SEPANG, Aug 24 (Sin Chew Daily) — With the help from the Federation of Alumni Associations of Taiwan Universities Malaysia, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia and airline companies, about 2,000 Malaysian students left for Taiwan to pursue their studies in colleges and universities there.

About 400 students from Sarawak, Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Perak and Selangor boarded two different flights at Kuala Lumpur International Airport for Taipei on Thursday. They will report to different universities in Taiwan for this year's fall intake.

The students are to undergo 14 days of quarantine either in hotels or hostels upon their arrival in Taipei. They will also receive a daily allowance of NT$1,000 from the Taiwanese authorities.

Ting Siew Haw, president of the Federation of Alumni Associations of Taiwan Universities Malaysia, said the federation spent close to one and a half months to help students sort out the preparation to study in Taiwan since they were shortlisted in June.

The federation assisted the students in visa application, flights, accommodation and other matters.

The students are scheduled to fly to Taiwan in batches on Aug 20, 23 and 27. China Airlines have arranged for an additional flight due to the large number of students.

"Right after they arrive at Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei, the students will be sent to quarantine centers for 14 days of quarantine. Representatives of universities and alumni will be present at the airport to welcome the new students," said Ting.

He expressed gratitude to Taiwan authorities and branches of the federation in helping out with the arrangements for students.

Ting also urged students to comply with the standard operating procedures implemented by Taiwan authorities to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Anne Hung, representative at Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia, said Taiwan universities have resorted to recruiting students in batches due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She said Taiwan has placed its priority on the containment of the virus.

Among Southeast Asian countries, Malaysia has the most students studying in Taiwan.

"Apart from COVID-19 preventive measures, parents are also concerned about the expenses incurred during their children's quarantine. The Taiwan authorities are allocating NT$1,000 of daily allowances for Malaysian students undergoing quarantine in Taiwan to help mitigate their financial burden," said Hung.

Last year, about 4,000 Malaysian students pursued their studies in Taiwan universities.

Affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan universities have delayed their foreign student recruitment process. Many students still apply to study in Taiwan although they have less time to make their travel arrangements, she added.

"The entire process is challenging due to the uncertainties and time constraint. We are happy to be assisted by the Federation of Alumni Associations of Taiwan Universities Malaysia and its affiliates to settle visa applications, flight arrangements and other matters," said Hung.