DASNR
International
Student of the Week
Home Country: Malaysia
Malaysia is a federation of thirteen states and three federal territories in Southeast Asia with a total landmass of 329,847 km². The capital city is Kuala Lumpur while Putrajaya is the seat of the federal government. The country is separated into two regions — Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo — by the South China Sea. Malaysia borders Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines. Located near the equator, the weather is characterized by tropical climate. Malaysia is headed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and politically led by a Prime Minister. The government is closely modeled after the Westminster parliamentary system.
The country was once colonized by the United Kingdom; British Malaya and Malaysia did not exist as a unified state prior to 1946 and 1963, respectively. The Federation of Malaya achieved independence from the United Kingdom on August 31, 1957. Singapore, Sarawak, British North Borneo and the Federation of Malaya federated to form Malaysia on September 16, 1963. The early years of the federation were marred by an armed conflict with Indonesia and the expulsion of Singapore. The Southeast Asian nation experienced an economic boom and underwent rapid development during the late 20th century. With a GDP per capita standing at USD13,000, it has, from time to time, been considered a newly industrialized country. As one of three countries that control the Strait of Malacca, international trade plays a large role in its economy. At one time, it was the largest producer of tin, rubber and palm oil in the world. Manufacturing has a large influence in the country's economy.
The population of Malaysia is approximately 25 million. The Malays forms the majority of the population while there are sizable Chinese and Indian communities. Islam is the largest as well as the official religion of the federation. The Malay language is the official language.
Malaysia is the founding member of Association of Southeast Asian Nations and participates in many international organizations such as the United Nations. As a former British colony, it is also a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. It is also a member of the Developing 8 Countries.
Malaysia is well-endowed with natural resources in areas such as agriculture, forestry and minerals. In terms of agriculture, Malaysia is one of the top exporters of natural rubber and palm oil, which together with sawn logs and sawn timber, cocoa, pepper, pineapple and tobacco dominate the growth of the sector. Palm oil is also a major generator of foreign exchange.
Regarding forestry resources, it is noted that logging only began to make a substantial contribution to the economy during the nineteenth century. Today, an estimated 59% of Malaysia remains forested. The rapid expansion of the timber industry, particularly after the 1960s, has brought about a serious erosion problem in the country's forest resources. However, in line with the Government's commitment to protect the environment and the ecological system, forestry resources are being managed on a sustainable basis and accordingly the rate of tree felling has been on the decline. Source: Wikipedia
Pau Wey Yeap
February 18 , 2008
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From the Department of Food Science
This week’s international student of the week is Pau Wei Yeap from Malaysia. She is a second year Master student in Food Science. Pau speaks fluent English, Chinese, and Mandarin, she also has a good command in Malay and Cantonese. Pau is a member of the American Association of Cereal Chemist, the Institue of Food Technologist, and the Malaysian Student Society. In her free time Pau likes to watch tv, bake, and go for outdoor activities. Pau came to USA after high school graduation. She got a scholarship from the AIG (American International Group) to study either overseas or Malaysia. Pau chose USA because she was eager to learn to be independent, “away from home, like a free bird” she stated. Furthermore, she has always been interested in getting to know people from different countries and cultures; she finds really challenging the communication with people from different countries.
The main reason for Pau to come to OSU was her oldest sister who is an OSU student as well (MBA). Pau said that they chose OSU because both of them wanted to have the experience of university/college town, a small community completely involved with the school. Stillwater suits their needs, it is a nice and quite place to study, it is very different from the hectic life-style in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia, Pau’s home town. She also likes OSU because its diversity, OSU has people coming from all around the world. Pau ’s future plans are to graduating in summer and look for a job in the food industry. She hopes to get a successful career and great experience. Pau ’s has two older sisters and a younger brother. One of her sister and her brother are in Malaysia along with her parents. They are coming to visit her and her sister next year. Pau misses Chinese New Year celebration with her family, for them this celebration is equivalent to Thanksgiving. This year is the 6 th year of Pau being away from home, she actually misses her family so much. Advisor: Dr. Patricia Rayas-Duarte Advice for International Students: “Learn and adapt to new environment, learn new cultures, experience things that never get to do back home. Mingle around so that you do not feel home sick. Participate in Cultural Night and International Bazaar/Expo… fun events to get to know people from different places and learn about their cultures, dances and try their delicious delicacies/food.” Interview by: Sandra Rodriguez
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