If you’ve ever dreamed of flying a plane, you’d probably picture yourself in flight school. Want to pursue fashion? Naturally, you’d look for a fashion design school. These paths couldn’t be more different — yet there’s one university in Malaysia where both ambitions come together.
At Management and Science University (MSU), students from more than 40 countries come together for an education that blends academic knowledge with real-world growth. Its programmes span accounting, beauty and hair management, dental surgery, game development, nutrition, and many more, proving that no dream is too unique or too ambitious.
To see how this comes to life, hear from two students who, despite pursuing very different career paths, share a common experience: MSU is equipping them with the skills they need to step into their future.
Niama Laamim’s time in Malaysia helped her become more creative, open-minded, and confident in designing for people around the world. Source: Management and Science University
Niama Laamin
MSU’s rankings may have caught Niama Laamim’s attention, but it was the university’s energy that captured her heart. “I loved seeing students from many different nationalities — it made me feel that MSU is a place where I could belong, learn from diverse cultures, and grow as both a student and a designer,” she says.
Since joining MSU’s Bachelor in Fashion Design with Marketing (Hons), Laamim has had no regrets. Its dynamic and supportive environment has pushed her to grow in ways she hadn’t expected. “Although I studied modélisme in Morocco, the learning experience at MSU is very different,” she shares. “The step-by-step guidance from lecturers is beneficial, and the programme has deepened my understanding of the relationship between creativity, business, and the fashion industry.”
This programme is all about turning ideas into real designs you can see, wear, and feel. Laamim, for example, created a recycled denim jacket inspired by Chefchaouen and a line of traditional Malaysian clothing. She’s also participated in Fashion Week, an event organised by MSU and the UEDA College of Fashion. “It provided me with valuable industry exposure, enhancing my understanding of how professional fashion events function and how designers, models, stylists, and organisers work together,” she says.
All of these experiences have helped Laamin grow; she’s become more articulate, more observant, and better at analysing and solving problems. “At MSU, individuality and culture are encouraged, allowing students to explore their origins and express themselves through fashion,” she adds. Now, she believes she has the essential skills, such as marketing, design, professional sewing, and branding, to launch her own label, Kaftama.
One of the things Yamato Baba was most excited about in the programme was the flight simulator training. Source: Management and Science University
Yamato Baba
To become a pilot, you need technical skills and the ability to interact with people from all over the world. Understanding different cultures makes that communication possible. Knowing this, Yamato Baba from Japan decided to enrol in MSU’s Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management and Piloting (Honours).
“I wanted to learn English outside of Japan, so I could practise real, everyday English,” he says. “I also wanted to befriend local and international students. At MSU, people from many different countries come together, which helps me develop academic knowledge and global communication skills.”
Classes cover a variety of topics, including flight operations, navigation, air traffic management, aviation safety, and airport management. Baba admits that he didn’t expect to enjoy every subject at first. “I originally thought aviation theory would be boring,” he shares. “But it actually became my favourite subject because it helped me understand how the airline industry operates.”
Outside the classroom, you will develop analytical and leadership skills through simulator sessions, industry collaborations, research projects, and aviation-related events. “My lecturer often gives us the chance to be group leaders for our assignments. This helps us learn how to engage with and support our group members,” Baba says. “MSU also enhances our technical abilities because many assignments require us to use applications to make slides or posters.”
What’s more, you will obtain the Private Pilot Licence (PPL) issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) at the end of the programme. Baba feels confident about his future because of this. “My degree will allow me to contribute to the global aviation industry by giving me the practical knowledge needed for innovative aviation operations,” he says.
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