NSU Discusses Offering Programs in Malaysia

(L to R): Fred Rogacki, International Warehouse Services, Inc; Ken Haiko, chairman, board of supervisors, Florida Space Authority; Bernhard Schutte, mission organizer, Digital Media Network, Inc.; Jim Tarlton, president and CEO, Broward Alliance; Ray Ferrero, Jr., president, NSU

NSU hopes to begin offering degree programs in Malaysia before the end of the year, announced Ray Ferrero, Jr., NSU president, upon his return from a trade mission to the south Asian country March 9. Malaysia is the technology and economic center of a region which includes 500 million people. Government officials and business leaders there see education as key to expanding the country’s economy.

Ferrero; H. Wells Singleton, Ph.D., dean of the Fischler School of Education and Human Services; and Martha Smith-Singleton, Ed.D., executive director of the Center for Continuing and Professional Studies, were among the 31 South Florida executives who made up the largest American trade delegation ever to visit Malaysia. They represented top Florida-based business and academic organizations, including the Broward Alliance, Prudential, Florida First, Digital Media Network, and the Florida Space Authority.

At a briefing session with NSU faculty and staff members, students, and the media, Ferrero said there was a strong interest among Malaysian educators, students, and professionals for opportunities to earn degrees in business and computer science without leaving home. NSU hopes to start executive education classes in Malaysia in the fall, with additional programs in 2006, Ferrero said.

By partnering with Malaysian institutions, NSU may be able to fill the need by offering continuation programs so those holding two-year degrees can earn bachelor’s or advanced degrees. The programs would all be offered in Malaysia and/or online so that students wouldn’t have to travel in order to receive an education. Similar programs are in place in such places as the Dominican Republic, Ferrero said.