Kuala Lampur, Jan. 26 -- Malaysia has long positioned itself as a regional destination for education, not just for locals but for families and students across Asia and beyond.

International education is not a side story. It is a services export that supports jobs in teaching, housing, retail, food, transport, and the wider ecosystem around schools and universities.

Recent reporting citing EMGS estimates a current international student population of around 150,000, with a sizeable annual economic impact.

Against that backdrop, the Prime Minister's announcement this week is significant: all education streams in Malaysia, including international, religious, and UEC-linked schools, must ensure Bahasa Melayu and Malaysian History are offere...