SCHOOL-LEAVERS are opting for security and vocational disciplines that lead directly to careers, with law, business, teaching, engineering and science recording strong, and in some cases dramatic, increases in enrolment.

In what appears to be a recessionary response, 15 universities - including five members of the Group of Eight, three technological universities and four regionals - also report an average increase of 6.5per cent over last year across all disciplines.

Australian Alumni in Malaysia Raise RM6,000 for Victorian Bushfire Appeal

AEI Malaysia and the Sabah Australian Alumni Association (SAAA) jointly organised the inaugural Australian Alumni Golf Competition and Networking Dinner in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah on Saturday, 21 February 2009.  The event was a great success as it not only raised the profile of SAAA and increased the member registration by thirty per cent but also raised RM6,000 for the Victorian Bushfire victims.

Meg Tan, who has always dreamt of studying overseas, has had her dreams dashed by the current economic downturn. After completing her Cambridge A-levels in a local private university college, she was looking forward to pursuing an accounting and finance degree in Britain. Her parents, however, have decided for her to continue her studies locally instead – via a twinning or an external degree programme – to save costs.

Kevin Rudd hands out Orders of Australia in Malaysia
Ben Packham

His Excellency Kevin Rudd has given honorary Orders of Australia to two of Malaysia's prominent men during his visit there.