Seoul, South Korea – The Korea Student Aid Foundation (KOSAF) has officially joined forces with Tourism Malaysia, Seoul Office, to launch a new phase of its Global National Work-Study Program. The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on May 28, establishes a collaborative framework aimed at fostering global youth talent and enhancing international exchange opportunities for Korean university students.

The agreement marks Tourism Malaysia's entry as a new global work-study institution within KOSAF's esteemed program. This collaboration is designed to provide Korean students with high-quality, academically relevant work experience in an international setting, specifically within the dynamic tourism sector.

KOSAF, a quasi-governmental organization under the Ministry of Education, was established in 2009 with the mission to ensure that all students, regardless of their economic background, have access to higher education opportunities based on their will and ability. Managing an annual budget exceeding 11 trillion won, KOSAF implements a wide array of initiatives, including national scholarships, student loans, national work-study programs, excellence scholarships, and mentoring programs, all geared towards nurturing future talent. The foundation's "Global National Work-Study Program" specifically targets the development of global competencies, foreign language proficiency, and an understanding of international work environments among Korean university students by placing them in overseas organizations.

This new partnership aligns seamlessly with KOSAF's strategic expansion of its global work-study network. By collaborating with international government agencies like Tourism Malaysia, KOSAF aims to diversify the practical experiences available to students, equipping them with the skills and perspectives necessary to thrive in a globalized workforce.

Beyond immediate work opportunities, both KOSAF and Tourism Malaysia have committed to actively exchanging knowledge and experiences regarding student support in higher education. This includes a mutual effort to develop and advance student support programs in both nations, fostering sustained and vibrant cooperation. Such initiatives are crucial for building stronger bilateral ties and enhancing mutual understanding between Korea and Malaysia.

Bae Byung-il, President of KOSAF, expressed his gratitude for the new collaboration. "We deeply appreciate Tourism Malaysia for participating in our National Work-Study Program and offering Korean university students the opportunity to work in an overseas institution," he stated. "KOSAF will continue to seek out diverse partnerships with international organizations to provide practical support for our university students' global competency development."

Ms. Kamilia Halim, Director of Tourism Malaysia's Seoul Office, highlighted Malaysia's strengths as an educational tourism destination. "Malaysia holds significant advantages as an educational tourism hub, and we are also looking forward to 'Visit Malaysia Year' next year," Ms. Halim remarked. "We are thrilled that this agreement will allow us to serve as a bridge for education and culture for Korean university students."

Malaysia is actively promoting "Visit Malaysia Year 2026," a major initiative aimed at boosting tourist arrivals and showcasing the nation's rich cultural heritage, diverse attractions, and hospitality. By engaging with Korean students through this work-study program, Tourism Malaysia not only facilitates valuable professional development but also cultivates future advocates and visitors, strengthening the tourism ties between the two countries. This partnership underscores the growing importance of international collaborations in shaping globally competent youth and fostering cross-cultural understanding.

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