenity. 2. George Town A UNESCO World Heritage Site, George Town is known for its colonial architecture and vibrant street art. Wander through its narrow lanes to discover a blend of historic temples, modern art installations and traditional shophouses. The city is also a foodie's haven, offering everything from gourmet dining to delicious street eats. 3. Petronas Towers The world's tallest twin towers dominate Kuala Lumpur's skyline and look especially stunning at night. Head to the observation deck for panoramic city views or admire the towers from a nearby rooftop bar or restaurant. 4. Batu Caves Just a short drive from Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves is a spiritual and cultural landmark. A massive statue of Lord Murugan welcomes you at the base, followed by 272 colourful steps leading to a series of Hindu shrines inside the caves. 5. Kuala Lumpur Bird Park Home to over 3,000 birds, this is the world's largest free-flight walk-in aviary. The eco-tourism park offers an up-close look at exotic species like flamingos, eagles, and peacocks, along with other wildlife in a lush, natural setting.
Boston Globe
4 days ago
- Business
- Boston Globe
Vietnam scraps 2-child policy as aging threatens economic growth
Vietnamese families are having fewer children than ever before. The birth rate in 2021 was 2.11 children per woman, just over the replacement rate required for a population to avoid shrinking over the long term. Since then, the birth rate has steadily declined: to 2.01 in 2022, 1.96 in 2023 and 1.91 in 2024. Vietnam isn't the only Asian country with low fertility. But, unlike Japan, South Korea, or Singapore, it is still a developing economy. Nguyen Thu Linh, 37, a marketing manager in Vietnam's capital Hanoi, said that she and her husband decided to have only one child because they wanted to give their 6-year-old son the best education and upbringing that they could afford. Advertisement 'Sometimes, I think about having another child so my son can have a sibling, but there's so much financial and time pressure if you have another child,' she said. Vietnam introduced rules blocking families from having more than two children in 1988 to reduce pressure on limited resources after years of war, first with France and then the United States, as the country transitioned into a more market-oriented economy Vietnam's 'golden population' period — when working age people outnumber those who depend on them — began in 2007 and is expected to last until 2039. The number of people who can work is likely to peak in 2042 and, by 2054, the population may start shrinking. All of this could make it harder to grow the economy, since there will be fewer workers while the cost of supporting the needs of the elderly increases. Advertisement Birth rates in Vietnam aren't falling evenly. In Ho Chi Minh City — the country's biggest city and economic hub — the fertility rate in 2024 was just 1.39 children per woman, much lower than the national average. At the same time, nearly 12% of the city's population was over 60, putting pressure on welfare services. To help, local officials started offering about $120 to women who have two children before turning 35 last December. It also offers some of the most generous family benefits in the region, including six months of fully paid maternity leave and free healthcare for children under six. Tuition in government schools is free until the age of 15 years and, starting in September it'll be free till the end of high school. Vietnam is also dealing with a unbalanced gender ratio, partly due to long-standing preferences for sons. According to state media, the distortion is more concentrated in Vietnam's northern Red River delta, which includes Hanoi. Doctors aren't allowed to tell parents the baby's sex before birth, and sex-selective abortions are banned. But despite this, some still hint at the baby's gender using coded language, said state media VN Express, citing a government report. On Tuesday, the health ministry proposed tripling the fine for choosing a baby's sex before birth to $3,800, state media reported. Advertisement China imposed a one-child policy in 1979 amid worries about overpopulation. But as the country faces growing concerns about the long-term economic and societal challenges of an aging population, it has been slowly easing the policy to allow a second child and then a third child in 2021, but with little success in boosting birthrates. Associated Press journalist Hau Dinh contributed to this report.
Mint
4 days ago
- Business
- Mint
This South-Asian country had over 10 million foreign visitors in Q1 2025, witnessing 22% increase compared to last year
Malaysia has seen a big rise in tourism. In the first quarter of this year, it welcomed 10.1 million foreign visitors, a 22% increase compared to last year. Malaysia has beaten Thailand to emerge as the most-visited South-Asian country. Thailand is facing a tourism crisis after safety concerns rose. In January, Chinese actor Xing Xing was kidnapped in Thailand. Recently, an Indian tourist in Thailand was attacked by a tiger while taking a selfie at a Thai wildlife spot. For Malaysia, most tourists came from Singapore (4.9 million), followed by China (1.12 million), Indonesia (1.08 million), Thailand and Brunei. For the first time, China passed Indonesia as the second largest source of visitors, mainly due to easier visa rules, VN Express reported. Malaysia, recently voted Asia's most loved country by Insider Monkey, introduced a 30-day visa-free entry for Chinese and Indian citizens in December 2023, according to Bernama. It has now extended this rule until 2026. The country also announced that Chinese tourists will be able to enter visa-free for five more years, possibly continuing until 2036. In 2024, Malaysia saw 3.29 million visitors from China, more than the previous year. The increase in tourism shows Malaysia's growing popularity as a travel destination in Asia, helped by friendly policies and better international ties. The Ministry of Tourism has yet to release the full tourist arrival data for January to March 2025. However, a summary report from January 2025 reveals the numbers for the month. In January 2025, India received 9.57 lakh foreign tourists, 13.9% lower than the number of arrivals in the same month of 2019. The United States was the top source of tourists, making up 20.6% of the total arrivals. It was followed by the UK (11.8%), Canada (7.1%), Australia (6.4%) and Malaysia (4.7%). Nearly half of the visitors (45.4%) came for leisure while 31.5% were part of the Indian diaspora visiting family and friends. About 9.7% arrived for business, 3.4% for medical reasons and the rest for other purposes. Delhi welcomed the highest number of tourists (33.9%), followed by Mumbai (19.6%), Chennai (8.8%), Bangalore (7.8%) and Cochin (4.7%).
