Sabah, Malaysia is positioning itself as an education hub for Filipino students, but questions remain about the sufficiency of its infrastructure and policies to attract students.

A Malaysian news outlet on 27 March noted that some 20 students from Diliman College in Quezon City flew to Kota Kinabalu on 24 March for a cultural visit.

Former Philippine senator Anna Dominique Coseteng accompanied the students and stated that Sabah could be a viable option for Filipinos seeking opportunities abroad given its proximity to Manila. She also noted the region’s potential to attract Filipino students.

“The noble measure promotes not only tourism but also a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cultural heritage of both regions,” Coseteng said.

However, Sabah’s long being known for being a backdoor route for undocumented Filipino migrants may hinder the push for student exchanges. The region has historically been a pathway for Filipinos seeking work abroad through illegal means. Just recently, the area gained attention as a transit point for Filipinos who are trafficked and lured into scam operations.

The former senator acknowledged that some areas need to be addressed before it could become an option for Filipino students. These include investing in infrastructure, marketing, and policies to address any regulatory hurdles.